Bird hunting in Lassen County Lassen County holds so many great outdoor opportunities it’s hard to keep track of them all. If hunting or fishing is the reason for your visit, you have come to the right place. The bird hunting in Lassen County is epic. The arid high desert habitat is perfect for birds like chukar, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese, and if big game is what you’re after, some of the biggest and best mule deer and pronghorn can be found here. Whether you wish to experience the hunt on your own by exploring local public lands, or hire a local guide who can take you into all the secret spots, the area has it all. In terms of secret spots, local guides Howard Hanlon and Jim Brown know a few. The cool thing is they like to share. The duo
started “Hunting Buddies” — a hunting club located in Litchfield, Calif. — approximately four years ago, and have been hunting together for more than 20. The “little slice of heaven” as Brown refers to it as, is located on approximately 200 acres of land watched over by the majestic face of nearby Thompson Peak. Willow Creek carves a flowing swath through the club’s sage and tall grass landscape and coupled with a pair of good hunting dogs, the place offers an unforgettable experience every time. The club is open from October 1 through March 31 and caters to parties large or small. Anyone with a hunting license and the appropriate hunter’s safety certificate can hunt chukars or pheasant with the pair.
SO WHAT’S THE PLAN? — Hunting buddies Jim Brown, left, and Howard Hanlon discuss their approach when hunting a male pheasant, known as a rooster. Thompson Peak can be seen in the background. Photos by Brian Taylor
Lassen County Visitors Guide 2012-13
Oh, don’t worry — if you aren’t equipped with a highly-trained German Shorthair Pointer, they will let you hunt with theirs. According to Brown, Hunting Buddies offers the best hunting package deals in California with 20-bird pheasant cards for $400, 20-bird chukar cards for $260 and 20bird pheasant hunt; plus room and meals for two-to-four hunters at the Diamond Mountain Casino for $490. This fall the pair will be offering a “cast and blast” package in conjunction with Quail Lodge at Lake Almanor. The buddies have equipped the property with a sweet little wall tent, industrial barbecue and a horseshoe pit so after a long day in the field you or your group can just chill out. “We have plenty of space for folks to bring their RVs,” said Brown. “Hunting Buddies can entertain all groups, large or small, private or corporate. We can also provide meals upon request. Call Brown at (530) 251-7623 or Hanlon at (530) 251-7317 for more information. If you are looking for the ultimate unguided hunting experience, or wildlife viewing, look no further than the Honey Lake Wildlife Area. Hunting options include Rabbits, ducks and geese, coots, moorhens, snipe, pheasants, quail, and dove, which are all permitted in season. The wildlife viewing and bird watching are excellent at the wildlife area. Opportunities to see hundreds of migratory and nesting waterfowl, birds of prey, and passerines, sandhill cranes, beavers, pronghorn, and deer await you. From Susanville, proceed east on Highway 395 approximately 20 miles; at Mapes Road turn right, and proceed 3 miles to DFG Road; turn east for 1.5 miles to the DFG office. For more information call (530) 254-6644. ❖
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