That's where I hunt, so get lost!!!!!

Just kidding , at least about "Get lost".....

I do hunt there.  There are quite a few people on weekends, especially the opener.  However, I always hunted mid week, and it always seemed that I had the place to myself.

As for specific advice, are you familiar with the area, and/or have you been scouting up there yet? 

If you are coming from Hemet, I imagine you'll come in from the north, near Julian?  If so, I hunt deer on the left (East) side of the road, and have done so for 7 or 8 years.  I can tell you, I have never seena turkey there.  BUT, I turkey hunt ont he west side of the road, and see turkey EVERY time I go out. 

Pick any one of the roads that go west from Sunrise highway, get out, and start calling at daybreak.  You're sure to get replies.

Oh, and make sure to get a map.  Lots of private cabins there, so you want to stick to the CNF land within the park.

I will be out there on Sunday morning of the opening weekend.  Been awhile since I hunted the weekends, so I don't know what to expect.  If you see a white 4-runner with a Pittsburgh Steelers license plate frame, be sure to flag me down.

You won't have to worry about getting shot by a shotgun if you are hunting in the recreational area on ML.  There is NO GUNS ALLOWED in the rec area.  I used to hunt with a guy that was actually shot at during rifle (deer) season several years ago but haven't seen anyone toting guns around for quite a while.  Luckily for him, the guys were terrible shots and he was able to make it home alive.

Like Sean said, there are plenty of turkeys around but, they move quite a bit during the season.  (Although appropriately vague, he already gave you some good advice as to areas)  I have never bagged one up there but I also have never been out during the season and not at least seen some.  I believe that the turkeys that are up there are by far the biggest I have seen!  Maybe this is the year for me!

You will also be passing a ton of good turkey hunting land on your way to ML from Hemet.  With your flexible schedule, you might want to check out a few spots during the next two weeks.

I use to hunt the Julian area quite a bit during the opening weekend but that has always been a war zone!  It's ALWAYS better during the week because people like me (that don't have flexible schedules) are not out and the birds can relax a little.

There are quite a few people on "the hill" during the opening weekend but it dies off real quick. With gas prices as they are, I would guess that there will be even fewer this year!

Bottom lines, scout it out before the season, find several spots, (in case someone is in the spot you have chosen to hunt) and be prepare to sit in front of your decoys for a while.

Have fun and be safe!