The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites nonprofit organizations to assist with conservation efforts by auctioning special big game tags for the 2026-27 hunting season.
Proceeds from the sale of these tags are returned to CDFW to fund projects for bighorn sheep, deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. Last year’s auctions raised more than $1 million for the conservation and management of big game species. Past projects funded by the sale of these and other hunting tags have included crucial habitat conservation, post-wildfire forest restoration, wildlife population studies and the installation of artificial watering devices to support wildlife during drought conditions.
Up to 18 tags will be reserved for nonprofit organizations to sell or auction. Nonprofit organizations compete through an application process for a chance to auction these special tags, which can only be purchased by members of the public through these auctions. The application process is designed to ensure maximum proceeds are received from the tags to benefit wildlife.
Offering the tags through fundraising banquets and other in-person and online auctions can attract greater participation and overall turnout for the conservation groups awarded the tags, amplifying their own conservation efforts and benefits to California’s big game species.
A call for applications and the required application form are available at CDFW’s Fundraising with Big Game License Tags web page. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on October 20, 2025.
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Media Contacts:
CDFW Wildlife Branch, BigGame@wildlife.ca.gov
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858