Carrizo Plains Chimineas Unit Special Hunts 2010

Application deadlines rapidly approaching.

It is time again to apply for special permits to participate in the annual drive-on hunts on the Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve.

Special permits are available for the North Unit (September 2010) and for the South Unit (December and January) for dove, rabbit, quail and wild pig. Walk-in hunting is allowed on the South Unit Wednesday and Saturday between September 1 and September 15 and all of December, January and February. Free walk-in access permits are available at the Feed Lot parking lot and the Caliente Peak Trailhead.

Applications must be submitted according to the following schedule:

“Sept. 12-13, 2009 for dove, pig and rabbit.

Applications must be received by Aug. 13. Include “Attention: September Chimineas Hunt” when addressing an envelope to DFG.This hunt will be held on the North Chimineas Unit.”

The Plains do not exactly abound with wild pigs. If you are looking for a chance at a boar, get a permit for the North Unit in September. Because of the heavy winter rains we have had a nice desert bloom and the food supply is much better than in past years. The wild pigs are mainly on private ranches in the area. They are however transiting the North Unit.

“Dec. 12-13, 2009 for dove, quail, pig and rabbit.

Applications must be received by Nov.12. Include “Attention: December Chimineas Hunt” when addressing an envelope to

DFG. This hunt will be held on the South Chimineas Unit.

“Jan. 9-10, 2010 for, quail, pig and rabbit. Applications must be received by Dec. 10.

Include “Attention: January Chimineas Hunt” when addressing an envelope to DFG.

This hunt will be held on the South Chimineas Unit.”

Five additional permits for each hunt will be allotted to mobility-impaired hunters. The

application process is the same as for the regular drawings. Applicants should add the

words “Special Draw” on the Attention line.

One application per hunt may be submitted. Twenty-five permits will be drawn for each hunt and

each permit is good for two hunters.

All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the due date at California Department of Fish &

Game, 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA. 93940. Applicants need to submit a

self-addressed envelope and a letter or postcard with the hunter’s name, address, telephone

number, and hunting license number. Applications received late, incomplete, or without a self-

addressed envelope will not be considered in the draw.

Successful applicants will receive additional information, including maps and special regulations,

prior to the hunt.”

Carrizo Plains are not prime wild pig country as mentioned before. You will see more rattlers than boar. But after a rainy winter there should be enough quail and rabbits to make a hunting trip a worthwhile experience.

Habitat conditions are less suitable for wild pigs on the South Unit. However, boar have been taken by hunter walking in near a spring and other watering holes. If you only go places to bag a wild pig, it is not worth the gamble. Yet, if wild pig hunting is a good pretext for adventures in the open wild west, then a trip to Carrizo Plains is worth the money you spend on it.

PJJ