State: California

California Agency Information

California has a lot to offer in hunting. It is the only state that has three species of elk (Rocky Mountain, Roosevelt, and Tule) along with two species of deer ( mule deer and  black tail deer), pronghorn, black bear, wild hogs, and last but not least, desert big horn sheep.

DRAWING:

The deadline to apply is typical the 1st week of June.  The drawing results are typically out at the end of June.  There is a preference point system in place.  In 2009 the max number of points is 7.   The tags are awarded on a 75% : 25%, split among the preferent point draw and the random drawing.  There will be a random tag for every hunt.  If less than four tags in a given hunt code, the first tag will be issued via the random draw and the next tags will be issued via the point system.  Under this arrangement, there is always a chance to draw a tag, regardless of your point totals.

DEER: 

The deer hunting is both over the counter (OTC), and a limited entry draw.  For blacktail the majority is OTC with B zone being your best bet for a trophy.  As for mule deer California is not noted for a large number of big bucks.  The best areas are on the eastern side of the Sierra Range with very difficult draw odds.

ELK: 

Elk can be hunted only by drawing a tag. The elk herds are spread all over the state - Rocky Mountain elk are found in the northeast corner; Roosevelt elk are in the northwest; and Tule elk are mainly in the central valley area.  Non-residents are limited to a total of 1 tag.  With that rule, as a non resident, if you do not have maximum preference points I wouldn’t recommend applying.

PRONGHORN:

Pronghorn are also on a draw.  The main herds are located in the northeast portion of the state.  As with the elk, non-residents are only allowed one tag, total.  Most zones have both a archery and “Any weapon” season.  The archery season is early August the “Any weapon” season is late August to early September.

BIG HORN SHEEP:

Desert bighorn sheep are located in the southern end of the state.  With a total of about 20 tags.  Non-residents are also limited to only one tag.  With the point system California uses, if that hunt code only has one tag it is available for a non-resident to draw, knowing only one tag in the state will go to a non-resident.  If you can afford it apply.

BEAR:

Black bear can be hunted with an OTC tag.  The bear season typically opens the same day as the any weapon deer season.  The season ends on December 30, or when a mortally cap (quota) is reached.   The cap is usually reached in early to mid December.

HOGS:

Wild hogs can be hunted year round on OTC tags.  The best hunting is typically on private ground, in the central valley area.

Click here for California Drawing Odds