California Hunting Seasons Dates (Updated)
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.
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 Category | Hunting Season 2021-2022* |
---|---|
Deer General firearms | Aug 10-Nov 10 |
Bow | July 13-Oct 27 |
Elk General Firearms | Aug 3-Dec 1 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.
California Bear Hunting Season
Hunting Category | Hunting Season 2021-2022* |
---|---|
General Firearms | Aug 10-Dec 29 |
Bow | Aug 17-Sept 8 |
* Season dates may vary by zone. Please check the relevant State Authority Website.
California Pronghorn, Bighorn & Hog Hunting Seasons
Hunting Category | Hunting Season 2021-2022* |
---|---|
Pronghorn (General) | Aug 10-Sept 15 |
Pronghorn (Apprentice) | Aug 24-Sept 1 |
Bighorn Sheep | Aug 17-Sept 22 & Dec 7-Feb 2 |
Hogs | Open 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 Category | Hunting Season 2021-2022* |
---|---|
Turkey | Nov 9 – Dec 8 & Mar 28 – May 3 |
Turkey (Bow) | May 4 – May 17 |
Pheasant | Nov 9 – Dec 22 |
Pheasant (Bow) | Oct 12 – Nov 3 & Dec 23 – Jan 19 |
Quail | Oct 19 – Jan 26 |
Quail (Bow) | Aug 17 – Sep 6 |
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse | Sep 14 – Oct 14 |
Sooty (Blue) / Ruffed Grouse (Bow) | Aug 17 – Sep 6 |
Ducks | Oct 5 – Jan 31 |
Canada Geese | Oct 5 – Jan 31 |
White Front Geese | Oct 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 Category | Hunting Season 2021-2022* |
---|---|
Rabbits & Hare | July 1-Jan 26 |
Jackrabbit | Open All Year |
Tree Squirrel (General firearms) | July 1-Jan 26 |
Bobcat | Oct 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.