Complete Guide to Hunting in California 2025-2026: Seasons & Regulations
Hey there, outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re looking for information about California’s 2025–2026 hunting periods, you’ve landed in the right spot. This comprehensive guide covers all the essentials—from dates and species to licenses and public land opportunities. The Golden State offers incredibly diverse game adventures across its varied landscapes, from coastal forests to desert mountains. But remember: regulations can change, so always verify with official sources before heading out. Let’s get started! 🦌🌲
📅 Quick Snapshot
- Deer: Archery seasons typically start in July, with general firearm periods running from August through November depending on zone .
- Elk: Limited entry draws only; seasons vary by zone .
- Bear: General season runs concurrently with deer seasons in many zones, with annual quota of 1,700 bears .
- Turkey: Spring season (March-May) and fall season (November-December) .
- Waterfowl: Varies by zone (October-January), with youth days in February .
- Upland Birds: Varies by species (September-January) .
- Licenses: Required for all hunters; special validations needed for upland birds and waterfowl .
🦌 Big Game Overview
| Species | Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | July 12 – Sept 28 (varies by zone) | Zones A-X with different dates |
| Firearms | Aug 9 – Nov 2 (varies by zone) | Specific dates depend on zone | |
| Muzzleloader | Same as firearms season | Follows general season dates | |
| Black Bear | General | Aug 16 – Dec 28 (or until quota met) | 1 bear per year; quota of 1,700 |
Note: California is divided into multiple deer zones (A, B, C, D, X) with varying regulations. Always check the specific rules for your area .
Elk Hunting Complete Date Guide
Apprentice Hunts
| Elk Subspecies | Hunt Name | Hunt Code | Tag Quota | Hunt Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain | Northeastern either-sex | 409 | 2 | Sept 17–28, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Marble Mountains either-sex | 408 | 4 | Sept 10–21, 2025 |
| Tule | Cache Creek Period 1 bull | 484 | 1 | Oct 11–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett antlerless | 471 | 1 | Dec 23, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett bull | 472 | 1 | Dec 23, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 1 antlerless | 466 | 2 | Aug 12–15, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 2 spike bull | 469 | 2 | Aug 14–17, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza antlerless | 464 | 1 | Oct 11–Nov 2, 2025 |
Archery Hunts
| Elk Subspecies | Hunt Name | Hunt Code | Tag Quota | Hunt Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain | Northeastern either-sex | 411 | 10 | Sept 3–14, 2025 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett only antlerless | 450 | 8 | Nov 1–9, 2025 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett only either-sex | 449 | 6 | July 26–Aug 3, 2025 |
| Tule | Lone Pine Period 1 antlerless | 337 | 1 | Sept 13–28, 2025 |
| Tule | Owens Valley Multiple Zone bull | 422 | 3 | Aug 9–17, 2025 |
| Tule | Central Coast bull | 383 | 5 | Sept 1–30, 2025 |
| Tule | Central Coast antlerless | 382 | 5 | Sept 1–30, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza bull | 385 | 5 | Sept 1–30, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza antlerless | 386 | 5 | Sept 1–30, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Siskiyou bull | 384 | 10 | Aug 27–Sept 9, 2025 |
Muzzleloader Hunts
| Elk Subspecies | Hunt Name | Hunt Code | Tag Quota | Hunt Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt | Marble Mountains either-sex | 303 | 10 | Oct 25–Nov 2, 2025 |
| Tule | Independence Period 1 bull | 367 | 1 | Sept 13–28, 2025 |
General Hunts
| Elk Subspecies | Hunt Name | Hunt Code | Tag Quota | Hunt Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt | Marble Mountains antlerless | 301 | 8 | Sept 10–21, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Marble Mountains bull | 302 | 34 | Sept 10–21, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Northwestern antlerless | 374 | 15 | Sept 3–25, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Northwestern bull | 355 | 25 | Sept 3–25, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Northwestern either-sex | 483 | 3 | Sept 3–25, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Siskiyou antlerless | 401 | 30 | Sept 10–21, 2025 |
| Roosevelt | Siskiyou bull | 300 | 20 | Oct 8–19, 2025 |
| Roosevelt/Tule | Mendocino bull | 328 | 2 | Sept 24–Oct 5, 2025 |
| Rocky Mountain | Northeastern antlerless | 304 | 10 | Nov 12–23, 2025 |
| Rocky Mountain | Northeastern bull | 305 | 15 | Sept 17–28, 2025 |
| Rocky Mountain | Tehachapi antlerless | 379 | 10 | Sept 6–Oct 5, 2025 |
| Rocky Mountain | Tehachapi bull | 380 | 10 | Sept 6–Oct 5, 2025 |
| Tule | Bear Valley antlerless | 329 | 1 | Oct 11–19, 2025 |
| Tule | Bear Valley bull | 330 | 2 | Oct 11–19, 2025 |
| Tule | Cache Creek Period 1 bull | 406 | 2 | Oct 11–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Cache Creek Period 2 antlerless | 416 | 2 | Oct 18–Nov 2, 2025 |
| Tule | Central Coast antlerless | 375 | 10 | Oct 4–Dec 2, 2025 |
| Tule | Central Coast bull | 376 | 10 | Oct 4–Dec 2, 2025 |
| Tule | East Park Reservoir antlerless | 463 | 2 | Sept 6–Dec 2, 2025 |
| Tule | East Park Reservoir bull | 461 | 2 | Sept 6–Dec 2, 2025 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett Period 2 antlerless | 448 | 6 | Nov 22–30, 2025 |
| Tule | Fort Hunter Liggett Period 3 bull | 447 | 8 | Dec 20, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 |
| Tule | Gabilan antlerless | 377 | 6 | Nov 8–30, 2025 |
| Tule | Gabilan bull | 378 | 10 | Nov 8–30, 2025 |
| Tule | Goodale period 1 bull | 373 | 1 | Sept 13–28, 2025 |
| Tule | Goodale Period 2 antlerless | 365 | 1 | Oct 4–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Goodale Period 3 antlerless | 366 | 1 | Oct 18–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 1 antlerless | 433 | 2 | Aug 12–15, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 10 bull | 359 | 4 | Sept 11–14, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 11 antlerless | 360 | 4 | Sept 16–19, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 12 bull | 362 | 4 | Sept 18–21, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 13 antlerless | 363 | 4 | Sept 23–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 13 bull | 381 | 3 | Sept 23–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 2 spike bull | 437 | 2 | Aug 14–17, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 8 spike bull | 357 | 6 | Sept 4–7, 2025 |
| Tule | Grizzly Island Period 9 antlerless | 358 | 4 | Sept 9–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Independence Period 2 antlerless | 368 | 1 | Oct 4–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Independence Period 2 bull | 369 | 1 | Oct 2–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Independence Period 3 antlerless | 370 | 1 | Oct 18–26, 2025 |
| Tule | Independence Period 3 bull | 371 | 0* | Oct 18–26, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza Period 1 antlerless | 417 | 5 | Oct 12–Nov 3, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza Period 1 bull | 419 | 6 | Oct 11–Nov 2, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza Period 2 antlerless | 418 | 6 | Nov 8–30, 2025 |
| Tule | La Panza Period 2 bull | 420 | 6 | Nov 8–30, 2025 |
| Tule | Lake Pillsbury Period 1 antlerless | 387 | 4 | Aug 30–Sept 5, 2025 |
| Tule | Lake Pillsbury Period 2 antlerless | 388 | 2 | Sept 6–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Lake Pillsbury Period 3 antlerless | 389 | 2 | Sept 13–19, 2025 |
| Tule | Lake Pillsbury Period 4 bull | 390 | 2 | Sept 27–Oct 3, 2025 |
| Tule | Lake Pillsbury Period 5 bull | 391 | 2 | Oct 4–10, 2025 |
| Tule | Lone Pine Period 2 bull | 486 | 1 | Oct 4–12, 2025 |
| Tule | San Luis Reservoir either-sex | 497 | 5 | Oct 4–26, 2025 |
| Tule | West Tinemaha Period 1 bull | 315 | 1 | Sept 13–28, 2025 |
| Tule | Whitney Period 2 bull | 323 | 1 | Oct 4–12, 2025 |
| Tule | Whitney Period 3 antlerless | 324 | 1 | Oct 18–26, 2025 |
Important Notes:
- Total available tags: 362 for all elk hunts in 2025 .
- Application deadline: June 2, 2025, for the big game drawing .
- Non-resident fees: Elk permit costs $1,825.85 if successful in the draw .
- Weapon restrictions: No lead ammunition can be used for any wildlife with a firearm across California .
Pronghorn Antelope
| Hunt Type | Hunt Name / Zone | Hunt Code | Tag Quota | Dates (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Zone 1 Mount Dome Buck | 710 | 2 | Aug 23–31 |
| General | Zone 2 Clear Lake Buck | 720 | 6 | Aug 23–31 |
| General | Zone 3 Likely Tables Period 1 Buck | 730 | 5 | Aug 23–31 |
| General | Zone 4 Lassen Period 1 Buck | 740 | 35 | Aug 23–31 |
| General | Zone 4 Lassen Period 2 Buck | 742 | 35 | Sept 6–14 |
| General | Zone 5 Big Valley Buck | 750 | 5 | Aug 23–31 |
| General | Zone 6 Surprise Valley Buck | 760 | 10 | Aug 23–31 |
| Archery | Zone 2 Clear Lake Buck | 728 | 1 | Aug 9–17 |
| Archery | Zone 4 Lassen Buck | 745 | 5 | Aug 9–17 |
| Archery | Zone 5 Big Valley Buck | 755 | 1 | Aug 9–17 |
| Archery | Zone 6 Surprise Valley Buck | 765 | 1 | Aug 9–17 |
| Apprentice | Zone 4 Lassen Period 1 Either-Sex | 790 | 5 | Aug 23–31 |
| Apprentice | Zone 5 Big Valley Either-Sex | 780 | 1 | Aug 23–31 |
| Apprentice | Zone 6 Surprise Valley Either-Sex | 766 | 4 | Aug 23–31 |
⚠️ Key Details:
- Total Tags: Only 137 tags are available statewide for pronghorn antelope in 2025.
- Zones: All hunts occur in northeastern California (zones 1–6), with Zone 4 (Lassen) offering the most tags.
- Application Deadline: The deadline for the pronghorn draw is June 2, 2025.
- Non-Resident Limit: Only one non-resident permit is allocated annually.
- Regulations:
- Non-Lead Ammunition: Mandatory for all hunting with firearms.
- Harvest Reporting: Required by January 31, 2026.
- Tag Returns: Unused tags must be returned by specific deadlines.
Certainly! Here are the complete dates for the 2025 California Bighorn Sheep Hunting Seasons, based on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guidelines.
Desert Bighorn Sheep
| Hunt Code | Hunt Zone / Description | Tag Quota | Season Dates (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 501 | Zone 1 – Marble/Clipper Mountains – General Method – Ram | 1 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 502 | Zone 2 – Old Dad/Kelso Peak Mountains – General Method – Ram | 3 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 503 | Zone 3 – Clark and Kingston Mountain Ranges – General Method – Ram | 4 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 504 | Zone 4 – Orocopia Mountains – General Method – Ram | 1 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 505 | Zone 5 – San Gorgonio Mountains – General Method – Ram | 1 | December 20 – February 15 |
| 506 | Zone 6 – Sheep Hole Mountains – General Method – Ram | 1 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 507 | Zone 7 – White Mountains – Period 1 – General Method – Ram | 3 | August 16 – September 28 |
| 511 | Zone 7 – White Mountains – Period 2 – General Method – Ram | 2 | January 3 – February 1 |
| 508 | Zone 8 – South Bristol Mountains – General Method – Ram | 1 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 509 | Zone 9 – Cady Mountains – General Method – Ram | 2 | December 6 – February 1 |
| 512 | Zone 10 – Newberry, Rodman and Ord – Period 1 – General Method – Ram | 4 | December 6 – January 3 |
| 513 | Zone 10 – Newberry, Rodman and Ord – Period 2 – General Method – Ram | 4 | January 4 – February 1 |
⚠️ Key Details:
- Application Deadline: The deadline for the bighorn sheep draw is June 2, 2025 .
- Total Tags: Only 29 tags are available statewide for desert bighorn sheep in 2025.
- Non-Resident Limit: Non-residents are limited to up to 10% of the total tags, though this is not guaranteed .
- Lifetime Limit: Hunters may draw only one bighorn sheep permit in their lifetime in California .
- Hunter Requirements: Applicants must be at least 16 years old by July 1, 2025, to apply for a bighorn sheep tag .
- Physical Challenges: Many zones feature steep and rugged terrain with limited vehicle access. For example:
- Zones 501-506, 509, 512-513: Travel is restricted to designated routes; Zone 505 recommends horseback.
- Zones 507 and 511 (White Mountains): Extremely strenuous terrain at 10,000-14,000 ft; altitude sickness risk; vehicle access limited to none .
- Weapon Restrictions: Non-lead ammunition is mandatory for all hunting with firearms .
- Success Rates: Historically high; most zones reported 100% success in 2024, except Zone 506 (0%) and Zone 507 (50%) .
📌 Notes:
- Draw System: Tags are allocated via a modified preference point system. For units with 2+ tags, 75% are awarded via preference points and 25% randomly .
- Fees: The non-resident sheep permit fee is $2,122.75 if drawn, plus a $8.13 application fee and a $219.81 hunting license .
- Harvest Reporting: All permit holders must submit a harvest report by January 31, 2026, whether successful or not, to avoid a $21.60 penalty .
🦃 Turkey Dates
| Season Type | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring General | Mar 29 – May 4, 2026 | Bearded birds only; shotguns, archery |
| Fall General | Nov 8 – Dec 7, 2025 | Either sex; varies by unit |
| Archery Only | May 5 – May 18, 2026 | Archery equipment only |
| Youth Season | Mar 21-22, 2026 | Special opportunities for young hunters |
Turkey populations are healthy across much of the state, with both Rio Grande and Merriam’s subspecies available.
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | No bag limits; hunting license required |
| Bobcat | Nov 15 – Mar 31 | Requires furharvester license |
| Raccoon | Nov 15 – Mar 31 | Requires furharvester license |
| Gray Fox | Nov 15 – Mar 31 | Requires furharvester license |
A furharvester license is required for trapping or pursuing most furbearing animals during established seasons .
🐦 Small Game Section
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Squirrel | Sep 13 – Jan 25 | 4 |
| Rabbit | July 1 – Jan 25 | 5 |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | No limit |
| Quail | Sep – Jan (varies by zone) | 10 |
| Dove | Sep 1-15 & Nov 8-Dec 22 | 15 |
Small game offers excellent opportunities for introducing newcomers to outdoor traditions throughout much of the year.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl periods follow federal frameworks with state-specific dates across five zones:
| Species | Season Framework | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Oct 18 – Jan 25 (Northeast Zone) | Varies by zone; typical limit 7 ducks |
| Geese | Varies by zone | Generally Oct – Jan; check specific zones |
| Teal | Sep 13-28 | 6 teal |
| Youth Waterfowl | February (varies) | Special opportunities for young hunters |
Licenses: All waterfowl hunters 16+ must have California waterfowl validation and federal duck stamp .
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Pig | Year-round | No closed season; tag required |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Sep 20-28 (North) Dec 20-28 (South) | 2 |
| Snipe | Oct 18 – Feb 1 | 8 |
| Crow | Year-round | No limit |
California offers unique opportunities like wild pig hunting year-round and varied migratory bird seasons.
🗺️ Hunting Zones
California is divided into multiple game management zones for different species. Deer zones (A, B, C, D, X) are particularly important, with varying regulations across the state . The CDFW manages numerous wildlife areas and ecological reserves, while national forests and BLM lands offer additional public opportunities. For detailed maps and unit boundaries, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website .
Public Land Tips: Always check specific area regulations, as some zones have special requirements or limited access periods. Nonlead ammunition is required statewide for all hunting with firearms .
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Key Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $58.90 | $219.81 | |
| Deer Tag | $44.52 | $368.20 | |
| Bear Tag | $43.46 | $387.85 | |
| Upland Game Bird Validation | $10.10 | $10.10 | Required for upland birds |
| Waterfowl Validation | $25.10 | $25.10 | Required for waterfowl |
Additional Requirements:
- Hunter Education: Required for all first-time license buyers
- Drawing Applications: Due June 2 for elk, antelope, bighorn sheep
- Nonlead Ammunition: Required for all hunting with firearms
❓ California Hunting Quick FAQ
- How does California’s draw system work?
Premium tags for species like elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep are allocated through a lottery system. Applicants accumulate preference points for unsuccessful draws . - Can I use lead ammunition?
No, nonlead ammunition is required for all hunting with firearms anywhere in California . - Are there youth hunting opportunities?
Yes, California offers special youth seasons for waterfowl, turkey, and other species . - What’s the bag limit for deer?
Generally one deer per tag, with some zones having additional restrictions or opportunities . - Can non-residents hunt without a guide?
Yes, non-residents can hunt without a guide for most species . - When are hunting licenses available?
New licenses go on sale each year in mid-February . - Are there any hunting opportunities on private land?
Yes, through the SHARE program and Private Lands Management (PLM) programs .
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Arizona Hunting Seasons – Compare regulations across different states!
- Official California Hunting Regulations – Complete rules and updates
- Hunter Education Courses – Get certified online
Conclusion
California’s 2025–2026 hunting periods offer incredibly diverse opportunities across the state’s varied landscapes. From blacktail deer in the coastal ranges to waterfowl in the Central Valley, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. The key to success is planning ahead: understand zone regulations, apply for special permits early, and study area-specific rules. Always verify current regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as changes can occur. Whether you’re a resident or visiting hunter, practice ethical harvesting, respect the land, and prioritize safety. Happy hunting! 🐾🎟️
