The Rickert Ranch, spanning 5,081 acres, is a historic and essential part of the Cow Creek watershed, a key contributor to the Sacramento River Valley's vibrant ecosystem. This family-owned and operated working cattle ranch has been a beacon of conservation and stewardship since the 1950s. Just minutes from Interstate 5 and Redding, California, it combines a rich ranching heritage with a steadfast commitment to preserving its natural resources. SC2 Outdoors is honored to collaborate with the Rickert family in leading the ranch’s hunting and wildlife management program.
The Rickert Ranch plays a vital role in the survival and management of the "Shasta Herd" of Rocky Mountain Elk, working closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor and manage this iconic species. It also serves as critical winter range for migratory California Blacktail Deer and provides year-round habitat for resident deer, ensuring the ranch remains unsubdivided and capable of sustaining these populations. Furthermore, its landscapes of oak savanna, vernal pools, open plains, and pine forests offer ideal habitat for Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Wild Pigs, California Black Bear, California Valley Quail and several species of waterfowl.
The ranch’s waterways include a year-round creek and three seasonal creeks, creating roughly 8.5 miles of riparian and aquatic habitat. Historic water rights further enhance its sustainability, allowing irrigation for hundreds of acres of pastureland that nourish its diverse ecosystems.
SC2 Outdoors and the Rickert family are deeply committed to maintaining the Rickert Ranch as a premier hunting destination in California. Through thoughtful wildlife management, limited hunting opportunities, and sustainable harvest practices, the ranch consistently produces trophy-quality game and provides extraordinary experiences for hunters. This partnership actively upholds the legacy of the Rickert Ranch while ensuring its critical role in wildlife conservation and habitat preservation for generations to come.
2017 Northern California Trophy Blacktail Chris L
The Rickert Ranch has a storied reputation for exceptional California Blacktail Deer hunting, offering a unique opportunity to pursue both resident and migratory bucks. This historic ranch is home to some of the region's finest blacktail genetics, with potential for impressive valley bucks and an influx of migratory deer as the oak foothills come alive during the November rut. The ranch also serves as critical winter range for these migratory deer, ensuring their health and sustainability.
On the Rickert Ranch, we are dedicated to the conservative management of our deer population, allowing bucks to reach maturity and fulfill their genetic potential. Our commitment is to consistently provide clients with opportunities to hunt “Trophy Blacktail Bucks” while maintaining a healthy, thriving deer population. Located in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Deer Management Zone C3, the ranch offers ideal habitat for these iconic deer.
A portion of the ranch, approximately 800 acres, is currently available for General Deer Season. The remainder is enrolled in the Private Lands Management (PLM) Program with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, enabling us to enhance habitat conservation and wildlife management practices while offering exclusive hunting opportunities.
Northeastern CA Bull Zone 305 State Draw Tag | Rob P. 348
The Rickert Ranch, situated south of Shasta Lake in Shasta County, is home to a thriving resident herd of approximately 120 Rocky Mountain Elk. These elk are direct descendants of the original transplant effort, which saw elk introduced to Northern California via railcar as part of a historic reintroduction and conservation initiative.
The ranch supports a year-round population of cows, calves, and younger bulls, but it is during late August, as the fall rut approaches, that the mature, older-age-class Rocky Mountain Bulls migrate onto the property in significant numbers. The combination of outstanding genetics and the opportunity for bulls to reach full maturity contributes to the presence of exceptional trophy animals. Bulls with scores exceeding 380 inches are a testament to the ranch's quality habitat and careful management practices.
Located within the Northeastern Rocky Mountain Elk Hunt Zone, as defined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the Rickert Ranch offers highly exclusive hunting opportunities. Limited General, Apprentice, and Archery-Only hunts are available, with all tags allocated through the California Big Game Draw under Hunt Codes 304, 305, 409, and 411. This structured system ensures sustainable harvests while preserving the elk population's health and vigor.
The Rickert Ranch and SC2 Outdoors is proud to play a key role in the conservation and management of the Shasta Herd. Through meticulous habitat stewardship and collaboration with the CDFW, the ranch contributes significantly to the ongoing success of elk conservation in Northern California. For hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the Rickert Ranch represents an extraordinary opportunity to experience the remarkable legacy and unparalleled quality of California’s Rocky Mountain Elk.
SC2 Outdoors Wild Turkey Rickert Ranch
The Rickert Ranch is an exceptional destination for spring wild turkey hunting, offering prime California habitat for these magnificent birds. With a stable to increasing turkey population, the ranch features several large winter roosts. As spring arrives and the turkeys disperse across the ranch, hunters can enjoy outstanding opportunities to pursue mature toms. We prioritize quality in every hunt, offering only 8 exclusive spring hunts with a strict policy against harvesting jakes.
At SC2 Outdoors, we’re not just turkey hunting outfitters—we’re fanatical spring wild turkey hunters ourselves. Our passion and dedication to the "King of Spring" dictates every aspect of our wild turkey management program. It drives us to limit the number of hunting opportunities, ensuring a quality hunt to those who share our enthusiasm for the thrill of spring wild turkey hunting and those eager to dive into this incredible addiction.
For those pursuing their NWTF Grand Slam, the Rickert Ranch is the perfect place to check off the Rio Grande Wild Turkey subspecies. If you’re working toward your U.S. Super Slam, adding a California State Gobbler from the scenic Rickert Ranch will be an unforgettable milestone. At SC2 Outdoors, we are committed to delivering a truly unparalleled spring turkey hunting experience for the most dedicated hunters.
John B December 2017 Rifle California Wild Boar
The Rickert Ranch is a premier destination for guided California wild pig hunting, boasting a thriving population of wild pigs. With its abundant water sources—including year-round and seasonal creeks, ponds, and springs—the ranch sustains a steady presence of hogs throughout the year. Whether you're hunting with a rifle or a bow, Rickert Ranch offers outstanding opportunities to harvest a wild pig, making it a top choice for hunters seeking success.
We take pride in managing our hunts to ensure that our clients pursue unpressured wild pigs, providing a high-quality and rewarding hunting experience. If you’re looking for a guided hunt with excellent potential, the Rickert Ranch consistently delivers results for passionate hunters.
The Rickert Ranch, stands out as one of our premier hunting destinations, offering a conservatively managed environment designed for a truly rewarding outdoor adventure. Our management philosophy is straightforward: enhance the habitat to support maximum wildlife carrying capacity while practicing selective harvests to promote trophy potential. By limiting the number of hunts, we ensure each client enjoys an exceptional and memorable hunting experience.
If you’re looking for a guided hunt in California, we invite you to explore the opportunities at this premier ranch. We are currently booking hunts for California blacktail deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Rio Grande wild turkey, wild pig, and bear. We have limited opportunity annually on the Rickert Ranch as we always provide our current years clients with "First Right of Refusal" to return the following season. Contact us to check our availability and secure your spot to experience the best of Rickert Ranch!
Rickert Ranch an SC2 Outdoors Wildlife Managed Ranch
Rickert Ranch - Shasta County, California Gallery
