Zone B-5 is located in portions of Glenn, Mendocino, Shasta, Tehama and Trinity counties just West of I-5 and Red Bluff, with varied terrain. B zones are Blacktail trophy country.

As with many zones in California the natural cycle of wildfire aids the deer habitat creating additional edge cover and young sprouts providing food.There was a large wildfire in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness that came to the ridge defining the wilderness line out of Tedoc Gap. This would be a prime example of where to look if you don’t mind some steep off trail hiking.Due to the lush nature of vegetation in this area many illegal, outdoor cannabis operations are present on public land. Keep aware of your surroundings. If a garden is discovered, back away quietly and notify authorities.

The terrain is very steep and rugged and vegetation is extremely dense. As you should do in all remote areas, hunters are urged to bring a shovel, a good spare tire, extra water, etc. Most of this zone is far from support services so make sure you are prepared to be your own first responder for auto and medical mishaps.

The vegetation is highly varied throughout Zone B-5 ranging from mixed chaparral, oak-woodland, hardwood, and hardwood-conifer to dense conifer habitats. Due to the stoppage of clear cutting on National Forest land much of this area has mid growth monoculture pine forest.

There are plenty of National Forest and timber company lands providing access in this zone. Public lands within the zone are administered by the Mendocino and Shasta-Trinity National Forests and the Bureau of Land Management.

Although there is a lot of private land in Zone B-5, it is primarily in the lower elevations. There are extensive tracts of public lands with excellent access in the higher elevations where the deer are located throughout most of the season. Primary roadways in Zone B-5 are Interstate 5 along the Eastern edge of B-5, State Highway 299 (northern part), and State Highway 36 (crossing East-West). Many County, USFS, and BLM roads branch off of these primary roadways providing access to public lands. With the multitude of lush pine forest and endless logging dirt roads it can be easy for a first-time visitor to get lost. Take maps and a GPS with you if you do not have first-hand knowledge of the area. The roads in this area tend to be curvy and narrow. Allow extra time for travel and be on the lookout for logging trucks and other large vehicles.

Wilderness lands have been established within the Mendocino and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. The Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Area is located within Zone B-5 and is accessible by hiking and pack stock. Public use of the wilderness is regulated by permit. Information on wilderness area restrictions and Wilderness Permits may be obtained by contacting the Mendocino or Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

The majority of folks in this area open disperse camp in the forest. USFS and BLM campgrounds are also available in some locations. Campfire permits may also be obtained online.

The weather is usually hot during hunting season but thunderstorms during archery season are common. Snow and heavy rain can occur by the end of the general season at the higher elevations.