hunting trips in california

Hunting in California

13 hunting trips from 4 outfitters starting from a 132,223

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California isn’t the first state that comes to mind when you think about hunting, and yet the Golden State features abundant hunting opportunities. California isn’t only about endless beaches and fields of the agricultural south, although even there a hunter can enjoy a great day afield. The north-western part of the state can boast of real wilderness areas, including Sequoia National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Trinity Alps Wilderness, where you can find snow-covered peaks, dark spruce woods, and whitewater streams. Located on the Pacific flyway, California offers excellent waterfowl hunting, both on the rice fields of the agricultural part of the state and on the big reservoirs such as the Trinity and Shasta lakes. Turkey hunters will find their favorite birds in abundance, too, even though the original California wild turkeys went extinct well before European colonization, and the population is the result of relocation effort from the 1950s and 1960s. Another feral creature that offers exciting sport year round is the wild hog, and small game hunters have a good choice of California Valley quail, mourning and Eurasian dove, band-tailed pigeon, rabbits and squirrels. From a trophy hunter’s perspective, one of the most interesting game to hunt in California is the coastal black-tailed deer. While it’s smaller in both body and antlers than a typical white-tailed or mule deer, it’s recognized by trophy clubs as a separate entry. California has flourishing populations of predators, such as black bear, bobcat, coyote and mountain lion, but only the black bear and coyote are legal to hunt at the moment. The mountainous areas of California are home to considerable herds of Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, and the plains in the south-west of the state hold a decent population of pronghorn. And the grand prize of hunting in California is the desert bighorn sheep that is recognized as a separate trophy category by the OVIS club, and counts toward a Great Slam. Most deer and bear tags are available over-the-counter, but all archery, muzzleloader, and rifle elk tags in California are limited draw only. So are pronghorn, bighorn sheep, as well as some deer tags. California has a preference point-based drawings system, and a person who does not intend to hunt this year should enter a special drawing so as to accumulate points. The Golden State has a complicated array of hunting seasons and regulations, based on different wildlife management zones and areas, which is impossible to summarize quickly. Full information is available at the California Game and Fish website https://wildlife.ca.gov, but one regulation that needs to be mentioned is that starting from 2019, hunters in California must use non-lead ammunition only; you can’t even have with you lead ammo suitable for the firearm(s) you are carrying when hunting in California.

Price distribution

Hunting methods all hunting methods (10), bow hunting.

Rifle Hunting

Game classification All classifications (6)

Dangerous Game

Animals All animals (7)

Blacktail Deer Fully Outfitted Hunt

Public Land Black Bear hunt

Public Land Turkey Hunt 2 hunters 2 days

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CALifornia’s Premiere Hunting Destination

BIG GAME HUNTS

Combo hunts, upland bird hunts, oak stone outfitters.

Oak Stone Outfitters offers premier hunting guide services on the Central Coast of California. With 80,000 total acres of opportunity , guests can explore the rural beauty of Bradley California. We offer spacious and comfortable lodging as well as meal packages. Our properties are equipped to handle large groups ranging from beginners to lifetime enthusiasts.

In addition to the exceptional hospitality of our operations, our expert guides strive to deliver the experience of a lifetime. Sprawling hills of untouched land serves an ideal environment filled with ample game and the ability to learn as well as strengthen your craft. We provide a number of hunts, including Big Game Hunts, Upland Hunts, and Combo Hunts. Regardless of the game that you decide to pursue, our skilled hunting guides will be there to assist you in taking home a prized trophy (see our Taxidermy and Game Processing options) along with a lasting memories.

The Oak Stone Difference

“We offer highly successful hunts that will not disappoint. The country and style of hunting provide amazing opportunities and make it an excellent choice for any age or experience of hunter.”

— Chad Wiebe, Owner & Operator

UPLAND HUNTS

MEXICO HUNTS

VARMINT & PREDATOR

Booking information.

Due to the number of bookings we receive we require our customers to follow a few simple instructions for booking and finalizing their hunts. Once your hunting package is determined we will create an invoice with a pricing breakdown and dates for your hunt. A 50% deposit is required in order to book a hunt. You have the ability to pay the deposit and/or final payment directly from the invoice using a credit card, calling us with credit card information, or by mailing us a check. Final payments are due 1 week prior to your arrival for the hunt, no refund are issued if the hunt is canceled within one month of your scheduled dates.

For our turkey season (March – May) and deer season (July – Sept.) we book up quickly and recommend booking at least 4 months in advance for those time periods. For peak pig hunting season during May-July, we would recommend booking before the start of Spring Turkey season. We are able to make reservations one year in advance, if you have a dream hunt in mind but can’t make it this year please don’t hesitate to inquire about future seasons.

TESTIMONIALS

Oak Stone Outfitters is an excellent guide service that lives up to its reputation for providing successful and safe hunting experiences from the beginner to the experienced big game hunter. It is a please to recommend Oak Stone Outfitters to any person seeking an exciting and challenging hunting experience on California’s renowned central coast.

Wild Pig Hunt

The Ranch was beautiful and full of game and bird life. Recent rains made it a vivid green that I was ready for after a long winter in Alaska.  Matt and I were both shooting long bows. It’s lost on neither of us how much extra work and effort that means for any guide.

Hollister Pig Hunt

Firstly, I would like to say that because of my hunt at Oak Stone Outfitters, I am re-energized to do more hunting once again! Over the last number of years I’ve had some less than outstanding hunting experiences with outfitters in different parts of the country. That all changed during my hunt with Oak Stone Outfitters.

You will enjoy our services including a bunk house for overnight stays and an outdoor BBQ area. Skinning and quartering is available for your convenience. We take pride in our experience and knowledge, and guarantee you will not only enjoy our hunts, but return for more. With this in mind, if an animal is not harvested it will only cost you $100 per hunter. Hunt the Big Horn Canyon Ranch today and see for yourself. Call for reservations NOW!

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Local Meat Cutters

Have a look at some of our local recommended meat cutters, wild game recipes, great game recipes sure to leave a lasting taste after your hunt, like us on facebook & share your photos/videos with us, let's go hunt, book a hunt with big horn canyon ranch today.

"The owners are knowledgeable and hospitable. I can go big game hunting in the morning and be home for dinner. My game is dressed and in the freezer, thanks to Charlie Wagner the guide, owner and game preparer. Hat’s off to a great operation. See you soon!" -Brian Anderson

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Get ready for A HUNT OF A LIFETIME

Professional hunting guide and outfitting service

Dry Creek Outfitters is a professional hunting guide and outfitting service. We specialize in Trophy Desert Bighorn Sheep hunts in California. We also offer hunts for Mule Deer, Elk, Pronghorn Antelope. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and permitted. We have a full time team of professional, knowledgeable guides. Please take a few minutes to look over the information we have provided for you. We think it will substantiate the professional and dependable guide service we have to offer. We sincerely hope that you will consider using Dry Creek Outfitters to assist you in making your hunt truly a HUNT OF A LIFETIME.

Our first class tent camps include a canvas wall tent cook shack with wood burning stove, separate sleeping tents with lanterns, carpet floors and comfortable cots with foam padding. Camps are well planned out for location and access and include campfires whenever possible. We furnish all the necessary equipment. All you bring is your sleeping bag, rifle and personal gear.

CARE OF YOUR TROPHY

Your trophy will always be properly cared for. All meat will be packed out. Your trophy will be expertly caped and ready for you to take home and/or ready to go to the taxidermist. We will cut and package your meat or you can take it to a meat processor, whichever you prefer.

PRE-SEASON SCOUTING

We at Dry Creek Outfitters believe that pre-season scouting is the key to a successful hunt. You can be assured that ample pre-season scouting will be done for your hunt. However, the sooner you book your hunt with us, the sooner we can start scouting for you.

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Three Rivers, CA 93271

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Trinity Fork Outfitters

Trinity Fork Outfitters provides quality guided hunting, angling, spearfishing, and backpacking experiences in Northern California. We offer everything from half-day fishing trips to week-long or longer backcountry hunting adventures. Our biggest goal is to make you feel like you are on an excursion with a friend.

A Guides Year

Beginning in spring and summer is the height of the fishing season where the priority is chasing high mountain rainbows or spearfishing for big toothy lingcod – and everything in between. Archery season kicks off in August and we shift focus to big-game hunting for big California black bears and Columbian black-tailed deer. We chase a variety of upland birds in between archery and the general deer season. Always keeping several pointing and retrieving dogs on staff. That only lasts for a short time before the general deer and bear season begins in mid-September; this is the best chance to find a mature hard antlered deer and a mature boar gorging on mast crops. Late October marks the end of deer season but there is still plenty to hunt – bear, waterfowl, upland birds, squirrels, rabbits and turkey. Throughout the winter is primetime for predator hunting for coyote, gray fox, and raccoons. As the furs go out of prime we start to hear the turkeys gobble. Nothing is more enjoyable than a spring day under towering oaks playing cat and mouse with a longbeard.

We pretty much do it all here at Trinity Fork Outfitters. Our goal is to make your experience unique and rewarding. We will teach you everything we know and I’m sure learn a thing or two from you.

Please give us a call if you have any questions or to ask about availability.

As told by owner and guide Shane Dante.

It’s difficult choosing the perfect name for a business. Many different names were thrown around before deciding on Trinity Fork Outfitters, but the name comes with a story.

Myself and my good friend, Blake, were on a backcountry hunt in the Trinity Mountains of Northern California. We had only a few days to hunt and fog kept us from glassing the first day. On the second morning, we worked our way along a ridge glassing diligently as we went. Being late in the season, we knew the hunting would be hard as the older bucks are dead or educated and hiding in steep nasty thickets. As for bears, we expected to see them fattening up on any food source they could find. What we didn’t know was what food would be left this late in the fall. During that afternoon, our excitement leapt and crashed as we glimpsed a bear on the move drift out of range and sight further along the ridge. That bear and any other bears or shooter bucks in the area continued to elude us.

In hopes another would appear, we glassed hard in the direction we had spotted the bear. Rather than being rewarded with the sight of black or brown fur, we spotted the blue denim of another group of hunters working their way towards us on the ridge. Only a little discouraged by the newly discovered competition, we stayed put and continued to glass. We did not want to intrude on their hunt and could tell they were thinking the same about us. Both groups behind the glass, we watched each other until they decided to slowly turn back the way they had come. Being familiar with the area, Blake and I assumed the other hunters would be camping in the saddle further down the ridge where we were planning to camp that night. It being Sunday, we also suspected they might be headed home to start the work week soon.

Our confidence in finding game was at a new low due to the presence of other hunters, we decided to slow down and spend more time behind the glass on the way to our destination, the saddle. This way we would leave the other hunters enough time to enjoy the rest of their hunt and possibly see something they may have missed.

Light was beginning to dim while we were glassing a canyon east of our position. Sitting on a prominent knob I spotted a beautiful golden-brown bear feasting on Ceonothus berries. A mile away, it was too far to make a stalk that evening. On the same canyon face, but slightly closer was another healthy-looking bear. Jet black, it stood feeding just as frantically. With daylight waning, I began to focus my optics on the areas closest to me. A third good-sized bear appeared just as shooting light faded to dark.

We camped near the glassing knob and dreamed of bears in hopes morning light would come with opportunity. Expecting the bears to hold tight and enjoy the bountiful berries, we crept out to the knob at first light. It wasn’t long after the first rays of sunlight hit the canyon that we spotted the closest black bear from the night before. Blake took the shot and his aim was true. The bear dropped and began tumbling downhill. I continued to glass as Blake went to process his bear.

Soon after, I spotted a group of bucks near where the color phase bear was spotted the night before. About a mile away from me, I knew I would need to be quick because the bucks looked like they were going to crest a finger ridge into a sea of brush to bed for the day. At that distance, I couldn’t get a good look at the bucks, but I knew one was a shooter. I practically ran.

The bucks disappeared into the folds of the land as I approached shooting distance. I continued close the distance, maneuvering into the only shooting lane I could find. The bucks were back in view about 200 yards away. I positioned my tripod for a solid rest and took aim at the biggest buck in the group. I cracked off the shot and he ran a short downhill before he buckled and fell. I hiked down to retrieve him, excited to get a closer look.

I found the buck and was pleasantly surprised by his impressive and unique rack especially for a Columbian Blacktail. On his left side he had four solid points. His right side totaled seven points with the beam splitting into two near its base. It was a triple beam buck, or as we call it now – the Trinity Fork.

Hunting Opportunities

There are dozens of guides and outfitters to choose from all over America. Land access is getting scarce, pressure is increasing on public lands, and tags are becoming increasingly harder to draw.  Our goal is to bring attention to the exceptional hunting that gets overlooked in California. Who says you can’t have just as much fun hunting Columbian black-tailed deer as you would on a Colorado mule deer hunt? Hunting is about the people and camaraderie. We work tirelessly year-round to put guests on the intended game but we all know the kill is much more enjoyable when in good company. We like to say that hunting with us is “like hunting with a friend.”

How often do you see California license plates while hunting in Idaho?  All the time.  How often do you see Idaho license plates hunting in California? Never? Why is that?  California is not often thought of as a destination hunting location. Maybe the state doesn’t market itself well enough. If you are a non-resident there are some exceptional hunting opportunities that you are missing out on. If you are a resident – you don’t need to spend $12-20K on an elk hunt in Wyoming. Exceptional hunts and unforgettable experiences are much closer than you think.

Guided Hunts

• Roosevelt Elk – If you are lucky enough to draw any of the Roosevelt elk tags in California than you are in for a hunt of a lifetime. We guide elk hunts in the Marble Mountains and Northwestern California elk zones where the bulls and terrain are sure to impress any hunter.
• Columbian Black-tailed Deer  – Only 3 states host pure Columbian black-tailed deer. Sure, the antlers don’t get as big as Rocky Mountain mule deer but the experience is just as thrilling. This subspecies is one of the toughest animals to hunt in some of the most unforgettable terrain. Most of the harvest in the state consists of forked-horns but to kill a mature blacktail buck is truly an accomplishment. California offers a unique environment for blacktail deer hunting because there is ample opportunities for spot and stalk style hunting and always the possibility at a monster. 
• Black Bear  – California has a generous autumn bear season, piles of bears, very low targeted bear hunting pressure, and the bears are absolutely delicious. A little under half the bears we see are color phase bears. The fur in the fall is beautiful for rugs, and mature bears always have plenty of fat for rendering. California definitely needs to be on the list for folks who are after big bears.
• Rio Grande Wild Turkey  – A lot of states have their fair share of turkeys. California has a load of them and the season starts early and goes late, and the bag limit is generous. All you need besides a hunting license is a game bird stamp.
• Upland Birds  – there is an assortment upland birds to hunt in California. We specialize in mountain quail , California (valley) quail , sooty grouse , ruffed grouse , and band-tailed pigeon . Doves and rabbits can be found incidental to many upland game hunts. We can point you in the right direction on where to go for other fowl. Do you need to complete your quail slam? You can get your California (valley) quail, mountain quail and Gamble’s quail all in one state. We are working on adding chukar and Gambel’s quail properties to the list.
• Western Gray Squirrel  – Hunting squirrels seems to be more popular in other parts of the country, such as in the south and east. You almost never see someone out on a dedicated squirrel hunting trip in California. I’m not sure why it’s not as popular here especially considering the robust squirrel population. They make excellent table fare and are a blast to hunt for the entire family.
• Predators  – California has tons gray fox and coyote. We target fox with hand calls and coyote with electronic callers. The foxes here are often big and heavy coated, perfect for taxidermy or wall hangers.

The best part is that often you can combine multiple species into one hunt as long as the season is open and the hunter has the appropriate licensing, tags, or stamps. Our hunts are fully customizable.

The Unique Fishing:

California’s fishing opportunities are just as varied as its hunting. You can catch anything from rainbow trout in an alpine lake deep in the wilderness or dive for tasty lingcod hidden beneath the coastal reef. Maybe you don’t have the tackle, or knowledge of where and when to fish, but we do and we want to share what we know to make fishing accessible for you.

Guided Angling and Spearfishing

• Kayak fishing for king (Chinook) salmon, California halibut, lingcod, rockfish, cabezon, and leopard shark. Northern California is extremely unique because of the multitude of tasty fish that can be targeted just a short paddle away from the shore. Landing a chrome ocean king from a kayak is not an experience that would soon be forgotten.
• Spearfishing and Diving – We can take you freedive spearfishing for lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon in the cool waters of Northern and Central California.  If you haven’t tried the cheek meat of a fat lingcod you are missing out. The best part? You can spearfish all year long for most legal species with generous bag limits. Depending on the time of year and locality there are opportunities to spear CA halibut and CA sheephead. It’s also not uncommon to luck into some scallops clinging to the wash rocks. We offer shore-based freediving and kayak trips.
• Dungeness Crab – who doesn’t like crab? Come crabbing with us and we will show you have to catch your own crab, clean them, and cook it. Crabbing is easily combined with other ocean fishing species.
• Clam Digging – The coastal sloughs, beaches, and bays of California host several species of delicious clams. Only a few days each month is the tide low enough to access the clam beds. After the water rises and inundates the beds we can check crab pots, or throw a line out for perch or shark.
• Trout – Spend a warm summer day with us on a wilderness stream or lake fishing for rainbow or brook trout. Nothing is tastier than fresh whole trout while camped above a pristine lake. Combine fishing with a hunting trip for a cast and blast adventure.

Every trip is designed to fit your needs. We have something for everyone, from the avid fisherman to the beginner.

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Here in Southern California we have the most unique deer sub species in the western United States. Sign up with SoCal Outfitters to have a chance to hunt one of these unique animals.

We offer an exciting opportunity to hunt waterfowl in a unique environment.  Our waterfowl hunts take place on a large private lake that has some public access.

SoCal Outfitters has access to more than 150,000 acres outside of Paso Robles, California.  We provide our clients with a premium pig hunting experience like no other in California.

Being able to experience a hunt for Americas most iconic animal, the buffalo is something you’ll never forget. These hunts take place inside of a 3,400 acre area that has healthy number of buffalo.

These hunts are for free range Barbado rams and take place on 30,000 acres of private property. Hunters will enjoy a premium hunting experience that is right for hunters of all ability.

Our clients will have the option to hunt dove, quail, and/or pigeon during open seasons. Quail hunts are more physical in nature, but our dove/pigeon hunts take place around food and water sources.

These hunts take place on premium hunting ranches such as Paso Robles Private Ranch, which has healthy populations of Rio Grande and Merriam turkey.

Our Predator and varmint hunts and an exciting opportunity for a hunter to test his or her shooting abilities. You’ll be hunting premium coyote and squirrel areas that are loaded with game.

Book Your Next Hunt With Us

Central Coast Outfitters has been guiding hunts along the California coast since 1995. We offer hunts for Tule Elk, Roosevelt Elk, Black Tail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, , Gray Fox, Wild Boar, Quail and Dove. Central Coast Outfitters also offers hunts on the South Island of New Zealand. We offer hunts for Red Stag, Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Deer, Arapawa Ram, Hill Ram, Wapiti, Wild Boar and Alpine Goat.

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Spring Turkey Hunts

B-zone black tail deer & black bear hunts, a-zone deer, pig, quail, and dove hunts, pheasant and chukar.

California Indians made this hidden valley a resting place during their annual migration to the Pacific Ocean. The Peachtree Ranch is approximately 50,000 acres. The Indians found plentiful numbers of game for hunting. Here were quantities of stone to form arrow heads for hunting.

Spanish Ranchos eventually gave way to the influence of the U. S. Dollar. The Peachtree Ranch became headquarters for cattle barons Miller and Lux. It was Miller and Lux who saved the Tule Elk from total extinction. You now have the opportunity to hunt these magnificent animals on a ranch where the very people that saved the elk, ran cattle.

During the late 1920’s the Peachtree Ranch became an escape for many famous cowboys of that era, like Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Will Rogers just to name a few.

Bird Hunts at the RS Bar Guest Lodge

Our planted bird hunts are conducted on a beautiful ranch is San Benito County. On this hunt you will stay right on the ranch in a wonderful lodge where you can see the San Benito River ambling along from the lodge. This lodge has a huge living room with a fireplace, which is a great place to come in and relax after the days hunt. All suites have their own bathrooms; some suites have their own fireplace. In the afternoon and evening, you can sit out on the porch and watch our cooks Bar-B-Q dinner right on the porch of this wonderful lodge. This hunt is conducted on one of the most premier hunting properties on the Central Coast of California. We also have a sporting clays and trap range along with a rifle range that goes out to 1,000 yards with silhouette targets.

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Where to go Hunting in California

It’s time you completed the off-road camping destination list with as many hunting spots as possible.

September 25, 2021

Looking for the key to a successful hunting trip in California? We’ll give you a hint—it’s best enjoyed in places where the vistas take your breath away. You can thank California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife for the opportunity. Managing over one million beautifully landscaped acres with more than 711 properties, the diverse animal population is waiting for your discovery. Deer, waterfowl, pheasants, bears, pigs, and small mammals are all legal to hunt in the Golden State; you just have to make sure you’re pursuing in the right place. And we’re here to help you find those spots; it’s time you completed the off-road camping destination list with as many hunting spots as possible.

The Dos and Don'ts of Hunting in California 

If you’re thinking of going hunting in California but would rather skip the citation to appear in court, you better do your homework before hitting the road. Every year, countless enthusiasts find their wallets significantly lightened by a lawsuit because they went after an off-limit dove or duck; often without even knowing it. To save you from all the legal trouble, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts when hunting in the Golden State:

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• Do: Follow the basic rules. Before you decide on a location, make sure that you have in your required license as well as any required stamps or tags.
• Don’t: Load your gun until you have reached land specifically designated for hunting purposes.
• Do: Double-check if the land you're choosing is open to hunting. Get a good map and check the firearms regulations. If you're hunting in an area owned by the government, check their website or ask ranger station staff if the land is indeed open to hunting.
• Don’t: Shoot anytime before or after the designated hunting hours.
• Do: Only obtain and use guns and ammunition legally recognized for hunting.
• Don't: Borrow someone else's tag or license; this is unlawful activity.
• Do: Familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding artificial lighting and night vision devices.
• Don't: Shoot from inside your vehicle, sailboat, powerboat, airplane, or even from across the road.

Bird Hunting Regulations to Remember 

Before you get to hunting, here are a few things to keep in mind about California’s bird hunting regulations:

• Shooting times for doves specifically are half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Any and every hunter (even junior hunting license holders) must have their license on them at all times.
• Permission from the landowner is required before hunting on private land.
• Shooting within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling is illegal.
• Hunting within 200 yards of a wildlife watering place is also illegal.

Hunting in Northern California 

Cache creek wildlife area .

If you're on the hunt for top-notch deer hunting locations in California, the Cache Creek Wilderness Area should definitely be on your radar. Nestled around 25 miles west of Williams, this breathtaking expanse covers roughly 2,300 acres. With its predominantly steep terrain dotted with oak trees, it offers picturesque views year-round. But that's not all – it's also a haven for hunting elk, black bears, wild pigs, rabbits, quail, pigeons, wild turkeys, and occasionally, doves, making it a diverse hunting ground for enthusiasts.

Jackson Demonstration State Forest

An outdoor lover’s paradise renowned for its wildlife and fishing opportunities , Jackson Demonstration State Forest is prized for being one of the top places to go turkey hunting in California ; that is if season permits. At roughly 50,000 acres, it’s the Golden State’s largest state forest , encompassing portions of the Noyo and Big River watersheds. And if you want to spot the forest from miles away, your best bet is going to be looking out for towering redwoods and Douglas firs.

Mendocino National Forest

Nestled just outside of Willows, Mendocino National Forest is the only forest in the Golden State which isn’t intersected by a highway or a paved road. The entire 913,000 or so acres are a wooded nature's playground, remaining a rugged wonderland. And while all public land in the forest is open for hunting enthusiasts, it's the Lower Nye and the Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campgrounds that specifically cater to the sport. You're likely to find bears, deer, pronghorn, elk, bighorn sheep, and a few of the top hog hunting opportunities in California. 

Hunting in Southern California 

The Angeles National Forest

Serving as a backdrop to California's largest urban centers , the Angeles National Forest boasts roughly 700,000 acres of open space. The forest also covers the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountain range and has specific hunting areas open year-long. When general deer season commences, you're free to hunt mule, whitetail, sika, fallow, axis, blacktail, and sambar (just to name a few). Just make sure to purchase the necessary deer tags and a hunting license, and from there on out, you’re all set.

P.S. If you have spare time on your hands, we highly recommend cruising to the nearby Vasquez Rocks and try your hand at bouldering before you head out.

San Gabriel Canyon

All the way from the snow-covered peak of Mt. San Antonio, San Gabriel Canyon drains a watershed of more than 600 square miles. The undeveloped areas around the river create corridors of wetlands for wildlife and fish, providing primo opportunities for duck hunting in California . Recently, there has been a fair influx of ducks and geese into most Southern California spots —that’s not something that happens often, so you’d better take advantage of the situation. Quail are also plentiful in certain areas, but they’re generally scattered in heavy brush and are slightly harder to find.

Palo Verde Ecological Reserve

Spanning roughly 1,900 acres, the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve offers an expansive, mostly level terrain that's a breeze to explore. As you meander along the river's eastern edge, you'll be greeted by landscapes peppered with sandbar, cottonwood-willow, and mesquite riparian settings, adding a touch of serene beauty to your journey. If you’re after the best dove hunting in Southern California , then the reserve is probably your best bet—mourning, white-winged, spotted, and ringed turtle doves are known to flutter about the area. And best of all, almost all the designated hunting spots have been planted with food crops to attract and hold the doves. 

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Central Coast California Hunting Packages

To order any of our hunting packages, please call 805-472-0163.

General guided hunting information:

Bryson Resort offers some of the finest hunting on the Central Coast of California. The guided hunts at Bryson Hesperia Resort are operated on over 6,000 private acres that surround Lake Nacimiento and San Antonio Lake in Monterey County, California. Our guided hunts run for 2 days and are conducted 7 days a week. We use a “spot-and-stock” method for large game.

This amazing area is one of the most beautiful sections of California's Central Coast and is minutes away from over 360,000 acres of public hunting grounds.

Lodging is not included but is available at Bryson Hesperia Resort. We do offer a hunters discounted lodging rate of $175.00 per night per cabin (2 night min), the cabins will sleep 3 comfortably, or 4 people with one on the sleeper futon in the living room. Airport facilities are available in nearby Paso Robles and King City. Please let us know if we can assist you in making travel arrangements.

Hunters are required to bring the following items:

• Valid CA hunting license
• Proper tags for big game
• Proper stamps for upland game and turkey hunting
• Rifle with NON-LEAD ammunition (.243, 25-06, .270, 30-06, 7mag or .300 mag caliber rifles are recommended.)
• Complete archery equipment including blinds, decoys, and calls
• Ice chest to take your meat home

Guided Central Coast California Hunting Packages

We are pleased to bring you a variety of hunting packages:

Please call 805-472-0163 to purchase a Bryson Guided Hunting Package.

Thank you for your interest in Bryson Hunts. We look forward to seeing you.

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Welcome to WCO!

California Elk Hunting with Willow Creek Outdoorz.  Willow Creek Outdoorz was founded in 2012.  The roots of the company stem way back to the early 2000’s.  WCO’s foundation is based upon preserving the access to the Outdoors to the public for recreational opportunity.  The company strives to meet these goals by volunteering and donating to those organizations preserving public access and continuing to open the door to recreation through outdoor experiences from guided tours and trips in Northern California.

Willow Creek Outdoorz (WCO) offers exclusively guided private land Elk hunting in Northern California. WCO offers guided and outfitted trips for California Tule elk, Roosevelt elk, and Rocky Mtn elk.  We offer services in Siskiyou, Northwestern, Marble Mountains, Northeastern, East Park Reservoir, Bear Valley, and Cache Creek.  A majority of the action takes place in Northern California.  Understanding the terrain, animal migration and activity patterns has been a crucial component the hunter’s success with the Willow Creek Outdoorz team.  Willow Creek Outdoorz guides’ have 20+ years of hunting experience in the area.  We have exclusive hunting rights to private property known for the large California Roosevelt elk herds that roam the North State.  We also have access to excellent Tule Elk hunting locations.  If we can't accommodate we'll refer you to another trusted guide in the industry.  If you’re looking for your Northern California elk guide, we are your choice.  There are many things that make a client's CA elk hunting trip a special one, and it starts with experience and a great guide service!  

Provide the outdoor experience of lifetime.  Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, shed hunting or just cruising through the outdoors, Willow Creek Outdoorz is your contact for the Northern California.   We offer many different types of outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.  Every outdoor activity can offer an amazing experience depending on the demographic.  WCO specializes in hunting & conservation management.  Please check out WCO’s Outfitters page for all your hunting needs!  We’d also like to welcome your feedback about our page!

Past Hunting Trips

Check out more from some of our past hunts!

The Ultimate Goose & Duck Hunting Experience In Northern California

At WildLife Unlimited Guide Service we strive to ensure our hunters receive the best hunting adventure that Northern California has to offer. We go where the best hunting opportunities are, for those memories that last a lifetime. We have hunts located in both the northeastern and balance of state zones. We offer duck, canadian honker, and late season spec & snow goose hunts. On all hunts, hunters will be transported to the blind in side-by-side ATVs. Duck hunting guide services have never been better. Guided ducks hunts are the way to go for the best hunting experience. If you have never been on a guided duck hunting trip, you are going to have the time of your life. Call Dean today 530-227-4725 to schedule your next available weekend or trip.

The Ultimate Goose & Duck Hunting Experience In Northern California!

Late season snow and spec hunts sign ups are happening now.

Wildlife Unlimited Guide Service

Duck and goose hunts in northern california.

At Wildlife Unlimited Guide Service we take our waterfowl hunting very seriously. We work very hard to ensure our clients are comfortable and have a successful hunt.

10 places in California to see magnificent wildlife in their natural settings

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Condors roam the Gabilan mountain range. Roosevelt elk herds graze the forests of Humboldt County. In the eucalyptus and cypress groves of Pismo Beach, monarch butterflies cluster during the winter. And on the coast of Morro Bay, sea otters rest their heads along the shore.

California’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best states for viewing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Home to not only the most national parks of any state, the land is flourishing with state parks, natural reserves and wildlife refuges that provide a safe haven for the area’s fauna. Our state also has the most endemic species and federally protected animals in the nation.

Planning your weekend?

Stay up to date on the best things to do, see and eat in L.A .

Up and down the coast of California, you can find opportunities to observe active wildlife — even right here in our backyard — and learn about ways to preserve our natural species. Though this list barely scratches the surface of the state’s vast biodiversity, here are some awe-inspiring animals you can admire (all from a safe and respectful distance), along with the best places and times to view them.

Whales at Dana Point

Roosevelt elk at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore

Migratory birds at Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Sea otters in Morro Bay

California condors at Pinnacles National Park

Island foxes on Channel Islands

Bison on Catalina Island

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California Guided Wild Pig Hunts

Bitterwater Outfitters offers a free range, fully guided California wild pig hunt with access to over 30 private hunting ranches and over 400,000 acres of prime California hunting ground. The varying terrain includes brushy canyons, rolling grain fields, open flats and oak hillsides. The wild pigs are plentiful and are prime meat pigs due to the various food sources in the area. An average pig weighs 150 lbs. Our two day guided wild pig hunt is up to two days of hunting, but due to the large pig numbers, as well as the experience and knowledge of our guides, a lot of our hunts are concluded on the first day. We have a 98% success rate and we will get you the opportunity to get your game. Our guided California wild pig hunting is good year round and the various food sources result in high quality pig hunts. May through November the wild pigs are heavily populated in the grain fields. They add acorns to their diet September through November. November through April the pigs are hitting the pistachios, wild onions and green grasses. 

If you're looking for wild hog hunting or wild boar hunting in northern California, central California, or southern California contact Bitterwater Outfitters today!

2 Hunter minimum or two animal minimum. Wild pig hunt (up to 2 days): $1150 per person Premier Ranch Pig Hunt (up to 2 days): Limited, Inquire for price Non Hunter Guest: $200 per guest ** (gratuity not included)

What to Bring:

• Good hiking boots and comfortable clothing
• .243 or bigger
• Current hunting license
• Current pig tag
• Lead free bullets

What It Includes:

A wild pig hunt includes up to two days of hunting either by foot or by truck/off road vehicle, field dressing and skinning of game. The hunt includes the opportunity to harvest one pig. If a hunter would like an additional pig and has an additional tag, an additional hunt fee will apply.  

All hunts include:

-Tent or trailer camping on the ranch free of charge -Access to the shooting range to sight in your gun -Access to the catch and release fishing pond -Access to the BBQ and fire pit

Meals are not included. See "Lodging" for additional accommodations.

Wild pig hunts operate year round and can be scheduled weekdays and weekends.

2 Hunter minimum or two animal minimum.

Effective July 1, 2008, the California Fish and Game Commission modified the methods of take to prohibit the use of projectiles containing lead when hunting big game and nongame species in an area designated as the California condor range.

Bitterwater Outfitters is in the condor range and lead free ammo is required. For a list of certified nonlead ammunition, click here

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I give Bitterwater Outfitters a rating of 210%. It was an outstanding experience. Clayton was professional about everything. I have gone on other guided hunts and they don’t compare to Clayton’s hunts. I am definitely going to come back.

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Bitterwater Valley is located just east of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County. Hunt wild pig, buffalo, exotics, deer, dove, quail, turkey and varmints. © Copyright 2024 Bitterwater Outfitters. | All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility

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Judge reinhold on returning to ‘beverly hills cop’ and annual duck-hunting trips with eddie murphy.

Murphy, Reinhold and John Ashton reunite in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,' three decades after the third movie was released.

By Kirsten Chuba

Kirsten Chuba

Events Editor

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Thirty years after Beverly Hills Cop III and 40 years after the franchise made its debut, Eddie Murphy , Judge Reinhold and John Ashton are back for a fourth film.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F sees Murphy’s Detective Axel Foley return to Beverly Hills after his daughter’s (played by Taylour Paige) life is threatened, teaming up with her ex-boyfriend ( Joseph Gordon-Levitt ) and his old pals John Taggart (Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Reinhold).

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“We wanted to use the first one as a template, to be so lucky to reach that level, so that’s what we were after,” Reinhold told The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s Beverly Hills premiere on Thursday. “The night that all three of us were in the unmarked car [in the new movie] was the first time we’d seen each other in years. We were two blocks from the original location downtown, the original one in 1984, and the chemistry between the three of us was just wild. It’s like we picked up where we left off.”

He added that the original group of actors — which also includes returning stars Paul Reiser and Bronson Pinchot — have kept in touch throughout the years, and he has remained particularly close to Murphy.

“Eddie probably wouldn’t want anybody to know this but he’s an avid duck hunter, we go duck hunting every year up in Minnesota,” Reinhold revealed, joking, “He’s got a lot of stuffed ducks that he’s not allowed to keep around the house. He has a duck room.”

Throughout the film’s press tour, Murphy has admitted that he noticed the difference in doing an action movie in his 60s versus in his 20s when the franchise began, but director Mark Molloy teased that his approach was, “I just pretended like he was 25 and made him do it.”

Eddie Murphy and his family arrive at the #BeverlyHillsCop : Axel F premiere pic.twitter.com/BtfdVyia87 — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 21, 2024

Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon are among the film’s two new additions, and both sang the praises of Murphy’s improvisational style.

“The script was great, but he’s making stuff up all the time and I love just throwing it back to him,” Gordon-Levitt said at the premiere, as Bacon added, “I’m not an improv-er, I’m not a comic genius like Eddie is, but I really like the fact that it keeps me on my toes when he is very relaxed, very present. When you’re improv-ing, if you’re a good improv-er, I think, you have to listen and watch and see what the other person is doing. I have to do that now because I know anything is going to come at me, so that’s cool, man, I like that.”

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F starts streaming on Netflix on July 3.

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This Coastal California Trail Has To Be The Best Hike In America For Beach Lovers

If you want to enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from a beautiful stretch of California's coastline, look no further than the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. While the experience can be a little tiring and requires you to be able to go up and down a lot of stairs, this route is only about an hour long and rewards you with gorgeous ocean views at the top and a relaxing trip to the beach at the bottom.

Get ready to make friends on this trip — while there are less crowded but still stunning beach spots in California , Torrey Pines is a popular destination. It's easy to see why. If you head to the south entrance of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and park near the visitor's center, you won't have a hard time finding the trailhead. Then, all you have to do is follow the route down the cliffs to the sea, and soon, you'll be standing in the shade of the hills looking out at the crashing blue waves.

Enjoy incredible views on your way to Torrey Pines Beach

The trail down to the beach begins relatively flat and easy, with stellar views of jagged rock formations around you and the ocean below stretching out into the horizon. While Lovers Point Park is known as the best beach in California for sunset views , this hike is particularly gorgeous at dusk, with pink light reflecting off the ocean and flooding across the rocky landscape.

Soon, however, you'll have to tackle some steep switchbacks, including stairs cut into the cliffside. As long as you can handle the stairs and crowds, this isn't too grueling, and it's not uncommon to see children taking this route down to the beach. Just remember to wear your most comfortable hiking shoes and not spend your time right at the bottom of the cliffs and bluffs because some areas in the reserve are known for rock slides. When you reach the bottom, you'll be treated to gorgeous blue waves and fascinating tide pools. You can bring a bathing suit with you if you like, but be warned, these waters can be chilly.

Exploring Torrey Pines State Reserve

While you can see one of the most incredible views of the Pacific in California from the loop, there are other trails you can take to explore the park, including Razor Point Trail, which you can access from the same trailhead as the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. However, this option gives you access to some more beautiful outlooks, including Guy Fleming Trail, which also provides good views of the sea, and the short but steep High Point Trail that takes you up into the trees.

California's Redwood National Park might boast some of the tallest trees in the world , but it's not the only park on the West Coast where you can enjoy fascinating trees. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home not only to the gorgeous shoreline that you can explore on the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, but the opportunity to see the extremely rare pine tree which gives this park its name: Pinus torreyana.

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