Hi there, lovers of the great outdoors! You’ve come to the correct place if you’re trying to find out about the hunting seasons in California in 2025 and 2026. Everything from dates and species to licensing and public land options is covered in this extensive guide. From desert highlands to coastal woodlands, the Golden State provides a wide variety of gaming experiences. However, keep in mind that laws are subject to change, so before leaving, confirm with the appropriate authorities. Let’s begin! 🦌🌲
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
🐦 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
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 .
The hunting seasons in 2025–2026 in California provide a wide range of chances in the distinct landscapes of the state. There is something for every outdoor enthusiast, from birds in the Central Valley to blacktail deer in the coastal mountains. The secret to success is preparation: read area-specific legislation, apply for special permissions as soon as possible, and comprehend zone regulations. Always check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the most recent restrictions, since they are subject to change. Prioritize safety, respect the land, and engage in ethical harvesting whether you’re a local or a guest hunter. Happy hunting! 🐾🎟 🐾🎟️
