California Mallard Hunting
Regulations 2026

Mallards are the most abundant and widely distributed duck in the world. Drakes are unmistakable — iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and curled black tail feathers. Hens are mottled brown with an orange-sided bill. Both sexes show a purple-blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white bars, visible in flight. Mallards make up a significant portion of most hunters' waterfowl bags and are the target of more duck calls, decoys, and blinds than any other species.

CA Mallard — 2026 At a Glance

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California Mallard Hunting — 2026 Regulation Quick Reference Verified August 2026

Buy CA License — California Department of Fish and Wildlife Official All CA Hunting Regulations

Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (wildlife.ca.gov) · Last verified: August 2026

What You Need

License & Tag Requirements to Hunt Mallard in California

License / Tag	Resident	Non-Resident	Required For

Season Overview

California Mallard Season Calendar 2026

Season	2026 Dates	Legal Methods	Extra License Needed	Notes

By Management Zone

Season Dates & Rules by Zone

Harvest Rules

California Mallard Bag Limits & Harvest Regulations

Animal Type	Season Bag Limit	How to Get the Tag	Key Rules

Legal Hunting Methods

California Mallard Hunting — Seasons by Method

After the Harvest

Mallard Registration — California's Check-In Requirements

California-Specific Rules

California Mallard Hunting Rules You Must Know

Where to Hunt

Best Mallard Hunting Areas in California

Know Your Quarry

California Mallard — Biology & Population Facts

Hunting Tactics

California Mallard Hunting Tactics — By Season

Official Data Source

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) — wildlife.ca.gov

Verified August 2026

Questions & Answers

California Mallard Hunting — FAQs

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