Top Hunting Places in San Diego, California

San Diego, California is a premier destination not only for sun and surf but also for exceptional hunting opportunities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and diverse inland ecosystems, this Southern California city offers year-round game, diverse habitats, and well-managed public and private lands for seasoned and novice hunters alike.. In this guide, we unveil the top hunting spots in and near San Diego, covering what to hunt, where to hunt, and what to know before heading out.

1. Cleveland National Forest – A Wild Hunter’s Paradise

Cleveland National Forest stretches across 460,000 acres of rugged terrain and is one of the best-known public lands for hunting in the San Diego area. With elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 6,000 feet, hunters can expect everything from dense chaparral to pine-covered ridges.

Game Found:

• Mule Deer (Archery and Rifle Seasons)
  
• Wild Turkey (Spring and Fall)
  
• Quail (Gambel’s and California)
  
• Coyote and Bobcat
  

Why It’s Great:

• Expansive area with multiple access points
  
• Primitive camping permitted in many zones
  
• Controlled by USDA Forest Service with maps and guidelines available
  

Tips:

• Always check for fire restrictions and seasonal closures
  
• Use GPS or offline maps, due to limited signal coverage
  

2. Otay Mountain Wilderness – Rugged and Remote

Located east of Otay Lake, the Otay Mountain Wilderness offers hunters a challenging terrain loaded with chaparral, steep slopes, and rocky canyons. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area is renowned for its elusive mule deer population and wide-open shooting lanes.

Game Found:

• Mule Deer
  
• Mountain Lion (with specific tags)
  
• Rabbit
  
• Predators
  

Why It’s Great:

• Over 18,500 acres of rugged terrain
  
• Border proximity means less foot traffic
  
• Ideal for spot-and-stalk hunts
  

Tips:

• Access is restricted in some parts—check BLM maps
  
• Best visited in early mornings or late afternoons for cooler temperatures
  

3. San Diego Hunting Clubs and Private Ranches

San Diego County boasts several private hunting clubs and ranches offering access to controlled environments for those looking to skip the public land hassle.

Top Spots Include:

• My Country Club – Offers guided hunts in Palomar Mountain for deer, wild turkey, and more.
  
• Highland Hills Hunting Ranch – Located near Santa Ysabel, offering upland bird hunting experiences with stocked pheasant, quail, and chukar.
  

Game Found:

• Pheasant
  
• Chukar
  
• Turkey
  
• Axis and Fallow Deer (at select exotic game ranches)
  

Why It’s Great:

• Guaranteed game sightings
  
• Lodging, guides, and meals included
  
• Great for beginners or group outings
  

Tips:

• Book in advance—spots fill up quickly during peak seasons
  
• Ask about license requirements, even on private land
  

4. Lake Henshaw Area – A Hidden Gem for Upland Bird Hunters

Lake Henshaw and its surrounding lands are tucked between Palomar Mountain and the Santa Ysabel Valley, offering a lush hunting zone particularly known for upland birds and small game.

Game Found:

• California Quail
  
• Dove
  
• Rabbit
  
• Occasional Deer Sightings
  

Why It’s Great:

• Proximity to water attracts plenty of birds
  
• Surrounding tribal lands offer additional hunting opportunities (with permission)
  
• Less rugged than Otay or Cleveland—easier hikes
  

Tips:

• Watch for private property boundaries
  
• Use bird dogs for the best upland experience
  

5. Carrizo Creek and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – For the Adventurous

Bordering the Imperial County line, Carrizo Creek and nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide a different flavor of hunting with wide desert vistas and hidden canyons. Game is scarcer, but the experience is unforgettable.

Game Found:

• Coyote
  
• Jackrabbit
  
• Occasional Bighorn Sheep (non-huntable, protected)
  
• Dove and Quail
  

Why It’s Great:

• Ideal for predator hunting and long-range shooting
  
• Remote and rarely crowded
  
• Excellent stargazing and camping experience
  

Tips:

• Bring plenty of water and prepare for heat
  
• Always carry a physical map—GPS can fail in the desert
  

6. Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve – Educational and Upland Bird Focus

Located in the Dulzura area, this California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reserve offers upland bird hunting opportunities through a controlled access system. It is also used for conservation education, making it ideal for young or new hunters.

Game Found:

• Pheasant
  
• Quail
  
• Rabbit
  

Why It’s Great:

• Managed by CDFW with specific hunt days
  
• Great for beginner hunters and youth mentorship
  
• Educational signage and facilities
  

Tips:

• Permits required through the CDFW reservation system
  
• Limited hunting days—plan ahead
  

7. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area – Deer and more

Located north of Julian, the San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area spans more than 17,000 acres and serves as a migratory corridor for deer and other species. This zone is especially popular during archery deer season.

Game Found:

• Mule Deer
  
• Wild Turkey
  
• Coyote
  
• Gray Fox
  

Why It’s Great:

• Easily accessible from Highway 78
  
• Diverse elevation and terrain
  
• Well-regulated by CDFW
  

Tips:

• Expect cooler temps due to elevation
  
• Good binoculars and camouflage are essential for spotting deer
  

Hunting Licenses, Tags, and Regulations in San Diego County

Before heading out, every hunter must obtain the appropriate California hunting license and tags, which vary by species and region. You can purchase licenses through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or authorized retailers.

General Requirements:

• Hunter Education Certificate (for first-timers)
  
• Zone-Specific Deer Tags
  
• Upland Game Bird Validation (for quail, dove, pheasant)
  
• California duck stamp (if waterfowl hunting)
  

San Diego County Tips:

• Always check season dates and shooting hours
  
• Be mindful of private land and get written permission
  
• Use non-lead ammunition, because California law prohibits lead bullets
  

Best Hunting Seasons in San Diego

 

Safety and conservation first

We encourage all hunters in San Diego County to practice ethical hunting, including:

• Taking only legal game
  
• Respecting private property and posted signage
  
• Leaving no trace—pack out what you pack in
  
• Reporting poachers and suspicious activity
  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re stalking deer in the chaparral-covered mountains of Cleveland National Forest or flushing quail from the brush near Lake Henshaw, San Diego County is a diverse and exciting hunting destination. With responsible practices and a deep respect for nature, hunters can enjoy some of the most rewarding outdoor experiences California has to offer.