BY JIM NIEMIEC
LEBEC – In just a couple of weeks, waterfowl and upland game bird gunning will come to an abrupt end (Jan. 31). But there are still options that are available here in the southern part of this state and down into Mexico.
While there are not as many upland game bird hunting clubs now in business as there were a decade ago, those that have survived drought conditions, wildfires and the most recent pandemic continue to offer up excellent bird hunting amid a wonderful outdoor experience. The High Desert Hunt Club (661-663-4276) — located on the southeastern edge of the vast Tejon Ranch — will continue to offer its members and their guests some great upland game bird hunting well into the month of March. With prime cover and a vintage hunt lodge, this hunting club offers bird hunters good gunning for prime ringneck pheasant, chukar and Tennessee red quail. This club consists of over 6,400 acres and has 35 hunting fields available with a mix of high sage and other native brush cover. The club is open to hunting Thursday through Monday and excellent lunches are an option for those spending a full day of hunting upland game birds.
There are also a couple of bird hunting clubs along the Central Coast and across the central valley that offer a mixture of released upland game bird hunts with updated information available online.
Now is not too early to think about booking a spring turkey hunt. This season should offer up excellent gobbler hunting based on a good carryover and the lack of hunting pressure this past season. WON hunted with Clint Miller of Miller Bros Expeditions (805-423-5487) during a successful fall turkey hunt. The home ranch, located just outside the rural town of Parkfield, is home to Rio Grande turkey, quail and hogs. During the short fall hunt we spotted no less than 20 toms and there were two groups of mixed hens, jennies and jakes that numbered close to 30 birds each. Most all guides and outfitters report good populations of toms on private ranches that are leased for hunting.
 to find out about recent hog hunts on the more than 300,000 acres of prime hog hunting ranches he has under lease along the Central Coast.</p>
<p>“We have been having a very good season. There are lots of hogs around and hunters are having no problem in killing the hog of their choice. In addition of wild hog hunting, our hunts for a wide variety of exotics are providing some very fine hunting opportunities for new hunters and those looking to add another game species to their trophy room. We still have some open dates for those looking to hunt spring turkey,” said Grant.</p>
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