2012 Vandenberg Deer Hunting Season

[myfriendis410]

This is preliminary but thought I'd get this out to you:

Deer Tags that will be honored at Vandenberg AFB for the 2012 Season.

AO, Zone A, MA-3, G11


Zone A Archery Season: 14 Jul 2012 - 5 Aug 2012

Bag and Possession Limit: One buck, forked horn (see subsection 351(a))
or better per tag.

(a) Forked-Horn Buck Defined. For the purpose of these regulations a
forked-horn buck is defined as a male deer having a branched antler on
either side with the branch in the upper two-thirds of the antler. Eye
guards or other bony projections on the lower one-third of the antler
shall not be considered as points or branches. Spike bucks may not be
taken.

(h) Except as provided in subsection 353(g), archers may not possess a
firearm while hunting in the field during any archery season, or while
hunting during a general season under the provisions of an archery only
tag.


Zone A General Season: 11 Aug 2012 - 23 Sep 2012

(C) Bag and Possession Limit: One buck, forked horn (see subsection
351(a)) or better, per tag.

G11 Season Either Sex: 27 Aug 2012 - 31 Dec 2012.

(C) Bag and Possession Limit: One either-sex deer (see subsection
351(c)) per tag

(c) Either-Sex Deer Defined. For the purpose of these regulations,
either-sex deer are defined as antlerless deer as described in Section
351 (b), or legal bucks that have two or more points in the upper
two-thirds of either antler. Spike bucks may not be taken.


MA-3 Season: 24 Nov 2012 - 9 Dec 2012.

(C) Bag and Possession Limit: One buck, forked horn (see subsection
351(a)) or better, per tag

(f) Under the provisions of a muzzleloading rifle only tag, hunters may
only possess muzzleloading rifles as described in subsection 353(a)
equipped with open or "peep" type sights only except as described in
subsection 353(k).


(g) Under the provisions of a muzzleloading rifle/archery tag, hunters
may only possess muzzleloading rifles with sights as described in
subsection 353(f); archery equipment as described in Section 354; or
both. For purposes of this subsection, archery equipment does not
include crossbows, except as provided in subsection 354(j).


(h) Methods of take within the California condor range. Except as
otherwise provided, it is unlawful to use or possess projectiles
containing more than one percent lead by weight while taking or
attempting to take any big game (as defined in Section 350, Title 14,
CCR) in those areas described in Section 3004.5, Fish and Game Code.

[Phil80]

I just got back off deployment and read the new regs. There used to be a restriction on AR style rifles but in the new regs I did not see the entry. Has this changed ro is it an over sight of the base regulations?

[ltdann]

Hows the season going? Better, worse then recent years?

[myfriendis410]

It seems slow. A 160 lb deer came off of Sudden opening weekend. Steve's tagged out with a nice forkie. Only five or six deer so far.

AR style rifles, as far as I know, and as long as they are California legal, are okay. Not that I'd recommend using a varmint round like the 5.56 for deer.......and it's copper only!

[Phil80]

It seems slow. A 160 lb deer came off of Sudden opening weekend. Steve's tagged out with a nice forkie. Only five or six deer so far.

AR style rifles, as far as I know, and as long as they are California legal, are okay. Not that I'd recommend using a varmint round like the 5.56 for deer.......and it's copper only!

Thanks I called earlier today. Like you said as long as it is Ca compliant and they will check. It's 308 and my brother runs 6.8. The only reason I was holding onto my rem 700 was Vandenburg and Pendleton wouldnt allow them. Selling the bolt gun.

[myfriendis410]

That's good to know. Good luck!

[rooster85]

It seems slow. A 160 lb deer came off of Sudden opening weekend. Steve's tagged out with a nice forkie. Only five or six deer so far.

AR style rifles, as far as I know, and as long as they are California legal, are okay. Not that I'd recommend using a varmint round like the 5.56 for deer.......and it's copper only!


A 160lb deer? That sounds big for that area. Up high or down in the flats. Makes me more anxious.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

[myfriendis410]

My understanding is that it was taken up high in C5.

Yesterday (I didn't see it) a HUGE 4 X 4 was hit by a car on Pine Canyon and killed. I saw the cars, but didn't put it together.

[ltdann]

Sudden's still open? I'd thought they met the qouta by now. And yeah, 160's a bruiser.

Largest I've seen taken was 175 lbs, and that was taken with a Jeep Cherokee by one of the Game Wardens.

Neither the jeep or the deer recovered from the encounter.

[cjmassari]

Lt. Dan-There's been 8 bucks taken out of Sudden so far. I hunted it hard this past few days and last week. I saw nothing but spikes and does. While I'm certain there's a few left, they cleaned it out pretty good. I was fortunate and shot a small forkie in C-3 Friday night. It seems there's been quite a few taken there also. I looked at the logs and there;s been quite a few more taken than Allen noted. I saw a HUGE 4x4 the other morning crossing from C-1 into C-2 while I was driving in. There's also forkies all over by the Rod and Gun club. Goos luck when you get up there.

[cjmassari]

BTW- The fog is a factor in hunting up high also. Though it's probably nothing new to you, I sat for three hours the other morning in C-1 waiting for it to clear and it never did. Same for Sudden on Friday morning. All clear below, but thick fog starting halfway up. Was a bummer because any legal buck looks to have moved up high.

[rooster85]

That fog in C1 always looks like its about to burn off then doesn't. I've sat up high waiting for it to burn off with no luck many times over the years. Nothing happening on south base? I was hoping to make it out this upcoming weekend, but training may keep me here. Lots of hunters out this weekend?

[ltdann]

Sounds like the season is in full swing then?

[myfriendis410]

The cooler at the club is empty and I haven't seen many hunters out. We're gonna get out tonight.

[rooster85]

Good luck tonight alan. Let us know what you're seeing. I may be able to sneak out for a hunt this weekend. Never like to hunt "opening weekend" but my time is running thin.

[cjmassari]

Rooster- If you don't mind shooting a doe you could have that task completed in 5 minutes of less. Legal bucks are a bit more difficult. In C-5 there have been 8 bucks taken so far. I checked the log sheet at the wardens office and I'm guessing 25-30 bucks have been taken so far including archery season.

The easy pickings are all in someone's freezer. I know there's a big 4x4 still cruising South base and I also saw a giant driving in to hunt in the dark crossing from C-1 into C-2 last week. They're still there, but you've gotta go after them. Also, by the gun club I saw three nice forkies Friday night cruising.

Good luck to all! I'm using my 2nd tag for Pendleton with archery opening this weekend.

[cjmassari]

I didn't realize I just nearly repeated my earlier post...oops!

[JONFSH]

All... A friend of mine at Edwards, sent me this picture of a Vendenberg buck taken this past weekend. Pretty Nice buck!

71871

[rooster85]

That's a pretty good looking buck. What part of base did he come from? Cj, I usually hammer the first legal buck or mature doe there just to put meat in the freezer then look for a bigger buck. Never been to keen on eating horns, meat tastes so much better. Lol. Still trying to slip out friday night to hunt saturday then come home sunday. We'll see.

[JFlem]

Anybody know what the quota is for Sudden/C5 this year ? Thanks

[myfriendis410]

17

[JFlem]

Got it. Thanks for the info

[brallen1969]

I got this one last Saturday.
72142

[DAQ80]

Congrats, nice buck! If you don't mind sharing, what area did you get him in?

[rooster85]

Very good buck! Congrats. Hope to find a similar buck when I make it out this week. Let's hear the story now!

[brallen1969]

Hunt below the water tank in b6, hard work but there is lots of deer.

[rooster85]

I was hunting hogs there a few months ago in C5, shot a hog and on the way out though that road off to the right would produce. Looks like it did. Good to know!

[Willies270]

Nice Buck ! Congrats ! So everyone that is reading be prepared to see about 50 pumpkins sitting on every ridge in that canyon now. Oh, and dont forget the road assasins driving the reflector. Did you happen to get GPS cordinates, that would be even more helpful. See ya on the flats !

[brallen1969]

Nice Buck ! Congrats ! So everyone that is reading be prepared to see about 50 pumpkins sitting on every ridge in that canyon now. Oh, and dont forget the road assasins driving the reflector. Did you happen to get GPS cordinates, that would be even more helpful. See ya on the flats !
If I had the cordinates, I would give them. I am suprised everyone believes everything they read. I have been hunting B1 since I killed him. I think it is somewhat comical that hunters think Suddon is the promise land of VAFB hunting. The buck I killed is everywhere, you just have to be lucky.

[myfriendis410]

There are nice deer all over Vandenberg. The rut is on, and we've seen good bucks in all areas. Sudden USED to be awesome simply because it had not been hunted. It's still a wonderful place to hunt with lots of big country. We've seen a lot of good animals down there over the years, but it's still a long drive.

[Phil80]

I am heading out Friday with my family then staying over into the next week. Hoping the launch goes as planned. I am dying to get out there. Been on leave for a week and a half and all I can think about is going hunting:rotflmao:

[ltdann]

See ya out there. I'll be there Friday morning and staying till the end. If you see a camo F-150, stop and say hello. We'll be at the Grant campground.

[Phil80]

Will do LtDann I will be rolling in a lifted blue Jeep wrangler with two excited girls with me in the evenings. Figure I can take the little ones out in the evening and the early morning is mine until they leave Sunday.

[rooster85]

Finally got a couple of days locked in to go. Heading up sunday for a few days. Maybe coming home wednesday. Plenty of time to nail a few. Good luck guys.

[DAQ80]

I'll be up there the morning of the 22nd through Sunday with a pig and G-11 tag. Probably gonna be in one of the TLF's cause I'll have the family in tow. Drive a gray Tacoma with a camper shell. If anyone any of you guys are out there during that time feel free to say what's up, always willing to crack a beer and shoot the s&!t after a day in the field.

[scottmarine]

Goodluck everyone headed out.

[genki619]

See you guys out there. I'm leaving tomorrow morning til the end.

[ltdann]

Sounds like a JHO gathering......

[boarfever1983]

I just saw a real big 4X4 in C1 right by the bridge near schumans creek. I have seen a ton of deer by C3 in the soybean fields as well. Im just a meat hunter so deer season doesnt last too long for me. There are a ton of deer out here and I have seen upwards of 15-20 everytome I go out. Best of luck to everyone and I hope people can knock em dead.

[rooster85]

Soon....

[1withthewoods]

Im on my way...... Wall hanger or bust!

[Phil80]

Getting ansy thanks for the info boarfever. I was planing on hitting the bean fields again around C-3. I took my deer last year there. I have a lot to do Fri morning, get my tags register and joing the Van hunting club. Also need to through some sabos down the 1187 as I am not to trusting of my zero on it.

[genki619]

Thanks for the intel boarfever I'll be out hunting this afternoon

[ltdann]

Getting ansy thanks for the info boarfever. I was planing on hitting the bean fields again around C-3. I took my deer last year there. I have a lot to do Fri morning, get my tags register and joing the Van hunting club. Also need to through some sabos down the 1187 as I am not to trusting of my zero on it.

That sounds exactly like my friday plans, accurate down to the 11-87.:dancin-red:

[myfriendis410]

I'll be working. Yay. But; I'm tagged out! Went out the other night to help a fellow hunter and saw one of the two or three biggest bucks I've ever seen on VAFB. 4 X 4 with eyeguards at 180 yards broadside. He didn't stick around long enough for my hunter to get set up 'though........

[ltdann]

I'll be working. Yay. But; I'm tagged out! Went out the other night to help a fellow hunter and saw one of the two or three biggest bucks I've ever seen on VAFB. 4 X 4 with eyeguards at 180 yards broadside. He didn't stick around long enough for my hunter to get set up 'though........

I'll be talking to YOU, in the morning :)

[asaxon]

Dan - you and Jim have a great hunt. Is your Ariz buddy making it this year? We have just about finished the smoked venison sausage so I have double reason to wish you success. I'm heading to Colorado in early Oct to see if I can find a friendly cow elk that wants to be sausage (and steak etc as well). This will interfer with the first few weeks of lobster season but I should be able to get some before we go back to VAFB to chase the elusive Dale Earnhardt Racing Pig. Again, have a great hunt.

[ltdann]

Dan - you and Jim have a great hunt. Is your Ariz buddy making it this year? We have just about finished the smoked venison sausage so I have double reason to wish you success. I'm heading to Colorado in early Oct to see if I can find a friendly cow elk that wants to be sausage (and steak etc as well). This will interfer with the first few weeks of lobster season but I should be able to get some before we go back to VAFB to chase the elusive Dale Earnhardt Racing Pig. Again, have a great hunt.

Thanks so much. i'll give a report if/when your successful.

[Phil80]

Well got my membership to the gun club. Pulled the 1187 out sighted down range only to see the reticle is sideways. Got my rifle but man the shotgun areas are empty. May run to big 5. If anyone is at fam camp swing on by during the weekend.

[brallen1969]

7238672387

My son TJ got both these bucks Sunday over on South Base. I guess you can say it was a good morning.

Brad

[rooster85]

Love that deep fork. Were they back to back shots or what?

[myfriendis410]

Be aware: the base is pounded with hunters. I'm SO glad I'm not out there........

[brallen1969]

Yes they were, we jumped that 3x2 while getting to the fork and he would not go away. He just milled around, and since my son plays high school football and time to get out is always an issue, well lets just say we doubled our work.

[brallen1969]

I have been out a lot lately, and I always go as far from the roads as I can so lots of hunters usually does not affect my hunts. I have one more tag and am waiting for the big ones to start pushing the does. I have seen lots of small forks and spikes pushing so the heavy rut is close. I hope it happens before Sunday, the rut around here is weird sometimes. Good luck everyone and kill those mature bucks.

[Phil80]

I have yet to bag one missed shot on Sunday. Slept in today hopefully tonight place has been packed! Here's hoping

[myfriendis410]

I have been out a lot lately, and I always go as far from the roads as I can so lots of hunters usually does not affect my hunts. I have one more tag and am waiting for the big ones to start pushing the does. I have seen lots of small forks and spikes pushing so the heavy rut is close. I hope it happens before Sunday, the rut around here is weird sometimes. Good luck everyone and kill those mature bucks.

I've got news for you: the rut is on hard! We were seeing lots of really nice bucks, head down and lips curled; chasing does. Big forkies, three points and one four point with eyeguards. They're working the does, so keep at it. Find those odd corners nobody thinks of to hunt. If you have a bow; get in to an archery only area. One of my buddies shot a nice forkie last night----with a RECURVE! Outstanding!

[1withthewoods]

72416
One fork down, lots of smaller forks passed on. Saw a couple really nice bucks, north and south base. I missed a dandy in c1 and had a nice three point pushed out by others. My buddy dropped the fork in c3 he was rutting hard grunting and chasing does at ten in the morning. I tried rattling and bleats thinking it would be good but no luck.

[Phil80]

72457

Got him around 1800 in B-5. Dressed to 110 pounds. Lost a leg though was shot bloody. My second deer and first buck. Pretty happy. Learned a lot about the base from some retired guys at fam camp.

[brallen1969]

Got this 3x3 yesterday

72476

[jaimeb831]

Congrats on the awesome buck. What area?

[brallen1969]

Congrats on the awesome buck. What area?

Found him in C3 above the camp grounds.

[jaimeb831]

Awesome, you and your son did an awesome job. I'm still stuck in afghan. I was hoping for G11 to stay open longer for bucks. Next year I guess.

[myfriendis410]

Very nice! What did he weigh?

[brallen1969]

Very nice! What did he weigh?

Thanks.....I think he was on the no carb diet, he was only 115lbs, but the other 3 pointer I killed was 155.

[brallen1969]

Awesome, you and your son did an awesome job. I'm still stuck in afghan. I was hoping for G11 to stay open longer for bucks. Next year I guess.

Thank you, hey remember that Nov 24 through Dec 9 you will be able to hunt bucks again. So if you are home, go kill that bomber buck for your wall.

[bhoops1]

I live in Orange County and need a partner to hunt Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). I primarily bow hunt, but also rifle hunt, and have a shotgun. I can access the base and I can bring 1 additional person (non-military) with me. You need to purchase a base license (good until June 31). Send me a message if interested. 25 yrs old, have a truck w/ 4x4.