Here we are in the first few weeks of November and after being almost shot at
by illegal deer hunters (yes, really), my pup and I were feeling lucky! So I spent my weekend engaging in one of my favorite autumn activities: betting on the Breeders’ Cup, the world championship of horse racing. Let’s just say I should stick to my day job of being a hiking guide. Big Bear hiking safety during hunting season is no joke, as we almost found out the hard way!
Dodging Bullets and Bambi Hunters: My Big Bear Fall Hiking Adventure
So let me back up: “You were almost shot at by illegal deer hunters?” Yes. Only in my life as an outdoor adventure guide in the San Bernardino National Forest/Big Bear Valley zone. This happened near Red Ant Hill, where — to the best of my knowledge — hunting is not supposed to be happening. I called the Big Bear Discovery Center right afterward and the clerk confirmed: yes, hunting is not allowed in that particular area. She told
me to call the sheriff’s department to report the incident, which I did. The deputy who called back sounded like he thought I was kidding around. He told me: “You can deer-hunt anywhere in the valley on BLM land” (note: BLM = Bureau of Land Management). I mean—seriously? (I suggested maybe we call it “BLM = Barely Licensed Maniacs)
But here’s the real kicker: that guy was flat-out wrong and that’s dangerous. There are rules. For example, the state’s CDFW lists Zone D-14 (which covers our mountains) as a legal deer-hunting zone, with general rifle/archery season from Oct 11 through Nov 9, 2025. So yes — hunters are legit out there now. Big Bear hiking safety during hunting season starts with knowing where and when hunting is allowed.
On the flip side, our local county ordinance says you can’t just let bullets fly willy-nilly: it prohibits discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a building, tent, trailer, etc, without permission. So if you’re hiking trails used by lots of other folks (leaf-peepers, dog-walkers, mountain-bikers) you should assume some risk and act accordingly. (Like wear bright yellow and also listen to the loudest, most flamboyant musical over your iPhone speakers. I suggest A Chorus Line.)
Does Big Bear need that kind of negative press – tourists getting spooked by near-misses with hunters? Nope. We all know what just happened in Mammoth on the Parker Lake Trail a month ago. Big Bear hiking safety during hunting season is a big deal.
Fall Colors, Firearms, and Fearless Hiking: Big Bear’s Wildest Season
I hike a lot in autumn and have for years. As Big Bear’s only hiking guide, I know which areas to avoid during hunting season, especially if you’re out with your silly dog who loves chasing deer. Areas like Green Valley Lake and the San Gorgonio Wilderness are chock-full of camo-clad trigger-happy dudes named Chad. (Pro tip: if you hear camo rustling, you’re probably not just communing with nature.)
If you’re traveling to Big Bear this autumn and want scenic fall-color hikes, book a guide who knows the safe zones. Because yes — our peak leaf season coincides exactly with the legal deer-hunting window here. (Archery: Sept 6-28; General: Oct 11-Nov 9) for D-14.
How-to hike safe during hunting season
Doe; not a deer.
When hiking in hunting season, wear bright orange. I don’t care if you think you’re too cool for “hunter-safety chic” — throw in a garish fluorescent sweater, vest, or tank top. Bonus: strap a neon pack on your dog (because yes, he matters too). The less your pup looks like Bambi the better.
Keep the pup safe on trails.
Leash your dog. I know, I know — she loves off-leash freedom. But during hunting season? Not safe. And dress her up in her brightest sweater. Make it look like the 1980s neon rave met puppy dog mountain chic. That way, if a hunter is scanning through bushes, he doesn’t mistake your dog for dinner.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Know the zone you’re in. The state map shows D-14 covers the San Bernardino Mountains deer-hunt region. But that doesn’t mean “every inch is safe to hike.” If you see a truck full of camo near a trailhead, maybe pick another route. If you normally hike where you never see deer, you might be picking the perfect “quiet” trail — or you might wake up to a hunter’s bullet whizzing past.
Usually, I go silent on hikes, but during hunting season I bump the volume on my music (because let’s be honest: If I’m blaring Taylor Swift or the RENT Soundtrack, I do not sound like Bambi). Full volume = extra visibility. Screaming “LET’S GO PUP!” at random intervals helps too.
The cooler autumn days are fantastic for a leaf-strewn hike. Just follow a few rules, wear crazy bright clothes, listen to Moulin Rouge at peak volume, leash your dog, and avoid the sketch zones. Then you’ll actually get to enjoy the fall foliage without becoming a subplot in a “local hiker almost shot” news story. See you on the trails!
Big Bear Hiking Safety During Hunting Season FAQ
Is hunting allowed in the Big Bear Valley and San Bernardino National Forest?
Yes, but there are strict, definitive boundaries. While the state permits deer hunting within the broader mountain territory, local county ordinances strongly prohibit discharging any firearm within 150 yards of a building, campsite, tent, or trailer without explicit permission. High-traffic recreational trail zones like Red Ant Hill are designated safe zones where hunting is not allowed, though hikers should still remain highly alert.
When is the deer hunting season in Big Bear (Zone D-14)?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) classifies our mountain region under Zone D-14. The official archery season runs through most of September, and the general rifle season kicks off from mid-October through early November. Because this exact window aligns perfectly with our peak autumn leaf-peeping season, extra outdoor safety precautions are critical.
How can hikers stay safe on trails during hunting season?
The number one rule is to prioritize absolute visibility. Ditch the subtle earthy tones and dress in “hunter-safety chic”—think bright fluorescent oranges, neon yellows, and garish sweaters. Additionally, break the golden rule of silent hiking by making constant noise. Turn up the volume on your phone speakers to blast up-tempo music or a theater soundtrack, and call out loudly to your group to ensure hunters know you aren’t wildlife moving through the trees.
Should dogs wear safety gear while hiking in Big Bear during autumn?
Absolutely. Your pup matters just as much as you do, and they need to look as far removed from Bambi or a coyote as humanly possible. Equip your dog with a bright neon pack, a fluorescent vest, or a vibrant 1980s-style rave sweater. Keep them strictly on a leash to prevent them from catching a scent and sprinting off into active brush lines where a hunter might be waiting.
Which areas around Big Bear are heavily used by hunters in the fall?
Deep backcountry territories such as Green Valley Lake and the San Gorgonio Wilderness attract heavily armed, camouflage-clad hunters. When arriving at a trailhead, check the parking layout. If you spot trucks loaded with camo gear, dog crates, or off-road setups, take it as your cue to turn around and select a busier, more populated autumn trail. Better yet, book an experienced local hiking guide who knows how to navigate around the active hunting corridors completely.
