The state’s large landscapes and changing grounds make pursuing here both exciting and adventurous for locals and tourists. The 2024 deer season is shaping up to be quite a fascinating period for hunters. There’s a mix of zones, permits, and rules that guarantee a fun and safe experience.
This complete guide gives you key facts for your California deer hunt adventure. It covers the distinct zones and seasons, plus specific rules and catch limits. This guide assists both the well-experienced hunter or novices in maximizing their outdoor journey.
Let’s unpack all there is to know about the California deer hunting season of 2024. You’ll find thrilling chances waiting for you in the Golden State.
Deer Season Schedule for California
Zone A:
- Archery: July 13 – August 4, 2024
- General: August 10 – September 22, 2024
Zone B:
- B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5:
- Archery: August 17 – September 8, 2024
- General: September 21 – October 27, 2024
- B-4:
- Archery: July 27 – August 18, 2024
- General: August 24 – September 29, 2024
- B-6:
- Archery: August 17 – September 8, 2024
- General: September 21 – October 20, 2024
Zone C (General season only, archery details covered in Zone A):
- C-1:
- September 21 – October 20, 2024
- C-2, C-3:
- September 21 – October 27, 2024
- C-4:
- September 21 – October 6, 2024
Zone D:
- D-3, D-4, D-5, D-6, D-7:
- Archery: August 17 – September 8, 2024
- General: September 28 – November 3, 2024
- D-8, D-9, D-10:
- Archery: August 17 – September 8, 2024
- General: September 28 – October 27, 2024
- D-11, D-13, D-15:
- Archery: September 7 – September 29, 2024
- General: October 12 – November 10, 2024
- D-12:
- General: October 5 – October 27, 2024
- Second Season: November 2 – November 24, 2024
- D-16:
- Archery: September 7 – September 29, 2024
- General: October 26 – November 24, 2024
- D-17:
- Archery: September 7 – September 29, 2024
- General: October 12 – November 3, 2024
- D-19:
- Archery: September 7 – September 29, 2024
- General: October 5 – November 3, 2024
Zone X:
- X-1, X-2, X-3a, X-3b, X-4, X-5a, X-5b, X-6a, X-6b, X-7a, X-7b:
- October 5 – October 20, 2024
- X-8, X-10:
- September 28 – October 13, 2024
- X-9a, X-9b, X-12:
- September 21 – October 14, 2024
- X-9c:
- October 19 – November 10, 2024
Deer Hunting Regulations in California
- Premium Tags and Preference Points:
- Privileged tag holders have the option to give their tags back and ask for preference points.
- If you return it before the season starts, make sure it’s postmarked before the initial hunt date.
- If wildfires made over 66% of the hunting area unreachable, you can return your tag after the season.
- General Tags
- First and Second Deer Tags: Purchase a First Tag/Application before a SecondTag/Application. Multiple applications for the same tag are illegal.
- Submitting multiple First or Second-Deer applications in one year is prohibited.
- Zone-Specific Tags
- A, B, D Zone Tags: Valid during both archery and regular seasons, dependent on the zone.C Zone Tags: Valid for regular seasons only; archery game requires a separate tag (A-1).
- Premium Tags: Issued through the Big Game Drawing.
- Special Hunts
- Apprentice Hunts: Available for youth aged 12 or older.
- Military Lands Hunts: Limited tags for public and military personnel in specific areas.
- Archery-Only Tags: Valid for hunting with archery equipment exclusively in specific zones.
- Archery-Only Tags
- Validity: Exclusively for archery equipment in specific zones and hunts.
CA Deer Hunting Licenses
| License/Tag | Fee |
| Resident | $58.58 |
| Nonresident | $204.69 |
| Junior | $15.38 |
| Duplicate Hunting License | $12.96 |
| Resident First-Deer Tag or Drawing Application | $38.62 |
| Resident Second-Deer Tag or Drawing Application | $48.09 |
| Nonresident First-Deer Tag or Drawing Application | $343.25 |
| Nonresident Second-Deer Tag or Drawing Application | $343.25 |
| Pronghorn Antelope Tag | $25.41 (Junior), $186.84 (Resident), $571.60 (Nonresident) |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag | $532.75 (Resident), $1,977.05 (Nonresident) |
Top California Deer Hunting Locations
1. Sierra Nevada Mountains: The Sierra Nevada Mountains are famous for their tall cliffs and thick woods. Different kinds of deer, like black-tailed and mule deer, call this region home. Top spots to hunt are the Tahoe National Forest, Inyo-White Mountain Wilderness, and Sequoia National Forest.
2. Coast Ranges: Imagine it! The Coast Ranges! They stretch along the Pacific. The place is famous, especially for black-tailed deers. There’s the mellow Mendocino National Forest. There’s the Los Padres National Forest. And the Angeles National Forest. All unique, all amazing.
3. Central Valley: Resting between Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges, the Central Valley is a rich farming area. It also delivers chances to hunt. Though it might not be famous for deers as the mountains, the Central Valley affords a more laid-back, less packed hunting journey.
4. Imperial Valley: In southeast California, there’s a dry place, home to an unusual kind of deer, the desert mule deer. The Imperial Valley, despite its harsh conditions, offers exciting adventures. Sure, it’s tough, but that’s what makes it satisfying for the adventurous at heart.
5. Shasta-Trinity National Forest: The Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a large green gem in northern California, attracts many people hunting deer. It’s not just trees – it’s got hills, lowlands, and streams too. Different zones mean different game, more choices for hunters.
6. Klamath National Forest: Up in northern California, there’s a huge expanse of woods ideal for deers called the Klamath National Forest. It’s overflowing with towering mountains, thick tree cover, and crystal-clear brooks. No wonder hunters find it so attractive!
7. San Bernardino National Forest: Situated in the lower part of California, the San Bernardino National Forest is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s well-known for hunting ventures. You can find species like black-tailed and mule deer there.
8. Mendocino National Forest: In Northern California, there’s a forest that’s famed for being both tough and beautiful. It’s called the Mendocino National Forest. It’s packed full of different kinds of animals. One of the best things? You can hunt deer there. In fall, especially, you’ll find it’s a great spot for it. Why? That’s when the deer move around.
9. Trinity Alps Wilderness: Up there in the north of California, there’s this untouched expanse of nature. It’s called the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Now, this Wild place isn’t short of chances for good times. And you know what’s cool about this place? The diversity of deer! Yeah, you’ve got black-tailed deer, mule deer and more.
10. Mojave National Preserve: A special outdoor waits in southeastern California’s desert. The Mojave National Preserve may not be the top spot for deer hunting, but it has lots to offer. If you’re open to discovering the desert’s beauty, you’re in for a treat.
