Conservation and Management Plan
The final Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan for California was released on April 14, 2025.
Bear Hunting Regulations
2024 Season
As of April 15, 2025, the 2024 black bear harvest total is:
976
The latest bear harvest update is also available by calling (888) 277-6398 (toll-free).
2025 General Season
General bear season opens concurrently with general deer season in the A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 deer hunting zones and extends through December 28, 2025. For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a, and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season begins October 11, 2025, and extends through December 28, 2025.
General bear season closes on December 28, 2025, or earlier, if the Department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken. This includes bears harvested during the archery season.
2025 Archery Season
- Archery bear season in all bear zones opens August 16, 2025, and runs through September 7, 2025.
Bag and Possession Limit
Black Bear Hunting Area Map. (click to open PDF)