Lurker to newbie

[xjon]

Hello all. Name is Jon and I've been a lurker for couple of years.
Been doing some local deer hunting which consist of D15 and D14 for a few years now. Also tried coyote and jack rabbits. No success yet on coyote.
This year I actually drew a D12 tag so will need to scout that area soon.

I normally do day hunts but if I can I have done tent for a night or two. I hunt alone because my hunting friends are not available. Occasionally I would drag my girl and kids out to the field. Last season I shot a deer while my girl was with me. It was unfortunate she couldn't help me with the deer because she didn't have her hunting license. All I would let her do was take pictures.

Although I've been shooting for years and hunting for a few, I am a newb. The FNG. Still have a lot to learn especially since my main mentor is the internet. This site has helped me tremendously. The best advice I've read from this site is the "get out there" advice. I would like to say big thanks to all the regulars here.

Btw, I just purchased my girls hunting license since she passed her safety course couple days ago. We are now a family of hunters!

 

[Deleted member 27310]

Welcome to the forum xjon, so your the one that took my d zone tag lol, jk. I didn't draw my zone this year and I will also be a newbie to the famous D16 now. I still have my AO tag that I will use in d12 but it will be a tough hunt. Yes, start scouting this zone is very tough and big but enjoy the outdoors and learn the areas. It took me 3 yrs to score a buck in that zone and I have friends that have hunted it for more than 8yrs and still haven't seen a deer out there. Congrats on your girl getting her license.

p.s. we love deer pics post up your kill when you get a chance. ;-)

 

[Macsteve]

Welcome to the forum and congrats. One day hopefully I'll be you!


Curiosity: when you say she couldn't help you w/ the deer, you mean only in the shooting aspect of it correct? I'm sure she could help you with the harvest side of it even without a hunters license. I ask because I'm going to take mine along w/ me in a few weeks. SHe's doing the safety course w/ me next weekend, but doesn't have a weapon so I don't see the need to buy a license.

 

[xjon]

Thank you for welcome and the tip.

As for tag-alongs without license, a warden will see them as actively hunting from glassing to hauling game out. Probably a good question to ask in the safety course. My girl got license but no deer tag and I'm sure that's ok. But with a license she can do everything except pull the trigger.

I tried to sell her on a deer tag but she doesn't want to haul her own deer. She's fine with meat but no skin or head after seeing the ticks.

 

[ilovesprig]

xjon,

Welcome to SCH......Congrats on your deer last year......To my knowledge, there is no law that says your wife, gf, child, or hunting partner can't "hunt" with you....They obviously can't shoot a deer without a deer tag, but they can carry a firearm with a hunting.....Remember, there are animals (coyotes for one) that can be shot or hunted year round without a tag....Having 4 eyes looking for game is a huge help as well. And would be a great way to have them involved. A 2nd person can be a big help in the gutting process and carrying the rifle (technically here, they should have a license).

Yep....D-12 is a tough hunt.....Animal wise & habitat wise.....Hunted the Orocopia's for them with a DFW friend a few years back.....Saw them on the trail cams. but never when I hunted with him.....Have really really good boots. This ground is very unforgiving.

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[MJB]

I think a non hunter can do everything but pull the trigger or hold the gun.

 

[xjon]

Thanks for the pics of d12. Absolutely no shade what so ever. Im scouting google earth while the temps are over 100*.

As for the info on who can help out the hunter, I can only speak for what I learned from the hunter ed class my kids attended at rahaauges. Ive never had any first hand experience (regarding the topic)with wardens but I dont want the first to be sour. Im guessing the regulations are up to the wardens interpretation so I play it safe.

 

[ilovesprig]

This situation is NOT up to interpretation......Anyone can walk with you, glass with you, or help you while you are hunting.

And to be honest, if the gun is unloaded and they're just carrying it, I'm sure that's OK as well.....Here's a pretty good read too.

.http://www.gunlaw.com/gun-law-articles/17-hunting-in-california-a-legal-survival-guide.html


ps.....I went thru my entire Fish & Game code book and couldn't find anyplace where it said someone couldn't hunt with you.