Complete guide to archery hunting in California - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates.
California requires an Archery License in addition to a hunting license to hunt during archery-only seasons. Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only seasons. California has separate archery seasons for deer, elk, and bear.
Archery Stamp Required
Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs
2026 Archery License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$21.89
Archery stamp fee
Nonresident Fee
$21.89
NR stamp fee
Min. Draw Weight
35 lbs
Minimum for legal archery hunting
Crossbow
Not in archery season
Separate season may apply
License & Stamp Details
California Archery License Requirements
Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.
Requirement
Details
Archery Stamp Required
Yes - separate archery stamp required
Stamp Fee (Resident)
$21.89
Stamp Fee (Nonresident)
$21.89
Resident License Fee
$52.66
Nonresident License Fee
$194.86
Standalone Archery License
Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting
Allowed
Equipment Rules
California Archery Equipment Specifications
Legal archery equipment requirements in California. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.
Draw Weight
35 lbs min.
Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in California.
Arrow Length
No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.
Broadhead Requirement
Broadheads are required for big game hunting.
Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.
Other Equipment Rules
Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed No crossbows during archery season. Minimum 35 lb draw weight. Broadheads required. No electronic bows. Lighted nocks permitted.
Crossbow Regulations
California Crossbow Rules for Archery Season
Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in California.
Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only seasons. Crossbows are allowed during the general firearm season. Disabled hunters may apply for a crossbow exemption for archery seasons. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available - check with California Department of Fish and Wildlife for current rules.
Season Dates
California Archery Season Dates
Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Archery Deer Season
Late July (zone-dependent)
Through Late September (zone-dependent)
Archery Elk Season
Late August
Through Early September
Important Notes
California-Specific Archery Rules
California deer archery hunting is zone-specific — X zones, D zones, and A zones have different seasons and tag availability. Most deer tags are draw-based. The Archery License ($21.89) is required in addition to the hunting license. Elk archery tags are very limited-draw. Bear archery tags are available over-the-counter in most zones.