Deer Hunting Classes “How-to First Buck”

06/02/2024

A late update to the 2023 hunting season here in Southern California.

A zone deer season:
This season hit all the emotions. Had several opportunities to make stalks with my bow with many close encounters. I spent much of my time hunting in my bow only areas and was not able to turn up a buck with my bow.

Around mid season my first kid was born so the hunting (almost) came to an end. With updates from a local hiker I was able to slip out of the house for one day on a last chance (gun) hunt. We badly needed the red meat so the pressure was on to say the least. A long hike through cougar territory brought me to an old familiar ridge where I glasses hard through the waning fog. Just before sunrise I spot a couple of smaller deer around 350 yards out. I quickly confirmed one was a legal buck and proceeded to make a move for a closer shot. I krept to just under 200 yards. As soon as I get up to re-spot the deer they are down there looking back at me. I took my first shot in haste and missed as the buck was quartering towards me. I steadied my gripe, calmed my breathing and somehow the buck jumps away about 50 yards and spots broadside and is looking back at me. This time I confidently let my training take over and squeeze the trigger killing the buck.

My a zone season was over. On the last day of season and my last chance to hunt I was able to bring home the meat. So thankful for this meat and the experiences.

D zone season:
Since I had the new baby and managed meat already I was only allowed one hunt out. I did not see any bucks on that day so I ate that tag this year.

Idaho:
We went back to Idaho again this year. Weather did not do what we wanted and it was warm and sunny all trip. We ended up shooting does to make sure we bring home meat. We were also able to aquire permission to hunt turkeys on a locals land near our camp so we all go to fill all of our turkey tags too! A few quail were shot opportunistically on the first day. It was a fruitful trip even though we didn’t get the bucks we were hoping for.

10/08/2022

Closing weekend (A zone bow) excitement!

27/07/2022

*Local Hunter update*
Things are starting to heat up in southern california! Temps are increasing steadily and does are begining to chase off fawns from last year. About half of the deer in this area have gotten hard antlers already, and I saw a buck mount a doe and she let him already. Rut is going to be upside down and long lived this year. Ive seen does with fawns that only look a couple months old and does that are ready to mate again. In addition I spotted the first collared deer (a doe) that I’ve seen in the feild (she had 3 healthy fawns)!

I passed on 2 more A zone bucks this past week in the photos below. Still looking for the elusive 3x4 that I spotted here on a scouting trip. One more go at it this weekend! Fingers crossed!!

20/07/2022

As deer season comes into swing here in Southern California it is time for me to make a few updates. We are in the second week of A zone bow season, so far I have passed twice on the bucks in pics below. Still looking for a big bodied freezer filler.

With cooler than normal temps the deer seem to be much more willing to move around first/last light.

I hope you’re finding what you’re looking for this season!! For more details on how to find success of your own check out our deer hunting classes at: eyeguardoutdoors.teachable.com

30/03/2022

*Deer hunting class discount*

Deer season is coming up and it’s time to start planning and scouting for your next deer hunt! For the next 2 months we are offering a 50% discount for our “Deer hunting part 1” course to help you nail down exactly what you need to do/know coming into your next deer season.

Coupon code is HALFOFF

Check us out at

Providing specialty training and learning opportunities for Outdoor Exploration, Fishing and Hunting. Teaching the skills and tools needed to embark on your own outdoor adventures, subsistence style food procurement and responsible recreation.

17/02/2022

Check out affiliates new YouTube channel. EyeGuard Outdoors with some great content.

This Channel has been established to help new or struggling outdoor recreational-its. We strive to teach legal, ethical, responsible, sustainable and subsist...

25/01/2022

Some fine eats from nature’s pantry.

27/10/2021

A handful of pics from my various harvests this year 2021. It has been a great year so far.

Check us out at our new page EyeGuard Outdoors. We now host classes online through “teachable.com” platform.

20/05/2021

Our hunting classes are now offered through EyeGuard Outdoors. We will be rolling out new classes constantly.

Providing specialty training and learning opportunities for Outdoor Exploration, Fishing and Hunting. Teaching the skills and tools needed to embark on your own outdoor adventures, subsistence style food procurement and responsible recreation.

28/02/2021

Another fine processed meat from field to table.

28/02/2021

Bacon just came out of the smoker. Can’t wait for breakfast!