Hello. I have been living in SoCal for about 5 years and I am just getting into hunting (will be taking my hunter ed class on 2/25). Anyway, I plan on going deer hunting later this year. Since it will be my first time, I thought it might be best go to a hunting ranch (or is it called a lodge?) and have a guide take me out. But I do have a few questions:
1. Are there any SoCal ranches that you recommend?
2. Based on your observation, how successful are hunters in taking deer in California? In other words, what is the probabilty of successfully bagging a deer?
3. What would you consider to be a reasonable price for a trip to a hunting ranch?
4. Once the deer has been taken down, will the ranch prepare the carcass for you or will you have to do it on your own?

Thanks in advance,
NRA4ever