Top Hunting Places in San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino County is a hunter’s paradise — a sprawling region filled with diverse landscapes, from desert valleys and pine-covered mountains to arid basins and high-elevation plateaus. For both novice and experienced hunters, San Bernardino County offers prime locations for big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting across public lands and state wildlife areas. Below, we unveil the top hunting destinations in San Bernardino, complete with species highlights, terrain details, and tips to help you plan your hunting trip.

Big Bear Mountain Area – Trophy Deer and Black Bear Territory

One of the most scenic hunting destinations in San Bernardino, Big Bear Mountain is part of the San Bernardino National Forest and lies at elevations of 6,700 feet and above. This area is home to Zone D-14, a highly sought-after unit for mule deer and black bear hunting.

What You Can Hunt:

• Mule deer (rifle and archery seasons)
  
• Black bear (in designated bear zones)
  
• Coyotes
  

Best Time to Visit: Late September through early November for deer and bear seasons.

Tip: The terrain is rugged, and the weather can shift quickly. Hunters should bring cold-weather gear and study topographic maps for terrain features like ridgelines and bedding areas.

Bighorn Mountains Wilderness – A Rugged Game Haven

Located northwest of Yucca Valley, the Bighorn Mountains Wilderness is a lesser-known gem for serious hunters. It’s remote, vast, and ideal for those seeking a backcountry challenge with real opportunities to harvest.

Species to Target:

• Mule deer
  
• Desert bighorn sheep (by special tag draw)
  
• Gray foxes
  
• Bobcats
  

Access Note: Hiking or horseback entry is required. No motorized vehicles are allowed in designated wilderness.

Why It’s Great: Solitude, abundant glassing opportunities, and high-elevation vantage points make it ideal for experienced hunters.

Holcomb Valley – Ideal for Deer and Predator Hunts

Nestled near Big Bear Lake, Holcomb Valley provides open meadows, pine forests, and steep canyon walls—perfect stalking grounds for deer and predators. The region lies within the boundaries of Zone D-14, well-known for its healthy deer population.

Popular Game:

• Mule deer
  
• Coyotes
  
• Mountain lions (with proper permits)
  

Seasonal Highlights: Mule deer rut in late October—perfect for spotting bucks during rifle season.

Pro Tip: Use predator calls in early morning hours for coyotes. The openness of the terrain makes them easier to locate.

Deep Creek Area – Challenging and Rewarding Backcountry

For seasoned hunters looking for an elevated hunting experience, Deep Creek offers steep canyons, chaparral vegetation, and elusive game movement.

What to Expect:

• Limited pressure due to difficult access
  
• Mule deer and bear habitat
  
• Quail and rabbit hunting along lower elevations
  

Access: A hiking permit may be required for some trailheads. Always check local regulations.

Ord Mountain Range – Desert Game in Open Country

The Ord Mountains south of Barstow are part of the Mojave Desert landscape, offering hunters access to desert-adapted species and wide-open spaces perfect for glassing.

Species Found:

• Jackrabbits
  
• Coyotes
  
• Desert mule deer
  
• Bobcats
  

Advantages: Less foot traffic and more open shooting lanes, making it great for spot-and-stalk hunting.

Bonus Tip: Early mornings and dusk are prime time—carry optics with high magnification for distance spotting.

Arrowhead Area – Quail and Upland Bird Paradise

The forested terrain near Lake Arrowhead is well-known for upland game birds and moderate accessibility. Its proximity to civilization makes it a favorite for weekend hunters.

Species Highlights:

• California quail
  
• Eurasian doves
  
• Cottontail rabbits
  

Hunting Methods: Shotgun with birdshot. Early morning and post-rainfall hunts yield the most success.

Local Insight: California quail often congregate near oak groves and water sources—listen for their distinctive calls.

Joshua Tree Wilderness Borderlands – Remote and Raw

While the Joshua Tree National Park itself prohibits hunting, surrounding BLM-managed areas offer legitimate opportunities to hunt near park boundaries. The open desert, rocky slopes, and washes are prime coyote territory.

Target Species:

• Coyotes
  
• Jackrabbits
  
• Bobcats
  

Key Advantage: Vast terrain with minimal public interference, especially during weekdays.

Reminder: Double-check maps and avoid crossing into park boundaries where hunting is prohibited.

San Bernardino National Forest – Multi-Species Opportunities

Spanning over 800,000 acres, the San Bernardino National Forest includes numerous hunting zones, including D-14 and D-19, offering both mountain and lowland ecosystems.

Game Options:

• Black bears
  
• Deer
  
• Upland birds
  
• Wild turkeys
  

Seasonal Access: Some forest roads close during winter, so check with the U.S. Forest Service before planning your route.

Useful Advice: Focus on water sources during drought years. Game will often cluster near ponds, creeks, and springs.

Lake Havasu BLM Lands (Eastern Edge)

On the border of San Bernardino and Arizona, the BLM-managed areas near Lake Havasu provide open desert hunting for predators and small game.

Game Found:

• Jackrabbits
  
• Doves (mourning and white-winged)
  
• Coyotes
  

Ideal Conditions: Best during September for dove season and early spring for predator calling.

Safety Note: Carry plenty of water—temperatures can be extreme.

Hunting License and Regulations in San Bernardino

Before heading out, ensure you’re compliant with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations.

Requirements:

• Valid California hunting license
  
• Appropriate tags for deer or bear
  
• Upland game bird validation (for quail/doves)
  
• Bear tag and compliance with non-lead ammunition requirement
  

You can obtain licenses online at the CDFW website or from local sporting goods retailers.

Final Thoughts – Hunting in San Bernardino

With its breathtaking topography and access to diverse ecosystems, San Bernardino stands out as one of California’s premier hunting destinations. Whether you're chasing a mature mule deer buck in the mountains, stalking coyotes through desert flats, or flushing quail along forest trails, this county offers something for every type of hunter. Make sure to scout your terrain, understand seasonal road closures and access limitations, and always respect local regulations for a safe and successful hunt.