Went out Wednesday to a small property (175 acres), surrounded by large ranches, that was said to abound in yotes, hogs and squirrels. Upon arrival, at a cloudy sunrise, we walked out on a ridge and started our first stand. Shortly, my partner spotted a yote, at the 4 o'clock position, 50 yds out. The yote was sitting, staring intently. As he lined up for an easy shot, partner noticed the yote was nicely framed by the property owners house. That yote got a by. I saw the ears over the top of the weeds as Lucky departed. Continued the calling sequence on the El Cheapo caller and my partner found another yote on his side, shot and missed. Turned out the range was about 350 instead of 200. Tried another stand out at the end of the ridge, nothing. Noticed the rain moving in as we started the uphill walk back. Had a good cariovascular workout getting back to the vehicle. Lots of hog scat on the ridge.

Got back to the vehicle, at the house, as the heavy mist started. A move to have lunch passed resoundingly. After lunch, it was time to check the zero on my 308, in case we found some hogs. Set up a 200 yd target and zeroed the 308. In the best tradition of the hardy, ruggedly independent yote hunter we set up a carefully concealed stand and called in another yote. The clouds made for a virtually cloudless day, almost without shadows. As the yote trotted down the hill if was and almost invisible blur. Another miss, this time by me. Here's a pic of our carefully concealed stand.


As we were driving to the far end of the property a coyote was watching us go by from a position about 75 yds off the road. Of course it dived into the den when we stopped.

couple of weeks ago I was reminded to get a bobcat tag. I didn't, never seen a bobcat in CA. Further down the road a bobcat was spotted, it was moving on with a purpose and we didn't have a tag. Marked that spot for further attention.

the weather appeared to be keeping the squirrels down. I got a good wash job on two rifles. The squirrels weren't entirely down so we helped some get some air miles and relieved others of their anxiety about making it through the winter. One squirrel is presently lighting candle in thanks for good luck and poor marksmanship. We both got two shots at it, within 75 yds, and it got to the burrow unscathed. Next time!



Well, now it's time to work up a different approach for the next visit to the coyotes.

Hey 17, That was a nice looking stand. I like the picnic table type of camouflage you guys were using. The hills look like the Diablo range just East of San Jose.

204Shooter wrote:

Hey 17, That was a nice looking stand. I like the picnic table type of camouflage you guys were using. The hills look like the Diablo range just East of San Jose.

204, you'll be glad to know that I was using a 204 Ruger for my shooting, somewhere east of San Jose, that day.

Heres a pic of my Ruger .204, its the *target* model with the heavy barrel. Definately not a carry gun at 9 3/4 lbs then another pound or two with the scope and bi-pod.
(Bushnell elite 3200 4x12 with a versa pod bi-pod.)
But it sure touches p-dogs with the hand of god!! Makes a fine mess outta them with the 32 gr. Vmax shells.
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A little update. It appears that this nice shooting spot is now in Condor Country. Since three endangered Condors were suspected to have died from lead poisoning, it has been mandated, by the CA legislature, that about a quarter of the state will be a non-lead bullet area. This little squirrel, coyote & bobcat paradise is in that area. Starting 7/1/08, it's non-lead bullets or no hunting in Condor Country. Keep an eye out guys, this could happen to you!

A17Shooter: don't give up your honey spot because of the lead ban; Barnes has some nice 224 bullets, all copper. And, they are accurate!

When I lived in Reno, we drove to Cedarville for squirrel wars, an annual event. The farmers loved it when we came to town. Here the Belden squirrel has multiplied due to the California ban on the pesticide that previously controlled it. All the way from Eagleville to Ft Bidwell, there are many places to help the farmers in their battle against the Belden. Been there?

Handloader wrote:

A17Shooter: don't give up your honey spot because of the lead ban; Barnes has some nice 224 bullets, all copper. And, they are accurate! When I lived in Reno, we drove to Cedarville for squirrel wars, an annual event. The farmers loved it when we came to town. Here the Belden squirrel has multiplied due to the California ban on the pesticide that previously controlled it. All the way from Eagleville to Ft Bidwell, there are many places to help the farmers in their battle against the Belden. Been there?

I'm getting ready to try the "varmint grenade" and probably some other non-lead bullets. While I have other calibers, lack of non-lead bullets for my 17 caliber varmint guns will be annoying as heck.

I've been shooting in the Cedarville/Ft Bidwell/Alturas area since '94. Both for the Squirrel Wars and at other times. Last year the squirrel population was way down. One rancher told me it was due to a serious cold snap that froze the hibernating squirrels in their burrows. I think they'll still be in a recovery period this year. Time will tell.