Unit D14 Zone D14
Mostly-public mule deer country from high desert scrub to the highest peaks in Southern California
Southern California — San Bernardino & San Jacinto Mountains · Last reviewed 2026-07-12
Area
1,709
sq mi
Public land
70%
approx.
Elevation
1,500–11,503
feet
Motorized
extensive
access
Overview
Zone D-14 covers portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, taking in the San Bernardino Mountains around Big Bear, the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa ranges, and the high-desert fringe below them. Unlike most Southern California zones, most of D-14 is public — administered by the San Bernardino National Forest and the BLM — which makes it a rare general-tag zone where a hunter can work big blocks of open ground. The deer are California mule deer, resident and non-migratory, moving up and down slope with the weather. Roughly 429 deer are taken in an average recent year at about a 14 percent success rate, solid numbers for a hard-hunted Southern California general zone.
Terrain
A dramatic elevation spread from Mojave-edge desert flats up to the alpine crest of San Gorgonio Mountain (11,503 ft), the highest peak in Southern California, and San Jacinto Peak (10,834 ft), with steep chaparral and pine slopes between hard-and-flat desert and steep-and-rocky high country.
Cover: Highly varied — chaparral and high-desert scrub on the lower and eastern slopes, pinyon and Jeffrey/ponderosa pine forest through the mid-elevations, and alpine meadows on the highest peaks. Burns, resprouting brush, riparian stringers, and acorn-bearing oaks concentrate deer.
Landmarks: San Gorgonio Wilderness · Big Bear Lake · San Bernardino Peak · San Jacinto Peak · Santa Rosa Mountains · Mojave Desert fringe
Access
Most of the zone is public national forest and BLM ground with abundant road access. The zone is bounded by State Highways 18 and 247 on the north, Interstate 10 on the south, Interstates 15 and 215 on the west, and State Highway 62 on the east; secondary highways 138, 173, 30/330, and 38 penetrate the heart of the range. The San Gorgonio Wilderness is foot/stock only and requires permits (horse permits through the USFS). A Forest Adventure Pass is required to park on many San Bernardino NF lands.
Managers: USFS San Bernardino National Forest, BLM (Barstow / Palm Springs-South Coast field offices), Private land
Access points: Highway 38 corridor to Big Bear and San Gorgonio · Highways 18/330 into the San Bernardino Mountains · BLM desert roads off Highways 247 and 62 · San Gorgonio Wilderness trailheads (foot/stock only)
Species notes
Mule Deer
common opportunityCalifornia mule deer are resident, non-migratory animals that shift up and down slope with the weather rather than migrating. About 429 are taken in an average recent year at roughly a 14 percent success rate. Fall storms drop deer off the high San Bernardino and San Jacinto crests, often mid-season, so be ready to follow them to lower brush and desert-edge country after weather.
- →Glass chaparral edges, burns, and brush-to-pine transitions at first and last light
- →Hunt high pine ridges early, then work lower brush and desert-fringe canyons after fall storms push deer down
- →Key on acorn flats and riparian stringers once mast drops
- →Use the extensive forest and BLM road network to cover country and glass multiple basins
- →Backpack into the San Gorgonio Wilderness to escape road-hunter pressure
Black Bear
common opportunityBlack bears are well established in the San Bernardino National Forest's timber and brush and can be taken on a general bear tag in the fall.
- →Glass oak and mast slopes and berry patches in early fall
- →Watch acorn flats and creek bottoms on the forest fringe
Pro tips
- →Play the elevation band — start high on the pine crests early, then drop with the deer after the first storms
- →Lean on the public-land advantage: work big national forest and BLM blocks most Southern California zones lack
- →Scout burns and resprouting chaparral for concentrated fresh browse
- →Get away from the road system on foot into the San Gorgonio Wilderness for less-pressured bucks
- →Top off fuel and carry recovery gear — the zone is large with long backcountry runs
Watch out for
- !Highly variable weather with possible snow at high elevation any time in the season
- !Forest Adventure Pass required to park on much of the San Bernardino NF; wilderness permits required for San Gorgonio
- !Heavy recreational use near Big Bear and Idyllwild adds hunter and hiker traffic
- !Fire-season closures and special regulations can apply — check with USFS and BLM
- !Nonlead ammunition is required statewide when taking wildlife in California
Logistics
Base out of Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, Idyllwild, or the desert towns of Yucca Valley for lodging, fuel, and groceries; the zone is within 1-2 hours of the Los Angeles and Inland Empire population centers. The country is large — top off fuel before heading into the backcountry, and carry a shovel, serviceable spare, and plenty of extra food and water. Snow is possible at high elevation any time in the season.
Nearest towns: Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, Idyllwild, Yucca Valley, San Bernardino
Seasons & regulations
This page carries no season dates or regulations. Get current rules from the official California sources:
Research sources: CDFW Zone D-14 General Deer Hunting Information · CDFW Deer Hunting · USFS San Bernardino National Forest — Deer Hunt Zone D-14
FAQ
- How big is Unit D14 in California?
- Unit D14 (Zone D14) covers about 1,709 square miles, ranging from roughly 1,500 to 11,503 feet in elevation. Area is computed from the unit boundary polygon.
- How much public land is in Unit D14?
- Approximately 70% of the unit is public land. Primary managers: USFS San Bernardino National Forest, BLM (Barstow / Palm Springs-South Coast field offices), Private land. Always verify ownership boundaries on the ground.
- What species does the catalog list for Unit D14?
- Mule Deer, Black Bear. For seasons, tags, and regulations, use the official California agency resources linked on this page — this page carries no regulatory information.
Put Unit D14 on your map.
Boundary lines, public/private ownership, topo, and offline maps for this unit — in Baseline Maps, free for 14 days.