My Son’s First Trip to Christmas Valley

[kmk1012]

Just finishing packing up and headed out tomorrow morning. Hoping for a good trip, he's never hunted before but at 13 years old is ready. The travel trailer will be loaded heavy with our gear and my good friend with his son's gear too, hope the 935 ft/lbs of torque will handle the hills, LOL. Eating at the Cowboy Dinner Tree Friday eve, first time there as well. Wish us luck, pics to come!

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[Howard1955]

Good luck!

 

[solv3nt]

What are you hunting for?

 

[Unka-Boo]

Nice!!

Took my son out when he turned 12:

 

[kmk1012]

What are you hunting for?

This is my favorite part of this once great state, hunting is going to be a bonus. I used to hunt sage rats here a couple decades back with tremendous luck but it has been dismal the last ten years or so, I really don't care. We are just looking for time away from reality for some R&R. My friend is bringing a predator call though, I've never used one so if we can call in some coyotes that would be fun. Rabbits have been sparse for years too but who knows, this may be the year for an uptick. It's been several years since my cancer surgery and my first time able to go back to my favorite place, any hunting will be a bonus.

 

[kenboy]

Have a great time. Can't wait to hear the stories!

 

[SCannon]

This is my favorite part of this once great state, hunting is going to be a bonus. I used to hunt sage rats here a couple decades back with tremendous luck but it has been dismal the last ten years or so, I really don't care. We are just looking for time away from reality for some R&R. My friend is bringing a predator call though, I've never used one so if we can call in some coyotes that would be fun. Rabbits have been sparse for years too but who knows, this may be the year for an uptick. It's been several years since my cancer surgery and my first time able to go back to my favorite place, any hunting will be a bonus.

Coyotes should be good this time of year, use the pup distress call, that should bring them in. I Ike the distressed house cat one too. Had a cougar come in on a Coyote set a couple years ago using that, east of the lost forest

 

[John Gault]

Did you get a reservation at Cowboy?
Last time I checked they were booked months out...

 

[kmk1012]

Did you get a reservation at Cowboy?
Last time I checked they were booked months out...

6:30 tomorrow, first time I remembered in twenty years!

 

[kmk1012]

Coyotes should be good this time of year, use the pup distress call, that should bring them in. I Ike the distressed house cat one too. Had a cougar come in on a Coyote set a couple years ago using that, east of the lost forest

Will give it a try, thx

 

[Stomper]

What are you hunting for?

Hunting in Christmas Valley? My guess is hunting mutant reindeer and those twisted elven wannbe dentists who hug them.

 

[solv3nt]

Hunting in Christmas Valley? My guess is hunting mutant reindeer and those twisted elven wannbe dentists who hug them.

View attachment 1412764

That is such a creepy movie.

 

[RVTECH]

That is such a creepy movie.

Xmas Valley has become a creepy place.

Living in LaPine I see many 'residents' of it....

 

[solv3nt]

Xmas Valley has become a creepy place.

Living in LaPine I see many 'residents' of it....

I stayed in the trailer park last summer, it wasn't as bad as my stay in Lake Goodwin, Washington.

 

[Spitpatch]

Christmas Valley was one of the "land scams" in the 50's-'60's, with magazine advertisements showing "Florida-esque" scenes of boating, swimming, etc. in order to sell the parcels.

When I went there regularly in the '70's and '80's, the "city blocks" (of dirt roads in grid-pattern) were evident, along with weather-beaten, broke down street signs of paradise-like names. Jackrabbits the only residents.

Everytime I hear the U2 song "Where the Streets Have No Name", I think of Christmas Valley.

The Silver Lake Cemetery is a worthwhile visit, where you can see numerous headstones with the same date, including women and children. The whole town burned to the ground at one point (I believe it was on Christmas day?) , with heavy casualties.

Fort Rock formation is worth seeing as well. Some of the earliest evidence of ancient Bering Land Bridge migrants was found there (sandal/moccasins).

As to Coyote calling, the very first rule is DON"T DO IT HALF-AZZ! Take all precautions in selecting location and approach, utilize all camo/cover/concealment available. It's kind of like getting your vehicle unstuck: Your first effort has to be your VERY best. If you neglect this rule, you might as well just hand out diplomas to the Coyotes.

I envy you, and the boy will be forever wanting to go back.

 

[kmk1012]

Christmas Valley was one of the "land scams" in the 50's-'60's, with magazine advertisements showing "Florida-esque" scenes of boating, swimming, etc. in order to sell the parcels.

When I went there regularly in the '70's and '80's, the "city blocks" (of dirt roads in grid-pattern) were evident, along with weather-beaten, broke down street signs of paradise-like names. Jackrabbits the only residents.

Everytime I hear the U2 song "Where the Streets Have No Name", I think of Christmas Valley.

The Silver Lake Cemetery is a worthwhile visit, where you can see numerous headstones with the same date, including women and children. The whole town burned to the ground at one point (I believe it was on Christmas day?) , with heavy casualties.

Fort Rock formation is worth seeing as well. Some of the earliest evidence of ancient Bering Land Bridge migrants was found there (sandal/moccasins).

As to Coyote calling, the very first rule is DON"T DO IT HALF-AZZ! Take all precautions in selecting location and approach, utilize all camo/cover/concealment available. It's kind of like getting your vehicle unstuck: Your first effort has to be your VERY best. If you neglect this rule, you might as well just hand out diplomas to the Coyotes.

I envy you, and the boy will be forever wanting to go back.

I've been going there over twenty years now, he's finally old enough to join the boys. We're about 20lbs from pulling out and headed East

 

[SCannon]

Check out the crack in the ground, grew up going there and been taking my kids there since they were born (seriously we camped out there with a 3 month old).

 

[MTpockets]

Don't let those rabbits get near your cookies...

 

[Unka-Boo]

Have fun...and report back, Im headed there in a couple weeks

 

[slingshot1943]

I if you have a dog try to not let the coyotes get it!