New map to show hunters where they can shoot

A new county map set for approval by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will make it easier for hunters and recreational shooters to know where they can legally fire their weapons.

“The map is similar to a road map,” said David Zook, spokesman for First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. “It will be much easier to tell where you can shoot.”

All areas of the county are labeled with colors that designate where weapons can be lawfully fired, and what type of weapon may be fired. Areas that allow hunting after dark are also clearly marked for night-hunting enthusiasts.

County officials say that the map is user-friendly and makes it plain to both hunters and law enforcement where the boundaries are.

Tony Riley, owner of Riley’s Reloader, a Barstow gun shop, said that the map will be a good thing for hunters new to the area. He said that he isn’t aware of a county-issued map being widely available since the mid-1980s.

“I have people who come in here all the time asking where they can shoot,” said Riley. “This would be something I would like to carry in my store.”

Riley said that he was in agreement with a draft version of the map that he viewed, and didn’t see many changes from the 25-year-old map he had.

The county board of commissioners is expected to give final approval to the ordinance on August 10.

Zook said that he expects the map to be available online at the county’s website, www.sbcounty.gov, by Sept. 10, and that a print version should be available in sporting goods stores and at government agency offices shortly thereafter.

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