California Hunting Seasons 

Nestled along the breathtaking Pacific coastline and stretching into diverse landscapes, California offers hunters an unparalleled opportunity to experience a wide variety of game species and habitats. From the rugged mountains to the expansive deserts, the Golden State's hunting seasons are as diverse as its landscapes. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of California hunting seasons, providing insights into the state's game species, regulations, hunting zones, and the best times to embark on memorable hunting adventures.

1. Big Game Hunting

California Deer Hunting Season

• Season: Depending on the zone that was chosen to hunt season dates will vary from August through November.
• Best calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
• Permit requirements: Applicants may purchase deer tags or apply in the annual Big Game Drawing at any CDFW license agent. Premium deer tags are issued by drawing. Restricted and unrestricted deer tags are issued upon request until the tag quota for the hunt is filled. California hunting license, deer tags are also required and must be in possession when taking deer.

California Pronghorn Antelope Hunting Season

• Season: Depending on the zone that was chosen to hunt, season dates will vary in August and September.
• Best calibers: .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester
• Permit requirements: Tags can be acquired from the annual big game draw. Applicants must be 12 years of age or older on or before July 1, 2022, and possess a valid 2022-23 California hunting license. Nonresidents cannot apply as a party for pronghorn tags. California hunting licenses and tags are also required and must be in possession when taking pronghorn.

California Wild Pig Hunting Season

• Season: General season is typically open year-round.
• Best calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC
• Permit requirements: A hunting license and wild pig tag are generally required to take wild pig in California. There is no daily bag or possession limit for wild pigs.

California Elk Hunting Season

• Season: There are several seasons that will take place for California elk with there being two species. Season dates will range from July through October depending on the elk species being hunted.
• Best calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum.
• Permit requirements: Tags can be acquired from the annual big game draw. Applicants must be 12 years of age or older on or before July 1, 2022, and possess a valid 2022-23 California hunting license. California hunting licenses and tags are also required and must be in possession when taking elk.

California Bear Hunting Season

• Season: Depending on the zone being hunted, season dates will range from September through March.
• Best calibers: .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum.
• Permit requirements: To hunt bear in California, all residents and nonresidents must be age 12 or older and have both a valid hunting license and a bear tag. Bear tags can be purchased from any CDFW license sales office.

2. California Upland Game Birds

California Turkey Hunting Season

• Season: Depending on the unit chosen, seasons will range from March through December.
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 12-gauge, 20-gauge. 3″ – 3-1/2″ Shells. Recommend using #3 Shot, #4 Shot or #5 Shot using a full choke.
• Permit Requirements: A valid hunting license and upland game bird validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. Hunting licenses can be purchased on CDFW's Online License Sales and Services web page.

California Pheasant Hunting Season

• Season: November through December
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #5 or #6 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Quail Hunting Season

• Season: September through October
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Chukar Hunting Season

• Season: October through January
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Grouse Hunting Season

• Season: September through October
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Ptarmigan Hunting Season

• Season: Season takes place in September
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Dove Hunting Season

• Season: Seasons will take place in September and November.
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Snipe Hunting Season

• Season: Seasons will take place in October through February.
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Recommend #6 or #7.5 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

California Duck and Geese Hunting Season

• Season: Depending on the species chosen, seasons will range from October through February.
• Recommended Shotgun Gauges: 12-gauge, 20-gauge. Recommend 3″, 3-1/4″, 3-1/2″ Shells,
• Small Ducks, 15-40 yards – #4 Shot, #5 Shot or #6 Shot
• Large Ducks, 15-40 yards – #BB Shot, #1 Shot, #2 Shot, #3 Shot.
• Geese 10-45 yards – T Shot, BBB Shot, BB Shot, #1 Shot, #2 Shot.
• Permit Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid license, and permit if applicable, for the species and hunt type in which they will participate, and must be able to produce the license upon request by a conservation officer.

Conclusion:

California's hunting seasons offer a treasure trove of opportunities for hunters to immerse themselves in the state's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. From the coastal shores to the high mountain peaks, each hunting season brings its own set of challenges and rewards. As you plan your next hunting adventure in California, remember to research specific regulations, hunting zones, and optimal times for your chosen game species. Embrace the thrill of the hunt, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories while contributing to the conservation of California's remarkable wildlife legacy. Happy hunting in the Golden State!