Hunting Bag Limits
What Should I Know About Hunting Licenses in California?
California’s hunting license system is relatively simple to navigate.
- Resident hunting licenses start at $61.82 and are required for anyone 16 or older planning to hunt mammals or birds.
- Non-resident licenses start at $216 for those 16 and older. These are valid for an entire year.
If you're visiting or only hunting for a short period, non-resident one- or two-day licenses are available at lower prices. Disabled Veterans may also qualify for discounted license rates.
Licenses can be purchased online or in person at authorized locations. In addition to your license, you’ll need the proper tags for big game and validations for bird hunting, depending on your target species.
Understanding Bag Limits in California
Planning to hunt doves or other game this year? It’s important to check the bag limits set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for each species. These limits help manage wildlife populations and ensure responsible hunting practices.
| Species | Limit |
|---|---|
| Dove (Mourning, White-Winged, Spotted, Ringed Turtle) | 15 (up to 10 white-winged), Early No limit (late season) |
| Dove (Eurasian Collard) | No limit |
| Waterfowl | Ranging from 3, 7, and 30 per day, depending on the type of bird and zone |
| Turkey | 1 per day either sex, 2 per season (Fall), 1 bearded per day, 3 per season (Spring) |
| 1 bearded per day, 3 per season (Spring) | |
| Pheasant | 2 males per day (first two days), 3 males per day after the first two days, 3x daily limit in possession (General) 2 pheasants per day (first two days), 3 pheasants per day after the first two days, 3x daily limit in possession (Archery) |
| Ptarmigan | 2 per day (2 per season) |
| Chukar | 6 per day (3x daily limit in possession) |
| Bear | 1 per hunting season |
| Pronghorn | Based on tags and quotas |
| Squirrel | 4 per day (4 in possession) |
| Jackrabbit | No limits |
| Duck | 7 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Scaup | 7 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Geese | 23 – 30 per day (depending on the zone), 3x daily in possession |
| Bighorn Sheep | Based on tags and quotas |
| Quail | 10 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Snipe | 8 per day (3x daily limit in possession) |
| Ruffed Grouse | 2 per day (3x daily limit in possession) |
| Elk | Based on tags and quotas |
| Wild Pig | No limits |
| Rabbits | 5 per day (10 in possession) |
