Hunting & Shooting

In the San Bernardino National Forest, visitors can only target shoot in designated and signed areas and only at certain times due to fire danger rating. Target Shooting areas may be closed completely due to fire restrictions, road conditions, and/or other safety issues.

Hunting

Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. Forest Service laws also apply. Additionally, some local areas may be closed due to a Forest Order; check in with your local Forest Service ranger to be sure you are following all the rules.

Hunting is permitted during hunting seasons designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Licenses are available online, at any CDFW license sales office or license agent.

Popular game animals include mule deer, mountain and valley quail, and turkey. Waterfowl can be hunted on Baldwin Lake in Big Bear. Band-tailed pigeons, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and black bears can also be hunted.

CDFW maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.

Recreational and Target Shooting

Target Shooting areas are often closed due to Fire Restrictions, road conditions, and/or other safety issues. Adventure Passes may be required.

If an area is open, then the activity level will dictate terms and conditions in which shooting can occur such as the length of day or hours of operation. Activity Levels can be obtained by calling (909) 382-2997 or your local office.

Shooting will be allowed all day during activity levels 1 & 2
Shooting will close at 1:00 pm during activity level 3
Shooting will be closed all day during activity levels 4 & 5

Lightning Gulch, Big Pine Flats, and Arrastre are in Fire Danger Rating Area 692.
For more information please call the Mountain Top Ranger District/Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790 (closed Tues/Wed)

City Creek Road (1N09) shooting area is in Fire Danger Rating Area 665.
For more information please call the Mill Creek Visitor Center at (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed).

There are also three developed shooting ranges on the forest:

Link to Target Shooting Handout and Map [PDF, 386 KB]

AMMUNITION, FIREARMS & TARGETS

Target Shooting rules apply to firearms, air rifles and gas guns. This includes devices used in recreational paintball activities.
Shooters shall not use paintballs or other forms of ammunition that would result in visible residue except where authorized in ranges that operate under special use permit (see above).
Steel core, armor piercing or Teflon ammunition is not permitted. You may only shoot at a target which is dirt, paper, wood, clay pigeon, or a metal spinning/knockdown target. Pick up and dispose of your targets when you are done.
Shooters are prohibited from destroying any natural feature. Also prohibited is discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows: in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; or across or on a road or a body of water; or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.