Top Hunting Places in Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California, may be renowned for its coastal charm and urban lifestyle, but for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, the surrounding areas hold some of Southern California’s most thrilling hunting destinations. Whether you’re after upland game, waterfowl, or larger prey, there are several top-tier locations within driving distance from Long Beach where hunting is both legal and rewarding. In this guide, we unveil the best hunting spots near Long Beach, complete with terrain details, species availability, and access tips to help you make the most of every outing.

Cleveland National Forest – Diverse Game and Rugged Terrain

Located about 90 minutes southeast of Long Beach, Cleveland National Forest provides a pristine escape into the wilds of Southern California's backcountry. Covering over 460,000 acres, it is a haven for hunters pursuing:

• Mule deer
  
• Wild turkey
  
• Bobcat
  
• California quail
  

The forest spans Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties and includes zones designated specifically for hunting during regulated seasons. Its steep canyons and oak-studded ridges offer challenging yet rewarding terrain, perfect for those who enjoy stalking or glassing game.

Hunting Tips:

• Best hunting during early morning and late afternoon.
  
• Bring binoculars for long-range scouting.
  
• Mule deer are typically found at higher elevations.
  

San Jacinto Wildlife Area – Waterfowl Paradise

Roughly 90 minutes east of Long Beach, San Jacinto Wildlife Area is one of the most popular waterfowl hunting areas in Southern California. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it spans over 9,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and vernal pools.

Key Species:

• Mallards
  
• Teal
  
• Wigeon
  
• Canada geese
  

This area operates on a draw system for waterfowl hunting during the season, which makes planning ahead essential. Blinds are available, and hunters must adhere to strict regulations regarding shot type and bag limits.

Pro Tip:

• Arrive early for check-in and bring decoys to improve attraction.
  

Angeles National Forest – High Elevation Game Opportunities

Less than 60 miles north of Long Beach, Angeles National Forest is an exceptional hunting destination with a mix of high-elevation pine forests and chaparral-covered slopes. It spans over 700,000 acres and offers access to zone D11.

Game Species:

• Black-tailed deer
  
• Black bear
  
• Mountain quail
  
• Eurasian collared-dove
  

The forest is especially attractive to seasoned hunters looking to hike remote trails and escape the urban sprawl. You’ll find deer during the early archery and general rifle seasons, often grazing near water sources or ridgelines at dusk.

Access Tip:

• A forest adventure pass is required for parking.
  
• Bring topo maps or GPS devices because of spotty cell reception.
  

Imperial Wildlife Area – Desert Hunting Excellence

Situated about three hours southeast of Long Beach, the Imperial Wildlife Area offers a distinctive desert hunting experience. This area includes parts of the Sonoran Desert, providing a stark but striking backdrop for hunting.

Species to Target:

• Doves (mourning and white-winged)
  
• Cottontail rabbits
  
• Coyotes
  

Dove hunting, in particular, is incredibly popular here during the early September season. The fields around the Wister Unit and Finney-Ramer Unit are prime spots for setting up early in the morning.

Essential Gear:

• Lightweight camouflage for hot conditions
  
• Plenty of hydration
  
• Sunscreen and shade hats
  

Tejon Ranch – Premier Private Hunting Club

For those seeking a premium, guided hunting experience, Tejon Ranch is the gold standard in California. Located just two hours north of Long Beach, this a 270,000-acre private ranch is home to some of the most diverse and abundant game populations in the state.

Featured Hunts:

• Tule elk
  
• Wild boar
  
• Turkey
  
• Predator hunts (bobcat, coyote)
  

Tejon Ranch offers both day-use and overnight hunting packages. Because it's privately managed, the population of game is carefully preserved, and the guides are highly experienced.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Trophy-class game available
  
• Luxury accommodations available
  
• Controlled access means less hunting pressure
  

Hollister Hills – Upland Game and Varied Terrain

Approximately five hours north, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area offers access to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where hunting is allowed during designated seasons.

Popular Game:

• Wild pigs
  
• Gray squirrels
  
• Quail
  

This area is especially suitable for wild pig hunting—a growing challenge for California hunters due to their rapid population growth. It's best approached with scouting and tracking skills, as pigs tend to be elusive and mobile.

Tips for Hunting Near Long Beach, CA

 

1. Know Your Zones

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) divides the state into multiple hunting zones, each with its own regulations, seasons, and species availability. Long Beach-area hunters often find themselves in zones D11, D13, and D15.

2. Permits and Tags

All hunters must carry:

• A valid California hunting license
  
• Tags for big game (like deer or elk)
  
• Upland game bird validations (if applicable)
  
• Steel shot only for waterfowl in wetlands
  

Apply early through the CDFW website.

3. Safety First

Always wear blaze orange when rifle hunting and let someone know your location. Hunting in California’s rugged environments requires:

• GPS/Maps
  
• First-aid kits
  
• Layered clothing
  
• Water purification supplies
  

Best Times of Year to Hunt Near Long Beach

 

 

Final Thoughts

Long Beach may be a bustling urban area, but it serves as a gateway to an incredible variety of hunting experiences—from mountain forests and wetlands to open desert and private ranches. Whether you're an experienced sportsman or a weekend hunter, these destinations offer diverse habitats, healthy game populations, and unforgettable scenery.

Plan ahead, scout early, and always follow local laws to ensure a safe and successful trip.