California Hunting Seasons Dates (Updated)

When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Welcome to the California Hunting Seasons page. Updated US Hunting Seasons for 2021-2022.

“As part of our comprehensive guide to US Hunting Seasons By State on this page you will find out “When Is Hunting Season for California?” 

There is also general information on the different hunting seasons for a wide range of wild game species. You will find links to the relevant State Authority so you can make sure you have all the correct legal obligations in place before you start your hunt.

The California hunting season offers opportunities to hunt Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn sheep, Wild Boar and a variety of small game and game birds.

California Hunting Seasons Dates

Beginning July 1, 2022, nonlead ammunition will be required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.

IMPORTANT. All care has been taking in preparing this hunting season information for you. Please check the relevant State Authority’s Website for further information and any changes to current US Hunting Season Regulations. We have provided a link to each States hunting season website for your convenience.

California Deer & Elk Hunting Season

Hunting CategoryHunting Season 2021-2022*
Deer General firearmsAug 10-Nov 10
BowJuly 13-Oct 27
Elk General FirearmsAug 3-Dec 1

* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.

California Bear Hunting Season

Hunting CategoryHunting Season 2021-2022*
General FirearmsAug 10-Dec 29
BowAug 17-Sept 8

* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.

California Pronghorn, Bighorn & Hog Hunting Seasons

Hunting CategoryHunting Season 2021-2022*
Pronghorn (General)Aug 10-Sept 15
Pronghorn (Apprentice)Aug 24-Sept 1
Bighorn SheepAug 17-Sept 22 & Dec 7-Feb 2
HogsOpen All Year

* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.

California Game Bird Hunting Season

California offers a wide range of bird and waterfowl hunting throughout the hunting season. Listed below are several species, please check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for a full list of game bird hunting opportunities. Falconry is also available for several species of wild game bird hunting.

Hunting CategoryHunting Season 2021-2022*
TurkeyNov 9 – Dec 8 & Mar 28 – May 3
Turkey (Bow)May 4 – May 17
PheasantNov 9 – Dec 22
Pheasant (Bow)Oct 12 – Nov 3 & Dec 23 – Jan 19
QuailOct 19 – Jan 26
Quail (Bow)Aug 17 – Sep 6
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed GrouseSep 14 – Oct 14
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse (Bow)Aug 17 – Sep 6
DucksOct 5 – Jan 31
 Canada GeeseOct 5 – Jan 31
White Front GeeseOct 5 – Dec 1, Jan 4-17, Feb 7-Mar 10

* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.

California Small Game  Hunting Season

Hunting CategoryHunting Season 2021-2022*
Rabbits & HareJuly 1-Jan 26
JackrabbitOpen All Year
Tree Squirrel (General firearms)July 1-Jan 26
BobcatOct 15 – Feb 28

* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.

I hope you have found this State hunting season information helpful in planning your next great hunting adventure. Please feel free to share this page with your hunting buddies. In addition to these US Hunting Seasons by State pages, you may be interested in these posts.


Related Articles