When Is California Deer Season 2025?

California is a hunter's paradise with one of the earliest deer seasons on the U.S. calendar and six mule deer subspecies to target. 

Understanding the deer season dates is essential to ensure compliance with state regulations. While highly regulated, the dates and zones are relatively easy to navigate once you've decided where you're going to hunt. 

In this resource, we'll explore the California hunting seasons, tagging requirements, and more to make sure you're well-prepped for California deer season 2025.

Updated May 15, 2025

California Deer Season Dates 

California's deer hunting season typically spans from late summer to early winter, and the general season dates are divided into two main categories: archery and general (rifle seasons). The state is divided into zone-specific hunting areas for administration and specific season dates. By choosing the correct zone and aligning the time, you can ensure you're well-informed and prepared for your hunting adventure. 
 

For more details, dates, and regulations, refer to the Big Game Digest from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Special Hunts and Additional Opportunities and Tags

Additionally, the CDWF allocates specialist hunting windows for late-season hunting, muzzleloading, military hunters, apprentice hunts, and more.

These specialist windows include a restricted bag limit and will require additional permits or a specialist designation as an individual meeting the hunting requirements during these times. 

California Hunting Licensing

To hunt the California deer season 2025, you'll need a license and an appropriate tag. Licenses can be purchased online or at any CDFW sales office or approved license agent. 

The 2025 prices for licensing are as follows: 
 

• Resident Hunting License: $62.90 (must be over the age of 16)
• Non-Resident Hunting License: $219.81 (must be over the age of 16)
• Junior Hunting License: $16.46 (resident or non-resident under the age of 16) 
• Disabled Veteran or Recovering Service Member Hunting Licenses: $9.79 at CDFW Offices or $10.29 from License Agents 

To prove residency, applicants must have lived continuously in the State of California for six months or more immediately before the date of application. 

Note: Hunter education is a requirement for first-time hunters or hunters who have not received an interstate hunting license within the last two years. 

What Is the California Tag System?

After completing the licensing requirements, you'll also need a deer tag to hunt legally in California. 

California permits hunters to take two deer per season for a resident; the first tag costs $41.30, and the second costs $51.58. Non-residents are also permitted to take two deer tags, with the first costing $368.20 and the second set at the same price. 

Successful deer tag holders are required to report deer harvested within 30 days of the date of harvest or by January 31. Tags are divided into general, premium, restricted, and archery. You can gain access to premium deer hunts through the big game drawing. Applications are available each year from April 15 through June 2.

Hunting Regulations and Safety

Hunters must be discerning regarding bag limits and limitations on their hunting tag, as hunting more than is allocated can lead to prosecution. For example, a second deer on a first deer tag can result in prohibitions on applying for future tags. 

Crossbows are prohibited, and other bow types must have a minimum poundage of 40 to be used during the specified archery season. 

Deer tag holders who have successfully harvested a deer must report their harvest within 30 days of the harvest date or by January 31, whichever date is first. Unsuccessful deer tag holders are required to report a no-harvest by January 31. 

Boost Your Success With HuntWise for California Deer Season 2025

California's diverse geography can make hunting Zone A to Zone X like entering different worlds. However, with HuntWise, you can be confident in the area you hunt.

No matter your hunting zone and firearm or bow preference, HuntWise can guide you every step of the way, adapting to your needs and providing GPS mapping, topographical layering, rut forecasting, and much more. This adaptability ensures you have the best chance of success, even in the most challenging conditions. 

If you haven't yet downloaded HuntWise and you're planning a California deer hunt this season, now is the time to add the app to your gear set! Use it to e-scout and plan the best days to hunt using weather and deer movement forecasting. 

Your first week in the app is free on us!

Content most recently reviewed and updated for current season dates May 15, 2025.