California Hunting License Guide
Complete guide to California hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through CDFW.
California Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
California offers diverse hunting managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The Golden State features enormous geographic diversity from coastal marshes to alpine peaks, supporting mule and blacktail deer, wild pig, black bear, wild turkey, waterfowl, quail, and dove. A resident hunting license costs $62.90 for 2025-2026. Non-residents pay $219.81. Junior licenses (under 16) are just $16.46. California uses a tag system for big game — resident first deer tags are $41.30, while non-resident tags cost $368.20. The state is known for its challenging terrain and public land opportunities. California's wild pig hunting is unique in the West (validation required). Bear hunting using dogs was banned by voter initiative. Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $62.90 | — | July 1 - June 30 | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $219.81 | July 1 - June 30 | |
| Junior Hunting License (under 16) | $16.46 | $16.46 | July 1 - June 30 | |
| NR 2-Day Hunting | — | $62.90 | 2 days | Small game/game birds only |
| Resident 1st Deer Tag | $41.30 | — | Season | |
| NR 1st Deer Tag | — | $368.20 | Season | |
| Resident Bear Tag | $61.30 | — | Season | |
| NR Bear Tag | — | $387.85 | Season | |
| Resident Wild Pig Validation | $27.57 | — | Season | |
| NR Wild Pig Validation | — | $98.85 | Season | |
| Upland Game Bird Validation (Resident) | $24.84 | — | Season | |
| CA Duck Validation (Resident) | $39.96 | — | Season | |
| Disabled Veteran Reduced Fee | $10.29 | — | July 1 - June 30 |
Prices from California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-03-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time license buyers. California accepts hunter education from all states.
How to Buy a California Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to California Department of Fish and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in California.
Need help? Call California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 916-928-5805
California Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule/Blacktail Deer | Archery | July 12 | September 14 | |
| Mule/Blacktail Deer | General | September 20 | November 2 | |
| Black Bear | General | August 16 | December 28 | |
| Wild Pig | General | January 1 | December 31 | Year-round |
| Turkey | Spring | March 29 | May 4 | |
| Turkey | Fall | November 8 | December 14 | |
| Quail (Valley/Gambel's/Mountain) | General | October 18 | January 25 | |
| Duck | General | October 18 | January 25 | |
| Dove | General | September 1 | November 15 |
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Reduced-fee licenses for qualifying seniors |
| Youth | Reduced ($16.46) | Junior hunting license for under 16 |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced ($10.29) | Disabled veterans and recovering service members prequalified by CDFW |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military or Job Corps members stationed in California |
California Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the California official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange/pink clothing may be required during firearms seasons. Check California specific requirements.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
Recommended Gear for California Hunting
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California Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in California?
A resident hunting license in California starts at $62.90. Non-resident licenses start at $219.81. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in California?
Yes, California requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for first-time license buyers. California accepts hunter education from all states. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in California?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a California hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $219.81. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in California?
Archery: July 12 – September 14. General: September 20 – November 2
Are there free hunting licenses in California?
California does not offer completely free hunting licenses, but does provide discounts for certain groups including youth, seniors, and military.
Can I buy a California hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a California hunting license online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.