The Mendocino zone is along the northwestern portion of the state, bordered by the Pacific Coast south of Shelter Cove down to near Boonville, including the cities of Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

Elk in this hunt area are entirely on private property. These lands are open to elk hunting only with the written permission of the landowner. Your elk tag does not give you the authority to enter private property nor is it valid on Private Land Management (PLM) areas that currently harvest elk.

The elevations are not extreme but the vegetation and ravines of the unit can be barriers to an effective harvest. The unit is very beautiful and the coastal weather makes this a nice area to hunt.

The vegetation is very dense throughout the zone ranging from coastal scrub, oak- woodland and hardwood-conifer to dense conifer habitats. This is a moist part of the state and the flora shows it.

U.S. 101 North will open up access to much of this zone with many smaller roadway networks branching off of it.

There are many private campgrounds and hotel lodging in the towns of Fort Bragg and surrounding areas. Another option is remote cabin rentals.

There are state parks along the coast where camping is also possible, but check to make sure they remain open when you go.