Drew Calfornia X-3b Anyone hunted there?

Greg Nolan · Jun 20, 2012

Has anyone hunted X3-b in California that would like to share the story and give me some tips on areas? I just drew and have never hunted deer there.
Thanks
Greg

hubcap · Jun 21, 2012

Oh boy Greg. Good for you. I have fond memories of mule deer hunts with my Dad and brother in that part of California. We used to take a forest service road right at Pine creek and go all the the way up to the base of Mt.Bidwell . We would set up our tents and hunt untill we dropped. There is several places to camp with an RV including Goose Lake. There is a rather large flat area off the forest service road with plenty of room for a trailer. That spot is very close to 395, probably not a half mile up the forest service road. There is alot of country in there making it very easy to find areas to your self. Plenty of wide open sage brush along with aspen stands in the basins. Plenty of timber on the ridges leading off the mountain. You can camp at Lily lake if you feel like catching a few trout. Not a lot of room at the lake but if ya get to yourself it is a sweet spot. A four wheeler is a big plus in that area especially when you come to the last couple miles to the top of Mt. Bidwell. The area is either hot or cold depending deer numbers. Some years the winter kill can be a big downer. I,ve seen good hunting and not so good. Its big country and a lot of fun to hunt. Bring a flat shooting caliber. Its classic .270 to 300 mag country. Good hunting Greg

runtohunt · Jun 22, 2012

Congrats on your hunt! My cousin and uncle hunted X3a last year and took home a nice 3x3 and a nice forky on the second day of their hunt. I asked why they didn't hold out for a couple of 4x4's. My cousin said he could not stand looking at any more bucks. I personally have never hunted either zones before, but I will ask around. I look forward to some archery buck action at Melonies.