State Guide

California Hunting Guide

Complete California hunting guide. California hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

California Hunting Seasons

Mule Deer

Res: $54.56 Non-res: $369.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 16	Nov 5
Archery	Jul 8	Sep 17

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 buck

Zone-based tag system with specific season dates per zone. Premium tags by draw for quality zones. Blacktail deer in coastal areas, mule deer inland.

Elk

Res: $489.97 Non-res: $1645.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 23	Nov 12

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Extremely limited draw. Tule elk and Roosevelt elk. Some of the hardest tags to draw in North America. Preference point system.

Turkey

Res: $54.56 Non-res: $369.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Mar 30	May 5
Archery	Mar 30	May 5

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3 (spring)

Spring bearded turkey season. Wild turkeys well established across foothills and oak woodlands. Fall season available in some zones.

Bear

Res: $54.56 Non-res: $369.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 14	Dec 31
Archery	Aug 12	Sep 3

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Bear tag required (separate purchase). Season may close when harvest quota reached. No use of dogs or bait. Healthy populations in Sierra Nevada and northern California.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $54.56 Non-res: $369.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 21	Jan 28

Bag limits: daily: 7, season: No season limit

Federal and state duck stamps required. Pacific Flyway. Sacramento Valley and Central Valley are premier waterfowl areas. Non-toxic shot required.

Wild Hog

Res: $25.1 Non-res: $95.88

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Jan 1	Dec 31
Archery	Jan 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit

Year-round with no bag limit. Wild pig tag required for each pig taken. Widespread across central and coastal California.

Quail

Res: $54.56 Non-res: $369.97

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 14	Jan 28

Bag limits: daily: 10, season: No limit

California quail (state bird), mountain quail, and Gambel's quail. Upland game bird stamp required. Good populations in foothill regions.

Planning Tools

Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?

California Hunting Guides

destinations

California Deer Hunting: Blacktail, Mule Deer, and Zones

draw odds

California Deer Draw Odds: A-Zone OTC vs Premium Zone Tags

California Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in California?

Yes. All hunters in California must hold a valid hunting license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in California?

California license costs vary by species. Mule Deer: resident $54.56, non-resident $369.97. Elk: resident $489.97, non-resident $1645.97.

When is deer season in California?

California deer seasons: Rifle: Sep 16 - Nov 5, Archery: Jul 8 - Sep 17.

Does California require a hunter safety course?

Yes, California requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in California?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in California. Their website (https://wildlife.ca.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.