The Wild Turkey Harvest in San Diego County
The San Diego History
In 1993 approximately 230 wild birds that were a mix of two subspecies the Rio Grande (M. g intermedia) and the Eastern (M. g. silverstris), were released in different areas of San Diego County back country by the California Department of Fish & Game and some dedicated volunteers MORE INFORMATION & HISTORY (pdf format).
DFG Forms & DFG Guide to Turkey Hunting
The California Department of Fish and Game form “FG 994 (7-72)” is one of those little things that you may wish to have a few of in your car or truck when you’re out scouting or just driving about in the off season and spot some birds. Boy O Boy it dose pay to have written permission when your hunting on someone’s land. Matter of fact, it can save you a hefty fine and or a court appearance.
Here is where to get it: DFG form FG994
Print some up and put them with your maps & GPS. You never know when an owner will give you the OK. Oh Ya, don't forget the pen and if you get one signed 'Get it Copied and Laminated'. So, when you carry it in the field, it dose not get all sweaty and fall apart. Hey, do not forget to add your hunting buddy's name to the document before it is signed. They may just put your name on their form that they get signed.
If you ever get to hunt on someone's else's land, please do not forget to pick up your trash (ie - shell casings) and pack it out. Do not forget the owner can revoke the privilege of hunting on their land as well as getting a preconceived disdain for the rest of us.
The DFG Guide to Wild Turkey Hunting
Maps
Why so many maps? – It seems that each agency' maps are specific to their land holdings (Federal vs State vs local City vs local County agencies) and do not delineate other agencies' holdings. This simple fact may cause you access issues. So, it behooves you to have the other agencies maps to ensure you’re at the right place and getting to those places the "Right"(of) way.
Cleveland National Forest
First, here is a good phone number to have on hand. It is the Cleveland National Forest Supervisors Office number, which is 1-858-673-6180. Why? This phone number has updated information about road closures that will not be on the maps. It is a good thing to check the day before you go driving out to your “favorite” spot.
Another quick point to bring up is the “Adventure Pass”. In some areas of the forest it may be require to display an “Adventure Pass“ in your parked car. Ya, it’s no fun to come back to a ticketed (or towed) vehicle. Sure, it is another expense that many of us do not wish to or can bear. So, what are you going to do? (We will discuss this later.) Check out this site to be sure your covered. Areas with US Forest Services Recreation Fees.
Comment: We like the fold-out & coated one which is easy to pack/carry & you can see larger areas all @ one time – It can be cumbersome and Ya , you can’t see through it when driving.
Comment: It is also easy to pack/carry & but the over-all view is obviously lost and turning pages while driving is as lame as “texting” while driving.
You can easily buy the maps on line or by phone. Employees and volunteers from the Cleveland National Forest have come to our San Diego Chapters “Turkey Tune Up” held at Lake Sutherland for the last few years (One stop shopping!) to sell the maps and to provide information about the forest.
Cleveland National Forest
United States Department of Agriculture
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200
San Diego, Ca 92127-2107
858-673-6180 – Follow the phone tree
You can reach a customer service specialist during our business hours by calling them @ 406-329-3024 & or check out their on line sites at; MAPS US Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management
BLM maps another good investment. We suggest you have the Borrego Valley and El Cajon maps which encompass a large portion of lands the Wild Turkey now inhabits. The maps are inexpensive and easy to purchase but don’t hold up to well to too a hot cup of coffee.
Check out their maps and how to order information at: MAPS BLM Consider the; San Diego, El Cajon, Borrego Valley & El Centro maps to start.
Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/iac/Northern_Map.html
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way Suite W-1623
Sacramento, CA 95825-1886
916-978-4400
California Department of Fish and Game
Nice and easy, but it sure would be nice to have the longitude and latitudes of the boarders delineated. You may want to check out the areas with your GPS prior to hunting. The maps are on line so you can print and compare the on line information your other maps. The Ecological Reserves and Wildlife Areas have different regulations that I advise you familiarize yourself with.
DFG Ecological Reserves - Boden Canyon
DFG Wildlife Area - San Felipe Valley
Just as a note if your just getting started, it would be wise of you to get involved with a group like the National Wild Turkey Federation – San Diego Chapter and put in the time. Most hunting outdoors groups and their membership are not going to give up their spots they been working on for months just because you show up to a meeting the week before the season opens.
I also have a small magnifying device with a built battery operated light and compass by “UltraOptix” that comes in handy for me when I'm reading the maps. Ya, I know, the eyes are the 1st thing to go.
Our last suggestion is to have a “The Thomas Guide” by RAND McNALLY in your vehicle http://www.randmcnally.com/ as well as your GPS.