California 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
California's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Aug 22-Sep 27, 2026.
Regular Firearm Deer opens Sep 19, 2026 and closes Oct 12, 2026.
Spring Junior Wild Turkey opens Mar 20, 2027 and closes Mar 21, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to California CDFW.
- firearm deer
- Aug 22-Sep 27, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 19-Oct 12, 2026
- spring turkey
- Mar 20-21, 2027
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Key seasons by species
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.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in California
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 3 stations in California. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
Deer
140 listed rowsDeer
Archery Only Tag
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Hunt 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.
Zone: A, B, D Zones and Hunt G-10
Deer
Archery
Jul 11-Aug 2, 2026
Tag quota: 65,000
Zone: A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160)
Deer
Archery
Jul 25-Aug 16, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-4
Deer
Regular Firearm
Aug 8-Sep 20, 2026
Tag quota: 65,000
Zone: A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160)
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-3: Zone X-1 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-1
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-14: Zone X-7b Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-7b
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-2 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group.
Zone: C-2
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-11: Zone X-6a Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-6a
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-4: Zone X-2 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-2
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-15: Zone X-8 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-8
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-7: Zone X-4 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-4
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-18: Zone X-9c Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-9c
Show 128 more deer rows
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-8: Zone X-5a Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-5a
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-30, 2026
Hunt A-19: Zone X-10 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-10
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Tag quota: 700
Zone: D-10
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-4
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Tag quota: 2,000
Zone: D-9
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-30, 2026
Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-4 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group.
Zone: C-4
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-13: Zone X-7a Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-7a
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-5
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-1
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-5: Zone X-3a Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-3a
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-16: Zone X-9a Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-9a
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-2
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Tag quota: 10,000
Zone: D-6
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-6: Zone X-3b Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-3b
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-17: Zone X-9b Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-9b
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-3
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Tag quota: 9,000
Zone: D-7
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-30, 2026
Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-1 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group.
Zone: C-1
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-9: Zone X-5b Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-5b
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-20: Zone X-12 Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-12
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-3
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Tag quota: 8,000
Zone: D-8
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-3 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group.
Zone: C-3
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Hunt A-12: Zone X-6b Archery Hunt.
Zone: X-6b
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-6
Deer
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-5
Deer
Regular Firearm
Aug 22-Sep 27, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-4
Deer
Either-Sex
Aug 31-Oct 1, 2026
Hunt G-11: Vandenberg Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only
Zone: Vandenberg
Deer
Archery Either-Sex (Split Season)
Sep 5-Dec 31, 2026
Hunt A-22: San Diego Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Split season: 9/5/2026-10/18/2026 and 11/21/2026-12/31/2026. Tag quota of 1,000 is for Hunt A-22 as a group.
Zone: San Diego
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-13. Tag quota: 1,500
Zone: D-15
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Tag quota: 3,000
Zone: D-14
Deer
Either-Sex
Sep 5-Nov 29, 2026
Hunt G-10: Camp Pendleton Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions
Zone: Camp Pendleton
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-13 and D-15. Tag quota: 5,500
Zone: D-11
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Tag quota: 3,000
Zone: D-16
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Tag quota: 500
Zone: D-17
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-15. Tag quota: 4,000
Zone: D-13
Deer
Archery
Sep 5-27, 2026
Tag quota: 1,500
Zone: D-19
Deer
Either-Sex
Sep 12-Nov 29, 2026
Hunt G-7: Beale Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only
Zone: Beale
Deer
Shotgun Either-Sex
Sep 19-27, 2026
Hunt G-12: Gray Lodge Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Gray Lodge
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Sep 19-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt J-21: East Tehama Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: East Tehama
Deer
Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex
Sep 19-27, 2026
Hunt J-9: Little Dry Creek Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Little Dry Creek
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 12, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9a See Hunt A-16. Tag quota: 270
Zone: X-9a
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-5
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-1
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 18, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-6
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 12, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9b See Hunt A-17. Tag quota: 230
Zone: X-9b
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 18, 2026
C Zone Tags valid during General Season Only in Any C Zone. For Archery Deer Seasons in C Zones See Hunt A-1. Tag quota: 8,150 (total for all C zones)
Zone: C-1
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-2
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
C Zone Tags valid during General Season Only in Any C Zone. For Archery Deer Seasons in C Zones See Hunt A-1. Tag quota: 8,150 (total for all C zones)
Zone: C-2
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Nov 1, 2026
Tag quota: 10,000
Zone: D-6
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
C Zone Tags valid during General Season Only in Any C Zone. For Archery Deer Seasons in C Zones See Hunt A-1. Tag quota: 8,150 (total for all C zones)
Zone: C-3
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 12, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-12 See Hunt A-20. Tag quota: 350
Zone: X-12
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones)
Zone: B-3
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Oct 4, 2026
C Zone Tags valid during General Season Only in Any C Zone. For Archery Deer Seasons in C Zones See Hunt A-1. Tag quota: 8,150 (total for all C zones)
Zone: C-4
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 19-Nov 1, 2026
Tag quota: 9,000
Zone: D-7
Deer
Archery Either-Sex
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Hunt A-31: Los Angeles Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt.
Zone: Los Angeles
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt J-17: Blue Canyon Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Blue Canyon
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt J-18: Pacific/Grizzly Flat Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Pacific/Grizzly Flat
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Oct 11, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-8 See Hunt A-15. Tag quota: 210
Zone: X-8
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-4
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Oct 25, 2026
Tag quota: 2,000
Zone: D-9
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-5
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Oct 25, 2026
Tag quota: 700
Zone: D-10
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt J-16: Bucks Mountain/Nevada City Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Bucks Mountain/Nevada City
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Oct 11, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-10 See Hunt A-19. Tag quota: 400
Zone: X-10
Deer
Either-Sex
Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
Hunt G-19: Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Nov 1, 2026
D3-5 Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Zones D-3, D-4 or D-5. Tag quota: 33,000 (total for D3-5 zones)
Zone: D-3
Deer
Regular Firearm
Sep 26-Oct 25, 2026
Tag quota: 8,000
Zone: D-8
Deer
Archery Either-Sex
Oct 3-26, 2026
Hunt A-25: Lake Sonoma Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Hunt Day Restrictions apply.
Zone: Lake Sonoma
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-6b See Hunt A-12. Tag quota: 310
Zone: X-6b
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Oct 3-12, 2026
Hunt J-10: Fort Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Multiple date windows: Oct 3-4 and Oct 10-12.
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Oct 3-18, 2026
Hunt J-20: Zone X-7b Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Zone X-7b
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Oct 3-18, 2026
Hunt J-19: Zone X-7a Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Zone X-7a
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-2 See Hunt A-4. Tag quota: 190
Zone: X-2
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-3a See Hunt A-5. Tag quota: 355
Zone: X-3a
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-1 See Hunt A-3. Tag quota: 760
Zone: X-1
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-7b See Hunt A-14. Tag quota: 135
Zone: X-7b
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-3b See Hunt A-6. Tag quota: 500
Zone: X-3b
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-4 See Hunt A-7. Tag quota: 480
Zone: X-4
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-5a See Hunt A-8. Tag quota: 75
Zone: X-5a
Deer
Archery
Oct 3-25, 2026
Tag quota: 950
Zone: D-12
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-5b See Hunt A-9. Tag quota: 50
Zone: X-5b
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-6a See Hunt A-11. Tag quota: 330
Zone: X-6a
Deer
Archery Either-Sex Late Season
Oct 3-Nov 11, 2026
Hunt A-33: Fort Hunter Liggett Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Hunt Day Restrictions apply.
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-Nov 1, 2026
Tag quota: 1,500
Zone: D-19
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 3-18, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-7a See Hunt A-13. Tag quota: 230
Zone: X-7a
Deer
Archery Either-Sex
Oct 10-Nov 8, 2026
Hunt A-24: Monterey Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt.
Zone: Monterey
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 10-Nov 8, 2026
Tag quota: 3,000
Zone: D-14
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 10-Nov 8, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-13. Tag quota: 1,500
Zone: D-15
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 10-Nov 8, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-13 and D-15. Tag quota: 5,500
Zone: D-11
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 10-Nov 1, 2026
Tag quota: 500
Zone: D-17
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 10-Nov 8, 2026
Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-15. Tag quota: 4,000
Zone: D-13
Deer
Late Season Buck
Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt G-38: X-10 Late Season Buck Hunt
Zone: X-10
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 17-Nov 8, 2026
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9c See Hunt A-18. Tag quota: 325
Zone: X-9c
Deer
Late Season Buck
Oct 24-Nov 8, 2026
Hunt G-39: Round Valley Late Season Buck Hunt
Zone: Round Valley
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Oct 24-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt M-8: Bass Hill Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: Bass Hill
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Oct 24-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt M-5: East Lassen Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: East Lassen
Deer
Antlerless
Oct 24-Nov 15, 2026
Hunt G-13: San Diego Antlerless Deer Hunt
Zone: San Diego
Deer
Late Season Buck
Oct 24-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt G-1: Late Season Buck Hunt for Zone C-4
Zone: Zone C-4
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Oct 24-Nov 8, 2026
Hunt M-9: Devil's Garden Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: Devil's Garden
Deer
Archery Buck
Oct 24-Nov 8, 2026
Hunt A-27: Devil's Garden Archery Buck Hunt.
Zone: Devil's Garden
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Oct 24-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt M-4: Horse Lake Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: Horse Lake
Deer
Regular Firearm
Oct 24-Nov 22, 2026
Tag quota: 3,000
Zone: D-16
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Nov 7-8, 2026
Hunt J-1: Lake Sonoma Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Lake Sonoma
Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 7-29, 2026
Tag quota: 950
Zone: D-12
Deer
Archery Buck
Nov 14-27, 2026
Hunt A-21: Anderson Flat Archery Buck Hunt.
Zone: Anderson Flat
Deer
Buck
Nov 14-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt G-21: Ventana Wilderness Buck Hunt
Zone: Ventana Wilderness
Deer
Archery Either-Sex Late Season
Nov 14-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt A-32: Ventura/Los Angeles Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt.
Zone: Ventura/Los Angeles
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Nov 14-29, 2026
Hunt M-11: Northwestern California Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: Northwestern California
Deer
Archery Buck
Nov 14-29, 2026
Hunt A-30: Covelo Archery Buck Hunt.
Zone: Covelo
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Nov 21-29, 2026
Hunt J-13: Los Angeles Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Los Angeles
Deer
Archery Buck
Nov 21-Dec 13, 2026
Hunt A-26: Bass Hill Archery Buck Hunt.
Zone: Bass Hill
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Nov 21-29, 2026
Hunt J-14: Riverside Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Riverside
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Nov 21-29, 2026
Hunt J-11: San Bernardino Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: San Bernardino
Deer
Muzzleloader Buck
Nov 21-29, 2026
Hunt M-3: Doyle Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt
Zone: Doyle
Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery Either-Sex
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
Hunt MA-1: San Luis Obispo Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: San Luis Obispo
Deer
Late Season Buck
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt G-40: D-7 Late Season Buck Hunt
Zone: D-7
Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery Buck
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
Hunt MA-3: Santa Barbara Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Buck Hunt
Zone: Santa Barbara
Deer
Apprentice Buck
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt J-4: Shasta-Trinity Apprentice Buck Hunt
Zone: Shasta-Trinity
Deer
Buck
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt G-37: Anderson Flat Buck Hunt
Zone: Anderson Flat
Deer
Muzzleloader Either-Sex
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
Hunt M-7: Ventura Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Ventura
Deer
Apprentice Buck
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt J-15: Anderson Flat Apprentice Buck Hunt
Zone: Anderson Flat
Deer
Apprentice Buck
Nov 28-29, 2026
Hunt J-3: Tehama Wildlife Area Apprentice Buck Hunt
Zone: Tehama Wildlife Area
Deer
Buck
Dec 5-13, 2026
Hunt G-6: Kern River Deer Herd Buck Hunt
Zone: Kern River
Deer
Apprentice Either-Sex
Dec 5-31, 2026
Hunt J-8: Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area
Deer
Apprentice Buck
Dec 5-20, 2026
Hunt J-12: Round Valley Apprentice Buck Hunt
Zone: Round Valley
Deer
Buck
Dec 5-20, 2026
Hunt G-3: Goodale Buck Hunt
Zone: Goodale
Deer
Muzzleloader Either-Sex
Dec 19-31, 2026
Hunt M-6: San Diego Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: San Diego
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Nov 14-Dec 13, 2026
Possession limit is 2 per season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Junior
Mar 20-21, 2027
Additional Junior season also includes May 3-16, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General
Mar 27-May 2, 2027
Possession limit is 3 per season, combined.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Archery Only
May 3-16, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Junior
May 3-16, 2027
Additional Junior season second period.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
Black Bear
General
through Dec 27, 2026
General black bear season opens concurrently with general deer seasons in these zones. See Mammal Hunting Regulations Booklet and Big Game Hunting Digest for specific opening dates. Season may close earlier if 1,700 bears reported taken statewide (including archery harvest).
Zone: Deer Zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, X12
Black Bear
Archery
Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026
Archery season runs statewide across the entire black bear hunt area. Premolar tooth extraction, tag validation, and harvest reporting are mandatory. Season may close earlier if 1,700 bears reported taken statewide.
Zone: Entire black bear hunt area
Black Bear
General
Oct 10-Dec 27, 2026
General black bear season in remaining deer X zones (those not listed above). Season may close earlier if 1,700 bears reported taken statewide (including archery harvest). Harvest report due by February 1, 2027.
Zone: Remaining deer X zones (not X8, X9A, X9B, X10, X12)
Elk
65 listed rowsRocky Mountain Elk
Archery Either-sex
Sep 2-13, 2026
Hunt Code 411 Archery Either-sex
Zone: Northeastern
Rocky Mountain Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Sep 5-Oct 4, 2026
Hunt Code 379 Antlerless, Hunt Code 380 Bull
Zone: Tehachapi
Rocky Mountain Elk
Either-sex Apprentice
Sep 16-27, 2026
Hunt Code 409 Either-sex Apprentice
Zone: Northeastern
Rocky Mountain Elk
Bull
Sep 16-27, 2026
Hunt Code 305 Bull
Zone: Northeastern
Rocky Mountain Elk
Antlerless
Nov 11-22, 2026
Hunt Code 304 Antlerless
Zone: Northeastern
Roosevelt Elk
Archery Bull
Aug 26-Sep 8, 2026
Hunt Code 384 Archery Bull
Zone: Siskiyou
Roosevelt Elk
Antlerless/Bull/Either-sex
Sep 2-24, 2026
Hunt Code 374 Antlerless, Hunt Code 355 Bull, Hunt Code 483 Either-sex
Zone: Northwestern
Roosevelt Elk
Antlerless
Sep 9-20, 2026
Hunt Code 401 Antlerless
Zone: Siskiyou
Roosevelt Elk
General Antlerless/Bull/Apprentice Either-sex
Sep 9-20, 2026
Hunt Code 408 Either-sex Apprentice, Hunt Code 301 General Antlerless, Hunt Code 302 Bull
Zone: Marble Mountains
Roosevelt Elk
Bull
Oct 7-18, 2026
Hunt Code 300 Bull
Zone: Siskiyou
Roosevelt Elk
Muzzleloader/Archery Either-sex
Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026
Hunt Code 303 Muzzleloader/Archery Either-sex; year not explicitly stated, assumed 2026
Zone: Marble Mountains
Roosevelt/Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 23-Oct 4, 2026
Hunt Code 328 Bull
Zone: Mendocino
Show 53 more elk rows
Tule Elk
Archery Either-sex
Aug 1-9, 2026
Hunt Code 449 Archery only Either-sex
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Tule Elk
Archery Bull
Aug 8-16, 2026
Hunt Code 422 Owens Valley Multiple Zone Archery Bull; tag valid in Bishop, Independence, Goodale, and Lone Pine
Zone: Owens Valley
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Apprentice Antlerless
Aug 11-14, 2026
Hunt Code 433 Period 1 Antlerless, Hunt Code 466 Apprentice Antlerless
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Spike Bull/Apprentice Spike Bull
Aug 13-16, 2026
Hunt Code 437 Period 2 Spike Bull, Hunt Code 469 Apprentice Spike Bull
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Aug 29-Sep 4, 2026
Hunt Code 387 Period 1 Antlerless
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Archery Bull/Antlerless
Sep 1-30, 2026
Hunt Code 385 Archery Bull, Hunt Code 386 Archery Antlerless
Zone: La Panza
Tule Elk
Archery Antlerless/Bull
Sep 1-30, 2026
Hunt Code 382 Antlerless Archery, Hunt Code 383 Bull Archery
Zone: Central Coast
Tule Elk
Spike Bull
Sep 3-6, 2026
Hunt Code 357 Period 8 Spike Bull
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Sep 5-Oct 1, 2026
Hunt Code 463 Antlerless, Hunt Code 461 Bull
Zone: East Park Reservoir
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Sep 5-11, 2026
Hunt Code 388 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Sep 8-11, 2026
Hunt Code 358 Period 9 Antlerless
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 10-13, 2026
Hunt Code 359 Period 10 Bull
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Muzzleloader Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 487 Bishop Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull
Zone: Bishop
Tule Elk
Archery Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 343 Period 1 Bull Archery
Zone: Whitney
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Sep 12-18, 2026
Hunt Code 389 Period 3 Antlerless
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Archery Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 312 Tinemaha Period 1 Archery Bull
Zone: Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 373 Period 1 Bull
Zone: Goodale
Tule Elk
Muzzleloader Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 367 Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull
Zone: Independence
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 392 Tinemaha Mountain Period 1 Bull
Zone: Tinemaha Mountain
Tule Elk
Archery Antlerless/Archery Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 337 Period 1 Archery Antlerless, Hunt Code 311 Period 1 Archery Bull
Zone: Lone Pine
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 12-27, 2026
Hunt Code 315 Period 1 Bull
Zone: West Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Sep 15-18, 2026
Hunt Code 360 Period 11 Antlerless
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 17-20, 2026
Hunt Code 362 Period 12 Bull
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Sep 22-25, 2026
Hunt Code 363 Period 13 Antlerless, Hunt Code 381 Period 13 Bull
Zone: Grizzly Island
Tule Elk
Bull
Sep 26-Oct 2, 2026
Hunt Code 390 Period 4 Bull
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Either-sex
Oct 3-25, 2026
Hunt Code 497 Either-sex
Zone: San Luis Reservoir
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 317 Period 2 Bull
Zone: West Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Apprentice Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 396 Bishop Period 2 Apprentice Bull
Zone: Bishop
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 323 Period 2 Bull
Zone: Whitney
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 426 Tinemaha Period 2 Bull
Zone: Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 365 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Goodale
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-9, 2026
Hunt Code 391 Period 5 Bull
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 368 Period 2 Antlerless, Hunt Code 369 Bull
Zone: Independence
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 393 Tinemaha Mountain Period 2 Bull
Zone: Tinemaha Mountain
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Oct 3-Dec 1, 2026
Hunt Code 375 Antlerless, Hunt Code 376 Bull
Zone: Central Coast
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hunt Code 486 Period 2 Bull
Zone: Lone Pine
Tule Elk
Apprentice Bull
Oct 10-25, 2026
Hunt Code 484 Period 1 Apprentice Bull
Zone: Cache Creek
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull/Apprentice Antlerless
Oct 10-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt Code 417 Period 1 Antlerless, Hunt Code 419 Bull, Hunt Code 464 Apprentice Antlerless
Zone: La Panza
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Oct 10-18, 2026
Hunt Code 329 Antlerless, Hunt Code 330 Bull
Zone: Bear Valley
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 10-25, 2026
Hunt Code 406 Period 1 Bull
Zone: Cache Creek
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 496 Period 3 Bull
Zone: Lone Pine
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 394 Period 3 Bull
Zone: West Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Bull
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 490 Bishop Period 3 Bull
Zone: Bishop
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 324 Period 3 Antlerless
Zone: Whitney
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026
Hunt Code 416 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Cache Creek
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 366 Period 3 Antlerless
Zone: Goodale
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Oct 17-25, 2026
Hunt Code 370 Period 3 Antlerless, Hunt Code 371 Bull
Zone: Independence
Tule Elk
Archery Antlerless
Nov 7-15, 2026
Hunt Code 450 Archery only Antlerless
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Tule Elk
Bull
Nov 7-15, 2026
Hunt Code 348 Bishop Period 4 Bull
Zone: Bishop
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Nov 14-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt Code 418 Period 2 Antlerless, Hunt Code 420 Bull
Zone: La Panza
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Nov 14-Dec 6, 2026
Hunt Code 377 Antlerless, Hunt Code 378 Bull
Zone: Gabilan
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Nov 21-29, 2026
Hunt Code 448 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Tule Elk
Bull/Apprentice Antlerless
Dec 22, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Hunt Code 447 Period 3 Bull, Hunt Code 471 Apprentice Antlerless, Hunt Code 472
Zone: Fort Hunter Liggett
Waterfowl
39 listed rowsAll Canada Geese
Regular Season
Oct 3-Dec 19, 2026
Two splits: Oct 3 - Dec 19 & Feb 12 - Mar 10. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: North Coast Special Management Area
All Canada Geese
Late Season
Feb 12-Mar 10, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: North Coast Special Management Area
All Species
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Open in designated areas only. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Morro Bay Special Management Area
All Species
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Closed during brant season. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side) Special Management Area
All Species
Regular Season
opens Nov 16, 2026
Closed until Nov 16. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Martis Creek Lake Special Management Area
Black Brant
Regular Season
Nov 29-Dec 14, 2026
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northern Brant Special Management Area
Black Brant
Regular Season
Nov 30-Dec 15, 2026
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Brant Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Klamath Basin Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Canada Geese
Late Season
Feb 20-21, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Coots & Moorhens
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Concurrent with duck season. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 13, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Show 27 more waterfowl rows
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 23, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Ducks only
Veterans and Active Military
Jan 17-18, 2027
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Ducks only
Veterans and Active Military
Feb 6-7, 2027
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Oct 23, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Oct 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Geese
Regular Season
Oct 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Same as regular season
Youth Hunt
Sep 19-20, 2026
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Same as regular season
Veterans and Active Military
Feb 6-7, 2027
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Same as regular season
Veterans and Active Military
Feb 6-7, 2027
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Same as regular season
Youth Hunt
Feb 13-14, 2027
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Same as regular season
Youth Hunt
Feb 13-14, 2027
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Same as regular season
Youth Hunt
Feb 13-14, 2027
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Same as regular season
Youth Hunt
Feb 13-14, 2027
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Oct 3-Nov 29, 2026
Two splits: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Dec 17 - Jan 13. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
White and White-fronted Geese
Regular Season
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 15, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Klamath Basin Special Management Area
White and White-fronted Geese
Regular Season
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 13, 2027
Two splits: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Jan 1 - Jan 13. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
White and White-fronted Geese
Late Season
Feb 5-Mar 10, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
White Geese
Regular Season
Nov 4, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
Multiple segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Imperial County Special Management Area
White-fronted Geese
Regular Season
through Dec 21, 2026
Open concurrently with general goose season through Dec 21. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Sacramento Valley Special Management Area
Whitefronts and White Geese
Late Season
Feb 20-24, 2027
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Dove
Eurasian Collared-dove
General
Jan 1-Dec 31, 2026
Open all year.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Sep 1-15, 2026
Two season periods: Sep 1-15 and Nov 14-Dec 28. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Nov 14-Dec 28, 2026
Second season period. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No season dates specified.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
Falconry
Aug 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Hawking hours are Sunrise to Sunset. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Oct 10-Nov 1, 2026
Two separate archery periods: Oct 10 - Nov 1 and Dec 28 - Jan 24. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
General
Nov 14-Dec 27, 2026
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Dec 28, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Second archery period. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
All Quail
General
Sep 26, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q2
All Quail
General
Oct 17, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q3
All Quail
General
Oct 17, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q1
Mountain Quail
General
Sep 12-Oct 16, 2026
Mountain Quail only. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q1
Quail
Archery Only
Aug 15-Sep 4, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Falconry
Aug 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Youth/Junior
Oct 3-4, 2026
Early Season for Hunters with Junior Hunting Licenses in Mojave National Preserve.
Zone: Mojave National Preserve
Grouse
Greater Sage-grouse
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season is closed.
Zone: Statewide
Greater Sage-grouse
General/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. Season is closed.
Zone: North Mono Zone only
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Archery Only
Aug 15-Sep 4, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Falconry
Aug 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
General
Sep 12-Oct 12, 2026
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Sep 19-27, 2026
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: North
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Dec 19-27, 2026
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: South
Other
Chukar
Archery Only
Aug 15-Sep 4, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
Falconry
Aug 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
General
Oct 17, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General
Oct 17, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Falconry
Aug 15, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
General & Archery
Sep 12-20, 2026
Possession limit is 2 per season.
Zone: Statewide
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California Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in California?
August 22, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for California; it is regular firearm deer Aug 22-Sep 27, 2026.
When is California's firearm deer season?
Aug 22-Sep 27, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for California. Check zone and permit details with California CDFW before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in California?
March 20, 2027 is the first listed spring turkey opener for California; the listed window is Mar 20-21, 2027.
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.