Bear Hunting

Bear Hunting Regulations

2018 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. In the remaining deer hunting X zones, bear season begins October 13, 2018.

General bear season closes on December 30, 2018, or earlier, if the Department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken.

The 2018 bear season is closed, and the reported harvest as of 1/11/2019 is:  1,282 

A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling (888) 277-6398 (toll-free).

2018 Archery Season

August 18, 2018 - September 9, 2018

Bag and Possession Limit

One adult bear per hunting license year. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken.

Additional Regulations

Mammal Hunting Regulations for taking big and small game mammals, furbearers and nongame   2018-19 Mammal Hunting Regulations includes regulations for  • hunting small and big game mammals  • trapping furbearers (fox, badger, beaver and raccoon, etc.)  • hunting nongame animals (bobcat, coyote, weasel, etc.) Effective July 2018

License Requirements

• A CA hunting license and bear tag are required for hunting bear
• If a bear is taken, the skull must be presented to CDFW within 10 days (see tag validation details)
• Bear tags must be returned, regardless of success

Purchase licenses and tags ONLINE or at a local AGENT.

License and Tag Fees

Valid JULY 1, 2018 through JUNE 30, 2019

Publications and Forms

• Big Game Hunting Digest
  Summary of upcoming hunting seasons, regulations, license and tag requirements
• Declaration for Entry
  for bringing harvested bear into California