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!
