Alright, it's that time again to apply for the Back Bay/False Cape Hog/Deer Hunt. I was thinkg that if a bunch of guys all apply for the same zone/day we could get 50% drawn and 50% could use the "buddy tag". I got drawn last year and the drop off in kills from days 1 and 2 to day 4 was huge. I seem to remember that zone 6 was very productive last year and I was thinking of applying for the Monday (10/8) hunt as there will be more chance of getting a bunch of people drawn than shooting for the first day.
Take a look http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/quotahunts/#205
and let me know what you think. I will be applying anyway, but it would be fun if a bunch of us could go. I was the only ARCHER last year let alone Trad and was looked upon as a freak.
Never mind, I would love to come back with a pig this year.
Adam
Sounds cool. Do nonresidents need a Va license? Do you know the cost for that license? Where in Va is this?
Non Residents do need a licence, but I have no idea how much that is. The hunt is right down in the SE tip of VA south of Sandbridge on a strip of land adjacent to NC.
Adam,
Do you have a link for the application? I would be interested in this hunt, as might my nephew Chris. Always fun to try new places, might have to bring the sun tan lotion!
Tom here is the link to the game dept.
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/
i'm not sure if you will need the big game license, i wouldn't think so. probably just the small game and archery license.
Tom after reading (should have done that first), since this hunt is in conjunction with a deer hunt you will probably need your big game license as well.
it looks like for a 3 day non-resident hunting license (includes hunting license, big game tags and archery tag) it will run $143. plus the $10. for the Back Bay NWR permit.
if you get drawn you will be able to shoot a deer as well as a hog. you could also go ahead and get the season hunting license for about $40. more and join a few of us Trad Gang members in Bath county for the annual "Rough Mountain" hunt which will be from October 20th through 27th.
No limit on hogs either. Adam, what type of hogs were they? and what size where they? Also, did you notice that the zones were redrawn? Is zone 6 this year the same as zone 6 last year?
Will have my license and cerificate in hand, will be hunting the Valley anyway.Would like to get together with others for this hunt. What additional equipment-boots,clothes,etc.-are used in the hunt? Dry land or marshy?
Thanks for any info.
Adam, HoNeHeJeff and Robtattoo should be down during that time and may want to participate. I will try to contact Bob Walker and see if He/ They are Game for this. Sure sounds like fun.
I'm up for it, I'll be on vacation then. I'll get my license asap. I've never hunted there so it should be interesting.
Adam i have not made this hunt before, what kind of camping or lodging would we be set up with?
what are the chances of every getting drawn? if Jeff & Rob make it with Bob, would they be able to hunt for sure? would hate to see them plan on this hunt and then not being able to hunt.
you can count me in for one or more of the 8-10 dates. that monday the 8th works great.
Da Fatman's in..... :goldtooth:
Hmmm. Monday would mean I'd have to take two days off, Monday and Tuesday, so I can make the 6 hour trip back. I was saving my time off for closer to the rut. Anyone interested in applying for that Saturday 10/6? Maybe we could make it a multiday event.
There's some primitive camping nearby, I think it's a KOA. It's in an area that's mostly rental beach houses that 20-30 years old. I'm not sure but there may be a hotel somewhere in Sandbridge, near the north part 2-3 miles up. If not the nearest hotel will be back towards Princess Anne, about 15 minute drive. Sandbridge is pretty remote from the rest of VA Beach and is where most of the locals go for a day at the beach. I've surfed there a lot but I wasn't looking for a place to stay so I'm not real certain of accomodations.
As for terrain: it's a beach spit with Back Bay on the west side and the ocean on the east side and only maybe a 1,000 yards between, wider at some spots, narrower in others. Depending on how much rain has fallen will determine how marshy it is. There's saw grass, stunted live oaks, greenbrier, sea oats,wild blueberries, BITING FLIES, mosquitoes, ticks, and lots and lots of sand. Think brushy terrain mixed with grasses and low trees. The dune areas are open with just grass and sea oats but they are off limits and won't be visited by deer or pigs. As you get closer to the Bay side it gets thicker and the trees get bigger (12-20' max). The live oaks drop small acorns and will probably be the best bet for hunting. It's a neat area and has wild horses running around on it.
Paleface, for everyone drawn they can bring one buddy to hunt with him so that increases the odds of being drawn if everyone puts in since those not drawn can go as a buddy. Adam, any idea of when the drawing is? If it's far enough in advance HoNeHeJeff and Robtattoo would know of their success and could plan accordingly.
Alright, there seems like a lot of interest.
Chuck, they had a chart of # of Hogs taken on each day and by day 4 there seem to have been around 100 taken (mainly on the first 2 days) I saw them from around 100-300#. As for the zones I don't see any change so it may just be minor. Iwas in Zone 10 last year and it seemed to be the least effective.
Rob, I stayed in a VA beach hotel last year, but this year I would look at staying somwhere in Sandbridge as the Hunt starts early (you have be there around 530am I think) I got drawn first time I think because I stated no preferance for my Day/Zone. You can hunt "standby" and last year only one guy showed up and he got in. I think that hunting the Monday will give us the best chance of getting drawn/hunt sucess, as I think that most people who request a day will take the Saturday, But truthfully I have no Idea what the cahnces are. Also note that you must have a hunters ed cert.
I found out that I got drawn the first week of Sept. so you will have a months notice. If Half of us get drawn then everyone can go, but I am concerned that we might have too many guys trying for one zone. Zone 6 is set to have 10 hunters plus buddys, If it looks like there are over 10/15 guys entering the draw I might suggest some going for zone 5.
Hope that helps, if everyone is OK with zone 6 on the 8th. I will submit my name this week. Also If anyone sees a better zone to go for let us know, I realy don't care where we go.
Adam
I went on a quota hunt at Mason Neck State Park a few years back. It was shotgun only. When the sun came up and I could see around better I thought I was in a pumpkin patch. There was blaze orange every 30 to 50 yards in every direction. I thought it was the most dangerous thing ever put together.
I see this is a firearms hunt too. Will we be over run with gun hunters? Is a treestand a waste of time?
Pumpkin Patch... :scared:
quote:
Originally posted by BigRonHuntAlot:
Pumpkin Patch... :scared: :scared: A few minutes later here come a guy dragging her by the hind leg. She was stretched out about eight feet long.
I got up and went home and I never applied again...whew!
Since this hunt requires a Va Hunters Ed certificate it is going to keep Jeff and Rob from being able to hunt so I don't think Bob and I will make it this time around. We will stick to deer hunting around here I would say... No Pumpkin Patches Here. ;)
I don't think that I saw but one other guy while I was there, they did a real good job of spacing everyone out as they dropped us off. The zone that I was considering is 200+ acres for a max of 20 guys. I would not want to hunt a "Pumpkin Patch" either. I'm allergic to Buckshot!
I did not see anyone with a treestand, the tallest live oak that I saw was about 20' There might be some pines but everyone I saw had a folding stool.
Adam
QuoteOriginally posted by BigRonHuntAlot:
Since this hunt requires a Va Hunters Ed certificate it is going to keep Jeff and Rob from being able to hunt so I don't think Bob and I will make it this time around. We will stick to deer hunting around here I would say... No Pumpkin Patches Here. ;)
Ron, VA recognizes Hunter Ed certificates from all states, you just need to have one from somewhere.
paleFace do you concur?
They state the acreage and how many hunters per zone and it looks not bad. BigRon, does it state a VA safety class or just any safety class? They are going to need a safety class to get a license anyway aren't they?
QuoteOriginally posted by Talondale:
They state the acreage and how many hunters per zone and it looks not bad. BigRon, does it state a VA safety class or just any safety class? They are going to need a safety class to get a license anyway aren't they?
Yes, they will but not many places ask about Hunter Ed. They just sell the tags and collect the $$$.
hey va bowbender i hate guns as well so ya wont geet me in there no way LOL!! :thumbsup: :campfire:
If nobody has any objections to the Zone/Date, I am going to apply today. Don't forget that you can apply more than once if you like, or stay to hunt standby for a second day. Zone 6 Monday Oct 8th.
Adam
Anyone considering the Saturday 6th hunt? I don't think I can make a Monday hunt.
I don't mind doing Saturday at all. My only concern is that it will be harder getting drawn. Let me know what everyone wants to do.
Adam
I can't do Saturday, I'll still be working.
I submitted application for zone 6 on the 8th. Good luck to all.
I am sending mine in today too. Good luck to you too Rob! see you at the beach :archer:
Ron,
Ed and Jeff may not need to have a VA hunter ed certificate/card. Most states will honor the card from another state. They are all based on the same curriculum from the Int'l Hunter Education Association.
Larry
I was was born and raised in VA Beach. I hunted the feral hogs in back bay it's alot of fun , but most of the terrain is pretty flat so U got to be well aware of the shotgun hunters, most of them walk around,so that means they are jumping game and usually taking running shots. My buddy and I have bow killed hogs in there though we were in the in the myrtles along the dunes letting the buckshot boys push us the hogs. I want to say zone 3 but I might be thinking of my favorite on the eastern shore NWR,a great bowhunt U guys should apply for. Never left empty handed there. Good luck and watch out for the cottonmouths at back bay they are thick.
Chuck and Larry, Thanks for the update on the Hunters Ed Info. I think we have everything planned out. :wavey:
regarding the hunters education, virginia will honor a hunter education course from another state. if anyone does not have a hunter ed card you will be able to do an on line course then attend a 4 hour block which can be taught by any instructor. both VA Bowbender and myself are instructors so we should be able to get Jeff & Rob taken care of prior to them getting here in the states. even if they don't do the hog hunt they will need the hunter ed to hunt. that includes small game and or big game.
the monday day will work best for me, but i can make it on what ever date the majority decides.
VA Bowbender and I have put in for the Monday hunt (10/8) zone 6.
I plan on camping overnight Sunday. If anyone wants to join me I also have a big 8 person tent I could bring instead of my pup tent. I'll provide fire to cook with, you provide your own viddles.
:campfire:
I'll bring my 2 blocks and other things for target practice on Sunday.
I'd say that if you have a Thermo Cell unit...don't forget it and if you have a pistol for snake shot bring it too!
:eek:
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/documents/falscape.pdf
http://www.reserveamerica.com/va/False_Cape_State_Park/Campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?subTabIndex=0&agency=VA&parkId=140170
http://www.fws.gov/backbay/refugemap.htm
Take the Thermocell AND bug repellant. Where are you camping Rob? I will be up for that. I'm not sure that they will let you bring a handgun, but I don't remember them checking either.
Adam
well larry we dont have that sort of crap in my country as it is a mans god given right to hunt and i sure as hell would not want to sit one. :readit: anyway i aint never heard of it. never needed one
A preliminary investigation shows that there might not be an opening to camp at False Cape, I'm waiting on a reply. There is Virginia Beach KOA and First Landing State Park ,$44.32,$29.00 respectfully. They are listed as approximately 4 miles away from False Cape. I'll update as I gather more information.
:thumbsup: :archer:
...Rob
4 miles away sounds good. I know that you cannot camp at the park during hunts, besides you have to hike/bike/canoe about 6 miles in to get to ths campsites :eek: Luckly they drive you in for the hunts. I do wish that they would open it up for the full hunting season, I know that the people who work there want it to happen. Count me in for the camping, I can chip in some cash.
Adam
Anyone interested in the Saturday hunt? I'm thinking maybe a multiday hunt, or having single day hunts overlap with a shared day in camp.
Another name to be added to the list. My buddy Dave is off that week and is going to put in for Oct 8th, zone 6 also.
Dave is not a member of Trad Gang.com. He shoots a Black Widow w/aluminum arrows and is an excellent shot. He was very excited to hear about a traditional group going on this hunt. Though it's not like haven't told him about Trad Gang.com before.
So, how many people do we have so far that have actually applied?
1) UK Bowman
2) VA Bowbender [myself]
anyone else? :saywhat:
Here are a few pics I took last year,
Snake Skin
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0238.jpg)
Back Bay on the west side of the area this was real near a bunch of beds and trail through the reeds
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0237.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0236.jpg)
The landscape changes from Swamp in the West to Early Oaks and Pines that grow on small dunes with small swampey areas in between
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0244.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0243.jpg)
And finaly to the beach
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0241.jpg)
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/Adam2698/IMG_0240.jpg)
I hope we get drawn, it is a really great and unique enviroment to hunt.
Adam
I'm going to pass on this Adam. I talked to one of my buddies last night and he was really hoping to bring his daughter to my place on the 6th to get her first deer. The first two weeks of the season I have chestnuts on the ground and the deer just come in herds. I wish they would open a hog hunt in the off season. I'm going to post a thread asking if there are any public land hogs in adjoining states that have off season hunts. Maybe we can do one of those too. I was looking forward to hunting that thick stuff and then swimming in the surf. (Surf and Turf)
What do you think the chances of getting drawn if my father and I apply for zone 6 on the 8th? if chances are pretty good, then we'll apply also but if you don't think we would get drawn then we might go for a different day.
That's fine Chuck. I would still love to get together this fall, your property sounds great!
QuoteOriginally posted by atlatlzoom:
What do you think the chances of getting drawn if my father and I apply for zone 6 on the 8th? if chances are pretty good, then we'll apply also but if you don't think we would get drawn then we might go for a different day.
I would try to get in on the first day. If not in zone 6 then some other zone. After the first day game will be scattered everywhere and become nocturnal.
Adam,
My property does well at the beginning of bow, after that it's just a doe spot, especially after the boom sticks get in the woods. Can be good when the boys are chasing but I usually go elsewhere then and just use the homestead for evenings and other times I can't get away.
You and Rob still interested in maybe floating into a wilderness area for a weekend hunt during Oct?
QuoteOriginally posted by Talondale:
Adam,
You and Rob still interested in maybe floating into a wilderness area for a weekend hunt during Oct?
I'm interested let me know when and I'll try to be there.
...Rob
As far as the days of the hunts goes, they had a chart when I was there last year. The first day was the best, but the second day (Monday) was not that far off due to the fact that there was no hunting on Sunday. The Tuesday and Wednesday were a lot worse, though guys still killed Hogs and Deer. You can apply multiple times, so have at it!
Enjoy the hunt
Adam
How many of us signed up for the hunt?
Adam,
What kind of hunting should I expect to be doing? Would it be better to plan on stalking or set up in a ground blind?
Hi Rob,
As far as I can see it looks like there are about 5 guys who have registered.
I was still hunting last year. Most people seemed to bring folding stools. The terrain varies from marshland to thick brush to open dunes.
Adam
You fellas mind if me and my boy join in? Ive applied for the 10/8 zone 6.
Also, I just moved back to VA. I live in South Chesapeake (Hickory area). Im about 15 miles from Back Bay. I have a pretty good size yard, and a street to park on. Not much room inside, but Id be glad to offer up the yard to camp in, hot showers, and a meal or two! Offer stands even if I dont get drawn.
Here are some pic's of Back Bay. It looks as if zone 7 is a wooded area. I think if we set up in an area near there it would be a good funnel for deer and hog. What do you think?
I sure do hope we get drawn.
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/hunt_zones_BACK_BAY.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/hunt_zones_BACK_BAYareial.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by always89:
You fellas mind if me and my boy join in? Ive applied for the 10/8 zone 6.
Also, I just moved back to VA. I live in South Chesapeake (Hickory area). Im about 15 miles from Back Bay. I have a pretty good size yard, and a street to park on. Not much room inside, but Id be glad to offer up the yard to camp in, hot showers, and a meal or two! Offer stands even if I dont get drawn.
Of course you can join in, the more the better.
Thanks for the invite, I hope we can take you up on it. Good Luck.
Zone 7 looks like it would be very "Marshy" The deer, at least, looked like they tend to bed down in the reeds and move East during the day.
I'm with you Rob if we don't get drawn it will be painfull :mad: , though If everyone else does and I don't I will still go and Hunt standby, I did not see anyone get turned away last year.
Lookin' forward to it and loading up on Thermocell refills :scared:
Adam
QuoteLookin' forward to it and loading up on Thermocell refills :scared:
OH YEAH, I already checked my Thermocell. Now if I could just find those 5 boxes I bought last year I'll be fine.
:knothead:
I'll defer to you on zone 7 but the aerial photo showed trees so I thought of cover for the deer.
How long does it take to get a reply on the drawing?
I have to disagree with you Adam. Zone 7 may get marshy as you near the actual bay but it would be oak thicket until then. Use the new Beta radar map on Weather.com. It's incredible! You can zoom right in to satelite picture quality better than the one Rob posted. The picture they use shows definite wooded area with zone 8 being partially flooded (which isn't unusual after any heavy rain). Great source for pictures. They also seem more recent than most other sources. They have my house during construction which is a little over 2 years ago.
OR follow this link: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=36.640497~-75.912158&style=h&lvl=15&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=2635347&encType=1
Hi Guys,
You might also look at maps.live.com which is the MS Virtual Earth site. The images of your chosen spots look pretty good. I think they are pretty recent.
Wow, Forester just updated my email with the link as you posted that. LOL
The Weather.com uses the same technology as maps.live.
I defer to Chuck, now I look closer it does seem like live Oaks. Either way the funnel looks good. They drop you off along the road so all we have to do is tell them where.
They let me know the first week of Sept. They were real quick
Just wondering how many people ended up applying, and wanted to remind anyone who missed this the first time up, you only have a week left! We should know who got drawn in about two weeks.
My friend Dave and I applied. We're both on vacation that week if anyone has any other plans for hunting that week.
I think that Paleface is putting a Hunt together later that week.
Adam, have the results been posted yet?
Anyone heard anything, I expect to hear soon
Nothing yet.
They email you, if you don't make it I believe. If you are drawn you get a letter, so I am pretty hopefull.
Just spoke with a Game Warden from Back Bay. Seems they have cut bow hunters out of the picture. No bows allowed. Can anyone confirm this?
If a game warden told you that I would say it is probably true. Might try calling the main office or the local office at Back Bay and get telephone confirmation. I wonder what the reasoning behind it is.
I went back and read the rules and it says only shotguns and No Crossbows or Bows allowed. Check it out. Possession of other weapons (rifles, handguns, crossbows, bow and arrow, muzzle loaders etc.) or ammunition other than shotgun slugs and buckshot is prohibited
http://www.fws.gov/backbay/Hunt%20Regulations.htm
It may be that I was the only Bowhunter there (compound or trad). This is an extermination hunt and they may just want shotguns. Who knows. There was nothing in the application that asked what weapon I would be using?. I still havent heard if I got drawn yet, last year I knew by the first week in Sept.
Well DAMN :mad:
If that's the case then I'm dropping out. I don't gun hunt anymore.
Well, that's disappointing.
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your interested in the Quota Hunt program. We appreciate your application for the Back Bay Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, False Cape St. Park Deer & Hog Hunt. We regret that your application was not selected in the random drawing process. We hope you have a safe and successful hunting season this year, and please participate in our Quota Hunt program again next year. If you have any questions please feel free to call Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at 757-721-2412 or False Cape State Park at 757-426-7128 or 3657.
Again, thanks for you interest.
Sincerely,
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park
I guess I wasn't going anyway.
Thats good Rob... Its nice to know we will have a Professional Butcher at the Rough Mountain Hunt. :readit: :bigsmyl: :wavey:
Yep, you are going Rob? I could do with a lesson!
QuoteOriginally posted by BigRonHuntAlot:
Thats good Rob... Its nice to know we will have a Professional Butcher at the Rough Mountain Hunt. :readit: :bigsmyl: :wavey:
Well if that's the case, I'll make some copies of my DVD For you guys & gals. Just in case we kill as many deer as we did squirrels on the Skwerl Hunt. Pale Face most likely has one already if he goes to advanced training at Appomattox for Hunter Ed.
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/cover.jpg)
That Sounds SWEEEEET. :bigsmyl: If'n One of us gets one like you have on the cover will you do the Honors of Cuttin him Up??? :pray: :goldtooth:
Time permitting, yes.
LOL I am looking forward to hunting with you again. I will make sure to bring some of my cubed venison for our upcoming hunt. This is gonna be a good one.
Yes, I think it will be a good one. I still need direction though. You already know what I'm bringing. :bigsmyl:
:thumbsup: :D