SoCal AFI Eastern Sierra Bear Camp

Event Start Date: 10/3/2025 3:00 PM

Event End Date: 10/5/2025 3:00 PM

Timezone: PDT

Why You Should Want to Attend:

The Armed Forces Initiative is the BHA program focused on creating conservationists within the military community. Come join Southern California AFI and learn how to ethically and effectively hunt black bears in California!

What is it:

A Dual Skills camp is a learn-to-hunt event where attendees will be mentored through a hunting experience from the planning phase through the post-harvest meal prep. Mentors will host attendees in the field providing guidance through the ins and outs of bear hunting. Prior to the hunt a regional expert will walk participants through how hunting affects conservation in CA, what is the North American model of conservation, and how participants can use their voice as members of the military community to support BHA's conservation mission

Attendees can expect to learn:

- Identifying signs of black bear
- Black bear habitats
- Identifying food sources
- Strategies for shot placement
- Proper ammunition of firearms for black bear hunting
-Tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
-How becoming a conservationist is a natural fit for the military community

When is it:

October 3rd - 5th, 2025

Where is it:

Toiyabe National Forest

(Specific location will be shared after attendee selection)

Who can attend:

***This event is limited to 8 people maximum. Please fill out the application at the link in the RSVP confirmation email. Selected attendees will receive further information via email from the SoCal AFI liaison prior to the event.***

- This event is open to all members of the military community to participate

(Active duty, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans, and Gold Star families)

- You do not need to be a BHA member to attend 

(but we sure would appreciate it if you were)

For any questions, please contact SoCal AFI Liaison Reina Seraaj @

socaafi@backcountryhunters.org

or

AFI_Skillsbridge@Backcountryhunters.org

All experience levels are welcome and encouraged to apply. Come see why BHA's Armed Forces Initiative is the fastest-growing outdoor program for the military community and help bring more folks outdoors in California.