Requirements for a hunting license in California
A hunting license is required for anyone 16 years or older who wants to hunt birds or mammals in California. Resident hunting licenses cost $52.66. Nonresident hunting licenses cost $183.60. Additional tags and fees apply for hunting big game.
To legally hunt in California you need a license and tags for the animal you are hunting. Some key steps to start hunting in California include:
- Complete a hunter education course
- Purchase appropriate license and tags
- Review regulations for the animal you are hunting
The cost of a license depends on factors like your residency status, age, the species being hunted, and length of the hunt. For example, a lifetime hunting license costs over $1000 for residents but can save money long-term. Landowners need a license to hunt on their property since wildlife is a public resource in California.
How much is a deer tag in California?
A hunting license costing $52.66 is required for resident adults who are 16 or older and want to hunt birds or mammals in California. Nonresident adult hunting licenses cost $183.60. Junior hunting licenses for youth cost $14.04. To legally hunt in California, a license and tags for the hunted animal are required. Key steps to start hunting in California include completing a hunter education course, buying suitable license and tags, and reviewing regulations for the hunted animal.
License cost depends on residency status, age, hunted species, and hunt length. As an example, lifetime hunting licenses cost over $1000 for residents but can save money long-term. Landowners need a license for hunting on their property since wildlife is a public resource in California.
You do not need a hunting license to kill certain nuisance animals like ground squirrels and crows on your property. But regulations still apply. Hunter safety courses can be done online in about 8 hours or over several weeknights/weekends for the 12-hour traditional course. Getting your hunting license takes 1-2 weeks after submitting your application to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.