General ProvisionsHunting Licenses

Section § 3031

Explanation

This law outlines the rules for obtaining a hunting license in California. Residents age 16 or older can get a hunting license for $31.25, while residents or nonresidents under 16 can get a junior hunting license for $8.25. Nonresidents age 16 or older pay $108.50, with options for a two-day or one-day license for specific fees and purposes. The fees stated are for 2004 and are adjusted annually to cover administrative costs. Teenagers aged 16 or 17 with a valid license can hunt alone in certain areas but not with someone under 16. The law came into effect on July 1, 2020.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a) A hunting license, granting the privilege to take birds and mammals, shall be issued to any of the following:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a)(1) A resident of this state, 16 years of age or older, upon the payment of a base fee of thirty-one dollars and twenty-five cents ($31.25).
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a)(2) A resident or nonresident, who is under 16 years of age on July 1 of the licensing year, upon the payment of a base fee of eight dollars and twenty-five cents ($8.25), regardless of whether that person applies before or after July 1 of that year. A license issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be known as a junior hunting license and a person who holds one of these licenses shall be known as a junior hunter.
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a)(3) A nonresident, 16 years of age or older, upon the payment of a base fee of one hundred eight dollars and fifty cents ($108.50).
(4)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a)(4) A nonresident, 16 years of age or older, valid only for two consecutive days upon payment of the fee set forth in paragraph (1). A license issued pursuant to this paragraph is valid only for taking resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, wild pigs, and nongame mammals, as defined in this code or in regulations adopted by the commission.
(5)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(a)(5) A nonresident, valid for one day and only for the taking of domesticated game birds and pheasants while on the premises of a licensed game bird club, or for the taking of domesticated migratory game birds in areas licensed for shooting those birds, upon the payment of a base fee of fifteen dollars ($15).
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(b) The base fees specified in this section are applicable to the 2004 license year, and shall be adjusted annually thereafter pursuant to Section 713.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(c) The commission shall adjust the amount of the fees specified in subdivision (b), as necessary, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the department and the commission relating to those licenses.
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(d) A person who is 16 or 17 years of age, is in possession of a valid resident or nonresident hunting license, and is issued an entry permit pursuant to Section 551 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations may hunt in the area described in the entry permit unaccompanied by a person over 18 years of age but shall not be accompanied by a person under 16 years of age.
(e)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2020.
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Section § 3031.2

Explanation

This law describes the rules for getting and using a lifetime hunting license in California. The license allows a person to hunt birds and mammals throughout their life for non-profit reasons. It's not transferable and does not cover special tags or stamps. The cost varies by the applicant's age, with different fees set for people under 10, between 10 and 39, 40 to 61, and seniors aged 62 and above.

The license is valid from July 1 to June 30 and can be renewed each year for free, no matter if it has expired. Holders can pay extra each year for perks like deer and wild pig tags, or duck and game bird stamps, which also aren't transferable. Fees and requirements may change, and this law takes effect on July 1, 2024. The costs can adjust annually to cover administrative expenses.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(a) In addition to Section 3031, and notwithstanding Section 3037, the department shall issue lifetime hunting licenses under this section. A lifetime hunting license authorizes the taking of birds and mammals anywhere in this state in accordance with the law for purposes other than profit for the life of the person to whom issued unless revoked for a violation of this code or regulations adopted under this code. A lifetime hunting license is not transferable. A lifetime hunting license is valid for one year from July 1 through June 30 and may be renewed annually, regardless of any lapse of the license, at no additional cost to the licensee. A lifetime hunting license does not include any special tags, validations, stamps, or fees.
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(b) A lifetime hunting license may be issued to residents of this state, as follows:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(b)(1) To a person 62 years of age or over, upon payment of a base fee of three hundred sixty-five dollars ($365).
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(b)(2) To a person 40 years of age or over, and less than 62 years of age, upon payment of a base fee of five hundred forty dollars ($540).
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(b)(3) To a person 10 years of age or over, and less than 40 years of age, upon payment of a base fee of six hundred dollars ($600).
(4)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(b)(4) To a person less than 10 years of age, upon payment of a base fee of three hundred sixty-five dollars ($365).
(c)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(c)
(1)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(c)(1) Upon payment of a base fee of four hundred forty-five dollars ($445), a person holding a lifetime hunting license shall annually be issued both of the following:
(A)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(c)(1)(A) One deer tag application pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 4332.
(B)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(c)(1)(B) One wild pig validation pursuant to Section 4654.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(c)(2) Lifetime privileges issued pursuant to this subdivision are not transferable.
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(d) Upon payment of a base fee of two hundred ten dollars ($210), a person holding a lifetime hunting license shall be entitled annually to the privileges afforded to a person holding a state duck stamp or validation issued pursuant to Section 3700.1 and an upland game bird stamp or validation issued pursuant to Section 3682.1. Lifetime privileges issued pursuant to this subdivision are not transferable.
(e)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(e) Nothing in this section requires a person less than 16 years of age to obtain a license to take birds or mammals except as required by law.
(f)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(f) Nothing in this section exempts an applicant for a license from meeting other qualifications or requirements otherwise established by law for the privilege of sport hunting.
(g)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(g) The base fees specified in this section are applicable commencing January 1, 2004, and shall be adjusted annually thereafter pursuant to Section 713.
(h)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(h) The commission shall adjust the amount of the fees specified in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), as necessary, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the department and the commission relating to those licenses.
(i)CA Fish And Game Code § 3031.2(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.
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Section § 3031.5

Explanation

If you're enrolled in the Job Corps, a federal program from the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act, you are considered a California resident when applying for a hunting license.

For the purpose of obtaining a hunting license, enrollees in the Job Corps, created by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-452), shall be deemed to be residents of California.
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Section § 3032

Explanation

This section discusses the potential implementation of a hound tag program by the California Commission for the use of dogs to pursue mammals. If such a program is established, each dog, referred to as a 'hound,' must have a unique license tag and be microchipped. The owner's responsibility includes ensuring the hound complies with local and state dog laws, stays current on vaccinations, and reporting any lost hounds promptly. If a hound assists in hunting, its tag number must be recorded on the hunting tag. The commission can set fees for the hound tags to cover the program's costs.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(a) As used in this section:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(a)(1) “Bear” and “pursue” have the same meanings as defined in Section 3960.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(a)(2) “Hound” means a dog used to pursue mammals.
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(b) The commission may establish a hound tag program.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c) If a hound tag program is established, the commission may require all of the following:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(1) That each hound be issued a license tag bearing a unique identifying number that is to be worn at all times by the hound while pursuing mammals.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(2) That all relevant local and state laws pertaining to dogs are being followed while the hound is being used to pursue mammals.
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(3) That each hound be microchipped with an implanted transponder that has a unique identification code.
(4)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(4) That the owner maintain documentation showing that the hound is current on all required vaccinations and treatments for the prevention of rabies and any other disease specified by the department.
(5)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(5) That the owner report, within 24 hours of its last sighting, any hound that is lost during hunting, pursuing, or tracking activities.
(6)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(c)(6) That the hound’s tag identification number be recorded on the hunting tag of any animal taken using the services of the hound.
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3032(d) If a hound tag program is established, the commission may adjust the amount of the fees for the hound tag as necessary, to fully recover, but not exceed, all reasonable administrative and implementation costs of the department and the commission relating to the program.
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Section § 3033

Explanation

This California law allows disabled veterans and recovering service members to get a reduced fee hunting license if they haven't broken any hunting laws. The license costs $4 initially but may change annually. To qualify, disabled veterans must show proof of a 50% or higher disability and an honorable discharge, while recovering service members need a letter from their commanding officer or military doctor. Applicants must provide proper documentation to prove eligibility for the reduced fee license.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(a) Pursuant to this section, the department shall issue to a disabled veteran or recovering service member who has not been convicted of a violation of this code a reduced fee hunting license that authorizes the licensee to take a bird or mammal as authorized by this code and regulations adopted pursuant to this code.
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(b) The base license fee for a reduced fee hunting license shall be four dollars ($4) for the hunting license year beginning on July 1, 1995, and, for the following years, this license fee may be annually reviewed and adjusted in accordance with Section 713.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(c) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(c)(1) “Disabled veteran” means a person having a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability and an honorable discharge from military service.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(c)(2) “Recovering service member” means a member of the military who meets the definition of “recovering service member” in Section 1602(7) of the federal National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181).
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(d) A person applying for a reduced fee hunting license shall submit to the department adequate documentation for the department to determine whether the person is, in fact, eligible for a reduced fee hunting license. The department shall not issue a reduced fee hunting license to a person unless it is satisfied that the person has provided adequate documentation of eligibility for that license.
(e)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(e) A disabled veteran shall submit the following documentation:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(e)(1) Proof of an honorable discharge from military service.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(e)(2) Proof of the disability described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), either by certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or by presentation of a license issued pursuant to this section in the preceding license year.
(f)CA Fish And Game Code § 3033(f) A recovering service member shall submit a letter to the department stating that the person is a recovering service member as defined in subdivision (d), from either that person’s commanding officer or a military medical doctor. The letter may be submitted either in hard copy form or online.
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Section § 3034

Explanation

By July 1, 2024, the department must report to the Legislature on how discounted hunting tags affect participation rates of young hunters and the financial health of certain wildlife funds. This involves gathering relevant data to assess the program's impact and suggest improvements in cost-effectiveness. The report must follow specific submission rules, and this law will be repealed on July 1, 2028.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3034(a) The department shall prepare a report to the Legislature no later than July 1, 2024, on the effects of the reduced-price tags issued pursuant to Sections 331, 332, 4751, and 4902 of the Fish and Game Code on rates of participation by junior hunters, the Big Game Management Account, and the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. The department shall collect relevant, sufficient, and appropriate data to evaluate the reduced-price tag program in the report, and make recommendations on improving the cost-effectiveness of those tags.
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3034(b) The report required to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3034(c) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is repealed on July 1, 2028.
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Section § 3037

Explanation

This law states that a hunting license allows the holder to hunt birds and mammals legally for a year, starting from July 1st to June 30th. If the license is obtained later in the year, it is valid for the rest of the term.

A hunting license authorizes the person to whom it is issued to take birds and mammals, in accordance with law, for a term of one year from July 1st to June 30th, or, if issued after the beginning of such term, for the remainder of the term.
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Section § 3038

Explanation

If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces in a military medical facility and at least 70% disabled, you can get a special hunting permit instead of a regular license. This lets you hunt birds and mammals, even if normally you'd need special tags. The permit is valid while you're in the facility and disabled, with your commanding officer's certification as proof.

Any member of the armed forces of the United States who is in a military medical facility and who is at least 70 percent disabled shall be issued a hunting permit, on application therefor, by the department, in lieu of a hunting license and appropriate tags, authorizing the taking of birds and mammals. If the permit covers a period during which birds or mammals may only be taken or shipped with appropriate tags, the department may issue such tags with the permit or shall endorse the permit to authorize such taking and shipping without such tags.
Such a permit shall be valid only during the period of time such person is in the medical facility and so disabled. Certification by the commanding officer of the military medical facility shall be sufficient proof of this period of time and extent of disability.
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Section § 3039

Explanation

It is generally illegal to sell or buy wild birds and mammals in California, unless exceptions are provided by certain sections or regulations. You can buy or sell antlers that have been crafted into products but not whole antlers or mounted ones unless a specific rule allows it. Inedible parts of farm-raised game birds can be traded anytime. Anyone caught illegally buying or selling birds or mammals for profit or personal gain faces penalties. These rules have been in effect since January 1, 2023.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3039(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, Section 2023, Section 3087, Section 4303, another provision of this code, or a regulation adopted pursuant to this code, it is unlawful to sell or purchase a bird or mammal found in the wild in California.
(b)CA Fish And Game Code § 3039(b) Shed antlers, or antlers taken from domestically reared animals that have been manufactured into products or handicraft items, or that have been cut into blocks or units that are to be handcrafted or manufactured into those articles, may be purchased or sold at any time. However, complete antlers, whole heads with antlers, antlers that are mounted for display, or antlers in velvet may not be sold or purchased at any time, except as authorized by Section 3087.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3039(c) Notwithstanding Section 3504, inedible parts of domestically raised game birds may be sold or purchased at any time.
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3039(d) A person who illegally takes a bird or mammal for profit or for personal gain by engaging in an activity authorized by this section is subject to civil liability pursuant to Section 2582.
(e)CA Fish And Game Code § 3039(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2023.
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Section § 3040

Explanation

This law mandates that by July 2024, two 'Free Hunting Days' will be established each year in California. On these days, residents can hunt without a license under specific conditions. They must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is 21 or older and only supervise one unlicensed hunter. Unlicensed hunters can only participate for one year and must complete an education course and register with the department beforehand. While hunting, the unlicensed hunter and the supervising licensed hunter must stay in close contact.

The law sets specific rules and limitations for the types of game that can be hunted, prohibits participating unlicensed hunters from entering hunting draws or lotteries, and stipulates certain documentation requirements.

The department responsible for hunting regulations will offer free registrations for these days and is tasked with creating a plan for implementation, including addressing costs and regulations. Additional rules and emergency regulations may be set to ensure the smooth execution of these free hunting days.

(a)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(a) Notwithstanding Section 3031, the director shall, no later than July 1, 2023, designate two days per year as “Free Hunting Days.” The department shall publish the exact dates of the free hunting days in annual publications of the department regarding current hunting regulations.
(b)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)
(1)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)(1) During a free hunting day, a California resident may hunt if accompanied by a hunter who meets all of following requirements:
(A)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)(1)(A) Holds a valid hunting license issued by the State of California.
(B)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)(1)(B) Is at least 21 years of age.
(C)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)(1)(C) Accompanies only one unlicensed hunter in the field at a time.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(b)(2) An unlicensed hunter shall participate in the free hunting days for only one license year, and shall complete a hunter education course approved by the department and register with the department, or an agent of the department, before participating in a free hunting day. While engaged in hunting activities, an unlicensed hunter and the licensed supervising hunter shall remain in close visual and verbal contact with each other at all times so that the licensed hunter is able to provide adequate direction and immediately assume control of a firearm or other legal method of take used by the unlicensed hunter at any time.
(c)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(c) The department shall issue a free registration for free hunting days to any California resident who submits to the department all of the information required to issue an annual California hunting license and provides evidence of completing a course in hunter education as required in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 3050. The free hunting day registration shall be valid from the date specified on the registration through the remainder of the license year for which the registration is issued.
(d)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(d) An unlicensed hunter who participates in a free hunting day shall have in their possession all of the following:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(d)(1) A registration to hunt on free hunting days for that license year issued by the department pursuant to subdivision (c).
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(d)(2) Any required tags, validations, or report cards.
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(d)(3) Any required federal entitlements.
(4)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(d)(4) Any required entry permits.
(e)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(e) An unlicensed hunter participating in free hunting days shall take only resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, nongame mammals, and wild pigs with a wild pig validation.
(f)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(f) An unlicensed hunter participating in free hunting days shall not apply for any draw or lottery to obtain any tag, reservation, or other hunting opportunity.
(g)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(g) An unlicensed hunter hunting pursuant to this section is subject to all of the limitations, restrictions, conditions, statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to the holder of a valid hunting license, except all of the following:
(1)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(g)(1) The requirement to possess a valid hunting license pursuant to Section 3031.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(g)(2) The requirement to possess an upland game bird hunting validation pursuant to Section 3682.1.
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(g)(3) The requirement to possess a state duck hunting validation pursuant to Section 3700.1.
(h)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(h) An unlicensed hunter, who is 12 years of age or older, in possession of a registration to hunt on free hunting days may purchase one wild pig validation pursuant to Section 4654.
(i)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(i)
(1)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(i)(1) The department may adopt additional minimum requirements and restrictions for a licensed hunter or an unlicensed hunter participating in a free hunting day pursuant to this section.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(i)(2) The department may adopt emergency regulations to implement this section in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of these regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, an emergency regulation adopted by the department, or any amendments to it made by the department pursuant to this section, shall stay in effect until revised by the department.
(j)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)
(1)Copy CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(1) On or before July 1, 2022, the department shall develop a plan to implement this section. The plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(1)(A) A description of the scope of the emergency regulations necessary to implement this section.
(B)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(1)(B) A description of the steps the department will take to implement this section.
(C)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(1)(C) An estimate of the total costs to the department to implement this section.
(D)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(1)(D) Identification of the source of the funds, including fees paid by hunters, necessary to implement this section.
(2)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(2) The estimate of the total costs to the department identified in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall include, but is not limited to, the costs of pursuing emergency regulations, updating existing or developing new hunting outreach materials for the free hunting days, any necessary revision to the Automated License Data System, and use of any department resources necessary to conduct the free hunting days.
(3)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(j)(3) The department shall provide the plan required by paragraph (1) to the relevant legislative policy and budget committees and post the plan on its internet website.
(k)CA Fish And Game Code § 3040(k) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.
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