Santa Rosa Island

2008 will mark our 30th year of operation on Santa Rosa Island for Roosevelt elk and Kaibab mule deer. Guess the adage that good times go by fast is true, because it's hard to believe we've been hunting Santa Rosa for that many years.

Santa Rosa Island continues to provide some of the finest big game hunting in North America. While our averages were down a bit over the previous year’s phenomenal numbers, we still had five mule deer over 200 SCI, the highest scoring 209.75, taken by Jon Smith. The top elk scored 311.625, harvested by Ron. The four inches of rain recorded during 2007 was believed to be the second direst season during our time on the island.

Given the number if animals observed to be on the brink of trophy status, we believe with adequate rainfall, the Island herds have great potential in the years remaining. As we work through the final years on the island with the herd reduction requirements, expect some changes to our pricing as well as additional non-trophy hunts added to the schedule. Some of these changes will likely begin with the 2009 season.

We are fully booked on trophy animals for the next four years, but we do receive cancellations on a regular basis, so it never hurts to be placed on a waiting list.

We also donate four hunts to charity events each year. For 2008, we are donating two trophy mule deer hunts. One goes to the California Rangeland Trust and one will be auctioned off at the Safari Club show in Reno. A trophy Roosevelt elk hunt will also be auctioned off at the Safari Club show in Reno, and a management bull hunt gets auctioned off at the Sacramento chapter of SCI. All these hunts are for the 2008 season.

We have also auctioned off five junior buck hunts to five different chapters of the California Deer Association this year. These hunts are for small bucks however is a great opportunity for a parent to initiate their child to the world of big game hunting. These hunts are happening mid December.

Travel to Santa Rosa Island

The cost of the roundtrip airfare to Santa Rosa Island is paid directly to Channel Islands Aviation, our designated charter service. The 2008 fare is $600 plus taxes round-trip per hunter, paid via cash, check or credit card. Due to the size of the aircraft, and for safety reasons, the baggage limit of 50lbs per hunter will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. No exceptions! We get some feedback about the cost of this flight, but there’s not much we can do. We are fortunate to have a charter service that is dependable for flights to the Island. People often inquire about boat service to the Island, but logistically, it does not work out, and the 30 mile ride across the open Channel can leave the most sea-worthy individuals a bit green around the gills. If you plan to leave early or would like to have your meat leave the island the same day as you, you may purchase an exclusive flight for an additional charge of $865 plus taxes. Most clients choose to split this cost amongst others on the trip.

Lodging near the Los Angeles International Airport:

Sheraton Gateway at LAX (310) 642-1111 Located at LAX
Crowne Plaza, Los Angeles (310) 642-7500
(888) 315-3700		 Located at LAX
Radisson Hotel (310) 760-9000
(866) 629-1916		 Located at LAX
Courtyard by Marriott Marina Del Rey (310) 823-2996
(877) 627-7478		 Located approximately four Miles from LAX

 

Lodging near the Camarillo Airport:

Hampton Inn & Suites (805) 389-9898 Located directly across the street from the Camarillo airport. If you mention that you are flying with Channel Islands Aviation, you will receive the special rate of $99 a night.
Best Western Camarillo Inn (805) 987-4991 1 Mile from the Camarillo airport
Comfort Inn (805) 987-4188 Located on Ventura Blvd.
Country Inn & Suites (805) 983-7171 Located on Del Norte Road
Courtyard by Marriott (805) 388-1020 Located on Verdugo Way
Days Inn (805) 482-0761 10 Minutes from airport
Good Nite Inn (805) 388-5644 Located on Ventura Blvd.
Holiday Inn Express Camarillo (805) 485-3999 Located on E. Central Ave.

 

Shuttle Service:

Prime Time Shuttle (818) 901-9901
Super Shuttle (800) 258-3826
Roadrunner Shuttle (800) 247-7919