Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve is 1,242 acres of CDFW land, in CDFW's South Coast Region, one of the ecological reserves where Title 14, Section 630(d) makes hunting a designated public use. CDFW's rule for it: Allowed in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management's Wilderness Area regulations (43 CFR 6300, Oct. 1, 2012). It lies in deer Zone D16, where CDFW estimates 322 deer were taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Rules: CDFW's 2026-2027 land use regulations (updated July 1, 2026). Boundary and acres: CDFW. Zones: CDFW. Land around it: CPAD 2026a.
BLMCDFW landNational wildlife refugeOther state or federal landOtay Mountain ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 1,242 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 5, South Coast Region |
| Hunting | Allowed in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management's Wilderness Area regulations (43 CFR 6300, Oct. 1, 2012). |
| Deer zone | Zone D16 |
| Nearest towns | Jamul (6 mi), Chula Vista (6 mi) and Bonita (7 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Allowed in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management's Wilderness Area regulations (43 CFR 6300, Oct. 1, 2012).
CDFW lists no rules for Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve beyond those for every ecological reserve (Sections 550 and 630).
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve has maps and contacts. Deer, elk and pronghorn hunting also follow the zone's own season and tag.
What does CDFW say about Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
The Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve (OMER) is a limited open public reserve, of approximately 1,200 acres. The property was acquired to protect endangered and sensitive wildlife, native plants and special habitats. It is host to habitat types including chamise chaparral, southern mixed chaparral, coastal sage scrub, southern interior cypress forest, riparian woodland, and oak woodland. Many native wildlife species make their home here. It was designated as an ecological reserve by the California State Fish and Game Commission in 2000.
From CDFW's page for Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Otay Mountain ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone D16 | 1,242 | 322 deer taken in 2025, 10.7% hunter success; 2026 general season October 24 to November 22 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Otay Mountain ER: hunt G-13 (San Diego Antlerless Deer Hunt), hunt M-6 (San Diego Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt) and hunt A-22 (San Diego Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 15,506 acres of BLM land, 7,520 acres of CDFW land, 1,003 acres of national wildlife refuge and 208 acres of other state or federal land.
How do you get to Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: Head East on state highway 94. Take Otay Lakes Rd. Take the dirt road into Jamul Valley south of Otay Lakes Rd.
Highways within 8 miles: CA 94, CA 125, CA 54, CA 905 and I-805. Nearest towns: Jamul (6 miles), Chula Vista (6 miles), Bonita (7 miles) and La Presa (8 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
Yes, within CDFW's limits in Section 630(d): Allowed in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management's Wilderness Area regulations (43 CFR 6300, Oct. 1, 2012). Hunting is prohibited on any ecological reserve that section does not list.
Can you camp on Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve in?
All of it is in deer Zone D16, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 322 deer were taken in Zone D16 in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve?
Jamul (6 miles), Chula Vista (6 miles) and Bonita (7 miles), by the Census Bureau's places.
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Where these facts come from
- Rules: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations.
- Boundary and acres: CDFW public access lands (BIOS ds3077); CDFW, Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve.
- Zones: CDFW BIOS zone layers. Surrounding public land: California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) 2026a.
- Deer harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025).
FilledTag is not part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.