2025 California Hunting Season Dates
California is the third-largest state in the U.S., and this brings a mix of diverse wildlife migrating through various ecosystems and topographies. In fact, California is the only state where you can hunt desert bighorn sheep and the native Tule Elk. But preparing hunting tents and hunting gear for a California hunting trip is half the battle. You also need to study your California hunting season dates and regulations.
Because while the Golden State presents a wide range of species to hunt, it also means that there are more designated zones and dates you need to be aware of. So when perusing these 2025 California hunting season dates, keep in mind that this list is by no means extensive. Do your due diligence to verify when and where you can hunt what.
Hunting Season Dates of California (General & Specific 2025)
Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website to learn more about the details of the hunting season and area-specific hunting codes. It’s also a good place to double-check the hunting rules, such as bag limits for certain species. This quick reference calendar offers a nice at-a-glance look, too.
Since California’s hunting seasons are so wide-ranging and organized by species, weapon type, and zones, this list will take a different approach from our other Oregon or Washington Hunting Season guides, offering a more general glance (assuming you will do your own research for the specific area and game you wish to hunt).
California Deer Hunting Seasons
When it comes to deer hunting, California is broken down into six regions, then split into five zones: A, B, C, D and X. These five zones are further divided into subzones (signified by numbers). Deer season, especially, is based on these zones, as well as the method of hunting using firearms versus archery.
These zones are based on locations and typically found in:
Zone A: Coastal California (Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Cruz)
Zone B: Northern California coastal ranges
Zone C: Northern Sierra Nevada
Zone D: Central Sierra Nevada
Zone X: Northeastern California (more rugged terrains)
DEER SEASON (Rifle/Muzzleloader)
Zone A | Aug. 9 - Aug. 31
Zones B1 - B6 | Sept. 20 - Oct. 26
Zones C1 - C4 | Sept. 27 - Oct. 26
Zones D3 - D19 | Sept. 27 - Nov. 2
Zone X | Varies but generally late Sept. to early Nov.
DEER SEASON (Archery)
Archers can usually get a headstart on the deer hunting season, which is offered a bit earlier in July and runs through August. Here are the archery zones and 2025 hunting dates:
A | July 12 - Aug. 3
B1 - B6 | Aug. 2 - Sept. 14
C1 - C4 | Aug. 16 - Sept. 21
D3 - D19 | Aug. 16 - Sept. 28
X | subzones vary (Aug. vs Sept., for example), so check specific areas
Other Big Game in California
Aside from deer, there are lots of other big game species in California. Some hunting seasons use the same ‘deer zones’ we mentioned above, while others are broader, yet require limited hunts and draw tags.
BLACK BEAR
Bear season caps out when the annual quota is harvested (1,700 bears), and each hunter gets only 1 bear license per year.
Archery | Aug. 16 - Sept. 7, 2025
General | Opens concurrently with general deer season and zones
BIGHORN SHEEP, ELK & ANTELOPE
Hunting zones vary widely for each, but they are typically limited hunts, one-time permits, and require draw tags. The species of California elk, Bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope each carry their own set of hunting season dates, along with zones and more – far too much to cover here. We suggest inspecting each:
WILD PIG
Wild pigs can be hunted all year round (though they are most abundant in the Central Coast regions), and there are no zone restrictions either. However, you must have a valid pig tag and need to apply for specific period dates.
Turkey Hunting Seasons
Turkey hunting offers spring and fall hunting in California. However, be sure to verify the bag limits per season and person.
Spring General | Mar. 29 - May 4
Fall Season | Nov. 8 - Dec. 7
Archery Only | May 5 - May 18
Waterfowl & Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
California waterfowl hunting is also divided into five zones (a different five zones from deer) listed below. Again, we recommend reviewing the CDFW for more details.
Northeastern
Southern San Joaquin Valley
Southern California
Colorado River
Balance of the State
However, expect typical hunting seasons to occur from October through January. Youth waterfowl days and goose hunting are the exception, running longer into February. 2025 California waterfowl hunting dates are:
Northeastern Zone | Oct. 18, 2025 - Jan. 25, 2026
Southern California Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026
Upland Game Birds
Quail, pheasant, dove, chukar, and other upland game birds have several different zones and seasons for hunting in California. Their 2025 hunting seasons are as follows:
Quail | September - January (dates depending on Zone Q1, Q2, and Q3 and General vs. Archery)
Pheasant | Nov. 8 - Dec. 21 (General); Oct. 11 - Nov. 2, Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 (Archery)
Dove | Sept. 1-15, Nov. 8 - Dec. 22
Chukar | Oct. 18 - Jan. 25, 2026 (General); Aug. 16 - Sep. 5 (Archery)
Check the CDFW for all upland game bird hunting dates and regulations.
Prepare For Golden State Hunting
The Golden State is packed full with big game, waterfowl, turkey and more! And California’s landscapes and seasonal windows are just as diverse as their game. The best way to prepare for any season is by choosing the right hunting gear, along with a versatile, spacious, breathable, and insulating wall tent to act as your hunting party’s basecamp or solo shelter.
Next to that, remember to mark your calendars for those application deadlines, zone openings, and begin scouting for a rewarding 2025 California hunting season.