California hunting landscape showing mountains and forest with deer silhouette in foreground, depicting prime hunting terrain in the Golden State

California 2025-2026 Hunting Overview – Key Dates, Species & Licensing

California offers diverse hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes, from coastal regions to mountain ranges and desert terrain. Whether you’re pursuing big game like deer and elk or targeting upland birds and waterfowl, understanding the Golden State’s hunting regulations is essential for a successful and legal hunting experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about California’s hunting seasons, including open dates, licensing requirements, and key hunting zones.

California Hunting Season Overview

California’s hunting regulations are managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which establishes season dates, bag limits, and special hunting requirements. The state offers opportunities for hunting big game, upland birds, waterfowl, small game, and predators throughout the year, with most hunting activities concentrated between late summer and winter.

For 2024-2025, California continues to manage wildlife populations through carefully regulated hunting seasons while addressing challenges like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which has been detected in certain areas of the state. Hunters in affected zones must have their harvested deer and elk tested.

🎯 Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates

SpeciesSeason OpensSeason ClosesMethodTags Required
DeerVaries by zoneVaries by zoneArchery/GeneralFirst/Second Deer Tag
BearAug 16 (Archery)Dec 28Archery/GeneralBear Tag
ElkZone-specificZone-specificVariousDrawing Application
WaterfowlOct 4-18Jan 14-31ShotgunDuck Validation
Upland BirdsAug 16-Nov 8Dec 21-Feb 28VariousUpland Game Validation
Wild TurkeyNov 8 (Fall)May 17, 2026General/ArcheryGeneral License

🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Adventures

CA Deer Season

A-Zone

  • Archery: 12 Jul, 2025 – 03 Aug, 2025
  • General: 09 Aug, 2025 – 21 Sep, 2025
  • Tag Quota: 65,000

B-Zones (B1-B6)

  • Archery:
    • B1-B3, B5-B6: 16 Aug, 2025 – 07 Sep, 2025
    • B4: 26 Jul, 2025 – 17 Aug, 2025
  • General:
    • B1-B3, B5: 20 Sep, 2025 – 26 Oct, 2025
    • B4: 23 Aug, 2025 – 28 Sep, 2025
    • B6: 20 Sep, 2025 – 19 Oct, 2025
  • Tag Quota (shared): 35,000

C-Zones (C1-C4)

  • Archery: See Hunt A-1 (not listed here)
  • General:
    • C1, C4: 20 Sep, 2025 – 19 Oct, 2025 (C4 ends 05 Oct, 2025)
    • C2-C3: 20 Sep, 2025 – 26 Oct, 2025
  • Tag Quota (shared): 8,150

D-Zones

  • D3-D5 (Shared Tag):
    • Archery: 16 Aug, 2025 – 07 Sep, 2025
    • General: 27 Sep, 2025 – 02 Nov, 2025
    • Tag Quota: 33,000
  • Other D-Zones:
    • Archery: Mostly 16 Aug – 07 Sep or 06 Sep – 28 Sep (D12: 04 Oct – 26 Oct)
    • General: Varies (e.g., D6-D7: 20 Sep – 02 Nov; D12: 01 Nov – 23 Nov)

X-Zones (General Season Only)

  • Most X-Zones: 04 Oct, 2025 – 19 Oct, 2025
  • Exceptions:
    • X8 & X10: 27 Sep, 2025 – 12 Oct, 2025
    • X9a-X9b: 20 Sep, 2025 – 13 Oct, 2025
    • X9c: 18 Oct, 2025 – 09 Nov, 2025
    • X12: 20 Sep, 2025 – 13 Oct, 2025

Key Notes:

  • B, C, D3-D5 tags are valid across their zone groups.
  • D11/D13/D15 tags are interchangeable.
  • X-Zones are general season only (archery requires specific hunt codes).

Bear Opportunities

California’s black bear population provides excellent opportunities across multiple zones. The archery season runs from August 16 through September 7, 2025 in all bear zones, giving bowhunters the first crack at these magnificent animals.

The general season timing depends on your zone:

  • Zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, X12: Opens with general deer dates, runs through December 28
  • Zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a, X7b: October 11 through December 28

Important: The statewide quota is 1,700 bears, and the season closes early if this number is reached. Bear tags cost $61.30 for residents and $387.85 for non-residents.

Elk Expeditions

California’s elk program operates on a tag drawing system with 362 total tags available across all zones. Roosevelt elk dominate the northwestern regions, while Rocky Mountain elk are found in northeastern areas, and Tule elk occupy central and southern territories.

Apprentice Hunts

  • Rocky Mountain (Northeastern either-sex): 17 Sep – 28 Sep, 2025
  • Roosevelt (Marble Mountains either-sex): 10 Sep – 21 Sep, 2025
  • Tule (various hunts):
    • Cache Creek bull: 11 Oct – 26 Oct, 2025
    • Fort Hunter Liggett: 23 Dec, 2025 – 01 Jan, 2026
    • Grizzly Island: 12 Aug – 17 Aug, 2025
    • La Panza antlerless: 11 Oct – 02 Nov, 2025

Archery Hunts

  • Rocky Mountain (Northeastern either-sex): 03 Sep – 14 Sep, 2025
  • Roosevelt (Siskiyou bull): 27 Aug – 09 Sep, 2025
  • Tule (various hunts):
    • Fort Hunter Liggett: 26 Jul – 03 Aug, 2025 (either-sex); 01 Nov – 09 Nov, 2025 (antlerless)
    • Lone Pine antlerless: 13 Sep – 28 Sep, 2025
    • Central Coast/La Panza: 01 Sep – 30 Sep, 2025

Muzzleloader Hunts

  • Roosevelt (Marble Mountains either-sex): 25 Oct – 02 Nov, 2025
  • Tule (Independence bull): 13 Sep – 28 Sep, 2025

General Hunts

Roosevelt Elk
  • Marble Mountains: 10 Sep – 21 Sep, 2025 (bull/antlerless)
  • Northwestern: 03 Sep – 25 Sep, 2025 (bull/antlerless/either-sex)
  • Siskiyou:
    • Antlerless: 10 Sep – 21 Sep, 2025
    • Bull: 08 Oct – 19 Oct, 2025
Rocky Mountain Elk
  • Northeastern:
    • Bull: 17 Sep – 28 Sep, 2025
    • Antlerless: 12 Nov – 23 Nov, 2025
  • Tehachapi: 06 Sep – 05 Oct, 2025 (bull/antlerless)
Tule Elk
  • Cache Creek: 11 Oct – 26 Oct, 2025 (bull); 18 Oct – 02 Nov, 2025 (antlerless)
  • Central Coast: 04 Oct – 02 Dec, 2025 (bull/antlerless)
  • Fort Hunter Liggett:
    • Antlerless: 22 Nov – 30 Nov, 2025
    • Bull: 20 Dec, 2025 – 01 Jan, 2026
  • Grizzly Island: Multiple short periods (Aug–Sep, 2025)
  • La Panza:
    • Bull: 11 Oct – 02 Nov, 2025; 08 Nov – 30 Nov, 2025
    • Antlerless: 12 Oct – 03 Nov, 2025; 08 Nov – 30 Nov, 2025
  • Lake Pillsbury: Aug–Oct, 2025 (split periods)
  • Other Key Hunts:
    • Goodale: 13 Sep – 28 Sep, 2025 (bull); Oct hunts (antlerless)
    • Lone Pine/West Tinemaha/Whitney: Sep–Oct, 2025

Key Notes

  • Tule Elk hunts have highly specific date ranges (e.g., 4-day periods for Grizzly Island).
  • Fort Hunter Liggett extends into Jan 2026 for bull hunts.
  • Roosevelt hunts are concentrated in Sep–Oct, while Rocky Mountain runs through Nov.

Popular elk opportunities include:

  • Marble Mountains Roosevelt Bull: 34 tags, September 10-21
  • Northeastern Rocky Mountain: 10 archery tags, September 3-14
  • Central Coast Tule Bull: 10 tags, October 4-December 2

Tag drawing applications cost $8.13, with successful elk tags priced at $595.25 for residents and $1,825.85 for non-residents.

Pronghorn Antelope

General Hunts (Buck Only)

  • All Zones (1-6): 23 Aug – 31 Aug, 2025
    (Except Zone 4 Lassen Period 2: 06 Sep – 14 Sep, 2025)

Archery Hunts (Buck Only)

  • All Zones (2, 4-6): 09 Aug – 17 Aug, 2025

Apprentice Hunts (Either-Sex)

  • Zone 4 Lassen: 23 Aug – 31 Aug, 2025
  • Zone 5 Big Valley: 23 Aug – 31 Aug, 2025
  • Zone 6 Surprise Valley: 23 Aug – 31 Aug, 2025

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Important Considerations

  • Challenging Terrain: Most zones feature steep, rugged landscapes with limited road access
  • Special Requirements: Zone 505 strongly recommends using horses for transportation
  • High Elevation Warning: Zones 507 and 511 reach 10,000-14,000 feet, requiring excellent physical conditioning
  • Safety Notice: Altitude sickness has affected previous hunters in high-elevation areas

Hunting Periods and Tag Availability

  • Preference Point Application (Code 599): No active hunting season
  • Marble/Clipper Mountains (501): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (1 permit available)
  • Old Dad/Kelso Peak (502): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (3 permits)
  • Clark/Kingston Ranges (503): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (4 permits)
  • Orocopia Mountains (504): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (1 permit)
  • San Gorgonio Mountains (505): December 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026 (1 permit)
  • Sheep Hole Mountains (506): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (1 permit)
  • White Mountains – Early Season (507): August 16 – September 28, 2025 (3 permits)
  • White Mountains – Late Season (511): January 3 – February 1, 2026 (2 permits)
  • South Bristol Mountains (508): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (1 permit)
  • Cady Mountains (509): December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (2 permits)
  • Newberry/Rodman/Ord – First Period (512): December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (4 permits)
  • Newberry/Rodman/Ord – Second Period (513): January 4 – February 1, 2026 (4 permits)

🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth Opportunities

Spring Turkey – The Classic Challenge

  • General Season: March 28 – May 3, 2026
  • Archery Only: May 4 – May 17, 2026
  • Junior Additional: March 21-22 & May 4-17, 2026
  • Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey daily, 3 per season combined

Fall Turkey – Family Fun

  • Season Dates: November 8 – December 7, 2025
  • Bag Limit: 1 either sex daily, 2 per season
  • Perfect For: New hunters and family outings

🐰 Furbearers & Small Game Mammals

Rabbits & Varying Hare

  • General Season: July 1 – January 25, 2026
  • Falconry Only: January 26 – March 15, 2026
  • Daily Bag: 10 rabbits
  • Best Areas: Central Valley agricultural areas

Tree Squirrels 🐿️

  • General Season: September 13 – January 25, 2026
  • Archery/Falconry: August 2 – September 12, 2025
  • Daily Bag: 4 squirrels
  • Zone Map: Check CDFW website for specific zones

Wild Pig – Year-Round Action 🐗

  • Season: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 (continuous)
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Method: All legal methods allowed
  • Prime Time: Early morning and evening hunts

🕊️ Upland Birds – Classic Wing-Shooting

Pheasants

  • General Statewide: November 8 – December 21, 2025
  • Archery Only: October 11 – November 2 & December 22 – January 18
  • Daily Bag: 2 males first two days, then 3 males daily

Quail – California’s Signature Bird

  • Zone Q1 (Mountain Quail): September 13 – October 17, 2025
  • Zone Q1 (All Quail): October 18 – January 25, 2026
  • Zone Q2 & Q3: September 27 – January 25, 2026
  • Daily Bag: 10 quail

Dove Season 🕊️

  • Mourning/White-winged: September 1-15 & November 8-December 22, 2025
  • Daily Bag: 15 total (up to 10 white-winged)
  • HIP Validation: Required for all dove hunters

🦆 Migratory Birds & Waterfowl

Ducks & Mergansers

Balance of State Zone

  • Season: October 18 – January 28, 2026
  • Daily Bag: 7 ducks (species restrictions apply)
  • Scaup: November 4 – January 28, 2026

Northeastern Zone

  • Season: October 4 – January 14, 2026
  • Special Regulations: Check zone-specific limits

Geese – Premium Waterfowl Action

  • Regular Season: October 18 – January 25, 2026
  • Daily Bag: 30 geese (20 white, 10 dark)
  • Late Season: February 14-18, 2026 (limited species)

Youth & Veteran Days 🎖️

  • Youth Days: February 7-8, 2026 (most zones)
  • Veteran Days: January 31 – February 1, 2026

🦅 Other Small Game Seasons

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily BagNotes
ChukarOct 18 – Jan 256Statewide
GrouseSep 13 – Oct 132Mixed species
PtarmiganSep 13 – 212 daily/seasonHigh elevation
SnipeOct 18 – Feb 18Marshy areas
Band-tailed PigeonSep 20-28 (North)2Limited zones

🎣 Additional Game Opportunities

Upland Game Birds

California’s upland bird variety is impressive:

Pheasant: November 8 – December 21 (General); Extended archery and falconry seasons Quail: Multiple zones with varying dates from September 13 – January 25 Chukar: October 18 – January 25 statewide Dove: September 1-15 & November 8 – December 22

Archery Enthusiasts: Extended seasons from August 16 for many species Falconry: August 16 – February 28 for most upland species

Furbearers

Furbearer regulations vary significantly by species and region. Many species like fox, raccoon, and skunk have extended seasons, while others face specific restrictions. Always consult current regulations for your target species and area.

California Hunting Zones Map

California is divided into multiple hunting zones for different species. For detailed maps of these zones, visit:

License Requirements and Fees

🎟️ Basic License Fees

  • Resident Hunting License: $61.82
  • Nonresident Hunting License: $216.00
  • Junior Hunting License: $16.20 (under 16 years of age)
  • Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License: $61.82

Additional Required Validations

  • California Duck Validation: $39.14 (not required for junior hunters)
  • Upland Game Bird Validation: $24.33 (not required for junior hunters)
  • Federal Duck Stamp: $25.00 (required for waterfowl hunters 16 and older)
  • Wild Pig Validation: $27.00 Resident, $97.20 Nonresident (new for 2024, replaces Wild Pig Tag)
  • HIP Validation: No fee (required for migratory bird hunting)

Hunter Education Requirements

All first-time hunters must complete a hunter education course. Proof of hunter education is required when purchasing a hunting license if you haven’t previously held a California hunting license.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔖 Do I need tags for all game species?

Tags are required for deer, bear, elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. For wild pigs, a Wild Pig Validation is required starting July 1, 2024.

🏞️ Where can I hunt on public lands in California?

California offers numerous public hunting opportunities including:

  • National Forests
  • Bureau of Land Management lands
  • State Wildlife Areas (may require passes)
  • National Wildlife Refuges

🌙 Is night hunting allowed in California?

Night hunting is generally prohibited except for specific nongame mammals and in certain situations. Check regulations for details.

🔍 How do I apply for premium hunting tags?

Premium deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep tags are issued through a drawing system. Applications must be submitted during the application period which typically opens in early spring.

🌲 Are there special hunts for beginners or youth?

Yes, California offers special apprentice hunts and youth hunts throughout the season to encourage participation.

Related Pages

  • 🔗 Hunting Seasons: Nevada
  • 🔗 Hunting Seasons: Oregon
  • 🔗 Hunting Seasons: Arizona

Final Thoughts

California’s diverse ecosystems offer tremendous opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. The 2025 hunting seasons provide chances to pursue everything from trophy deer and elk to fast-flying waterfowl and challenging upland birds.

Before heading afield, always verify current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or by reviewing the latest hunting digest. Remember that regulations can change, and certain areas may close due to fire danger or other emergencies.

Successful hunters should focus on scouting potential areas well before their planned hunt dates, understanding the terrain and animal patterns, and securing all necessary licenses, tags, and validations. For the best chance of success, consider connecting with local hunting clubs or hiring a licensed guide, especially when pursuing challenging species or hunting in unfamiliar territory.

Good luck and safe hunting in the Golden State!


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