About Hunting in California
In the largest state in the U.S. with a diverse ecosystem ranging from high mountain tops, sandy coastlines and forests in between there isn’t much more to ask for when outdoors in pristine conditions closer to nature and connecting with the wild then thought possible before.
There are many ecological reserve areas starting with San Diego and leading to Santa Cruz. Whichever you choose the general season for deer darts August 10th and the last day to hunt is February 7th for BigHorn Sheep, get ready for this year or gear up just in time for all that 2021 will offer!
California Hunting Seasons Offered
Big Game: Deer, Bear, Pronghorn, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Wild Pig
Small Game: Tree Squirrel, Rabbits, Varying Hare, Jackrabbit
Bird: Waterfowl, Upland Game Birds, Greater Sage, Grouse, Sooty, White Tailed Ptarmigan, Wild Turkey, Dove Band tailed pigeon, Snipe
California Hunting Season Dates 2021-2022
Deer: General Season Aug 14- Nov 7 Archery July 10- Oct 2
Bear: Concurrent with general deer season through Dec. 26 Archery Aug 21- Sep 12
Pronghorn: General Season Aug 7-Sept 13 Apprentice hunts Aug 21-29
Elk: General Season Aug 19-Dec 5 Archery July 31-Nov 14
Bighorn Sheep: Aug 21-Sept 26 and Dec 4-Feb. 6
Generally the California hunting date starts on August 7th however seasons vary due to the weapon used, what zone you are in as well as the species you are wanting to hunt. The chart below helps to see the different season starts based on these factors so that it is more clear when to start and what to expect.
A law has been passed that every purchase of a deer tag, reports their harvest even if they were unsuccessful or if they did not hunt.
California Archery Deer Season 2021
Click here for Seasons by Zone PDF
| Season | Dates | Zone |
| Archery | 7/10/21 – 8/1/21 | A |
| 8/21/21 – 9/12/21 | B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10 | |
| 7/24/21 – 8/15/21 | B4 | |
| 9/4/21 – 9/26/21 | D11, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D19 | |
| 10/2/21 – 10/24/21 | D12 |
California General Deer Season 2021
Click here for Seasons by Zone PDF
| Season | Date | Zone |
| General | 8/14/21 – 9/26/21 | A |
| 9/18/21 – 10/24/21 | B1, B2, B3 | |
| 8/28/21 – 10/3/21 | B4 | |
| 9/18/21 – 10/17/21 | B6, C1 | |
| 9/18/21 – 10/24/21 | C2, C3 | |
| 9/18/21/ – 10/3/21 | C4 | |
| 9/25/21 – 10/31/21 | D3, D4, D5 | |
| 9/18/21 – 10/31/21 | D6, D7 | |
| 9/25/21 – 10/24/21 | D8, D9, D10 | |
| 10/9/21 – 11/7/21 | D11, D13, D14, D15 | |
| 11/6/21 – 11/28/21 | D12 | |
| 10/23/21 – 11/21/21 | D16 | |
| 10/9/21 – 10/31/21 | D17 | |
| 10/2/21 – 10/31/21 | D19 |
California Hunting Licenses Info
You can buy a license at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales
Identification is required for a hunting license for any bird or mammal. Hunters who purchase a license for the first time must provide their proof of hunter education. You will need the following:
- Buy a CA hunting license (resident vs non-resident)
- Buy applicable tags (deer, bear, pronghorn, elk etch)
| Resident/ Non Resident | License | Cost |
| Resident | Hunting | $51.02 |
| Non Resident | Hunting | $178.20 |
| Non Resident | One day hunting | $24.33 |
Big Game Tags/ Drawing Applications
| Resident/ Non Resident | Title | Cost |
| Resident | First Deer Tag First Deer Tag Drawing Application | $33..48 |
| Resident | Second Deer Tag or Second Deer Tag Drawing Application | $41.86 |
| Nonresident | First Deer Tag First Deer Tag Drawing Application | $299.95 |
| Nonresident | Second Deer Tag or Second Deer Tag Drawing Application | $299.95 |
| Elk, Pronghorn, Antelope and Bighorn Sheep Tag Drawing Applications | $8.13 per app | |
| Bear Tag | $49.42 Resident $315.95 Nonresident | |
| Elk Tag | $484.20 Resident $1,481.70 Nonresident | |
| Pronghorn Antelope Tag | $162.82 Resident $498.65 Nonresident | |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag | $443.25 Resident $1,641.00 Nonresident | |
| Wild Pig | $24.33 Resident $82.08 Nonresident |
California Hunting News
California has a different take when it comes to getting outside. To most big game hunters actually it isn’t necessarily about having spent money or looking to earn but more about challenging the natural wonders outside to see if the survival skills are still engrained well within, just like they were left last.
Connecting with those who lived on the land prior is an exhilarating experience and every chance to learn more about the wild, life and death and all the wonders that this world, and this state offers is another chance to get out there and get those licenses! There are many guided hunts offered or various draws to keep the anticipation and terrain changing even in the same area.
Find a hunting guide in CA
Links to Officials Sites
Buy license in California
California State Regulation Site
Link to State PDF