Hunting’s hard turf

In zone D-11 in the San Gabriel Mountains lies some of the toughest deer-hunting country in California. It’s an area that beckons only hunters hungry for a challenge.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Farris scrambles down a mountain. About 2,200 mule deer inhabit zone D-11, yet 3,655 people bought deer tags this season.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Arl Farris maps out a route to find deer. “Very few people will get off the highway and into this wild place That’s part of the beauty and the curse of the San Gabriel Mountains,” he says.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Daniel Chavez, 23, of Corona takes a break from dragging a three-point buck, a rare prize in the San Gabriel Mountains, back to camp.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Arl Farris prepares breakfast at 4 a.m. before heading out on a deer hunt in the Angeles National Forest.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Arl Farris passes another hunter while walking to another location in the Angeles National Forest.  (Myung J. Chun / LAT)