California Deer Hunting Guide: Seasons, Rules, Permits, and More

With the help of this thorough guide, enter the captivating world of California Deer Season in 2024. As hunters eagerly await the beginning of this year’s season, we’ll explore the dates, regulations, and essential information you need to know to make the most of your hunting experience. We want to provide you unique insights and expert assistance, whether you are a seasoned hunter searching for new challenges or a beginner. As we reveal everything there is to know about the upcoming deer season in California, be ready to go on spectacular hunting trips. 

California Deer Season 2024

California has a special chance for outdoor enthusiasts with its deer and elk range. According to the hunting zone, the season normally lasts from mid-August to late November, although exact dates may vary.

Zone A

Zone B

Zone C

Zone D

Zone X

CA Elk Season

General

Archery

Muzzleloader/Archery

Muzzleloader

Apprentice Elk

Note: These amendments were approved on April 19, 2023, by the California Fish and Game Commission. Refer to the CFGC website.

Pronghorn Season

General

Archery

Apprentice

Bag Limits

The bag limit for the deer season in California varies based on the species and hunting area. Black-tailed and mule deer may be taken from up to six different species by hunters.

CA Deer Licenses

CA Deer Regulations

• California hunters may seek deer tags for A, B, and certain D zones until the tag quotas are met. Deer tags may be bought via a local licensing agent or online, but they must be sent to hunters, which can take up to 15 days. Following restrictions and hunting responsibly requires a deer tag before hunting.

• A, B, and D Zone Deer Tags allow hunters to use muzzleloading rifles, centerfire rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, crossbows, and bows during the archery season and firearms and other authorized equipment during the general season. These tags are zone-specific except for the B zone tag, the D3-5 tag, and the D11, D13, or D15 tag. To hunt legally and responsibly, hunters must follow tag and zone laws.

• Bow-Only Deer Tags (AO Tags) are for bow hunters. These tags enable archery and general hunting in zone A, any B or D zone, and the military-only Additional Hunt G-10. AO Tags cannot be used in C or X zones or for Area-Specific Archery Hunts. Unless otherwise stated, hunting with an Archery-Only deer tag prohibits firearms and crossbows. Hunters need an Area-Specific Archery Hunt tag for a C or X-zone archery season.

• Premium Deer Tags are unique hunting possibilities for hunts that have met their quota by July 1. Premium deer hunts need Big Game Drawing applications. The 2022 California Big Game Hunting Digest, published online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Publications/Hunting-Digest, lists all deer hunts and their categories. The Big Game Drawing requires a First-Deer Tag Drawing Application for premium deer tags. Junior hunters may apply for apprentice hunts using their Second-Deer Tag Application.

• C Zone Deer Tags are for general season hunting in zones C1, C2, C3, and C4. These tags permit hunting in these zones during the normal season. For archery hunting in any C zone, hunters must apply for an A-1 Area-Specific Archery Hunt tag.

• X Zone Tags are for general season hunting in a zone. X Zone Tag hunters may use muzzleloading or centerfire rifles, shotguns, allowed pistols or revolvers, crossbows, or bows. These tags allow hunters to hunt in the zone during the general season.

• Additional shoot Deer Tags allow hunters to shoot deer beyond the usual season. These hunts include antlerless, either-sex, and buck hunting throughout the state. Some of these hunts are for younger hunters, military grounds, or unique equipment. Hunters may target individual deer or explore specific locations during these supplementary hunts.

• Apprentice Deer Hunts let young hunters hunt with an older tutor. These hunts need a California junior hunting license and a minimum age of 12 by July 1 of the licensing year or at the time of application if applying after July 1. Junior hunters may submit one Apprentice Deer Hunt application utilizing a First-Deer or Second-Deer Tag Drawing Application. Juniors with tags must hunt with an adult over 18. Young hunters learn from seasoned mentors in this program.

• Military Lands Hunts provide public and military hunting in military locations. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Big Game Drawing distributes public tags for G8, J10, and A33 hunts. Military members who want to hunt must apply to their base. G7, G10, G11, the Beale, Camp Pendleton, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, either-sex hunts are designated for military members. These hunts allow hunters to explore and enjoy military territory while following installation laws.

• Deer tags must be purchased and submitted according to California deer hunting laws. Hunters must buy a beforehand-Deer Tag/Application beforehand. The same license year cannot have multiple First-Deer Tag/Application or Second-Deer Tag/Application. Deer tags are also ineligible for anyone convicted of deer violations in the previous licensing year. California deer hunting is sustainable with these precautions.

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James Ellis

James Ellis, the passionate creator of DeerSeason.Org, is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife. With over a decade of experience in exploring the world of deer, his writing reflects an extensive understanding of these magnificent creatures

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