Public Land Black Bear hunt

Big Game

California’s big game species include mule deer/black-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, black bear, and wild pig. California does not have a general “big game license” – instead, you buy a standard hunting license and then individual tags for each big game animal you intend to hunt.

Deer hunting: California issues deer tags for specific zones – many general-season tags are available over the counter (first-come, first-served), but premium deer hunts (high-demand zones or seasons) are allocated by lottery draw each year (application deadline early June). Hunters can obtain up to two deer tags per year.

Elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep tags are extremely limited and awarded by lottery draw to a small number of applicants (both residents and non-residents may apply; non-residents are usually limited to no more than ~10% of tags).

Black bear: California requires a bear tag (one per hunter per year) – tags are sold over the counter, but the season is subject to an annual statewide harvest quota (once a set number of bears are taken and reported, the season closes).

Wild pigs (feral hogs) are plentiful in parts of California and are classified as big game – hunters must purchase wild pig tags (available OTC; unlimited tags can be bought).

Small Game

Small game in California covers upland game birds (pheasant, quail, chukar, grouse, dove, wild turkey, etc.), small mammals (rabbits, squirrels), and waterfowl.

California considers wild turkey an upland game bird – to hunt turkeys (or any upland bird) hunters must purchase an Upland Game Bird Stamp (validation) each year. For migratory waterfowl, a California State Duck Stamp is required along with the Federal Duck Stamp and HIP registration.

Hunting Coyotes does not require any special permits or tags beyond the basic hunting license.

Documents Required

• California Hunting License
• Appropriate Big Game Tags for each species
• Upland Game Bird Stamp (for all upland birds including turkeys).
• California Duck Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp (for waterfowl).
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

California does not specify a minimum age to hunt, but any hunter (regardless of age) must have a license. In practice, youths generally start hunting at age 12 or older once they can complete the Hunter Education course.

More information

• wildlife.ca.gov - California Department of Fish and Wildlife