California Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to California hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about CDFW's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
July 1 (hunting) / January 1 (fishing) - June 30 (hunting) / December 31 (fishing)
Agency
CDFW
Draw System
preference
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
California License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Base hunting license | $62.90 | $219.81 |
| Resident Fishing Sport fishing license | $62.90 | $169.82 |
| Deer Tag General zone tags; premium zones cost more | $41.30 | $368.20 |
| Upland Game Bird Stamp Required for pheasant, quail, and chukar | $9.34 | $9.34 |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
CDFW License
Digital licenses via CDFW License app. Aspira-powered system.
Aspira powers California's licensing system
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your California licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
California Tag Draws & Lotteries
preference Point System
Applicants with the most points are guaranteed to draw before those with fewer points.
Point banking: Allowed - you can skip years without losing points
Draw Species
Application Deadline
June 2 (most tags)
Results Announced
Mid-June
California uses preference points for premium deer zones and most limited tags. General deer zones are over-the-counter.
California Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in California.
Largest Fishing License Volume
infoCalifornia sells 2.18 million fishing licenses annually - more than any other state. Expect crowded waters during peak seasons.
Lead Ammunition Ban
criticalCalifornia requires non-lead ammunition for all hunting statewide. This is unique among US states and affects ammo choices.
Different Fiscal Years
importantHunting licenses run July-June while fishing licenses run calendar year. Track both expirations.
Wild Pig Opportunity
infoCalifornia has year-round wild pig hunting with no bag limit on most public and private lands. A unique opportunity in the west.
Premium Zone Draw System
importantCalifornia's best deer zones require draw applications and years of preference points. General zones are OTC but less productive.
Hunting Tools for California
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in California.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for California and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for California
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for California, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for California and species
California Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a California hunting license cost?
Resident hunting licenses cost $62.90, while non-resident licenses are $219.81. Deer tags are additional - $41.30 resident for general zones, $368.20 non-resident.
Is lead ammunition banned in California?
Yes! California is the only state that requires non-lead ammunition for ALL hunting (not just waterfowl). Plan your ammunition accordingly and budget for higher costs.
Can I hunt wild pigs year-round in California?
Yes, wild pig hunting is open year-round with no bag limit on most public and private lands. You need a hunting license and pig tag ($25.10 resident).
When does the California hunting license expire?
Hunting licenses run from July 1 through June 30. Fishing licenses run calendar year (January 1 - December 31). The different cycles require attention.
How do California deer zone draws work?
California's premium deer zones (A, B, C, D) require draw applications with preference points. General zones (G, X) are over-the-counter. Premium zones have better hunting but require years of points for non-residents.
Store Your California License in Hunter Passport
Keep your California hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.