As common on the opening weekend of the A zone deer season, the temperatures are expected to be in the 90 degree-plus range and only the hardiest of hunters will be able to hunt all day. Most of the hunters will call it quits by noon. Actually, most of the deer will be bedded down in a deep canyon within a couple of hours after daylight. The deer will be concentrated near the available springs and water holes. For deer hunters, water is the gift of life. Most experienced hunters will carry at least two canteens of water. This is especially helpful if you have to pack out a buck in this heat.
The Mendocino National Forest from Upper Lake to Lake Pillsbury will draw most of the hunters. Hunters are being advised to check possible closures to with the Mendocino National. Also, be sure and tell someone where you will be hunting in case you fall and get hurt.
Fishermen will find the bass ae still spawning in many areas and a plastic worm rigged drop shot style can be very effective.
Lake County is known for its abundant wildlife and one of the more common animals is the gray fox. Last month I was at the Lakeside County Park and observed a gray fox walking across the parking lot. The fox approached a trash can near the playground area and jumped into the can looking for food. It came out of the can with several pieces of garbage in its mouth. The fox went to another trash can and jumped into it and grabbed more garbage. It repeated this action with three more cans before running off into the woods. It was quite a sight.
Catfish and crappie are both very active and fishermen have been cashing in on some large fish, The best areas have been along the Nice-Lucerne area. The water is good color. The crappie are schooled and holding at the edge of the weed mats. The best lure is a red-white crappie jig. For catfish, just about any type of bait will do and it varies from nightcrawlers to a piece of chicken.
Upper Blue Lake is producing a few trout for the die-hard fishermen. The lake hasn’t been stocked in a long time but there are still trout in the lake. The bass fishing is very good.
Now is a great time to take a hike to Mount Konocti. Take plenty of water and make sure your cell phone is charged up. Also, now is a great time to take a boat trip on Clear Lake and view the bird life.
