California Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

A-zone

California deer general rifle season runs Aug 15–Sep 27 in the A zones (most of northern California); hunters must possess a valid California hunting license and a deer tag specific to the zone they intend to hunt — deer tags are available over-the-counter for A-zone but X-zone tags require a draw. Forked-horn (2-point on one side) or better bucks are the legal definition in most zones; check zone-specific antler restrictions. The Columbian black-tailed deer is the primary subspecies in western zones, while mule deer predominate in eastern zones. CDFW recommends scouting August burns and high-elevation meadows where bucks summer before descending to lower elevations.

California spring wild turkey season runs Mar 28–May 2 for Rio Grande and Merriam's subspecies across much of the state; hunters must possess a valid California hunting license and a turkey tag, limited to two tags per hunter per license year. Only gobblers and jakes are legal during the spring season; hens are protected. Legal methods include shotguns (shot size T or smaller), archery, and muzzleloaders; electronic calls are prohibited. California's Coast Range and Sierra Nevada foothills hold the most turkey hunting opportunity — both public and private lands offer access, with many ranches offering guided or trespass fee hunts.

No bag limit with tag; private land

Sep 1–Sep 15 and Nov 14–Dec 25