California Condor Eben McMillan 3 August 1963 About daybreak automobiles, Jeeps - pickups and Tote-gotes came, went, and took to the forest and hunters could be seen moving in every locality. I remained in my bag until sunrise, partially because it was quite cool and partially as a protective measure against being shot in the light of early dawn. One of the hunters in a pickup that passed by, spotted me in my bag and said in loud tones to his fellow hunters: "that feller says to Hell with the deer". Very few shots were heard in the general area of Thorn Meadows before 7:30 A.M. After this time shooting increased until one could no longer count the number of shots being fired. Hunters commenced to return to the roadway soon after 7:30 A.M. I hiked to the top of a prominent peak that commanded a general good view of the area. From this point hunters could be seen moving about below, talking among themselves, and shooting at targets. Some shots were heard on the slopes of Thorn Point. I would judge these were from hunters who had hiked some distance from the road and had probably put up a buck deer. I could hear the muttering of Tote-gotes throughout the forest below but none came up the point where I sat. Loose decomposed granite soil made hiking up steep areas difficult. I doubt that any mechanized vehicle could negotiate the steep areas in these mountains. Before 8:30 A.M., vehicles were seen to pick up hunting parties presumably to return them to camp. Hunters were seen working out areas within 100 yards of the road. Two middle- aged men came along the road, on Honda Trail Bikes. One dressed in yellow, the other in red. Each carried a carbine slung over his shoulder. They moved along at a pace that a fast walking person would outdo. They would stop frequently and scan the roadside areas with binoculars. Their movement along this road, that was practically lined with hunters, appeared as if one were watching a satirical skit.