Hiking in Hunting Season

[myotherboots]

All,
After reading an article in the Desert Sun concerning the tragic death of a teenage hunter on Thomas Mountain, an area where I ride my mountain bike, I started thinking about my own hiking and biking activity in hunting season.

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... /111290303

I had an encounter with a hunter on the lower Marion Mountain trail in late fall a few years ago. I ran into a man with a pistol tucked in his belt who claimed to be deer hunting. I am completely clueless about hunting so I had no idea if it was hunting season, if this area is open to hunting, or if pistols are appropriate for hunting. I just decided to get a move on and see if I could “out cardio” him up the trail.

I guess I consider game sightings such a rarity in this area, that I do not even think of hunting as viable here… I am not trying to debate guns or the ethics of hunting, but I do know that we all have to share our open spaces. But I guess I am just a little shocked to see hunting in areas that often have many hikers and bikers.

I am not thrilled at the idea of dressing like a human pylon and scaring off the wildlife I came out here to see in the first place.
Just wondering if anyone has any relevant maps or details of when and where hunting takes place in the San Bernardino, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto area.

Hal, help me out if I did not get the article link correct, I am a internet link idiot...

Robin

[hvydrt]

This map shows the deer zones in California. This page hasmaps of each zone. The San Jacinto area is zone D-19.

[phydeux]

I can't get the DFG page to come up, but also realize that deer hunting season (gun hunting) is pretty short - usually only a few weeks in late October thru early November. Bow hunting is also done, and that usually starts before gun season and extends through December. And you also want to be aware that hunting is allowed in wilderness areas (federal areas, don't know about the San Jac State Wilderness). Also look and see if the person with the gun has a 'tag' somewhere on them - its supposed to be visible while they're out hunting (at least that was the rule 10 years ago when I was bow hunting).

Kind of odd seeing someone hunting with a pistol - that's more of a short-range arm, not really accurate enough for hunting game animals (like deer) where you're better off with a rifle for long range accuracy.

[zippetydude]

I'm with you Robin, it always spooks me too. Back when shooting was allowed in Lytle Creek I once came across a guy carrying a .44 magnum who was kinda animated, said a guy on a quad had just buzzed past him and kicked up dust in his face, so when the guy stopped he shot the guy's gas tank! I doubt it was true, but I tried not to kick up any dust when I left...

z