Hunting

Unless specifically prohibited, public lands managed by BLM are open to hunting under California Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunting Regulations.  A California hunting license is required to hunt within the State of California. 

Check on specific hunting season dates and permit requirements with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  They publish hunting regulations that list all the season dates. It is your responsibility to know of any hunting restrictions and where they apply. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting and fishing on all public lands. California is phasing-in Assembly Bill 711 that by July 1, 2019, requires nonlead ammunition to be used when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in the state. 

California Fish and Game Code Section 3004: It is unlawful for a person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, while within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, or within 150 yards of a barn or other outbuilding used in connection with an occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building, to either hunt or discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon while hunting. The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.”

It is unlawful for a person to intentionally discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt over or across a public road or other established way open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner.

If you are hunting with the aid of a commercial outfitter or guide, you should ensure that they are permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. You should also ensure that they are permitted by the BLM to conduct business on public lands.

Safe and prudent actions should be followed at all times.  The BLM is a multi-use agency.  Other visitors may be using the same areas for recreational uses such as camping, hiking, biking, and rock-hounding.

If you have questions on areas that may be appropriate for hunting, you are encouraged to contact the BLM Field Office having jurisdiction over the area.

Public lands in California are open to fishing under California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations.

For information on hunting and fishing in California, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are available for a variety of undeveloped recreational activities, including target shooting, except where prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. 

Restrictions by County or Other Locality

Fire Season:  some areas may be closed to target shooting.  

California Condor Range:  Since July 1, 2008, the use of projectiles containing lead when hunting big game and nongame species in an area designated as the California condor range have been prohibited by the California Fish and Game Commission. 

Riverside County: shooting is restricted in any developed recreational area; within 300 yards of any building, house, dwelling place, corral, feed yard, park, public campground, state riding and hiking trail, or public road; within 1 mile of any incorporated city; between 1⁄2 hour after sunset to 1⁄2 hour before sunrise.(see RC Ord. 514.10 for closed areas, exceptions, and additional details).

BLM permanent closure order and other regulations prohibit target shooting in the following areas:

• Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Natl. Monument – lands within the monument boundary
• Dos Palmas Preserve – lands within the developed recreational area boundary
• Big Morongo Canyon Preserve – lands within the developed recreational area boundary

San Bernardino County: it is unlawful to shoot or discharge any firearms between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise of the following day in all areas of San Bernardino County described in §22.0101 through §22.0105 (§22.0108 Prohibition of Night Shooting).

San Diego County: shooting is restricted in any developed recreational area; within 150 yards of any occupied residence or associated outbuildings; within 500 yards of any properly signed, established stock watering hole or place. (see SD County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, Title 3, Division 3, Chapter 1 for additional details)

BLM temporary and permanent closure orders prohibit target shooting in the following areas:

• McCain Valley lands north of Boulevard, covering the large recreational area
• Table Mountain lands north of Old 80, east of Jacumba, covering old shooting sites
• Airport Mesa lands south of Old 80, east of Jacumba, covering the old shooting area
• Otay Mountain lands within 300 feet of the Otay Mountain Truck Trail & structures

Maps

Do you want to visit public lands but don't know where they are located?  BLM Surface Management Maps show land ownership and include public and private land, roads, and more.  Maps are $4.00 each and can be purchased at any of our offices.     

Don't know which map you need?   Look at this Index and this Deer Hunting Zones Map.

Maps do not display specific hunting and shooting sites. Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to know the laws and regulations - all federal, state, and county regulations apply to public lands.  

Come prepared. Weather and conditions may change quickly so pack accordingly. Always bring a first-aid kit, extra water, food and dry clothing.

Plan your route in advance. Stop by your local BLM field office to pick up hard-copy maps, and make sure your course is on public lands. Don’t enter private lands without contacting the landowner and getting permission first. Some BLM maps can also be found on the BLM website. 

Know your surroundings. Be on the lookout for other people and potential risks. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.

Let others know your plans. Before leaving, make sure to touch base with someone and let them know where you will be, when you will be back and develop an emergency plan just in case. 

Make sure your equipment is in proper working condition. By checking your equipment, you decrease risk of injury to yourself and others and to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire on public lands. Take steps to make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging, and stay on roads and trails.

Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles. Whenever you venture out on public lands, you should follow outdoor ethics to preserve the great outdoors for future generations. Do your part to keep public lands clean and prevent the spread of invasive species.

Practice proper rifle and archery safety. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Don’t let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot. Make sure to never dry-fire a bow, use proper arrows that you store in a quiver and stay alert around broadheads. 

Protect yourself by wearing safety equipment. Always wear proper hearing protection and safety glasses. When target shooting, always use appropriate targets and backstops. In addition, wear hunter orange when required.