What other Western States have a reservation system like CA?

Dave3006

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Nov 26, 2019
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I moved from Southern CA to Boise, ID two years ago. I had no idea how good I had it hunting Wister and SJ. Even though I only got a few draws per year, I could always sweatline Wister on a Wednesday and get a spot. The beauty of the CA system is you always have a spot to yourself.

Idaho has WMAs. But, there are no reservations and it is dog eat dog to get a spot. You can hunt the snake river. But, you need a boat. I don’t want a boat and have no place for one. Then, there are multi thousand dollar private clubs.

I’m still glad I moved. I have all my gun rights and it is much less expensive to live. But, CA was way better for duck hunting. It is the only thing I miss.

Does OR, WA, NV, or UT have a draw system similar to CA? Maybe out of State hunting is the answer.
 
I've hunted most the western states and I've said it for years...We have it pretty damn good, when it comes to upland and waterfowling...Only Montana is better, IMO.
 
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learn the game! there are hunting spots all over the place and some are pretty good up there.

A lot of the smaller areas hold for short bursts as birds move in and out. takes time to learn them. small creeks that stay open produce big time when things get frozen. Make friends and sometimes pvt land opens up

Not getting a boat for the snake is a mistake IMHO :) can't get a boat or do not want to are two very different things.

the big boy clubs are frustrating with epic corn planted to feed greenheads, find the public land next to them ( snake river )
 
Reservation systems suck in my opinion there are plenty of spots to hunt in Idaho but you need to do the homework and find them. Don’t get locked in on only hunting the refugees it’s a starting point but way better options out there.
 
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Oregon has a draw system for public land. Like CA it's hit or miss getting a draw. Haven't done it in many years but used to put in for the draw at Umatilla on the Columbia. Might be close to you depending on where you are in Idaho. It can be lights out at times. Shot most of my bands there (3 of 5). This site gives a bit of info and blind results: https://www.fws.gov/mcriver#regulations
 
My friend up there had a boat and we'd hunt the Snake. Got to say; if I lived up there, I'd get a boat. That was so much fun to roam the Snake and we would just duck in some brushy cover, ditch the boat and throw deeks out. Mallards, wigeon and bufflehead galore. He had a private property spot he was able to hunt that was a farm property on the Snake that was a goldmine. He has since lost that property as the old man's kids wanted the money more than the property and sold it when their father died. A real shame. Guess they weren't duck hunters. It also held pheasants that survived a nearby private club and they became wild birds. Damn, that was a great spot! Oh well. Nothing lasts forever. Get out there and do some serious scouting.
 

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