California 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
California's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026.
Regular Firearm Deer opens Sep 19, 2026 and closes Oct 25, 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
- Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026
- spring turkey
- Mar 20-21, 2027
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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
140 listed rowsDeer
Either-Sex
Hunt G-10: Camp Pendleton Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions
Zone: Camp Pendleton
Deer
Archery Either-Sex (Split Season)
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
Either-Sex
Hunt G-7: Beale Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only
Zone: Beale
Deer
Regular Firearm
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
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
Tag quota: 9,000
Zone: D-7
Deer
Regular Firearm
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
Apprentice Either-Sex
Hunt J-21: East Tehama Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt
Zone: East Tehama
Deer
Regular Firearm
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
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
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
General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9a See Hunt A-16. Tag quota: 270
Zone: X-9a
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DeerRegular Firearm · B-6B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-9bGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9b See Hunt A-17. Tag quota: 230 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · B-2B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-6Tag quota: 10,000 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-12General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-12 See Hunt A-20. Tag quota: 350 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-9Tag quota: 2,000 | Open | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex · Los AngelesHunt A-31: Los Angeles Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Pacific/Grizzly FlatHunt J-18: Pacific/Grizzly Flat Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-10General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-10 See Hunt A-19. Tag quota: 400 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-8General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-8 See Hunt A-15. Tag quota: 210 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-3D3-5 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) | Open | |
| DeerEither-Sex · Sutter-Yuba Wildlife AreasHunt G-19: Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-8Tag quota: 8,000 | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Blue CanyonHunt J-17: Blue Canyon Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-10Tag quota: 700 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-5D3-5 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) | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Bucks Mountain/Nevada CityHunt J-16: Bucks Mountain/Nevada City Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-4D3-5 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) | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-5aGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-5a See Hunt A-8. Tag quota: 75 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-19Tag quota: 1,500 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-3aGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-3a See Hunt A-5. Tag quota: 355 | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Zone X-7bHunt J-20: Zone X-7b Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-2General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-2 See Hunt A-4. Tag quota: 190 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-1General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-1 See Hunt A-3. Tag quota: 760 | Open | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex · Lake SonomaHunt A-25: Lake Sonoma Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Hunt Day Restrictions apply. | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-6bGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-6b See Hunt A-12. Tag quota: 310 | Open | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex Late Season · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt A-33: Fort Hunter Liggett Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Hunt Day Restrictions apply. | Open | |
| DeerArchery · D-12Tag quota: 950 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-6aGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-6a See Hunt A-11. Tag quota: 330 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-3bGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-3b See Hunt A-6. Tag quota: 500 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-5bGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-5b See Hunt A-9. Tag quota: 50 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-7bGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-7b See Hunt A-14. Tag quota: 135 | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Zone X-7aHunt J-19: Zone X-7a Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Open | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt J-10: Fort Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt. Multiple date windows: Oct 3-4 and Oct 10-12. | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-4General Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-4 See Hunt A-7. Tag quota: 480 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-7aGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-7a See Hunt A-13. Tag quota: 230 | Open | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-13Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-15. Tag quota: 4,000 | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-15Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-13. Tag quota: 1,500 | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-14Tag quota: 3,000 | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-11Also Valid in Zones D-13 and D-15. Tag quota: 5,500 | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-17Tag quota: 500 | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex · MontereyHunt A-24: Monterey Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · X-9cGeneral Season Only. For Archery in Zone X-9c See Hunt A-18. Tag quota: 325 | Upcoming | |
| DeerLate Season Buck · X-10Hunt G-38: X-10 Late Season Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · Bass HillHunt M-8: Bass Hill Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Devil's GardenHunt A-27: Devil's Garden Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-16Tag quota: 3,000 | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · Horse LakeHunt M-4: Horse Lake Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming |
Showing 60 of 140 listed deer rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 140 California deer seasons →
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall General
Possession limit is 2 per season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Junior
Additional Junior season also includes May 3-16, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General
Possession limit is 3 per season, combined.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Archery Only
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Junior
Additional Junior season second period.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
Black Bear
General
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)
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
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
Elk
65 listed rowsTule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 323 Period 2 Bull
Zone: Whitney
Tule Elk
Apprentice Bull
Hunt Code 396 Bishop Period 2 Apprentice Bull
Zone: Bishop
Tule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 426 Tinemaha Period 2 Bull
Zone: Tinemaha
Tule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 486 Period 2 Bull
Zone: Lone Pine
Tule Elk
Either-sex
Hunt Code 497 Either-sex
Zone: San Luis Reservoir
Tule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 391 Period 5 Bull
Zone: Lake Pillsbury
Tule Elk
Antlerless
Hunt Code 365 Period 2 Antlerless
Zone: Goodale
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Hunt Code 375 Antlerless, Hunt Code 376 Bull
Zone: Central Coast
Tule Elk
Antlerless/Bull
Hunt Code 368 Period 2 Antlerless, Hunt Code 369 Bull
Zone: Independence
Tule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 393 Tinemaha Mountain Period 2 Bull
Zone: Tinemaha Mountain
Tule Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 317 Period 2 Bull
Zone: West Tinemaha
Roosevelt Elk
Bull
Hunt Code 300 Bull
Zone: Siskiyou
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tule ElkBull · Cache CreekHunt Code 406 Period 1 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull/Apprentice Antlerless · La PanzaHunt Code 417 Period 1 Antlerless, Hunt Code 419 Bull, Hunt Code 464 Apprentice Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull · Bear ValleyHunt Code 329 Antlerless, Hunt Code 330 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkApprentice Bull · Cache CreekHunt Code 484 Period 1 Apprentice Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkBull · West TinemahaHunt Code 394 Period 3 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Cache CreekHunt Code 416 Period 2 Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · GoodaleHunt Code 366 Period 3 Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkBull · Lone PineHunt Code 496 Period 3 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkBull · BishopHunt Code 490 Bishop Period 3 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull · IndependenceHunt Code 370 Period 3 Antlerless, Hunt Code 371 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · WhitneyHunt Code 324 Period 3 Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Roosevelt ElkMuzzleloader/Archery Either-sex · Marble MountainsHunt Code 303 Muzzleloader/Archery Either-sex; year not explicitly stated, assumed 2026 | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkBull · BishopHunt Code 348 Bishop Period 4 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkArchery Antlerless · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt Code 450 Archery only Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkAntlerless · NortheasternHunt Code 304 Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull · GabilanHunt Code 377 Antlerless, Hunt Code 378 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull · La PanzaHunt Code 418 Period 2 Antlerless, Hunt Code 420 Bull | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt Code 448 Period 2 Antlerless | Upcoming | |
| Tule ElkBull/Apprentice Antlerless · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt Code 447 Period 3 Bull, Hunt Code 471 Apprentice Antlerless, Hunt Code 472 | Upcoming | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkArchery Either-sex · NortheasternHunt Code 411 Archery Either-sex | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkAntlerless/Bull · TehachapiHunt Code 379 Antlerless, Hunt Code 380 Bull | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkEither-sex Apprentice · NortheasternHunt Code 409 Either-sex Apprentice | Closed | |
| Rocky Mountain ElkBull · NortheasternHunt Code 305 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkArchery Bull · SiskiyouHunt Code 384 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkAntlerless/Bull/Either-sex · NorthwesternHunt Code 374 Antlerless, Hunt Code 355 Bull, Hunt Code 483 Either-sex | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkGeneral Antlerless/Bull/Apprentice Either-sex · Marble MountainsHunt Code 408 Either-sex Apprentice, Hunt Code 301 General Antlerless, Hunt Code 302 Bull | Closed | |
| Roosevelt ElkAntlerless · SiskiyouHunt Code 401 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Roosevelt/Tule ElkBull · MendocinoHunt Code 328 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Either-sex · Fort Hunter LiggettHunt Code 449 Archery only Either-sex | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull · Owens ValleyHunt Code 422 Owens Valley Multiple Zone Archery Bull; tag valid in Bishop, Independence, Goodale, and Lone Pine | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Apprentice Antlerless · Grizzly IslandHunt Code 433 Period 1 Antlerless, Hunt Code 466 Apprentice Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkSpike Bull/Apprentice Spike Bull · Grizzly IslandHunt Code 437 Period 2 Spike Bull, Hunt Code 469 Apprentice Spike Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Lake PillsburyHunt Code 387 Period 1 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull/Antlerless · La PanzaHunt Code 385 Archery Bull, Hunt Code 386 Archery Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Antlerless/Bull · Central CoastHunt Code 382 Antlerless Archery, Hunt Code 383 Bull Archery | Closed | |
| Tule ElkSpike Bull · Grizzly IslandHunt Code 357 Period 8 Spike Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless/Bull · East Park ReservoirHunt Code 463 Antlerless, Hunt Code 461 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Lake PillsburyHunt Code 388 Period 2 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Grizzly IslandHunt Code 358 Period 9 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull · Grizzly IslandHunt Code 359 Period 10 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull · Tinemaha MountainHunt Code 392 Tinemaha Mountain Period 1 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkAntlerless · Lake PillsburyHunt Code 389 Period 3 Antlerless | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull · WhitneyHunt Code 343 Period 1 Bull Archery | Closed | |
| Tule ElkMuzzleloader Bull · IndependenceHunt Code 367 Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Antlerless/Archery Bull · Lone PineHunt Code 337 Period 1 Archery Antlerless, Hunt Code 311 Period 1 Archery Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkMuzzleloader Bull · BishopHunt Code 487 Bishop Period 1 Muzzleloader Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkBull · GoodaleHunt Code 373 Period 1 Bull | Closed | |
| Tule ElkArchery Bull · TinemahaHunt Code 312 Tinemaha Period 1 Archery Bull | Closed |
Showing 60 of 65 listed elk rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 65 California elk seasons →
Waterfowl
39 listed rowsAll Canada Geese
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct 3 - Dec 19 & Feb 12 - Mar 10. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: North Coast Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Klamath Basin Special Management Area
Canada Geese
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Dec 17 - Jan 13. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
White and White-fronted Geese
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct 3 - Nov 29 & Jan 1 - Jan 13. 2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Northeastern Zone
White and White-fronted Geese
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Klamath Basin Special Management Area
Ducks
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Geese
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Colorado River Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern California Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Balance of State Zone
Ducks
Regular Season
2026-2027 regulations.
Zone: Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| All Canada GeeseLate Season · North Coast Special Management Area2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Morro Bay Special Management AreaOpen in designated areas only. 2026-2027 regulations. | dates not listed | Closed |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side) Special Management AreaClosed during brant season. 2026-2027 regulations. | dates not listed | Closed |
| All SpeciesRegular Season · Martis Creek Lake Special Management AreaClosed until Nov 16. 2026-2027 regulations. | Closed | |
| Black BrantRegular Season · Northern Brant Special Management Area2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Black BrantRegular Season · Balance of State Brant Special Management Area2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseLate Season · Balance of State Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Coots & MoorhensRegular Season · StatewideConcurrent with duck season. 2026-2027 regulations. | dates not listed | Closed |
| Ducks onlyVeterans and Active Military · Northeastern ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks onlyVeterans and Active Military · Balance of State ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| GeeseRegular Season · Southern California Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| GeeseRegular Season · Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Hunt · Northeastern ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Closed | |
| Same as regular seasonVeterans and Active Military · Southern California ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonVeterans and Active Military · Southern San Joaquin Valley ZoneVeterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Hunt · Colorado River ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Hunt · Southern California ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Hunt · Southern San Joaquin Valley ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| Same as regular seasonYouth Hunt · Balance of State ZoneYouth Waterfowl Hunting Days. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Southern California Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Balance of State Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular Season · Colorado River Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| White and White-fronted GeeseLate Season · Northeastern Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| White GeeseRegular Season · Imperial County Special Management AreaMultiple segments: Nov 4 - Jan 31, Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21. 2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming | |
| White-fronted GeeseRegular Season · Sacramento Valley Special Management AreaOpen concurrently with general goose season through Dec 21. 2026-2027 regulations. | through Dec 21, 2026 | Closed |
| Whitefronts and White GeeseLate Season · Balance of State Zone2026-2027 regulations. | Upcoming |
Dove
Eurasian Collared-dove
General
Open all year.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Second season period. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General
Two season periods: Sep 1-15 and Nov 14-Dec 28. 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
Hawking hours are Sunrise to Sunset. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Two separate archery periods: Oct 10 - Nov 1 and Dec 28 - Jan 24. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Archery Only
Second archery period. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
All Quail
General
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q2
Mountain Quail
General
Mountain Quail only. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q1
Quail
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
All Quail
General
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q3
All Quail
General
All Quail. Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Zone Q1
Quail
Archery Only
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Youth/Junior
Early Season for Hunters with Junior Hunting Licenses in Mojave National Preserve.
Zone: Mojave National Preserve
Grouse
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
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
Greater Sage-grouse
Falconry
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season is closed.
Zone: Statewide
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse
Archery Only
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: South
Band-tailed Pigeon
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: North
Other
Chukar
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General
Possession limit is triple the daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
Archery Only
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Ptarmigan
General & Archery
Possession limit is 2 per season.
Zone: Statewide
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California Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in California?
September 5, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for California; it is either-sex deer Sep 5-Nov 29, 2026.
When is California's firearm deer season?
Sep 19-Oct 25, 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.