California Deer Season 2023-2024
General Deer Season
Archery Deer Season
Area-Specific Archery Deer Hunts
Additional Deer Hunts
|
Hunt Name
|
Hunt Code |
Season Start Dates
|
Season End Dates
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Season Buck Hunt for Zone C-4 | G-1 | 10/28/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| Goodale Buck Hunt | G-3 | 12/2/2023 | 12/17/2023 |
| Kern River Deer Herd Buck Hunt | G-6 | 12/2/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
| Beale Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military Only) | G-7 | 8/19/2023 | 11/12/2023 |
| Camp Pendleton Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions) | G-10 | 9/2/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| Vandenberg Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military Only) | G-11 | 8/25/2023 | 10/1/2023 |
| Gray Lodge Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt | G-12 | 9/16/2023 | 9/24/2023 |
| San Diego Antlerless Deer Hunt | G-13 | 10/28/2023 | 11/19/2023 |
| Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas Either-Sex Deer Hunt | G-19 | 9/23/2023 | 12/31/2023 |
| Ventana Wilderness Buck Hunt | G-21 | 11/11/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| Anderson Flat Buck Hunt | G-37 | 11/25/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| X-10 Late Season Buck Hunt | G-38 | 10/21/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| Round Valley Late Season Buck Hunt | G-39 | 10/28/2023 | 11/12/2023 |
| Doyle Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-3 | 11/18/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| Horse Lake Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-4 | 10/28/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| East Lassen Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-5 | 10/28/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| San Diego Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt | M-6 | 12/16/2023 | 12/31/2023 |
| Ventura Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt | M-7 | 11/25/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
| Bass Hill Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-8 | 10/28/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| Devil's Garden Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-9 | 10/28/2023 | 11/12/2023 |
| Northwestern California Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt | M-11 | 11/11/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| San Luis Obispo Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt | MA-1 | 11/25/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
| Santa Barbara Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Buck Hunt | MA-3 | 11/25/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
| Lake Sonoma Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-1 | 11/4/2023 | 11/5/2023 |
| Tehama Wildlife Area Apprentice Buck Hunt | J-3 | 11/25/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| Shasta-Trinity Apprentice Buck Hunt | J-4 | 11/25/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-8 | 12/2/2023 | 12/31/2023 |
| Little Dry Creek Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-9 | 9/16/2023 | 9/24/2023 |
| Fort Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-10 | Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 7-9 | - |
| San Bernardino Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-11 | 11/18/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| Round Valley Apprentice Buck Hunt | J-12 | 12/2/2023 | 12/17/2023 |
| Los Angeles Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-13 | 11/18/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| Riverside Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-14 | 11/18/2023 | 11/26/2023 |
| Anderson Flat Apprentice Buck Hunt | J-15 | 11/25/2023 | 12/3/2023 |
| Bucks Mountain/Nevada City Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-16 | 9/23/2023 | 10/29/2023 |
| Blue Canyon Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-17 | 9/23/2023 | 10/29/2023 |
| Pacific/Grizzly Flat Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-18 | 9/23/2023 | 10/29/2023 |
| Zone X-7a Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-19 | 10/7/2023 | 10/22/2023 |
| Zone X-7b Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt | J-20 | 10/7/2023 | 10/22/2023 |
|
East Tehama Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt |
J-21 | 9/16/2023 | 10/29/2023 |
Elk Season
Although draw tags for hunting elk in California are limited, there are still some great opportunities available. The elk population in the state has been steadily increasing in recent years. As a result, the suggested areas for successful elk hunts include Northern California, western Central California, and the Inland Deserts. So, while the availability may be limited, there are still favorable locations to consider for your elk hunting adventure.
Pronghorn Season
Bighorn Sheep
Bear Season
In California, the bear hunting season typically begins in late August or early September and continues until late December or until the harvest quota of 1,700 bears has been reached. This season provides ample opportunities for bear hunting, particularly in the California border region where black bears thrive in large numbers. It's important to note that the bear hunting season has a longer duration compared to the deer hunting season. In some cases, both seasons overlap, allowing hunters to pursue both species simultaneously. Don't miss out on the chance to engage in thrilling bear hunting adventures while taking advantage of the extended season!
Squirrel Season
Rabbit Season
Upland Birds
Turkey Season
CA Dove Season
Pheasant Season
Pheasant Bag Limits
California Quail Season
The quail hunting season in California spans September to January in various hunting areas. Zones 1 and 2 have seasons starting in October and lasting through January, while Zone 2 begins in September. Other zones officially begin between September and October, concluding in January. Hunters can possess up to 30 California quails, with a daily bag limit of 10. Additionally, the Mojave National Preserve offers an early season in October for junior license holders, allowing young hunters to participate. Experience exciting quail hunting adventures during this extended season—an opportunity not to be missed.
CA Quail Regulation
California quail hunting necessitates a license and upland game bird stamp. Residents pay $54, while non-residents pay $188.74 for the same hunting license. One-day licenses cost $25.92 and two-day licenses are $54. Hunters must comply with bag restrictions and laws outlined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure legal and responsible hunting practices. Obtain the appropriate license, follow regulations, and enjoy a safe and fulfilling quail hunting experience in California.
Chukar Season
Grouse Season
White-tailed Ptarmigan Season
Band-tailed Pigeon Season
Snipe Season
Waterfowl Season
California Duck Season
Scaup Season
Coots & Moorhens Season
Geese Season
Waterfowl Bag Limits
Special Management Areas
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunt
Falconry Season Waterfowl
Ducks including Mergansers, Geese, American Coots, and Common Moorhens
|
Falconry (Ducks including Mergansers, Geese, American Coots, and Common Moorhens)
|
Seasons
|
Bag Limit
|
Possession Limit
|
Note
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone | Oct 7 – Jan 11 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season |
| Balance of State Zone | Oct 21 – Jan 31 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season |
| Feb 3 – 4 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season | |
| Feb 17 – 18, Feb 24 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season | |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 22 – Jan 31 | 3 per day | 9 | Ducks only |
| Feb 3 – 4 | 3 per day | 9 | Ducks only | |
| Feb 17 – 18, Feb 24 | 3 per day | 9 | Ducks only | |
| Southern California Zone | Oct 21 – Jan 31 & | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season |
| Feb 3 – 4 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season | |
| Feb 17 – 18, Feb 24 | 3 per day | 9 | Similar as the regular season | |
| Colorado River Zone | Oct 23 –Jan 31 | 3 per day | 9 | Ducks only |
| Feb 1 – 4 | 3 per day | 9 | Ducks only |
California Hunting Zones
|
CA Zone Type
|
Hunting Zone Names
|
|---|---|
| A Zones | A-Zone, A-North Zone, A-South Zone |
| B Zones | B-1 Zone, B-2 Zone, B-3 Zone, B-4 Zone, B-5 Zone, B-6 Zone |
| C Zones | C-1 Zone, C-2 Zone, C-3 Zone, C-4 Zone |
| D Zones | D-3 Zone, D-4 Zone, D-5 Zone, D-6 Zone, D-7 Zone, D-8 Zone, D-9 Zone, D-10 Zone, D-11 Zone, D-12 Zone, D-13 Zone, D-14 Zone, D-15 Zone, D-16 Zone, D-17 Zone, D-19 Zone |
| X Zones | X-1 Zone, X-2 Zone, X-3a Zone, X-3b Zone, X-4 Zone, X-5a Zone, X-5b Zone, X-6a Zone, X-6b Zone, X-7a Zone, X-7b Zone, X-8 Zone, X-9a Zone, X-9b Zone, X-9c Zone, X-10 Zone, X-12 Zone |
| Area-Specific Archery Hunts | A-1, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-11, A-12, A-13, A-14, A-15, A-16, A-17, A-18, A-19, A-20, A-21, A-22, A-24, A-25, A-26, A-27, A-30, A-31, A-32, A-33 |
| Additional Hunts | G-1, G-3, G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-11, G-12, G-13, G-19, G-21, G-37, G-38, G-39, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-6, M-7, M-8, M-9, M-11, MA-1, MA-3 |
| Apprentice Hunts | J-1, J-3, J-4, J-7, J-8, J-9, J-10, J-11, J-12, J-13, J-14, J-15, J-16, J-17, J-18, J-19, J-20, J-21 (Excludes Alpine County) |
California Hunting Regulations
Here are a list of California’s hunting regulations.
- Before hunting, review the CDFW hunting manual.
- California hunters can’t use lead bullets. Projectiles can’t contain more than 1% lead.
- Deer hunting is half-hour before sunrise and after sunset.
- No motorized vehicle may be utilized to pursue, herd, drive, or catch a deer. You may safely retrieve a deer from the water if the boat is not moving and the engine is off. This regulation exempts disabled hunters with a valid Motor Vehicle Hunting License.
- Never feed or bait deer.
- Artificially lighting or luring deer is banned.
- In California, bucks and does are identified differently by antlers. Antlerless deer have unbranched antlers no longer than 3 inches.
- While bow hunting is allowed, using dogs to hunt deer is not. Some California counties allow it during deer season.
- Hunters must always consider their safety while utilizing firearms. Use a hunting weapon carefully and know your destination. Know what’s beyond your concentration as well.
If you’re not cautious, you may shoot the wrong sex or two at once. Hunting from a tree stand or other elevated site requires special care. Use a safety strap if you feel unstable. Falls cause more hunting injuries than guns.
Hunting Violation and Fines
- In California, stealing a deer, especially a “trophy,” may lead to serious punishment.
- 16 or 22-inch-wide deer are prizes. Illegal trophy hunters may be fined between USD 5,000 and USD 40,000.
- If convicted, you must pay for your own legal counsel and legal expenses.
- You must hunt legally and know the rules before you go. Lack of knowledge or understanding cannot justify a costly blunder.
California Hunting Contacts
California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Inland Deserts Region (Region 6)
3602 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764
(909)-484-0167
Website
