hunting near san diego?

[BigBlockT]

Hi new here ,I'm an avid deer hunter here in my home state, Looking to move to san diego in the next year or two when my son graduates is there much hunting near there or am I out of luck, Thanks Joe.

[Slosher]

There are three "zones" in the San Diego area, D-16 closest to San Diego, D19 higher elevation to the north east, and D12 - which is desert alond the Colorado River for "Burro" sub-species Mule Deer. The D16 zone has an antlerless hunt and a muzzle loader hunt. All of these require separate tags and or applications. So, yes, there is deer hunting, but its probably not what you're used to. There is quite a bit of public land for access, but habitat conditions are highly variable and deer tend to be low density - though locally abundant when you find the spots, but that may take some time.

San Diego has a lot to offer as a place to live. The saltwater fishing can be incredible. If you are truly a determined deer hunter, it is about the best zone in terms of total numbers of deer harvested among the So Cal zones, but that's honor among thieves compared even to northern Cal and the premium "X" zones on the east slope of the sierra. Still, I am getting more and more into it every year, and I hunt the even crappier D 11 and D15 zones when I do not get drawn for my X zone archery.

Here's the DFG link http://www.dfg.ca.gov/publications/digest/

[Tater]

Also, new to deer hunting in the San Diego area (might also hunt in San Bernardino Nat Forrest). Am looking for recommendations on camo patterns that work with the local habitat. The Mossy Oak Brush looks like it might be a good option. Thoughts?

All of my prior hunting experience has been back in South Carolina in wooded areas.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also, any other tips on "must have" gear for the area?