Most of the elk in the hunt zone, including all of the elk herds in Monterey and San Benito Counties, occur on private lands. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will provide you with a list of lands which may allow access, usually for a fee, prior to your hunt, but you must obtain written permission from the landowner. There are some National Forest and BLM public lands near the Carizzo Plains.

It's a huge place, mostly wide open nothing, no trees, no cover and little to no water. The elk hang out near or where the food and water are, that is mostly on the private ranches some of which sell tags or hunts for money. This year like always on the Carrizo Plain water will be the key, find a water hole, tank or seep, and the game might be nearby.

There is a good herd in the Carrizo plains area. Although sometimes with pressure they will step over the private property line. Only in San Luis Obispo County has public access.

There are also a number of elk hunting opportunities on public lands in San Luis Obispo County near the Carrizo Plain. If you plan to hunt this area, we recommend that you obtain the road/land ownership map for the Carrizo Plain National Monument prior to your hunt. The map can be purchased from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Bakersfield.

All tag holders are REQUIRED to attend hunter orientation. You will be receiving more information on your hunt, as well as the dates and times for the orientation, by September.

**Collars: Some of the elk within the hunt area have been fitted with radio collars. The data we are gathering is critical to the management of this herd. In the event that you harvest a collared animal, please contact the CADFW to make arrangements to obtain the collar.

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