How to Hunt in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Learn how to hunt in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is located along the eastern side of California, and parts of western Nevada. The range is an extension of the Cascade region, and is one of the most rugged and beautiful mountain ranges in the United States. The region is home to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, and numerous wilderness areas and National Parks. The region is also home to an enormous diversity of wildlife, and wild game to hunt. Hunting in the Sierras takes experience due to the regions high elevation and rugged landscape. A hunter can find deer, elk, black and brown bear, turkey, mountain quail and a host of other game to choose from in this region. Ensure you have a valid hunting license, and have perfected your wilderness skills prior to hunting in the remote areas of the Sierra Nevada.

Instructions

1. Obtain either a California or Nevada state hunting license depending on which region of the Sierra Nevada you'll be hunting in. You should obtain a license from both states if you'll be hunting near the state border line. Each license can be obtained within its respective state at any sporting goods store or bait and tackle shop as well as numerous other stores. Licenses can also be obtained from either the California Department of Fish and Game, or the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and both states offer online license applications.

2. Select a region within the Sierra's to hunt based on the type of game you wish to hunt. Consult a wildlife demographic map, available from each state's department of wildlife or fish and game website, and choose the region that suits your hunting needs the best. Deer and Elk are prevalent in most of the Sierra region, while mountain quail is popular among hunters, but these game birds are only found at extremely high elevations.

3. Choose camouflage clothing that mimics your chosen surroundings. The sierras are a diverse mountain chain, offering dense forest land, wide open spans of rocky terrain and low grassy meadows. Choose camouflage accordingly to blend into your surroundings.

4. Scout out foraging trails for the game you're hunting in advance, and look for signs of available food sources that your particular game animal will most likely be frequenting. Deeper travel into the rugged backcountry of the Sierras will also show the secluded nature of the region, and many animals aren't used to human occupation while some have yet to see a human being. As with all hunting, remain alert and scout as stealthily as possible

5. Obey all posted warning signs, and private property borders. Hunt only within the bounds of public hunting lands, and private hunting lands if permitted. The postings are there for your protection, and the protection of wildlife or other landowners.

Tips & Warnings

• The Sierras in certain areas can become very remote and rugged, and are part of the most contiguous roadless area in the lower 48 United States. If you get lost it could take days or weeks for a rescue party to reach you. Ensure that you do not scout or traverse terrain outside of your experience level, and hunt with a group or partner to ensure safety.

References

• California DFG: Hunting
• Sierra Outdoor Recreation: Sierra Nevada Mountians
• Sierra Forrest Legacy: Red Fox
• Hunting Club: Sierra Nevada Mountain Quail Hunting
• Nevada Dept. of Wildlife: Hunting

Resources

• Casa Michael Guide Service:
• Sierra County Gold: Recreation Guide