California Hunting Seasons

See our comprehensive list of hunting seasons for animals of all types and all areas of California. We’ve made it easier than ever to find the dates you can hunt, length of the season, what type of hunting is allowed and other important details. Plus, check out hunting resources and direct links to California state resources.

California Deer Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Archery-Only Season (A Zones)

  • July 12 – August 3, 2025 (varies by zone)

Archery-Only (D Zones – High Sierra)

  • August 9–31, 2025

General (Rifle) A-Zone Deer

  • August 9 – September 28, 2025 (forked-horn buck or better)

General D-Zone Deer

  • October 11 – November 2, 2025 (draw required; zone specific)

Youth/Disabled Deer Hunt

  • August 2–3, 2025 (prior to general season; some zones)

California Turkey Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Fall Turkey (Archery Only – Selected Counties)

  • November 1 – December 31, 2025 (Limited; no fall rifle turkey)

Spring Turkey

  • March 28 – April 6, 2026 (junior hunt)
  • April 12 – May 3, 2026 (general; statewide)

California Elk Seasons 2025-2026

Tule Elk (Archery)

  • August 2–31, 2025 (draw required; limited zones)

Tule Elk (Rifle)

  • September 6–14, 2025 (draw; very limited)

Roosevelt Elk

  • September 13–21, 2025 (draw; Mendocino/Humboldt areas)

California Waterfowl 2025-2026

Duck (Sacramento Valley Zone)

  • October 18 – November 2, 2025
  • November 15, 2025 – January 25, 2026

Duck (San Francisco Bay Zone)

  • October 18 – January 25, 2026 (split season)

California big game seasons require draw tags in most zones. Visit California Department of Fish and Wildlife for full regulations.

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Interactive California Hunting Season Discovery

Use the forms below to filter by game, type of hunting, time of year, bag / tag limits and much more. We’ve gone through the state of California Hunting Seasons’s hunting season data and simplified it so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Please note, that information realated California state hunting is subject to change so be sure to check the state resources linked below the table before heading out to hunt.

California Hunting Seasons & Requirements

For the most accurate information on California Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the California DNR.  We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.

California DNR

1416 9th Street
12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Helpful Links

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US Hunting Seasons