Quick Tips
- This is a low human-density area of the state. Services can be limited; carry gas and water
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Zone X-5b is located in portions of Lassen County in the northeast portion of the state bordering Nevada, north of Honey Lake.
This is a low human-density area of the state. Services can be limited; carry gas and water.
Terrain
Zone X-5b covers a large geographic area. The terrain can be very steep and rugged and vegetation can be extremely dense. The weather in this region is highly variable so be prepared. The weather is usually quite hot and dry, but early storms are not uncommon. Snowfall will be a rare occurrence with these storms but heavy rains can make many roads very difficult, if not impossible, to travel. You should be prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment for a variety of weather conditions.
Roughly 933 square miles
74% public land
Elevations range from 5,000 – 7,900 feet
Vegetation
The vegetation is highly varied throughout Zone X-5b ranging from low sage, sagebrush, bitterbrush and aspen to juniper habitats. This is a high desert environment with lots of open country available for extended glassing.
Cheatgrass is becoming a problem as it moves in quicker than the native sagebrush can regrow itself after a wildfire event. Cheatgrass has no nutritional value for deer further adding to the population problems in the high desert areas of the state.
Access
Zone X-5b contains a mixture of both public and private lands. Public lands within Zone X-5b are administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
There are extensive tracts of public lands with excellent access in Zone X-5b. The primary roadway in Zone X-5b is U.S. Highway 395. Many Lassen County and BLM roads branch off of U.S. Highway 395; providing excellent access to public lands.
Dirt roads in this area can become problematic after storms. Prepare for self-extraction for your vehicles in a safe environment without trees to anchor your winch to. Carrying a deadman anchoring device and shovel to create a winch/come along anchor is not a bad idea.
Camping and Lodging
Campgrounds are limited within Zone X-5b with only two BLM "improved" campgrounds near the hunt area at Rye Patch Springs (two miles east of U.S. Highway 395, nine miles south of Ravendale) and at Dodge Reservoir (off of County Road 506, 27 miles northeast of Ravendale). Most campgrounds are clearly marked on BLM maps. Camping outside of designated campgrounds is usually permitted on BLM lands. However, during fire season special regulations may apply and it will be necessary to obtain a fire permit from the BLM.
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