California Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to California hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through CDFW.
California Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $64.82 — Non-Resident: from N/A
- Managed by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing
California Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
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. For the 2026-2027 season, a resident hunting license costs $64.82. Non-residents pay $226.43. Junior licenses (under 16) are $16.96. California uses a tag system for big game — resident first deer tags are $42.54, while non-resident tags cost $379.25. 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 | $64.82 | N/A | July 1 - June 30 | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $226.43 | July 1 - June 30 | |
| Junior Hunting License (under 16) | $16.96 | $16.96 | July 1 - June 30 | |
| NR 2-Day Hunting | — | $64.82 | 2 days | Small game/game birds only |
| Resident 1st Deer Tag | $42.54 | — | Season | |
| NR 1st Deer Tag | — | $379.25 | Season | |
| Resident Bear Tag | $63.14 | — | Season | |
| NR Bear Tag | — | $387.85 | 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: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your California license expire? See our license validity guide →
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 listed by the state agency.
- 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
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
California Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule/Blacktail Deer | Archery | July 11 | September 13 | 2026 dates |
| Mule/Blacktail Deer | General | September 19 | November 1 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | General | August 15 | December 27 | 2026 dates |
| Wild Pig | General | January 1 | December 31 | Year-round |
| Turkey | Spring | March 27 | May 2 | 2027 dates |
| Turkey | Fall | November 14 | December 20 | 2026 dates |
| Quail (Valley/Gambel's/Mountain) | General | October 17 | January 24 | 2026-27 dates |
| Duck | General | October 17 | January 24 | 2026-27 dates |
| Dove | General | September 1 | November 15 | Annual dates |
View full California season regulations on CDFW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
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. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Blaze orange required in certain zones during rifle deer season.
- Lead ammunition banned statewide for all hunting — use non-lead alternatives.
- Bear hunting with dogs is prohibited in California.
- Wild pig can be hunted year-round with a validation.
Read full California regulations on CDFW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
California Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
California Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in California?
Resident hunting license costs $62.90. Non-residents pay $219.81. Junior licenses (under 16) are $16.46. Validations and big game tags are additional.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in California?
Yes, hunter education is required for all first-time license buyers. California accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in California?
Yes. Non-resident license is $219.81. Deer tags cost $368.20 and bear tags $387.85 for non-residents. A 2-day small game license is $62.90.
Is lead ammunition banned in California?
Yes, California requires the use of certified nonlead ammunition for all hunting statewide. This is a unique requirement among US states.
Can I hunt wild pig in California year-round?
Yes, with a Wild Pig Validation ($27.57 resident, $98.85 non-resident). Wild pig can be hunted year-round with no bag limit.
Are there free hunting licenses in California?
Disabled veterans and recovering service members prequalified by CDFW pay just $10.29. Free hunting licenses are available for qualifying Native Americans on reservation land.