California Elk Hunting
If you are planning a California Elk Hunting trip, you should definitely go through all the requirements and should have a thorough knowledge of the basic hunt. If you are going hunting for the first time then you should definitely accompany an experienced local guide with you for safety and direction.
Elk Hunting Season in California
Each hunt has its own time duration and cost. For specific tag allocation and season dates visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Bull elk hunting is popular in California which is of about five days. If you have limited time, then you can go on cow elk hunting as it is comprised of two days. So, you can enjoy the hunt even when there is a shortage of time. For more detailed license information click here for the California Big Game Hunting Digest.
| General Season | August 3-December 1 |
Best Places to Elk Hunt in California
Elk hunting is done at a different location in California. Few of them are Shamrock Ranch in Laytonville. It is a 17000-acre big land and the home to the vast majority of Tule elks and many other species of animals. La Panza in California provides a private land for hunting. Fort Hunter Liggett Army Base is one of the famous lands and the most successful land for hunting in California.
Elk Hunting Guide
There are many hunting-based guiding and touring companies which assist the hunters during the hunt. It is important for the non-residents to book a guide before their hunt and all the formalities should be completed beforehand to avoid any inconvenience further in the journey. The client and guide, both should go through all the terms and conditions of the client-guide contract.
What to Pack for Hunting in California?
Before going to your big hunting day, there are few things that you should definitely pack along with yourself. Following are the important and basic requirements:
- You should have a legal and valid California hunting license
- A local guide if you are a non-resident or it is your first experience
- Light weighted tents
- Binoculars
- Camera (if you want to capture your best hunting moments)
- Archery equipment
- A backpack to keep all your personal stuff with you
- Hunting knives
- Food equipment like stove or water cooler
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothing
California Elk Hunting Firearms
Before going to elk hunting, you should have all the knowledge of the basic rules and regulations of hunting and the possession of firearms. All the state firearm laws are followed in the hunting tours as well. Hunters are allowed to carry rifles and shotguns with themselves.
Recommended Elk Hunting Guns
Choosing the right guns for California elk hunting is really important especially if you are going for the first time. In some touring packages, the guns are already provided. If your package does not include it, the guiders can assist you in this matter. Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter Rifle is one of the most widely used guns in hunting.