Hunters have until June 2 to enter big game tag drawing

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces that the deadline to submit applications for elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and premium deer tags is June 2. Sales transactions must be completed before midnight.

In addition to an annual hunting license, hunters require tags to hunt big game species: deer, bear, wild pig, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep.

To hunt big game (except for bighorn sheep), a hunter must be at least 12 years of age. For bighorn sheep, a hunter must be at least 16 years of age.

Tags and applications for the big game drawing may be purchased through the Online License Service, at any CDFW license sales office or license agent, or by telephone at 800-565-1458. Hunters should allow 15 days for delivery of tags purchased online or by telephone.

Big game drawing

Tags for elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and premium deer hunts are issued through the big game drawing. Applications for the big game drawing are available each year starting April 15 and ending at midnight June 2.

Tips for success include the following:

• Check the receipt before leaving a local license agent or CDFW sales office to ensure that a draw application was successfully submitted.
• Those who intend to apply for a premium deer tag or obtain a preference point should be sure that a first-deer tag drawing application is being purchased, not a first-deer tag.
• Those who turned 18 since the last time they purchased a license must add their own identification (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles ID, driver’s license, military ID, etc.) to their customer record using the Online License Sales and Services website and logging in with their last name, date of birth and GO ID (as listed on the previous license); by visiting a license agent who may retrieve the existing customer record by searching the name or scanning a previously issued license or drawing receipt and selecting “Add Identity”; or by contacting CDFW at [email protected].
• When applying online, hunters should check the box to authorize the purchase and then click on “Complete Transaction.” When the “Transaction Complete” screen appears, download the drawing application receipt.

More information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/hunting/big-game.

Information provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife