California Hunting Seasons
California hunting seasons vary by species, hunting zone, license year and method of take. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) publishes the official dates, limits, tags and restrictions. The 2026-2027 dates below are a quick reference, not a substitute for the current regulations. Check the linked CDFW pages before planning a hunt.
California Hunting Seasons 2026-2027
These selected general-season dates are published by CDFW. Some species have separate archery, falconry, junior, zone-specific or special-hunt seasons. A statewide season does not establish permission to hunt on a particular property.
| Species | 2026-2027 general season | Official details |
|---|---|---|
| Tree squirrel | September 12, 2026-January 31, 2027 | Small game and zones |
| Rabbit and varying hare | July 1, 2026-January 31, 2027 | Small game |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | Small game |
| Pheasant | November 14-December 27, 2026 | Upland game birds |
| Wild turkey (fall) | November 14-December 13, 2026 | Turkey seasons |
| Wild turkey (spring) | March 27-May 2, 2027 | Turkey seasons |
| Chukar | October 17, 2026-January 31, 2027 | Upland game birds |
| Quail | Varies by zone; see CDFW zone schedule | Quail zones and dates |
| Deer | Varies by zone, tag and hunt | Deer hunting |
| Elk, pronghorn antelope, bear and bighorn sheep | Varies by species and authorized hunt | Big game regulations |
| Wild pig | Year-round; hunting license and wild pig validation generally required | Wild pig rules |
| Waterfowl | Varies by zone and species | Waterfowl seasons |
Dates and requirements may change. See the official CDFW regulations and booklets for bag limits, possession limits, zone boundaries, special hunts and legal methods of take.
Deer Hunting Seasons and Zones
There is no single California deer opener. Dates differ among A, B, C, D and X zones and special hunts, and some opportunities require specific tags or drawings. Confirm the correct zone, dates, tag requirements and any land closures using CDFW deer hunting information before traveling. Hunters must also meet deer tag reporting requirements.
California Free Hunting Days
The 2026-2027 California Free Hunting Days are Saturday, November 21, 2026, and Saturday, April 10, 2027. These days are intended for eligible California residents who do not hold a current annual hunting license. Participants must complete hunter education, obtain a Free Hunt Days Registration, meet applicable tag and permit requirements, and be accompanied by an eligible licensed hunter age 21 or older. Species and other restrictions still apply. Review the full CDFW Free Hunting Days requirements.
Hunting in Orange County and Cleveland National Forest
Hunting opportunities in Orange County are limited and depend on the specific parcel, land manager, lawful access, species and season. Portions of the Cleveland National Forest are in and near Orange County, but not every forest area is open to every type of hunting. Check U.S. Forest Service restrictions, current closures, fire conditions, property boundaries, local discharge rules and applicable CDFW regulations before visiting. Do not assume that the presence of wildlife makes hunting legal.
For statewide rules, see CDFW Hunting and the regulations library. Confirm current forest access and any temporary closures with the managing Forest Service office.
California Hunting Licenses, Tags and Rules
- License: Most hunters need a valid California hunting license; some hunts also require tags, validations or drawing results. See CDFW hunting license items.
- Wild pigs: Since July 1, 2024, wild pig hunting generally requires a wild pig validation rather than the former individual wild pig tags. Check wild pig requirements.
- Bird hunting: Waterfowl and upland game birds can have separate validation, stamp, zone and method-of-take rules.
- Nonlead ammunition: California requires nonlead ammunition when taking wildlife with a firearm. Consult the current regulations.
- Protected species: Do not infer that an animal can be hunted from its presence in California. Verify the species' legal status and any applicable prohibitions.
California Hunting Seasons FAQ
When does deer season open in California?
Deer opening dates vary by hunting zone, tag and hunt type. Consult the current CDFW deer zone schedule rather than using a single statewide date.
Can you hunt year-round in California?
Some species, including jackrabbits and wild pigs, have year-round general seasons, but licenses, validations, legal access and other restrictions still apply.
Can you hunt in Orange County?
Only where hunting is specifically lawful and access is permitted. Check the land manager, applicable state rules, local restrictions and temporary closures for the exact location.
