California Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for California including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
California Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for California including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in California
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Mar 28 - May 3, 2026
Opens in 25 days
Complete Season Calendar
All California hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Jul 12 - Sep 21, 2025 | A Zone | Closed | Early archery | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Sep 20 - Nov 2, 2025 | A Zone | Closed | General season | |
| Archery | Aug 16 - Sep 7, 2025 | D Zones | Closed | Zone D archery | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Mar 28 - May 3, 2026 | Statewide | Opens in 25d | Spring season | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Oct 11 - Dec 28, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | General bear season | |
Wild Pig 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Year-round hunting | |
Dove 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Sep 1-15, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Early dove | |
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California Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Dove
- Turkey
- Wild Pig
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Any Legal Method
- Shotgun
- Wildlife Agency
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for California
California has extensive zone system. Tag/license required for deer.
Hunting Method Legend
California Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in California
What are the hunting season dates for California?
California offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Dove, Turkey, Wild Pig. The license year runs from Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in California?
Deer season in California typically begins with archery season starting Jul 12, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Sep 20, 2025.
Does California require a draw for hunting?
California offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in California?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Mar 28, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in California?
California has extensive zone system. Tag/license required for deer.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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