The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces that multiple hunting seasons are set to open during the month of September. 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. Hunters should note 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. 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 the 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 Sept. 1, the mourning dove, white-winged dove, spotted dove and ringed turtle dove early season opens, extending through Sept. 15. More information on upland game bird seasons and limits is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
On Sept. 14, the tree squirrel general season opens, extending through Jan. 26, 2025. More information on small game seasons and limits is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
Also on Sept. 14, seasons for several bird species open. The mountain quail general season opens in Zone Q1, extending through Oct. 18. The sooty (blue)/ruffed grouse general season opens, extending through Oct. 14. The white-tailed ptarmigan general and archery seasons open as well, extending through Sept. 22. More information on all of these is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
On Sept. 21, band-tailed pigeon season opens in the North Zone, extending through Sept. 29. More information on upland game bird seasons and limits is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Also on Sept. 21, general deer season opens in zones B1–3, B5, B6, C1–4, D6, D7, X9a, X9b and X12. On Sept. 28, general deer season opens in zones D3–5, D8–10, X8 and X10. Hunters should check for area closures and restrictions before heading to their destination, says CDFW. Information on land closures is available from the agency in charge of the hunting grounds. More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer. CDFW reminds hunters to remember to report deer tags. All deer tags purchased, whether used for a hunt 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 also required to report by Jan. 31, 2025. Information on reporting is available at www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/customersearch/begin. CDFW reminds hunters that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
On Sept. 27, California spiny lobster recreational fishing season opens statewide at 6 p.m. More information about recreational lobster fishing and report card requirements is available at wildlife.ca.gov/lobster.
On Sept. 28, early season opens for large Canada geese in the Balance of State Zone. More information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
Also on Sept. 28, quail general season opens for all quail species in Zone Q2, extending through Jan. 26, 2025. More information on upland game bird seasons and limits is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Information provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife
