California Deer Season 2026
California deer season dates start with Sep 5-Nov 29, 2026. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
California's listed 2026 firearm deer season runs Sep 19-Oct 25, 2026.
Regular Firearm Deer opens Sep 19, 2026 and closes Oct 25, 2026.
Either-Sex Deer opens Sep 5, 2026 and closes Nov 29, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to California CDFW.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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)Tag quota: 65,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-4B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160)Tag quota: 65,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-12Hunt A-20: Zone X-12 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · 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) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · 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) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-6Tag quota: 10,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · C-1Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-1 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · C-2Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-2 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-7bHunt A-14: Zone X-7b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-5B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-9cHunt A-18: Zone X-9c Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-7aHunt A-13: Zone X-7a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-3B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-5aHunt A-8: Zone X-5a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-2Hunt A-4: Zone X-2 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-7Tag quota: 9,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-5bHunt A-9: Zone X-5b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-3aHunt A-5: Zone X-3a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-6aHunt A-11: Zone X-6a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-10Tag quota: 700 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-6bHunt A-12: Zone X-6b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-6B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-4Hunt A-7: Zone X-4 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-3bHunt A-6: Zone X-3b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-8Hunt A-15: Zone X-8 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · 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) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-9aHunt A-16: Zone X-9a Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-9bHunt A-17: Zone X-9b Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-9Tag quota: 2,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-1B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-1Hunt A-3: Zone X-1 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-8Tag quota: 8,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · C-3Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-3 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · C-4Hunt A-1: C Zones Archery Only Hunt (Zone C-4 Season). Tag quota is for the C zone as a group. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · X-10Hunt A-19: Zone X-10 Archery Hunt. | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · B-2B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · B-4B Zone Tags valid during Archery or General Season in Any B Zone. Tag quota: 35,000 (total for all B zones) | Closed | |
| DeerEither-Sex · VandenbergHunt G-11: Vandenberg Either-Sex Deer Hunt - Military Only | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-16Tag quota: 3,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-19Tag quota: 1,500 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-14Tag quota: 3,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-11Also Valid in Zones D-13 and D-15. Tag quota: 5,500 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-15Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-13. Tag quota: 1,500 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-13Also Valid in Zones D-11 and D-15. Tag quota: 4,000 | Closed | |
| DeerArchery · D-17Tag quota: 500 | Closed | |
| DeerApprentice Shotgun Either-Sex · Little Dry CreekHunt J-9: Little Dry Creek Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Closed | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · C-4C 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) | Closed | |
| DeerShotgun Either-Sex · Gray LodgeHunt G-12: Gray Lodge Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Closed | |
| 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 | |
| DeerLate Season Buck · Zone C-4Hunt G-1: Late Season Buck Hunt for Zone C-4 | Upcoming | |
| DeerLate Season Buck · Round ValleyHunt G-39: Round Valley Late Season Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · East LassenHunt M-5: East Lassen Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · Devil's GardenHunt M-9: Devil's Garden Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerAntlerless · San DiegoHunt G-13: San Diego Antlerless Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerRegular Firearm · D-12Tag quota: 950 | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Lake SonomaHunt J-1: Lake Sonoma Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · CoveloHunt A-30: Covelo Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck · Ventana WildernessHunt G-21: Ventana Wilderness Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Anderson FlatHunt A-21: Anderson Flat Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · Northwestern CaliforniaHunt M-11: Northwestern California Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Either-Sex Late Season · Ventura/Los AngelesHunt A-32: Ventura/Los Angeles Late Season Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerArchery Buck · Bass HillHunt A-26: Bass Hill Archery Buck Hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Buck · DoyleHunt M-3: Doyle Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Los AngelesHunt J-13: Los Angeles Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · RiversideHunt J-14: Riverside Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · San BernardinoHunt J-11: San Bernardino Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader/Archery Buck · Santa BarbaraHunt MA-3: Santa Barbara Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Either-Sex · VenturaHunt M-7: Ventura Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck · Anderson FlatHunt G-37: Anderson Flat Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck · Tehama Wildlife AreaHunt J-3: Tehama Wildlife Area Apprentice Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader/Archery Either-Sex · San Luis ObispoHunt MA-1: San Luis Obispo Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck · Anderson FlatHunt J-15: Anderson Flat Apprentice Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerLate Season Buck · D-7Hunt G-40: D-7 Late Season Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck · Shasta-TrinityHunt J-4: Shasta-Trinity Apprentice Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Either-Sex · Daugherty Hill Wildlife AreaHunt J-8: Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck · GoodaleHunt G-3: Goodale Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerApprentice Buck · Round ValleyHunt J-12: Round Valley Apprentice Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerBuck · Kern RiverHunt G-6: Kern River Deer Herd Buck Hunt | Upcoming | |
| DeerMuzzleloader Either-Sex · San DiegoHunt M-6: San Diego Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt | Upcoming |
The Friday Hunting Briefing.
Gear deals worth grabbing, the week's hunting news, and field-tested picks — curated every Friday by a hunter, for hunters. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
Nearby deer seasons
California Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in California?
July 11, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in California — archery deer runs Jul 11-Aug 2, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with California CDFW.
What are the 2026 deer season dates in California?
California lists 139 deer season windows: Archery Deer (Jul 11-Aug 2, 2026); Archery Deer (Jul 25-Aug 16, 2026); Regular Firearm Deer (Aug 8-Sep 20, 2026); Archery Deer (Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026); Archery Deer (Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026); Archery Deer (Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026); Archery Deer (Aug 15-Sep 6, 2026); Archery Deer (Aug 15-30, 2026); and more. Always verify against California CDFW before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in California?
Yes — California lists separate deer seasons for Archery Deer, Regular Firearm Deer, Either-Sex Deer, Archery Either-Sex (Split Season) Deer, Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex Deer, Apprentice Either-Sex Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and California CDFW.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in California?
Yes. California generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with California CDFW.