Hey,
First time on SCH! I grew up in southern Orange County and had the Cleveland National Forest as my backyard (not literally) growing up. I mostly hunt quail up by Silverwood Lake, but I took down a pronged horned antelope in New Mexico and have trying to get into deer hunting ever since.
I've always seen deer around Trabuco Canyon and see a buck or 2 almost every year in my parent's back yard. I know D15 isn't the most productive zone and the CNF is pretty overgrown and steep in this area, but I can't help wanting to get out and start scouting to see if it's a possibility.
My first instinct is to scout valley's with food and water near Trabuco Creek, Silverado Trail, or by Ortega Hwy that deer might use to come down from the slopes and into the lower regions looking for water. Look for tracks and the usual signs and set up a blind. I've read about hunting in the area and there isn't much, but most people say its a pain in the ass....
Any advice for a newb? Let me know if you have any questions about the area as well.
Thanks,
Bryan
First time on SCH! I grew up in southern Orange County and had the Cleveland National Forest as my backyard (not literally) growing up. I mostly hunt quail up by Silverwood Lake, but I took down a pronged horned antelope in New Mexico and have trying to get into deer hunting ever since.
I've always seen deer around Trabuco Canyon and see a buck or 2 almost every year in my parent's back yard. I know D15 isn't the most productive zone and the CNF is pretty overgrown and steep in this area, but I can't help wanting to get out and start scouting to see if it's a possibility.
My first instinct is to scout valley's with food and water near Trabuco Creek, Silverado Trail, or by Ortega Hwy that deer might use to come down from the slopes and into the lower regions looking for water. Look for tracks and the usual signs and set up a blind. I've read about hunting in the area and there isn't much, but most people say its a pain in the ass....
Any advice for a newb? Let me know if you have any questions about the area as well.
Thanks,
Bryan