The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that multiple hunting seasons open during the month of August.
On Aug. 3, archery and falconry-only tree squirrel season opens. The season extends through Sept. 13. Archery and falconry tree squirrel seasons, limits and zone maps are available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
On Aug. 10, the first general season for deer opens in Zone A. California’s 2024 general deer season will open in Zone A on Saturday, Aug. 10, and in Zone B-4 on Saturday, Aug. 24. More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer. CDFW reminds all hunters to report their deer tags. All deer tags purchased, whether the purchaser hunts or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2025, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are required to report by Jan. 31, 2025. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
Also on Aug. 10, the first general season for black bear opens in Zone A. General black bear season will open concurrently with the general deer hunting season in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 and extend through Dec. 29. CDFW notes that these deer zones have varying opening season dates. For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season begins Oct. 12 and extends through Dec. 29. CDFW shall close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. Archery season for black bear opens Aug. 17 and extends through Sept. 8. The bag and possession limit for either archery or general season is one adult bear per hunting license year. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken. More information and daily updates on reported bear harvest are available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free 888-277-6398.
On Aug. 17, archery deer season opens in several zones. Archery deer season opens on this day in many deer zones across the state, including B1-3, B5-6, D3-5 and D6-10.
Aug. 17 is also the opening date for archery-only quail, chukar and sooty (blue)/ruffed grouse season. The season extends through Sept. 6. On the same day, the falconry season for pheasant, quail, chukar, ptarmigan and sooty (blue)/ruffed grouse also opens. This season extends through Feb. 28, 2025. Zone maps and other upland game bird season information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Information provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife
