I was speaking to a local hunter about mule deer hunting a specific spot. He said that the warden told him that the area is illegal to hunt because it is too close to the road. I was bow hunting a spot which is down in a gully about 80 yards off the public road in the CNF, then it opens up. I don't see anything in the CDFW rules/regulations that refers to the hunting distance from a public road.
Where does it say anything about a specific hunting distance from a road? I only care about California Laws/Regulations- I do not care about other states.
Please, I'm asking for legal references (not what you heard or believe).
I'd be interested in hearing situations/stories in which you had to deal with this issue or if you've been given a citation. (CALIFORNIA ONLY)
These are the CDFW regulations that I consider while hunting near "public roads" in San Diego.
2025-2026 CALIFORNIA MAMMAL HUNTING REGULATIONS
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DO THE FOLLOWING
Possess a loaded rifle or shotgun in any vehicle or conveyance or its attachments which is standing on or along or is being driven on or along any public highway or other way open to the public. FGC §2006 (I can't walk or drive on or along a public road with a loaded firearm, got it) WHAT IS ALONG A ROAD?- SUBJECTIVE?
Intentionally discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt from a bow or crossbow upon or across any highway, road or other way open to vehicular traffic. CCR T14 §354(e) and FGC §3004(b) (I can't shoot upon or across a public road, got it)
The only other relatable mention to distance is in reference to dwellings, totally different from a road.
It is unlawful for any 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, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.” FGC §3004(a)
I would appreciate your advice.
Palomar Mountain HUNTER----Bow Hunter- Bow Fishing- Very accurate AIR RIFLE hunting.
Where does it say anything about a specific hunting distance from a road? I only care about California Laws/Regulations- I do not care about other states.
Please, I'm asking for legal references (not what you heard or believe).
I'd be interested in hearing situations/stories in which you had to deal with this issue or if you've been given a citation. (CALIFORNIA ONLY)
These are the CDFW regulations that I consider while hunting near "public roads" in San Diego.
2025-2026 CALIFORNIA MAMMAL HUNTING REGULATIONS
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DO THE FOLLOWING
Possess a loaded rifle or shotgun in any vehicle or conveyance or its attachments which is standing on or along or is being driven on or along any public highway or other way open to the public. FGC §2006 (I can't walk or drive on or along a public road with a loaded firearm, got it) WHAT IS ALONG A ROAD?- SUBJECTIVE?
Intentionally discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt from a bow or crossbow upon or across any highway, road or other way open to vehicular traffic. CCR T14 §354(e) and FGC §3004(b) (I can't shoot upon or across a public road, got it)
The only other relatable mention to distance is in reference to dwellings, totally different from a road.
It is unlawful for any 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, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a “safety zone.” FGC §3004(a)
I would appreciate your advice.
Palomar Mountain HUNTER----Bow Hunter- Bow Fishing- Very accurate AIR RIFLE hunting.
