Hunting Licenses and Tags

NEW: 2020 CDFW Wildlife Area Operational Changes due to COVID-19
The Department plans to operate wildlife areas and refuges to provide recreational opportunities for the upcoming waterfowl season while keeping hunters and department staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to check the Department’s website for updates.

Items & Fees
Tag Reporting
Reduced-Fee
Forms
FAQs
Tag Returns/Exchanges & Pref. Points

License Items and Fees

Purchase these items ONLINE or at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent.

Valid JULY 1, 2020 through JUNE 30, 2021

Fish and Game Code Section 70 defines "Resident" as any person who has resided continuously in the State of California for six months or more immediately prior to the date of their application for a license or permit, any person on active military duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or auxiliary branch thereof, or any person enrolled in the Job Corps established pursuant to Section 2883 of Title 29 of the United States Code.

Fish and Game Code Section 86 defines "Take" as hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill.

License fees include a 3% nonrefundable application fee, not to exceed $7.50 per item.

Licenses issued from license agents include a 5% nonrefundable license agent handling fee.

Hunting Licenses

Title	Fee	Description
Resident Hunting License	$51.02	Required for any resident 16 years of age or older who takes birds or mammals.
Nonresident Hunting License	$178.20	Required for any nonresident 16 years of age or older who takes birds or mammals.
Junior Hunting License	$13.53	Required for any resident or nonresident less than 16 years of age who takes birds or mammals. To qualify, hunter must be less than 16 years of age at the beginning of the license year (July 1).
One-Day Nonresident Hunting License	$24.33	IMPORTANT! This license is only available for nonresidents taking resident and migratory game birds on Licensed Game Bird Clubs (Upland Game Bird Validation is also required) or Licensed Domesticated Migratory Game Bird Shooting Areas (Federal Duck Stamp and California Duck Validation are also required).
Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License	$51.02	Allows a nonresident 16 years of age or older to take resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, nongame mammals and furbearers for two consecutive days. Additional validations and tags may be required for certain species. IMPORTANT! This license is NOT valid for deer, bear, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, or pig.
Disabled Veteran Reduced Fee Hunting License	$7.73 at CDFW Offices $8.13 from License Agents	Available for any resident or nonresident honorably discharged disabled veteran with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability. After you prequalify for your first Disabled Veteran Reduced Fee Hunting License, you can purchase a disabled veteran license anywhere licenses are sold. Disabled Veteran Reduced Fee Hunting License
Recovering Service Member Reduced-Fee Hunting License	$7.73 at CDFW Offices $8.13 from License Agents	Available to any recovering service member. A recovering service member is defined as a member of the armed forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member's military service. After you prequalify for your Recovering Service Member Reduced-Fee Hunting License, you can purchase a recovering service member hunting license anywhere licenses are sold. Recovering Service Member Reduced-Fee Hunting License
Duplicate Hunting License	$11.37	Available Online, at any CDFW License Sales Offices and License Agents.

Big Game Tag Drawing Applications

More information about Applying for the Big Game Tag Drawing

Title	Fee	Description
Resident First-Deer Tag or First-Deer Tag Drawing Application	$33.48	Hunters may obtain two deer tags per license year. Applicants for deer tags must be age 12 as of July 1, of the current license year or at the time of purchase if purchasing after July 1. A First-Deer Tag Drawing Application or First-Deer Tag must be purchased before or at the same time as a Second-Deer Tag Drawing Application (junior hunters only) or Second-Deer Tag. See the Big Game Hunting Digest for more information.
Resident Second-Deer Tag or Second-Deer Tag Drawing Application	$41.86
Nonresident First-Deer Tag or First-Deer Tag Drawing Application	$299.95
Nonresident Second-Deer Tag or Second-Deer Tag Drawing Application	$299.95
Elk, Pronghorn Antelope and Bighorn Sheep Tag Drawing Applications	$8.13 per application	See the Big Game Hunting Digest for more information about the Big Game Drawing.
Fund-raising Random Drawing Deer Tag Application	$6.74	The Fund-raising Random Drawing Open Zone Deer Tag allows the hunter to hunt during the authorized season dates of any hunt, using the specific method and meeting any special conditions of the tag for that hunt. Any resident or nonresident age 12 as of July 1 of the current license year, may apply. Hunters may apply multiple times and there is no additional tag fee for the successful tag holder.
Fund-raising Random Drawing Pronghorn Antelope Tag Application	$6.74	The Fund-raising Random Drawing Northeastern Pronghorn Tag allows the hunter to hunt in any of the Northeastern pronghorn zones, (Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley and Surprise Valley) with any legal method. The hunt dates are from August 1, 2020 to September 20, 2020. Any resident or nonresident age 12 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may apply. Hunters may apply multiple times and there is no additional tag fee for the successful tag holder.
Fund-raising Random Drawing Elk Tag Application	$6.74	The Fund-raising Random Drawing Owens Valley Bull Elk Tag allows the hunter to hunt in the Owens Valley hunt zone (Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine, Tinemaha, West Tinemaha, Tinemaha Mountain, Whitney, and Goodale, with any legal method. The hunt dates are from July 25, 2020 to August 23, 2020. Any resident or nonresident age 12 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may apply. Hunters may apply multiple times and there is no additional tag fee for the successful tag holder.
Fund-raising Random Drawing Bighorn Sheep Tag Application	$6.74	The Fund-raising Random Drawing Marble/Clipper and South Bristol Mountains Bighorn Sheep Tag allows the hunter to hunt in the Marble/Clipper and South Bristol Mountains hunt zone. Season dates are from November 7, 2020 through February 7, 2021. This tag will be available pending adoption of new regulations by the Fish and Game Commission on April 16, 2020. If awarded the tag, the hunter must attend a mandatory orientation to receive the tag. Any resident or nonresident age 16 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may apply. Hunters may apply multiple times and there is no additional tag fee for the successful tag holder.

Big Game Tags

Title	Fee	Description
Bear Tag	$26.74 Resident Junior $49.42 Resident $315.95 Nonresident	Resident and nonresident licensed hunters age 12 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may purchase. One bear tag per license year.
Elk Tag	$22.17 Resident Junior $484.20 Resident $1,481.70 Nonresident	Resident and nonresident licensed hunters age 12 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may enter a drawing for this tag. Each person may submit only one Elk Tag Drawing Application per license year.
Pronghorn Antelope Tag	$22.17 Resident Junior $162.82 Resident $498.65 Nonresident	Resident and nonresident licensed hunters, age 12 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may enter a drawing for this tag. Each person may submit only one Pronghorn Tag Drawing Application per license year.
Bighorn Sheep Tag	$443.25 Resident $1,641.00 Nonresident	Resident and nonresident licensed hunters, age 16 or older as of July 1 of the current license year, may enter a drawing for this tag. Each person may submit only one Bighorn Sheep Tag Drawing Application per license year. Hunters can not apply as a party. Applicants can not apply if they have previously been issued a California Bighorn Sheep Tag.
Wild Pig Tag	$24.33 Resident $82.08 Nonresident	Resident and nonresident licensed hunters, 12 years of age or older at the time of application, may purchase an unlimited number of Wild Pig Tags. Tags are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Bird Hunting Validations

Title	Fee	Description
California Duck Validation	$22.42	Required for any person taking waterfowl, excluding juniors hunting under the authority of a Junior Hunting License.
Upland Game Bird Validations	$10.29	Required for any person taking upland game bird species, excluding juniors hunting under the authority of a Junior Hunting License.
Federal Duck Stamp	$25.00	Required for any person hunting waterfowl. Hunters under the age of 16 are exempt from the Federal Duck Stamp requirement. Federal Duck Stamps are not sold at CDFW offices. Federal Duck Stamps can be purchased at many post offices and some license agents. More information about the Federal Duck Stamp (USFWS).
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation	NO FEE	Required for any person hunting ducks, dove, gallinules, geese, band-tailed pigeon, black brant, coots, and snipe. This validation is free to hunters who complete the Harvest Information Program (HIP) Survey. The validation is available where hunting licenses are sold. The HIP Validation is imprinted on your hunting license document when you answer the HIP Survey questions. If you hunt migratory game birds, verify that a HIP Validation has been printed on your hunting license. The HIP Survey provides wildlife biologists with data needed to make wildlife management decisions and formulate hunting seasons. More information about HIP

Passes for State-Operated Hunting Areas

Title	Fee	Description
Type A One-Day Pass	$22.94	Allows a licensed hunter to hunt on a Type A State-operated Wildlife Area for one day if space is available. Junior hunters are exempt from permit requirements.
Type A Two-Day Pass	$36.98	Allows a licensed hunter to hunt on a Type A State-operated Wildlife Area. This pass may be used as follows: 1) by one person for any two authorized shoot days; or 2) by two persons on any one authorized shoot day. Junior hunters are exempt from pass requirements.
Type A Season Pass	$173.06	Allows a licensed hunter unlimited season access to Type A and Type B State-operated Wildlife Areas for one person if space is available. Junior hunters are exempt from permit requirements.
Type B Season Pass	$58.06	Allows a licensed hunter unlimited season access to Type B State-operated Wildlife Areas for one person if space is available. Junior hunters are exempt from pass requirements.

Reservation Applications for State-Operated Hunting Areas

Title	Fee	Description
Reservation Application	$1.34 per application	Allows a licensed hunter to apply for reservation drawings to hunt on State-operated Wildlife Areas.

Lifetime Hunting Licenses

Title	Fee	Description
Ages 0-9	$562.25	Available to any resident showing proof of completion of hunter education training. Lifetime hunting licensees receive an annual hunting license each year for life. Lifetime Hunting Packages must first be purchased from a CDFW License Sales Office. See Lifetime License application and information for more detail.
Ages 10-39	$919.00
Ages 40-61	$828.00
Ages 62+	$562.25
Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package	$326.75	Lifetime licensees who purchase the Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package receive Upland Game Bird and California Duck Validations each year for life.
Lifetime Big Game Hunting Privilege Package	$684.00	Lifetime licensees who purchase the Big Game Hunting Privilege Package receive a One-Deer Tag Application and five Wild Pig Tags each year for life.

Permits for Hunters with Disabilities

Title	Fee	Description
Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application	NO FEE	Available to any resident or nonresident for mobility impaired disabled hunter who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game. A person must be either permanently or fully confined to a wheel chair, a single or double amputee above the knee or double amputee below the knee or depend upon the aid of a walker, crutches, etc. to walk. Certification from the hunter's physician is required. The license is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch. Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License (PDF Form).
Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit	NO FEE	Available to any resident or nonresident visually impaired hunter having a permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease or disorder, which substantially impairs the vision of a hunter, preventing the hunter from viewing and aligning the sights of a muzzle-loading rifle with the target in order to hunt deer. A visually disabled hunter may use a scope of no more than one power while hunting under the conditions of a muzzle-loading deer hunt tag. Certification from the hunter's physician or optometrist is required annually, except if the physician or optometrist indicated on the initial application that the hunter's disability is permanent the hunter will be able to provide a copy of their previously issued Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit to renew the permit. The permit is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch. Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit Application (PDF Form).
Disabled Archer Permit	NO FEE	Available to any resident or nonresident hunter's having permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease or disorder, which substantially impairs one or both upper extremities preventing a hunter to draw and hold a bow in a firing position. Allows the hunter to hunt with a crossbow or other device to draw and hold a bow in a firing position under the conditions of an archery tag or during archery season. Certification from the hunter's physician is required annually, except if the physician indicated on the initial application that the hunter's disability is permanent the hunter will be able to provide a copy of their previously issued Disabled Archer Permit to renew the permit. The permit is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch. Disabled Archer Permit Application (PDF Form).

Tag Reporting

REPORT YOUR HARVEST

To report your harvest, log into the Online License Service by using the "Report Your Harvest" button above.

Tag Reporting Requirements

If you have not reported your big game harvest report card(s) by the regulatory deadlines, please mail your harvest report card to the Department's Wildlife Branch at:
CDFW Wildlife Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Harvest Report Type	Reporting Requirements	Program Information
Antelope Tags	All tag holders must submit a harvest report. Successful hunters must report immediately. Unsuccessful hunters must submit a report within one week after the close of the pronghorn antelope season. (CCR, T14 Section 708.10)	Pronghorn Antelope
Bear Tags	Successful hunters must report immediately after take. Unsuccessful hunters must submit a report by February 1 of the license year. (CCR, T14 Section 708.12)	Bear
Bighorn Sheep Tags	Successful hunters should report immediately. All tag holders must submit a report within 10 days after the close of the season. (CCR, T14 Section 708.09)	Bighorn Sheep
Bobcat Tags	Successful hunters must immediately submit a harvest report to the Department. (CCR, T14 Section 478.1)	Bobcat
Deer Tags	Successful deer tag holders are required to report deer harvested within 30 days of the date of harvest or by January 31, whichever date is first. Unsuccessful deer tag holders, whether they hunted or not, are required to report no harvest by January 31 (CCR, T14 Section 708.5)	Deer
Elk Tags	All tag holders must submit a harvest report. Successful hunters must report immediately. Unsuccessful hunters must submit a report within one week after the close of the elk season. (CCR, T14 Section 708.11)	Elk
Wild Pig Tags	Successful hunters must immediately submit a harvest report to the department. (CCR, T14 Section 708.13)	Wild Pig

Reduced-Fee Hunting License and Disabled Entitlements

To qualify for a for Free or Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License, anglers must meet the criteria described below.

2020 Disabled Veteran Hunting License – Fee $8.13

Reduced-fee licenses are available for any honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces with a service–connected disability rating of 50% or greater.

To prequalify to purchase a disabled veteran license, submit a letter from the Veteran’s Administration documenting that you were honorably discharged from the US military and have a service–connected disability rating of 50% or greater. After your eligibility has been verified, your customer record will be updated. Once you receive notification from the Department that your customer record has been updated, you will be able to purchase a low cost disabled veteran sport fishing license and/or hunting license anywhere licenses are sold.

2020 Recovering Service Member Hunting License - Fee $8.13

Reduced-fee hunting licenses are available for recovering service members. A recovering service member as a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member’s military service.

Submit a letter from your commanding officer or from a military medical doctor verifying your eligibility as a recovering service member. Please have your commanding officer or military medical doctor include the expected recovery date in your verification letter. The Department will enter this date into your customer profile and allow you to renew your license until this date without submitting another letter from your commanding officer or doctor.

How to Prequalify for a Disabled Veteran or Recovering Service Member License

Send a photocopy of your identification and documentation of eligibility by:

Mail or apply in person at any CDFW license sales office
Fax at (916) 419-7585
Secure document upload - To upload your documentation, you must request a secure document upload. Send your request for a secure document upload to LRB@wildlife.ca.gov. You will receive a response with a link to upload your documentation securely. DO NOT send your documents via email.

Include:

Identification - one of the following:
- Your GO ID (from your previously issued ALDS hunting or fishing license); or
- Other form of identification (driver’s license, military ID). Identification must include your address, height, weight, eye color, hair color, gender, and date of birth.
A letter documenting your eligibility.
- Disabled Veterans must submit a letter from the Veteran’s Administration
- Recovering Service Members must submit a letter from their Commanding Officer or a military doctor).
Telephone number
E-mail address (optional, but may expedite issuance)
For hunting licenses only - proof of hunter education (Proof is not needed if you purchased a California hunting license after 2011. CDFW will have your hunter education on file.)

Disabled Entitlements

Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License - NO FEE

Available to any resident or nonresident for mobility impaired disabled hunter who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game. A person must be either permanently or fully confined to a wheel chair, a single or double amputee above the knee or double amputee below the knee or depend upon the aid of a walker, crutches, etc. to walk. Certification from the hunter's physician is required. The license is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch.

Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application (PDF Form)

Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit- NO FEE

Available to any resident or nonresident visually impaired hunter having a permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease or disorder, which substantially impairs the vision of a hunter, preventing the hunter from viewing and aligning the sights of a muzzle-loading rifle with the target in order to hunt deer. A visually disabled hunter may use a scope of no more than one power while hunting under the conditions of a muzzle-loading deer hunt tag. Certification from the hunter's physician or optometrist is required annually, except if the physician or optometrist indicated on the initial application that the hunter's disability is permanent the hunter will be able to provide a copy of their previously issued Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit to renew the permit. The permit is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch.

Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit Application (PDF Form)

Disabled Archer Permit- NO FEE

Available to any resident or nonresident hunter's having permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease or disorder, which substantially impairs one or both upper extremities preventing a hunter to draw and hold a bow in a firing position. Allows the hunter to hunt with a crossbow or other device to draw and hold a bow in a firing position under the conditions of an archery tag or during archery season. Certification from the hunter's physician is required annually, except if the physician indicated on the initial application that the hunter's disability is permanent the hunter will be able to provide a copy of their previously issued Disabled Archer Permit to renew the permit. The permit is only available from the CDFW's License and Revenue Branch.

Disabled Archer Permit Application (PDF Form)

Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

General License Questions

Q: Who needs a hunting license?

A: A California hunting license is required for any person taking birds or mammals. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show them on request. Fish and Game Code, Section 86 defines “taking” as hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.

Q: How long is a hunting license valid?

A: An annual hunting license is valid from July 1 through the following June 30. If the license is purchased after July 1 it is valid for the remainder of the license year.

Q: What do I need to do to get my hunting license?

A: Resident, nonresident, and junior hunters must present ONE of the following when applying for an Annual California Hunting License or Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License as proof of meeting California's hunter education requirements:

Evidence of an Annual California Hunting License issued in any prior year;
A Two-Day Nonresident California Hunting License issued after the 1999/2000 license year;
A California certificate of hunter education completion or equivalency with a unique number imprinted on it (for example: AA00000) or a California hunter education certificate with no unique number imprinted and a California hunter education validation stamp affixed;
A certificate of successful completion of a California-approved hunter education course from any state or province; or
Evidence of a current hunting license or a hunting license being issued in either of the two previous years from any state, province, European Country or South Africa.

Q: What is the minimum age requirement to purchase a hunting license?

A: There is no minimum age requirement for purchasing a hunting license if the applicant can show proof of hunter education. However, hunter education instructors generally ask that students be at least 10 years of age. Students must be able to read, write and understand the questions given on the written test required to complete the course. Check with a Hunter Education Instructor in your area for his/her minimum age requirement.

Q: Where do I purchase a hunting license?

A: Hunting licenses are available Online, at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent.

Q: What type of hunting licenses, tags and validations are available or required?

A: See the Hunting License Fees and Descriptions page.

Q: What can you take with a Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License?

A: Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License are available to any nonresident, 16 years of age or older, for taking resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, nongame animals and furbearers for two consecutive days. A Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License is not valid for hunting deer, bear, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep or wild pig.

Q: Can I purchase a Lifetime Hunting License?

A: California residents may purchase a lifetime hunting license. You can find information about the lifetime license application process online at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lifetime or any CDFW license sales office.

Q: How do I replace a lost or destroyed current hunting license?

A: You may obtain a Duplicate Hunting License Online, at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent and pay the appropriate fee. If you lose any additional validatons or tags, they must be purchased at a reduced fee. (Fish and Game Code, Section 1053b). A duplicate Disabled Veterans Reduced-fee Hunting License may also be purchased at locations listed above.

Q: Can I purchase a hunting license for my friend?

A: Yes. You must show your friend's California hunting license from any previous license year or his/her hunter education certificate as proof of meeting California's hunter education requirements. Your friend must sign the license before hunting (Section 700.3, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR)).

Q: Do I have to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Survey?

A: Yes. If you plan to hunt migratory game birds (ducks, geese, coots, dove, band-tailed pigeon, snipe, gallinules or black brant) you must complete a HIP survey and a FREE HIP validation must be printed on your California Hunting License. HIP surveys and validations are available at any license agent, CDFW license sales office or online. Hunters may be cited for hunting migratory game birds without a HIP validation printed on their license.

Q: Are there any types of free or reduced-fee hunting licenses?

A: The CDFW does not have a free or reduced-fee hunting license for senior citizens. However, if you are a disabled veteran, you may be eligible for a reduced-fee hunting license. Your initial application must be submitted to any CDFW License Sales Offices for approval and purchase. Subsequent year's hunting licenses may be purchased online at any CDFW license sales office or license agent. To qualify for this license, you must submit BOTH of the following:

A letter from the Veterans Administration verifying that you have a 50 percent or greater service connected disability and were honorably discharged from the United States armed forces (Fish and Game Code, Section 3033); and
Evidence of meeting California hunter education requirements (Fish and Game Code, Section 3050)

Q: What “resident small game” species can I hunt?

A: Section 257, Title 14, of the CCR states, “Resident small game" means the following resident game birds: Chinese spotted doves, ringed turtledoves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, gambel or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, blue grouse and varieties thereof, ruffed grouse, sage grouse (sage hens), white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pigmy rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurus and Tamiasciurus).

Q: What “big game” species can I hunt?

A: Section 350, Title 14, of the CCR states, “big game"means the following: deer (genus Odocoileus), elk (genus Cervus), pronghorn antelope (genus Antilocarpa), wild pig (feral pigs, European wild pigs and their hybrids (genus Sus), black bear (genus Ursus) and Nelson bighorn sheep (subspecies Ovis canadensis nelsoni) in the areas described in subsection 4902(b), of the Fish and Game Code.

Q: What “nongame” species can I hunt?

A: Section 472, Title 14, of the CCR states, except as otherwise provided in Section 478, Title 14, of the CCR and Section 485, Title 14, of the CCR, and subsections (a) through (d) below, nongame birds and mammals may not be taken.

The following nongame birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6: English sparrow, starling, coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as furbearers, endangered or threatened species).
Fallow, sambar, sika, and axis deer may be taken only concurrently with the general deer season.
Aoudad, mouflon, tahr, and feral goats may be taken all year.
American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) may be taken only under the provisions of Section 485 and by landowners or tenants, or by persons authorized in writing by such landowners or tenants, when American crows are committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. Persons authorized by landowners or tenants to take American crows shall keep such written authorization in their possession when taking, transporting or possessing American crows. American crows may be taken only on the lands where depredations are occurring or where they constitute a health hazard or nuisance. If required by Federal regulations, landowners or tenants shall obtain a Federal migratory bird depredation permit before taking any American crows or authorizing any other person to take them.
American crows may be taken under the provisions of this subsection only by firearm, bow and arrow, falconry or by toxicants by the Department of Food and Agriculture for the specific purpose of taking depredating crows. Toxicants can be used for taking crows only under the supervision of employees or officers of the Department of Food and Agriculture or federal or county pest control officers or employees acting in their official capacities and possessing a qualified applicator certificate issued pursuant to Food and Agriculture Code, Sections 14151-14155. Such toxicants must be applied according to their label requirements developed pursuant to Sections 6151-6301, Title 3.

Hunter Education

Q: I lost my California Hunter Education Certificate. How can I get a copy?

A: Duplicate hunter education certificates can be issued to any person who completed and passed a hunter education class after 1989. If the student took the class after that date, they should contact their nearest CDFW License Sales Office to obtain a duplicate.

CDFW does not have records prior to 1989. If the class was completed prior to 1989, the hunter should contact the original instructor, club, or organization where the course was taught to obtain a duplicate. If the hunter is unable to obtain a duplicate through these means, they will have to repeat the course.

Q: Who must show proof of hunter education when applying for a California hunting license?

A: California requires hunter education training for ANYONE who has not formerly held a California hunting license, who does not have a hunter education certificate of completion, or who does not have a current, valid, hunting license or a hunting license issued in either of the two previous years from any state, province, European Country or South Africa.

Q: Where can I find information about Hunter Safety/Education classes?

A: Visit CDFW's Hunter Education page or call your nearest Hunter Education District Staff.

Q: How old do you have to be to take a hunter education course?

A: There isn't a minimum age requirement to take the course, but young children may find the course demanding. A Hunter Education Instructor may be able help you decide whether your child is old enough to take the course.

Q: Can I take a hunter education course online?

A: Yes and no. California does have an on-line course, however, the on-line course will not get you a valid hunter education certificate. There are currently four options for you. Hunter-Ed.com, Huntercourse.com, California Hunter Ed Course, and the International Hunter Education Association. These sites have an on-line course that you can run through at your own pace. Once you have completed one of the above on-line courses, you will still need to attend a 4 hour follow-up class with a certified hunter education instructor. The benefit of taking the on-line course is having the ability to study at a pace that works for you and to only have to take a 4 hour follow-up classroom session versus a 10+ hour class. A list of home study/on-line instructors is located on the Class Schedule page.

Q: I don't have time to take a California Hunter Education course. What can I do?

A: CDFW offers a comprehensive equivalency testing program at CDFW Offices. You may request information on this method of testing from the regional offices. There is a non-refundable, administrative fee required to take the examination. If you fail the examination, you must take a hunter education class to become certified. Warning! Not all states accept the equivalency certificate as proof of hunter education. All states will accept the certificate of completion that is awarded upon completion of a hunter education class.

Q: Will you accept a Hunter Education Certificate from another state?

A: Yes.

Q: I have a hunting license from another country. Why won't you accept it as proof of hunter education?

A: CDFW's Hunter Education Program Administrator determines which countries provide acceptable hunter education training. You may contact him by email at Robert.Pelzman@wildlife.ca.gov for more information.

Q: What will I learn in the Hunter Education Course and how long will it take?

A: The Hunter Education Course consists of a minimum of 10 hours of classroom, homework, and field instruction in the following areas: firearms safety and handling, sportsmanship and ethics, wildlife management and conservation, archery, black powder, wildlife identification, game care, first aid, and survival. After a student has successfully completed the course of instruction and passed the final examination, they are awarded a Certificate of Completion. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children in the course and its related activities. There is not a minimum age requirement to take the course, but young children may find the course demanding.

A fee may not be charged for an instructor's service; however, fees may be used to cover the purchase of training aids such as slides, flip charts, targets, and other training aids. The Hunter Education Instructor makes the final decision in determining whether a student is qualified to receive a Certificate of Completion. A student who is unsafe, or fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship will not be issued a Certificate of Completion.

Q: Are senior citizens exempt from having to take a hunter education course?

A: No.

Q: Is a law enforcement officer (active duty, reserve or retired military) required to take a hunter education course even if he/she had firearms training?

A: Yes. All first time California hunters must successfully complete a hunter education training course or pass an equivalency exam. Visit the Hunter Education page for more information.

Refunds and Exchanges

Q: If I cannot use my hunting license can I get a refund?

A: No. Hunting license fees are nonrefundable.

Q: Why are hunting license fees nonrefundable?

A: Hunting licenses may be used for hunting any legal game bird or mammal. The purchase of hunting licenses and tags is an investment in the continued existence of California's hunting heritage. Funds raised from the sale of these items are used to conduct surveys and research, perform habitat maintenance and improvement projects, and meet the administrative requirements necessary to conduct all hunting seasons. Any reduction in this funding impacts CDFW's ability to perform these duties.

Q: I have a general deer zone tag (Zones A, B, or a non-premium D tag) that I want to exchange but the archery season has already begun, can I still exchange it??

A: No. Once the earliest season for that tag has begun, you cannot exchange it. You will have to purchase a Second Dear Tag. (Section 708.4, Title 14 of the CCR)

Q: Can I get a refund if the specific area where I hunt has been closed because of fire?

A: No. Refunds will not be issued for emergency area closures due to fire, weather or other natural disasters. (Section 708.2(b), Title 14 of the CCR)

Q: I cannot use my hunting license or tag. Can I give them to someone else?

A: No. By law you cannot transfer a license or tag to another person (Fish and Game Code, Section 1052(a)).

CDFW Seeks Authority to Refund Elk and Pronghorn Tags for Areas Impacted by Wildfires and Forest Closures

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pursuing a regulation change that would allow elk and pronghorn (antelope) hunters whose seasons were cut short or eliminated due to wildfires and forest closures to receive a refund of their 2020 tag fees along with a restoration of their preference points used to acquire their tags. Eligible hunters would also receive an additional preference point for elk or pronghorn for the 2020 season.

The new regulation, if approved, would be effective April 2021. At this time, the CDFW is asking affected hunters to hold on to their tags, as they will be needed to request a refund and point reinstatement if the new regulation is adopted. Additional information will be posted here when it becomes available.

View the CDFW press release for a list of affected elk and pronghorn hunts. For information on all other elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and deer tags, see the information below.

Elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep tags can be returned to the CDFW License and Revenue Branch by mail prior to the hunt opening day for a refund (minus the 2020 nonrefundable processing fee of $30.90) if the hunter is unable to hunt. A written request must accompany the tag surrender. The request must be postmarked prior to the earliest date the tag is valid for hunting. If approved, preference points will be reinstated and one preference point will be awarded for the species for the hunt year ((CCR T14-708.14(k)). As of September 11, 2020, there are no pronghorn antelope tags eligible for return. View a list of elk and bighorn sheep tags eligible to be returned as of September 11, 2020 (PDF). Mail tags with written requests to:

CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
License and Revenue Branch
1740 N. Market Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95834

Deer tag fees are nonrefundable regardless of closures due to fire, weather, or other natural disasters (CCR T14-708.2).

Premium deer hunt tags cannot be exchanged, but customers unable to hunt may surrender their tag via mail to the CDFW License and Revenue Branch prior to the season start date along with a written request. The tag must be postmarked prior to the earliest date that the tag is valid for hunting. If the request is approved, preference points will be reinstated and one preference point will be awarded for the species for the hunt year ((CCR T14-708.14(j)). Premium deer tags are defined as any hunt in which the quota filled on or before the first business day after July 1 of the previous year. View a list of deer tags eligible to be returned as of September 10, 2020 (PDF). Mail tags with written requests to: