I didn’t see any deer or other hunters today. Got to the trailhead this morning and two hikers pulled up as well. Grabbed my pack and rifle, told the hikers to have a great day and off I went. Ended up settling down overlooking a small clearing just below a junction with two canyons I had scouted earlier with lots of deer sign.
The blue jays and woodpeckers put on quite a show while I waited and a covey of quail made an appearance as well. After four hours of no other activity, I decided to make my way up towards the end of the canyon. I never saw any more wildlife but I did come across a hidden spring, remnants from Native Americans (grinding holes and pottery shards) and undocumented immigrants (discarded packs, cans, and cloth “slippers” used to disguise their footprints).
I hiked about 4.5 miles and even though I never saw any deer, it was still fun exploring San Diego’s backcountry.
View attachment 36622
View attachment 36623
View attachment 36624
View attachment 36625
View attachment 36627
View attachment 36629
View attachment 36626