Arrived at Lanphier trailhead about 9 AM and found parking lot full of trucks and horse trailers: hunters. Walked down FR 281 (Blue River Road) nearly 2 miles to Sawmill trailhead and began ascent of Bear Mountain about 10 AM. Encountered 2 hunters - opening day of mule deer season, they said. Near top of Telephone Ridge we heard 3 shots, not far away, in span of a few minutes. That was the only gunfire we heard all day. Shortly thereafter a large group of white tail deer crossed the trail ahead of us. Arrived at lookout tower shortly after 1 PM and rested awhile enjoying solitude. Down WS Lake trail to Largo trail. Maples around Maple Spring must have been brillant a week or so ago, now most leaves are on the ground. Still, would have enjoyed hanging out there a bit to do some photos, but a hunter had the spring staked out and was acting territorial. On to Lanphier trail then back to trailhead after 4 PM. An absolutely gorgeous day, and except for the three hunters we saw no other people.