The Guide to California Hunting Seasons 2025

To plan your year, HuntWise has the information hunters need for a successful hunt! We’ve compiled a guide to California hunting for 2025. Plus, with our app, you can scout land any time to ensure you’re ready for opening day. 

Here’s what California hunters need to know to tag out this year. 

Updated June 4, 2025

Why Do Hunters Hunt in California?

As we mentioned, if you’re up for an earlier season to hunt whitetail (then get back to your home state for your local season), California is your spot. It’s also a great place to hunt more unique animals, like bighorn sheep, Pronghorn antelope, bear, and elk. 

California hunting also includes waterfowl and pheasant, so hunters have an excellent mix of game to test their skills and heighten the challenge of bringing home trophies and meat for delicious meals. 

Where Should I Hunt?

If you’ve ever been to California (or you live there), you know the state offers just about any type of terrain a hunter could want to hunt – plus, you can spend a few days at the beach to round out your trip. 

Hunters can explore eleven mountain ranges, along with Central and Napa Valley. You can also hunt deserts and more than 200,000 acres of coastal wetlands. 

As the third largest state in the country, California has plenty of space to hunt – but you’ll want to pinpoint some good hunting locations so you don’t waste time roaming land unproductively during the open seasons. HuntWise can help you find and mark the best hunting areas for the game you’re after. 

So, when it’s time to get out for that Pronghorn hunt, you’ve already planned where to go for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

Before packing your gear and setting that early alarm, make sure it’s the right time to hunt the game you're after! California hunting season start and end dates remain relatively consistent from year to year. Still, it’s always smart to check with state regulators and official websites to ensure you don’t miss opening day. 

Free Hunting Days

California offers deer hunters something unique with its Free Hunting Days. For the 2023-2024 season, these days are November 25 and April 14. To register for these days, hunters must meet specific requirements, including passing a hunter safety course. 

California Preference Points

California uses a preference point and draw system for big game tags. Hunters must have a tag in addition to their hunting license. Points are by species, not zones. 

The state accepts applications from April 15 through June 2.

What Are the California Hunting Seasons?

While we provide some good information here, make sure you check the state's website for the latest information and regulations for hunting in California. It’s important to hunt only when the season opens and follow all the rules, including bag limits for each species. 

You can also reference eRegulations for California hunting information.

Note that many season dates have been updated for 2025. As more dates become available for the 2025-2026 hunting year, we'll update this guide accordingly. 

California Deer Hunting Season

Seasons are managed by area-specific hunting codes

Premium Deer Zones and Hunts

• Preference Point: N/A

B Zones:

• B1: July 12 – August 3, 2025 (Archery), August 9 – September 21, 2025 (General)

• B2, 3, & 4: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 20 – October 26, 2025 (General)

• B4: July 26 – August 17, 2025 (Archery), August 23 – September 28, 2025 (General)

• B5: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 20 – October 26, 2025 (General)

• B6: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 20 – October 19, 2025 (General)

C Zones:

• C1: See A1 (Archery), September 20 – October 19, 2025 (General)

• C2: See A1 (Archery), September 20 – October 26, 2025 (General)

• C3: See A1 (Archery), September 20 – October 26, 2025 (General)

• C4: See A1 (Archery), September 20 – October 5, 2025 (General)

D Zones:

• D3, 4, & 5: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 27 – November 2, 2025 (General)

• D6 & D7: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 20 – November 2, 2025 (General)

• D8, 9 & 10: August 16 – September 7, 2025 (Archery), September 27 – October 26, 2025 (General)

• D11: September 6 – 28, 2025 (Archery), October 11 – November 9, 2025 (General)

• D12: October 4 – 26, 2025 (Archery), November 1 – 23, 2025 (General)

• D13, 14, & 15: September 6 – 28, 2025 (Archery), October 11 – November 9, 2025 (General)

• D16: September 6 – 28, 2025 (Archery), October 25 – November 23, 2025 (General)

• D17: September 6 – 28, 2025 (Archery), October 11 – November 2, 2025 (General)

• D19: September 6 – 28, 2025 (Archery), October 4 – November 2, 2025 (General)  

X Zones

• X1: Archery see A3, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X2: Archery see A4, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X3A: Archery see A5, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X3B: Archery see A6, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X4: Archery see A7, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X5A: Archery see A8, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X5B: Archery see A9, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X6A: Archery see A11, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X6B: Archery see A12, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X7A: Archery see A13, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X7B: Archery see A14, October 4 – 19, 2025 (General)

• X8: Archery see A15, September 27 – October 12, 2025 (General)

• X9A: Archery see A16, September 20 – October 13, 2025 (General)

• X9B: Archery see A17, September 20 – October 13, 2025 (General)

• X9C: Archery see A18, October 18 – November 9, 2025 (General)

• X10: Archery see A19, September 27 – October 12, 2025 (General)

• X12: Archery See A20, September 20 – October 13, 2025 (General)

General Methods

• G1: October 25 – November 3, 2025

• G3: December 6 – 21, 2025

• G6: December 6 – 14, 2025

• G7: September 13 – November 30, 3035

• G11: August 25 – October 1, 2025

• G12: September 20 – 28, 2025

• G13: October 25 – November 16, 2025

• G19: September 27 – December 31, 2025

• G21: November 8 – 30, 2025

• G37: November 22 – 30, 2025

• G38: October 18 – November 2, 2025

• G39: October 25 – November 9, 2025

Muzzleoader

• M3: November 15 – 23, 2025

• M4 & M5: October 25 – November 2, 2025

• M6: December 20 – 31, 2025

• M7: November 29 – December 14, 2025

• M8: October 25 – November 2, 2025

• M9: October 25 – November 9, 2025

• M11: November 8 – 23, 2025

• MA1 & MA3: November 29 – December 14, 2025

J Zones

• J1: November 1 – 2, 2025

• J3: November 29 – 30, 2025

• J4: November 22 – 30, 2025

• J8: December 6 – 31, 2025

• J9: September 20 – 28, 2025

• J10: October 4 – 5 and October 11 – 13, 2025

• J11: November 15 – 23, 2025

• J12: December 6 – 21, 2025

• J13 & J14: November 15 – 23, 2025

• J15: November 22 – 30, 2025

• J16, 17, 18: September 27 – November 2, 2025

• J19 & J20: October 4 – 19, 2025

• J21: September 20 – November 2, 2025

Archery 

• A1 (C Zones Archery Only Hunt Zones C-1 & C-4 Seasons) & A19: August 16 – 31, 2025

• Remaining A1, A3-A9, A11-A15, A16, A17, A20: August 16 – September 7, 2025

• A18 (Unrestricted): August 16 – September 7, 2025

• A21: November 8 – 21, 2025

• A22 (Restricted): September 6 – October 19, 2025 and November 15 – December 31, 2025

• A24: October 11 – November 9, 2025

• A25: October 4 – 27, 2025

• A26: November 15 – December 7, 2025

• A27: October 25 – November 9, 2025

• A30: November 8 – 23, 2025

• A31: September 27 – December 31, 2025

• A32 (Unrestricted): November 8 – 30, 2025

• A33: October 4 – November 11, 2025

Check the Big Game Digest for additional hunting dates and details, including Apprentice Hunts.

Turkey Seasons

• Spring: 

  • General: March 28 – May 3, 2026

  • Archery Only: May 4 – 17, 2026

  • Additional Junior: March 21 – 22, 2026 and May 4 – 17, 2026

• Fall: November 8 – December 7, 2025

Waterfowl

Coots & Moorhens (Statewide): Same as Duck seasons

Northeastern Zone

• Ducks: October 4, 2025 – January 15, 2026

• Scaup: October 4 – November 30, 2025 and December 18, 2025 – January 14, 2026

• Geese:

  • Canada Goose (Regular Season): October 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026

  • White and White-fronted (Regular Season): October 4 – November 30, 2025 and January 2 – 14, 2025

  • White and White-fronted (Late Season): February 5 – March 10, 2026

Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone

• Ducks & Geese: October 18, 2025 – January 28, 2025

• Scaup: November 4, 2025 – January 28, 2026

Colorado River Zone

• Ducks: October 18, 2025 – January 28, 2025

• Scaup: November 4, 2025 – January 28, 2026

• Geese: October 23, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Balance of State Zone

• Ducks: October 18, 2025 – January 28, 2026

• Scaup: November 4, 2025 – January 28, 2026

• Geese:

  • Early (Large CAGO only): September 27 – 29, 2025

  • Regular Season: October 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Late (CAGO): February 14 – 15, 2026

  • Late (White and White-fronted): February 14 – 18, 2026

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

• Northeastern Zone: September 20 – 21, 2025

• All Other Zones: February 7 – 8, 2026

Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days

• Northeastern Zones: Januayr 17 – 18, 2026

• All Other Zones: January 31 – February 1, 2026 

Check dates and zones for additional details about these seasons, plus Youth, Veteran, and Special Management Area hunts.  

Elk

Whether you’re after Tule, Roosevelt, or Rocky Mountain elk, California provides excellent opportunities to hunt elk.

Open season dates depend on location and the type of elk you target, from antlerless to bull and either sex. 

Archery

• Rocky Mountain: September 3 – 14, 2025

• Tule: 

  • Hunts 383, 382, 385, 386: September 1 – 30, 2025

  • Hunt 450: November 1 – 9, 2025

  • Hunt 449: July 26 – August 3, 2025

  • Hunt 337: September 13 – 28, 2025

  • Hunt 11: September 3 – 14, 2025

  • Hunt 22: August 9 – 17, 2025

  • Hunt 384: August 27 – September 9, 2025

Muzzleloader/Archery (Roosevelt): October 25 – November 3, 2025

Muzzleloader (Tule): September 13 – 28, 2025

General (Roosevelt):

• Hunts 301, 302 & 401: September 10 – 21, 2025

• Hunts 375, 355, & 483: September 3 – 25, 2025

• Hunt 300: October 8 – 19, 2025

General (Tule): Various dates starting July 26, 2025

General (Rocky Mountain): Various dates starting September 6, 2025

Apprentice: 

• Hunt 484: October 11 – 26, 2025

• Hunts 471 & 472: December 23, 2025 – January 1, 2026

• Hunt 466: August 12 – 15, 2025

• Hunt 469: August 14 – 17, 2025

• Hunt 464: October 11 – November 2, 2025

• Hunt 408: September 10 – 21, 2025

• Hunt 409: September 17 – 28, 2025

Visit the California Department of Wildlife website to find more details about elk hunt names, dates, and quotas. 

Bighorn Sheep

• Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, & 9: December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2025

• Zone 5: December 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026

• Zone 7 (White Mountains Period 1): August 16 – September 28, 2025

• Zone 7 (White Mountains Period 2): January 3 – Februuary 1, 2026

• Zone 10 (Newberry, Rodman, Ord Period 1): December 6, 2025 – January 3, 2026

• Zone 10 (Newberry, Rodman, Ord Period 2): January 4 – February 1, 2026

Pronghorn

General

• Zones 1, 2, 3 (Likely Tables Period 1 Buck), 4 (Lassen Period Buck 1), 5, & 6: August 23 – 31, 2025

• Zones 3 (Likely Tables Period 2 Buck) & 4 (Lassen Period Buck 2): September 6 – 14, 2025

Archery (Zones 2-6): August 9 – 17, 2025

Apprentice (Zones 3-6): August 23 – 31, 2025

Bear

General bear season syncs with general deer season for the following zones (A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12) and extends through December 28, 2025

Archery season for bear hunting is August 16 – September 7, 2025.

Wild Pig

Hunt wild pigs in California throughout the season, July 1 through June 30, with no daily bag or possession limit. 

Upland Game Birds

• Pheasant:

  • General (Statewide): November 8 – December 21, 2025

  • Archery: October 11 – November 2, 2025 and December 22, 2025 – January 18, 2026

• Quail:

  • Zone Q1 (Mountain Quail): September 13 – October 17, 2025

  • Zone Q1 (All Quail): October 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Zone Q2 (All Quail): September 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Zone Q3 (All Quail) October 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Early Season: October 4 – 5, 2025

  • Archery Only: August 16 – September 5, 2025

• Chukar:

  • General (Statewide): September 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Archery: August 16 – September 5, 2025

• Grouse: 

  • Saged: Closed

  • Ruffed: 

    • General: September 13 – October 13, 2025

    • Archery: August 16 – September 5, 2025

• Ptarmigan (General/Statewide): September 13 – 21, 2025

• Dove:

  • Eurasian Collared: All year

  • Mourning, White-Winged, Spotted, Ringed Turtle:  September 1 – 15, 2025 and November 8 – 22, 2025

• Snipe (General/Statewide): October 18, 2025 – February 1, 2026

Small Mammals

• Tree Squirrel: 

  • General: September 13, 2025 – January 25, 2026

  • Archery/Falconry: August 2 – September 12, 2025

• Rabbits: July 1, 2025 – January 25, 2026

• Jackrabbit: Open all year

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

California offers a fairly straightforward license system for hunting. 

Resident hunting licenses start at $61.82 and are required for anyone 16 years or older planning to hunt mammals or birds. Non-resident licenses start at $216 for anyone hunting birds or mammals aged 16 years or older. These licenses are good for the full year. 

However, non-resident one- or two-day licenses are also available at lower costs. Disabled Veterans can get a license at a discounted rate. 

You can buy a hunting license online or in person at several designated locations. You’ll also need the appropriate tag for big game and validations for birds. 

What Are the Bag Limits?

How many doves can you bring home this year? To comply with California hunting regulations, you must know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

Dove (Mourning, White-Winged, Spotted, Ringed Turtle)

15 (up to 10 white-winged), Early

No limit (late season)

Duck

7 per day (3x daily in possession)

Dove (Eurasian Collard)

No limit

Scaup

7 per day (3x daily in possession)

Waterfowl

Ranging from 3, 7, and 30 per day, depending on the type of bird and zone

Geese

23 – 30 per day (depending on the zone), 3x daily in possession

Turkey

1 per day either sex, 2 per season (Fall),  1 bearded per day, 3 per season (Spring)

Bighorn Sheep

Based on tags and quotas

Pheasant

2 males per day (first two days), 3 males per day after the first two days, 3x daily limit in possession (General)

2 pheasants per day (first two days), 3 pheasants per day after the first two days, 3x daily limit in possession (Archery)

Quail

10 per day (3x daily in possession)

Ptarmigan

2 per day (2 per season)

Snipe

8 per day (3x daily limit in possession)

Chukar

6 per day (3x daily limit in possession)

Ruffed Grouse

2 per day (3x daily limit in possession)

Bear

1 per hunting season

Elk

Based on tags and quotas

Pronghorn

Based on tags and quotas

Wild Pig

No limits

Squirrel

4 per day (4 in possession)

Rabbits

5 per day (10 in possession)

Jackrabbit

No limits

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

California requires first-time hunters to pass a hunter safety certification. Even if it’s not required, many experienced hunters recommend passing a safety course before hitting the field. 

You’ll also want to bring the right gear for your hunt and California’s varying terrain. HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our app partners, from clothing to optics, decoys, and more. Use this member benefit to equip yourself in the field and tag out!

HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for the California Hunting Seasons

We’ve covered a lot of details for California hunters. We hope it helps you plan a successful hunt (or several) this season, but as with any information, it can always change. Make sure you check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the latest information as you plan your hunt!

Remember: Planning your hunt includes scouting land, marking locations, and accessing private landowner information. Download the HuntWise app and use it before and during your hunt. Our HuntCast, WindCast, and RutCast features can help you target the best days for hunting based on weather and animal movement. 

Download the app and start your free trial! You’ll be ready to hunt when the season opens.

Content reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and relevancy June 4, 2025.