California 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
California's 2026-27 firearm deer season opens between August 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 29, 2026.
Archery deer season opens between July 11, 2026 and October 3, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes October 25, 2026.
Duck season opens between October 3, 2026 and October 24, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 31, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to California CDFW.
- firearm deer
- opens Aug 8-Nov 7, 2026 by zone
- archery deer
- opens Jul 11-Oct 3, 2026 by zone
- duck
- opens Oct 3-24, 2026 by zone
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Key seasons by species
How to read California's seasons
Deer zones and tag draws do the heavy lifting
California deer hunting is organized into lettered and numbered zones, many of which are draw-only with limited tags. A statewide window means little until you know which zone you drew and whether it is an archery, general, or either-sex hunt.
Confirm zone boundaries, tag quotas, and application deadlines with the official California Department of Fish and Wildlife source before planning a trip.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with California CDFW before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in California
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 3 stations in California. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
Deer
142 listed rowsDeer
Either-Sex Hunt (Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions)
Hunt G-10; Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions
Zone: Camp Pendleton
Deer
Either-Sex Hunt (Military Only)
Hunt G-7; Military Only
Zone: Beale
Deer
Archery Either-Sex
Hunt A-31. Los Angeles Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt.
Zone: Los Angeles
Deer
Either-Sex Hunt
Hunt G-19
Zone: Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas
Deer
Late Season Archery Either-Sex
Hunt A-33. Fort Hunter Liggett Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Hunt Day Restrictions apply.
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Deer
Regular Firearm
Zone: D-14
Deer
Regular Firearm
Also Valid in Zones D-13 and D-15
Zone: D-11
Deer
Regular Firearm
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-13
Zone: D-15
Deer
Regular Firearm
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-15
Zone: D-13
Deer
Archery Either-Sex
Hunt A-24. Monterey Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt.
Zone: Monterey
Deer
Regular Firearm
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9c See Hunt A-18.
Zone: X-9c
Deer
Regular Firearm
Zone: D-16
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DeerAntlerless Deer Hunt · San DiegoHunt G-13 | Open | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Devil's GardenHunt A-27. Devil's Garden Archery Buck Hunt. | Open | |
| DeerLate Season Buck Hunt · Round ValleyHunt G-39 | Open | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt · Devil's GardenHunt M-9 | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex Hunt · Lake SonomaHunt J-1 | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-12 | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck Hunt · Ventana WildernessHunt G-21 | Upcoming | |
| DeerLate Season Archery Either-Sex · Ventura/Los AngelesHunt A-32. Ventura/Los Angeles Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt · Northwestern CaliforniaHunt M-11 | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Anderson FlatHunt A-21. Anderson Flat Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · CoveloHunt A-30. Covelo Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex Hunt · Los AngelesHunt J-13 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex Hunt · San BernardinoHunt J-11 | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex (Split Season - Second Portion) · San DiegoHunt A-22. Split season. Tags issued for use in split seasons. Tag quota is for Hunt A22 as a group. | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex Hunt · RiversideHunt J-14 | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Bass HillHunt A-26. Bass Hill Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt · DoyleHunt M-3 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck Hunt · Anderson FlatHunt J-15 | Upcoming | |
| DeerLate Season Buck Hunt · D-7Hunt G-40 | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle/Archery Buck Hunt · Santa BarbaraHunt MA-3 | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle/Archery Either-Sex Hunt · San Luis ObispoHunt MA-1 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck Hunt · Shasta-TrinityHunt J-4 | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck Hunt · Anderson FlatHunt G-37 | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Hunt · VenturaHunt M-7 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck Hunt · Tehama Wildlife AreaHunt J-3 | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck Hunt · Kern River Deer HerdHunt G-6 | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck Hunt · GoodaleHunt G-3 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex Hunt · Daugherty Hill Wildlife AreaHunt J-8 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck Hunt · Round ValleyHunt J-12 | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Hunt · San DiegoHunt M-6 | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Only Tag · A, B, D Zones and Hunt G-10Hunt AO. Archery Only Tag. Valid during the archery and general seasons in the A, B and D Zones and Hunt G-10 (Archery Methods Only); NOT valid during any C or X Zone season or hunt. | dates not listed | Closed |
| DeerArchery · A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-4B Zone Tags are Valid during the Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota is total for all B zones. | Closed | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-5B Zone Tags are Valid during the Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota is total for all B zones. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-9 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-7bHunt A-14. Zone X-7b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-12Hunt A-20. Zone X-12 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-10 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-5bHunt A-9. Zone X-5b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery Only · C-1Hunt A-1. Tags issued for use in C zones. Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery Only · C-2Hunt A-1. Tags issued for use in C zones. Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-10Hunt A-19. Zone X-10 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-6aHunt A-11. Zone X-6a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-5D3-5 Tags are Valid during the Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota is total for D3-5 zones. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-9cHunt A-18. Zone X-9c Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-9aHunt A-16. Zone X-9a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-3B Zone Tags are Valid during the Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota is total for all B zones. | Closed |
Showing 60 of 142 listed deer rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 142 California deer seasons →
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall
Possession limit: 2 per season. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Additional Junior
Possession limit: 3 per season, combined. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General
Possession limit: 3 per season, combined. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Additional Junior
Possession limit: 3 per season, combined. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Archery Only
Possession limit: 3 per season, combined. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
Black Bear
General
General black bear season opens October 10, 2026 in deer X zones other than X8, X9A, X9B, X10, and X12. Season will close December 27, 2026 or earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. Premolar tooth collection, tag validation, and harvest reporting are mandatory. Skull must be presented to CDFW within 10 days of take. Harvest report due by February 1, 2027.
Zone: Remaining Deer X Zones (excluding X8, X9A, X9B, X10, X12)
Black Bear
General
through Dec 27, 2026
General black bear season opens concurrently with general deer seasons in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, and X12. See Mammal Hunting Regulations Booklet and Big Game Hunting Digest for opening dates. Season closes December 27, 2026 or earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. Premolar tooth collection, tag validation, and harvest reporting are mandatory. Skull must be presented to CDFW within 10 days of take. Harvest report due by February 1, 2027.
Zone: Deer Zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, X12
Black Bear
Archery
Archery season runs across the entire black bear hunt area. Season will close on December 27, 2026 or earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken (including archery harvest). Premolar tooth collection, tag validation, and harvest reporting are mandatory. Skull must be presented to CDFW within 10 days of take. Harvest report due by February 1, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Elk
85 listed rowsRoosevelt Elk
Muzzleloader/Archery Either-sex (Hunt Code 303)
Hunt Code 303 Muzzleloader/Archery Either-sex; no year stated for close date, assumed 2026
Zone: Marble Mountains
Tule Elk
Bull (Hunt Code 376)
Hunt Code 376 Bull
Zone: Central Coast
Tule Elk
Antlerless (Hunt Code 375)
Hunt Code 375 Antlerless
Zone: Central Coast
Tule Elk
Archery Antlerless (Hunt Code 450)
Hunt Code 450 Archery only Antlerless
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Tule Elk
Bull (Hunt Code 348)
Hunt Code 348 Bishop Period 4 Bull
Zone: Bishop Period 4
Rocky Mountain Elk
Antlerless (Hunt Code 304)
Hunt Code 304 Antlerless
Zone: Northeastern
Tule Elk
Antlerless (Hunt Code 377)
Hunt Code 377 Antlerless
Zone: Gabilan
Tule Elk
Bull (Hunt Code 378)
Hunt Code 378 Bull
Zone: Gabilan
Tule Elk
Antlerless Period 2 (Hunt Code 418)
Hunt Code 418 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: La Panza Period 2
Tule Elk
Bull Period 2 (Hunt Code 420)
Hunt Code 420 Period 2 Bull
Zone: La Panza Period 2
Tule Elk
Antlerless Period 2 (Hunt Code 448)
Hunt Code 448 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Tule Elk
Bull/Apprentice Antlerless Period 3 (Hunt Codes 447, 471, 472)
Hunt Code 447 Period 3 Bull, Hunt Code 471 Apprentice Antlerless, and Hunt Code 472
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain ElkArchery Either-sex (Hunt Code 411) · NortheasternHunt Code 411 Archery Either-sex | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkBull (Hunt Code 380) · TehachapiHunt Code 380 Bull | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkAntlerless (Hunt Code 379) · TehachapiHunt Code 379 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkEither-sex Apprentice (Hunt Code 409) · NortheasternHunt Code 409 Either-sex Apprentice | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkBull (Hunt Code 305) · NortheasternHunt Code 305 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkArchery Bull (Hunt Code 384) · SiskiyouHunt Code 384 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkBull (Hunt Code 355) · NorthwesternHunt Code 355 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkEither-sex (Hunt Code 483) · NorthwesternHunt Code 483 Either-sex | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkAntlerless (Hunt Code 374) · NorthwesternHunt Code 374 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkGeneral Antlerless (Hunt Code 301) · Marble MountainsHunt Code 301 General Antlerless | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkAntlerless (Hunt Code 401) · SiskiyouHunt Code 401 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkBull (Hunt Code 302) · Marble MountainsHunt Code 302 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkEither-sex Apprentice (Hunt Code 408) · Marble MountainsHunt Code 408 Either-sex Apprentice | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkBull (Hunt Code 300) · SiskiyouHunt Code 300 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt Elk/Tule ElkBull (Hunt Code 328) · MendocinoHunt Code 328 Bull; Roosevelt/Tule Elk hybrid zone | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Either-sex (Hunt Code 449) · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt Code 449 Archery only Either-sex | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull (Hunt Code 422) · Owens Valley Multiple ZoneHunt Code 422 Owens Valley Multiple Zone Archery Bull; tag valid in Bishop, Independence, Goodale, and Lone Pine zones | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 1 (Hunt Code 433) · Grizzly Island Period 1Hunt Code 433 Period 1 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkApprentice Antlerless Period 1 (Hunt Code 466) · Grizzly Island Period 1Hunt Code 466 Apprentice Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkApprentice Spike Bull Period 2 (Hunt Code 469) · Grizzly Island Period 2Hunt Code 469 Apprentice Spike Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkSpike Bull Period 2 (Hunt Code 437) · Grizzly Island Period 2Hunt Code 437 Period 2 Spike Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 1 (Hunt Code 387) · Lake Pillsbury Period 1Hunt Code 387 Period 1 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Archery (Hunt Code 382) · Central CoastHunt Code 382 Antlerless Archery | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull (Hunt Code 385) · La PanzaHunt Code 385 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Archery (Hunt Code 383) · Central CoastHunt Code 383 Bull Archery | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Antlerless (Hunt Code 386) · La PanzaHunt Code 386 Archery Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkSpike Bull Period 8 (Hunt Code 357) · Grizzly Island Period 8Hunt Code 357 Period 8 Spike Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 2 (Hunt Code 388) · Lake Pillsbury Period 2Hunt Code 388 Period 2 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless (Hunt Code 463) · East Park ReservoirHunt Code 463 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull (Hunt Code 461) · East Park ReservoirHunt Code 461 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 9 (Hunt Code 358) · Grizzly Island Period 9Hunt Code 358 Period 9 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 10 (Hunt Code 359) · Grizzly Island Period 10Hunt Code 359 Period 10 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 1 (Hunt Code 315) · West Tinemaha Period 1Hunt Code 315 Period 1 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 1 (Hunt Code 392) · Tinemaha Mountain Period 1Hunt Code 392 Tinemaha Mountain Period 1 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 3 (Hunt Code 389) · Lake Pillsbury Period 3Hunt Code 389 Period 3 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 1 (Hunt Code 373) · Goodale Period 1Hunt Code 373 Period 1 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull Period 1 (Hunt Code 312) · Tinemaha Period 1Hunt Code 312 Tinemaha Period 1 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkMuzzleloader Bull (Hunt Code 487) · Bishop Period 1Hunt Code 487 Bishop Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Archery Period 1 (Hunt Code 343) · Whitney Period 1Hunt Code 343 Period 1 Bull Archery | Closed | |
| Tule ElkMuzzleloader Bull Period 1 (Hunt Code 367) · Independence Period 1Hunt Code 367 Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Antlerless Period 1 (Hunt Code 337) · Lone Pine Period 1Hunt Code 337 Period 1 Archery Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull Period 1 (Hunt Code 311) · Lone Pine Period 1Hunt Code 311 Period 1 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 11 (Hunt Code 360) · Grizzly Island Period 11Hunt Code 360 Period 11 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 12 (Hunt Code 362) · Grizzly Island Period 12Hunt Code 362 Period 12 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless Period 13 (Hunt Code 363) · Grizzly Island Period 13Hunt Code 363 Period 13 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 13 (Hunt Code 381) · Grizzly Island Period 13Hunt Code 381 Period 13 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 4 (Hunt Code 390) · Lake Pillsbury Period 4Hunt Code 390 Period 4 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull Period 5 (Hunt Code 391) · Lake Pillsbury Period 5Hunt Code 391 Period 5 Bull | Closed |
Showing 60 of 85 listed elk rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 85 California elk seasons →
Waterfowl
46 listed rowsAll Canada Geese
Regular Season
Season split: Oct 3 - Dec 19 & Feb 12 - Mar 10. Large Canada geese are closed during the Late Season.
Zone: North Coast Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Klamath Basin Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Zone: Southern California Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Zone: Southern California Zone
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| All Canada GeeseLate Season · North Coast Special Management AreaLarge Canada geese are closed during the Late Season. | Upcoming | |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side)Closed during brant season | dates not listed | Closed |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Morro Bay Special Management AreaWaterfowl season opens concurrently with brant season. Open in designated areas only. | dates not listed | Closed |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Martis Creek Lake Special Management AreaClosed until Nov 16 | Closed | |
| Black BrantRegular Season · Northern Brant Special Management Area | Upcoming | |
| Black BrantRegular Season · Balance of State Brant Special Management Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseLate Season · Balance of State Zone | Upcoming | |
| Coots & MoorhensRegular Season · StatewideConcurrent with duck season | dates not listed | Closed |
| Ducks onlyVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days · Northeastern ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Ducks onlyVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days · Balance of State ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Large Canada GeeseEarly Season · Balance of State ZoneLarge Canada geese only | Closed | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days · Northeastern ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Closed | |
| Same as regular seasonVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days · Southern California ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days · Southern San Joaquin Valley ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days · Balance of State ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days · Southern San Joaquin Valley ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days · Colorado River ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days · Southern California ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Northeastern ZoneSeason split: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Dec 17 - Jan 13 | Open | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Southern California Zone | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Colorado River Zone | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Balance of State Zone | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Northeastern ZoneSeason split: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Dec 17 - Jan 13 | Upcoming | |
| White and White-fronted GeeseRegular Season · Northeastern ZoneSeason split: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Jan 1 - Jan 13 | Open | |
| White and White-fronted GeeseRegular Season · Klamath Basin Special Management Area | Open | |
| White and White-fronted GeeseRegular Season · Northeastern ZoneSeason split: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Jan 1 - Jan 13 | Upcoming | |
| White and White-fronted GeeseLate Season · Northeastern Zone | Upcoming | |
| White GeeseRegular Season · Imperial County Special Management AreaSeason segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21 | Open | |
| White GeeseRegular Season · Imperial County Special Management AreaSeason segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21 | Upcoming | |
| White GeeseRegular Season · Imperial County Special Management AreaSeason segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21 | Upcoming | |
| White GeeseRegular Season · Imperial County Special Management AreaSeason segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21 | Upcoming | |
| White-fronted GeeseRegular Season · Sacramento Valley Special Management AreaOpen concurrently with general goose season through Dec 21 | through Dec 21, 2026 | Closed |
| Whitefronts and White GeeseLate Season · Balance of State Zone | Upcoming |
Dove
Eurasian Collared-dove
General
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. HIP validation required. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. HIP validation required. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
Falconry
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Hawking hours are Sunrise to Sunset. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
All Quail
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Zone Q2
All Quail
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Zone Q3
All Quail
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Zone Q1
Quail
Falconry
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Mountain Quail
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Mountain Quail only. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Zone Q1
Quail
Archery Only
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Early Season for Hunters with Junior Hunting Licenses
Early season for hunters with Junior Hunting Licenses. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Mojave National Preserve
Grouse
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Falconry
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Falconry
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Greater Sage-grouse
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
0 permits adopted for all four hunt zones. Sage-grouse hunting for general, archery, and falconry seasons is by permit only. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: North Mono Zone
Greater Sage-grouse
Archery
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
0 permits adopted for all four hunt zones. Sage-grouse hunting for general, archery, and falconry seasons is by permit only. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: North Mono Zone
Greater Sage-grouse
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
0 permits adopted for all four hunt zones. Sage-grouse hunting for general, archery, and falconry seasons is by permit only. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Archery Only
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
General & Archery
Possession limit: 2 per season. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. HIP validation required. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: South
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. HIP validation required. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: North
Other
Chukar
Falconry
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General
Possession limit: Triple the daily bag. HIP validation required. Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
Archery Only
Nonlead ammunition required.
Zone: Statewide
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California Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in California?
Archery deer season opens between July 11, 2026 and October 3, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes October 25, 2026. Firearm deer season opens between August 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 29, 2026. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with California CDFW.
When is California's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season opens between August 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 29, 2026. Check zone and permit details with California CDFW before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in California?
Spring turkey season runs Mar 27-May 2, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in California?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate California hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with California CDFW.