California Bear Season 2026
California bear season dates start with Oct 10-Dec 27, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
California's listed 2026 bear season runs Oct 10-Dec 27, 2026.
General Black Bear runs through Dec 27, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to California CDFW.
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
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Nearby bear seasons
California Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in California?
August 15, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in California — archery black bear runs Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with California CDFW.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in California?
California lists 2 bear season windows: Archery Black Bear (Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026); General Black Bear (Oct 10-Dec 27, 2026). Always verify against California CDFW before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in California?
Yes — California lists separate bear seasons for Archery Black Bear, General Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and California CDFW.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in California?
Yes. California generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with California CDFW.