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State Guide

California Hunting Guide 2026

Complete California hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you plan around them.

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

California Hunting Guides

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draw odds

Idaho Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds: Rocky Mountain and California Bighorn
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram on steep mountain terrain in Montana

draw odds

Montana Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds: Units, Timelines, and the Application Strategy
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram standing on rocky ridge

draw odds

Oregon Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds: Rocky Mountain and California Bighorn in the West's Overlooked Sheep State
California coastal range terrain with oak woodlands prime deer habitat

draw odds

California Deer Draw Odds: A-Zone OTC vs Premium Zone Tags
California coastal hills and oak woodland terrain typical of blacktail deer habitat

destinations

California Deer Hunting: Blacktail, Mule Deer, and Zones

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.