A Complete Guide to Hunting in California Deer Season 2025

There are numerous deer hunting spots in the U.S. But California is among the best ones due to its varied terrains, with some being coastal forest, some desert, and even mountainous ranges. The state hosts various subspecies of deer and has more than 34 areas to hunt. However, every hunting zone has its rules, such as different season times, tag quotas, and success rates.

This California Deer Season 2025 guide will share the zones to hunt, the dates, and the mechanism of the tag draw and preference points. You will also know about legal arms to use in each season, considerations as a beginner, and useful apps for maps, weather, and reporting your harvest. So, this guide ensures you can make the most of your California deer hunting experience!

An Overview of California Deer Hunting Zones

California has 34+ hunting zones (A, B, C, D, and Premium X), which are under the management of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDW). The conditions and problems in each zone are exclusive. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right tag, plan your hunt, and improve your chances of success. This is a brief preview of where the primary deer hunting grounds in California are:

How to Discern the Right Zone for Your Hunt?

Choosing the best deer hunting zone in California is reflected by the level of experience, fashion of hunting, trophy, and the level of competition or rough terrain that you can manage. Here's how to pick the best zone for your hunt:

1. Experience Level

Beginners should try A or B Zones for easy access and longer seasons. Intermediate hunters can go for C Zones with forested terrain and blacktail deer or D Zones with better success rates. At the same time, advanced hunters might focus on X Zones for trophy mule deer or late-season D Zones during the rut.

2. Deer & Terrain Preference

California has five types of mule deer and blacktail, each suited to different areas. Columbian blacktail live along the coast, while California mule deer are found in the foothills and the Sierra Nevada. Whereas Southern, Inyo, and Desert mule deer are situated in the southern mountains and deserts like the Mojave. For blacktail deer, try B or C Zones with coastal forests suited for stalking. While mule deer are found in D and X Zones, with open terrain ideal for glassing. A Zone offers a mix of both species.

3. Tag Availability

A, B, and some D Zones have easy-to-get tags. X Zones and top D Zones require a draw. Whereas some C and D Zones may have leftover tags.

4. Hunt Timing

Early season hunts (July–Sept) in A, B, or C Zones are hot, and finding water is important. Rut hunts (Oct–Nov) in X and late D Zones offer more buck activity.

5. Success Rates & Pressure

X Zones and some D Zones have high success rates, and B Zones and better D Zones offer moderate success. Whereas A and C Zones have lower rates but more chances to hunt, and remote C or D Zones are less crowded.

6. Trophy vs. Meat Hunts

For trophy bucks, X Zones have big deer but harder-to-get tags, and A and B Zones are better for meat hunts with more deer and easier access. While D Zones offer a good mix of size and opportunity.

7. Logistics

A and B Zones are convenient for hunting close to home. But if you're willing to travel, consider X or remote D Zones. These zones also require early scouting.

2025 Deer Hunting Season Dates and the Permit Draw System

Here's a simple overview of California's 2025 deer hunting season dates based on general and premium zones. You'll also know about the permit draw system, and how to apply for it, based on the latest official rules and info:

2025 Deer Hunting Season Dates by Zone

Here are the deer hunting dates in 2025 for general zones like A, B, C, and D. Each zone has two seasons: general and archery. The hunting period differs in each of them:

Premium Deer Hunt Zone Dates 2025

The premium deer hunt zones are subdivided into X Zone, General Methods, Muzzloader and Apprentice hunts, and area-specific archery only hunts. Here are the hunt dates for each subdivision:

1. X Zone:

California's X-Zones are top draw-only deer areas with fewer hunters, better success rates, and higher trophy potential than general zones (A-D):

2. General Special:

These are standard rifle or archery hunts in premium zones, often with higher success rates and trophy potential. Most G-hunts align with X-zone rifle seasons:

• G1: Oct 25 - Nov 2.

• G3: Dec 6 - Dec 21.

• G6: Dec 6 - Dec 14.

• G12: Sep 20 - Sep 28.

• G13: Oct 25 - Nov 16.

• G19: Sep 27 - Dec 31.

• G21: Nov 8 - Nov 30.

• G37: Nov 22 - Nov 30.

• G38: Oct 18 - Nov 2.

• G39: Oct 25 - Nov 9.

• G40: Nov 22 - Nov 30.

3. Muzzleloader Hunts

Restricted to muzzleloading firearms, these hunts reduce competition and often target specific management goals. You'll see 20–30% success with fewer hunters but challenging conditions:

• M3: Nov 15 - Nov 23.

• M4-M5: Oct 25 - Nov 2.

• M6: Dec 20 - Dec 31.

• M7: Nov 29 - Dec 14.

• M8: Oct 25 - Nov 2.

• M9: Oct 25 - Nov 9.

• M11: Nov 8 - Nov 23.

• MA1-MA3: Nov 29 - Dec 14.

4. Area-Specific Archery Hunt Dates

A1-A33 are special archery-only hunts in set areas with limited tags and unique seasons, often aimed at trophy or rut hunting. They need a separate application (not covered by general Zone A tags) and are draw-only. Here are the area-specific archery hunt dates for 2025:

• A-1: Aug 16 - Sep 7.

• A-3 to A-20: Aug 16 - Sep 7.

• A-21: Nov 11 - Nov 21.

• A22: Sep 6 - Oct 19, Nov 15 - Dec 31.

• A24: Oct 11 - Nov 9.

• A25: Oct 4 - Oct 27.

• A26: Nov 15 - Dec 7.

• A27: Oct 25 - Nov 9.

• A30: Nov 8 - Nov 23.

• A31: Sep 27 - Dec 31.

• A32: Nov 8 - Nov 30.

• A33: Oct 4 - Nov 11.

5. Apprentice Hunts

Being aimed at youth or novice hunters, apprentice hunts offer exclusive access and are designed as mentored hunts. Junior hunters (less than 16) get discounted licenses and must have the presence of a mentor:

• J1: Nov 1 - Nov 2.

• J3: Nov 29 - Nov 30.

• J4: Nov 22 - Nov 30.

• J8: Dec 6 - Dec 31.

• J9: Sep 20 - Sep 28.

• J10: Oct 4-5, Oct 11-13.

• J11: Nov 15 - Nov 23.

• J12: Dec 6 - Dec 21.

• J13-J14: Nov 15 - Nov 23.

• J15: Nov 22 - Nov 30.

• J16-J18: Sep 27 - Nov 2.

• J19-J20: Oct 4 - Oct 19.

• J21: Sep 20 - Nov 2.

The Draw-Based Tag System for Premium Zones

California uses a preference point system for premium deer tags. If you don't draw a tag, you earn one point per year, specific to the species. Each year, 90% of tags go to those with the most points, while 10% are awarded randomly. Youth hunts split tags 50/50 between points and random draws. Groups of up to six can apply together, with points averaged (no rounding).

There are no separate quotas for residents and non-residents. However, non-residents pay a higher fee per tag (~$368.20). You can buy deer hunt tags or apply for the Big Game Drawing at CDFW offices, license agents, online, or by phone at (800) 565-1458. Online or phone purchases take about 15 days to arrive. Premium tags are issued by draw, while restricted and unrestricted tags are given on request until they sell out:

1. A, B, and D Zone Hunt Tag: These tags let you hunt with a bow during archery season and use firearms or other legal weapons during the general season.

2. C Zone Hunt Tag: A C Zone tag lets you hunt in C1–C4 during the general season with legal weapons. To bow hunt during archery season in these zones, you need an A1 Archery Hunt tag from the Big Game Drawing.

3. Area-Specific Archery Hunt Tags: These tags permit archery hunting at certain areas throughout the state, including X Zones.

4. Archery-Only (AO) Hunt Tag: The AO (Archery-Only) tag lets you hunt with a bow during both archery and general seasons in A, B, or D zones, and in Hunt G10 (military only). For X-Zone archery hunts, you need a specific archery tag for that zone. Firearms and crossbows are not allowed with an AO tag unless stated otherwise.

5. Apprentice Hunt Tags: Applicants must be under 16 on July 1, 2025, and have a valid 2025–26 California Junior Hunting License. Junior hunters with Apprentice tags must be with an adult (18+) while hunting. Half of the tags are given to hunters with the most preference points, and the other half are randomly awarded through a draw-by-choice system.

6. Military Lands Hunts: J10 and A33 are public hunts on military bases with limited tags, available through the Big Game Drawing. The G8 hunt is canceled for 2025. Other hunts, G7 (Beale AFB), G10 (Camp Pendleton), and G11 (Vandenberg AFB), are for military personnel only. Contact each base directly for how to apply:

• G7: Beale AFB at (530) 634-2738.

• G10: Camp Pendleton at (760) 725-3360.

7. Area-Specific Archery Hunt Tags: These tags allow archery hunting in specific areas statewide, including X Zones.

8. Restricted Deer Hunt Tags: Restricted deer tags can be requested with a First Deer Tag. You can also apply for one as a Second Deer Tag if you didn't apply for or get a premium or restricted tag as your first. If you did, you must wait until August 2, 2025, at 8 a.m. to apply for a second restricted tag.

9. Unrestricted Deer Hunt Tags: Unrestricted deer tags are available on request until they sell out. You can use either your First or Second Deer Tag to apply.

10. Premium Deer Hunt Tags: Premium deer hunts are any hunts that were filled on or before the first business day after July 1 last year. Hunters can only get one premium tag per year and must apply through the Big Game Drawing using a First-Deer Tag Application. Junior hunters can also apply for premium Apprentice Hunts with a Second-Deer Tag Application.

11. First Deer Tag: It can be used for restricted hunts, unrestricted hunts, or leftover premium tags starting July 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. if any are still available after the draw.

12. Second Deer Tag: It can be used only for unrestricted hunts.

How to Apply For Tags and Deadlines For Applications?

You can apply for the Big Game Drawing at CDFW offices, license agents, online, or by phone at (800) 565-1458. Applications open April 15, 2025, and must be submitted by midnight on June 2, 2025, including for preference points. Here's what you'll need to apply for tags:

The Big Game Drawing allows you to apply at CDFW offices, via license agents, online, or by phone at (800) 565-1458. The applications will be accepted on April 15, 2025, and need to be submitted by midnight on June 2, 2025, including the preference points. This is what you will need in order to apply for tags:

• Have a valid California hunting license (any year) and a First-Deer Tag Application:

  • Junior hunters can use a Second-Deer Tag Application for apprentice hunts.

• Bring a past ALDS license to a CDFW office or license agent to access your record.

• Online/phone applicants: Use your GO ID from a previous license.

• Hunter education must be on file:

  • New hunters should bring proof of course completion.

  • Assuming that you have previously purchased any hunting items, then chances are that they have it already on record.

• Purchase your 2025–2026 license, and tell the clerk what tags and codes you want for hunting:

  • For deer tags, check the order of your hunt choices carefully.

• Disabled Veterans (50%+ disability) and Recovering Service Members qualify for a reduced-fee license:

  • Submit proof (e.g., a VA letter or doctor's note), ID, and GO ID.

  • Tags and validations still cost full price.

How to Apply Online?

Step 1: Visit “llicense.wildlife.ca.gov/InternetSales.” Log in using your last name, date of birth, and GO ID or other ID used to create your profile.

Step 2: Click “Purchase Licenses.” Select the 2025 “Hunting” tab from the menu. Add the 2025 “Hunting License” to your cart.

Step 3: Scroll to the “Drawings” section. Tap “Add to Cart” for the desired Drawing Application.

Step 4: Use the “First Deer Tag Drawing Application” for adult deer applicants. Do not use the regular “First Deer Tag” for the drawing.

Step 5: In case of joining a party, choose the option to “Join Party” and provide the party number. However, when applying on your own or creating a new party, pick “Apply Alone or Create New Party.”

Step 6: Enter your hunt choices. Click “Submit.” Review and confirm on the next page. Then, hit “Submit” again.

Step 7: Do the same thing with subsequent species you intend to apply to. Then, tap on “Check Out.”

Step 8: Check your mailing address. Then, append your email address to get a receipt. Tap on the box indicating that you are 18+ and fill in the reCAPTCHA.

Step 9: Enter payment details. Check the final box and click “Pay Now.” You'll see a “Transaction Complete” message. Click to download your receipt/licenses.

Legal Weapon Types and Restrictions In the Deer Hunting Season 2025

Here's a look at the current laws for weapons, restrictions, and safety guidelines for firearm transportation during the California deer hunting 2025 season:

Approved Weapon Categories

• Archery: Gear like compound, recurve, and longbows is allowed. Crossbows are only allowed with a disabled hunter permit, broadheads must be at least 7/8" wide, and bows can't have electronic devices. However, crossbows aren't allowed during general archery season unless you have a mobility permit.

• Muzzleloader: Flintlock, percussion cap, or inline (single-barrel, muzzle-loaded) are permitted. But they have to have a minimum of .40 caliber for deer, black powder or substitutes (no pellets), and nonlead bullets such as copper or tungsten. Only iron sights are allowed unless you have a disability permit for a scope.

• Rifles & Shotguns: You can use centerfire rifles (.22 caliber or larger) and shotguns with slugs only. There is a ban on assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles, as well as on more than 10 rounds in a magazine.

Regional-Specific Ammunition Restrictions

• X-Zones: All sub-categories of X-Zones, such as D7, X9a, X9b, and X9c, have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing after harvest and allow only non-lead ammo.

• Archery-Only Zones: During archery seasons, no firearms are permitted.

• Muzzleloader Hunts: You must follow strict rules in muzzleloader hunt areas (M3–MA3). No pelletized powder or propellants, firearms with revolving actions and scopes, or electronics are allowed.

Firearm Transportation Regulations & Safety Reminders

• You can't have a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on any vehicle on public roads.

• Don't nock an arrow or load a crossbow while in or on a vehicle.

• It's illegal to have a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches or a rifle under 16 inches.

• Wear hunter orange when using firearms on public land.

• In D7 and X9a–X9c, avoid handling spinal/brain tissue and follow rules for moving carcasses (CWD prevention).

• Use certified nonlead ammo, such as copper bullets from Barnes TSX or Nosler E-Tip.

Efforts By CDW For Deer Conservation and Ethical Hunting

CDW has made many efforts for deer conservation and set rules for ethical hunting. In light of the 2025 deer hunting season, here are those efforts and rules:

Deer Conservation Efforts

• Conservation of Habitat: The California wildlife agency (CDFW) collaborates in coordination with other organizations. It works with the U.S. Forest Service and tribal councils to preserve significant habitats of deer, such as mountain forests and coastal ranges.

• Prevention of Disease: CWD testing is compulsory in certain areas to halt its spread.

• Balance of Deer Numbers: Scientists assess the information provided by the hunters and on the lands to make decisions on the number of tags to sell so that the deer population remains healthy.

• Hunters Assist in Paying the Costs of Conservation: Tag and license sales provide funds to finance such work as restoring habitat and researching wildlife.

• Seeking a balance: By hunting, the population of deer may not reach the stage of overgrazing or cause property damage.

Rules For Ethical Hunting

• Fair Chase: Don't use bait or dogs. Rather, stalk and chase deer in a natural manner, which affords them a fair opportunity to get away.

• Take Non-Lead Bullets: This is to avoid causing harm to other wildlife.

• Leave No Trace: Yank out all garbage, do not bother the other animals, and watch for fires.

• Respectful Harvest: Shots should be taken carefully to guarantee rapid deaths, and utilize everything of the animal that you can (meat, hide, antlers).

Useful Apps and Resources For Hunters to Use For Deer Hunting

For a smooth CA deer hunt in 2025, you must have a hunting app, maps, weather, and zone tracking resources by hand. Here are some useful resources that can help you during the hunting season:

1. Deer Hunting, Regulations & Weather Apps

• onX Hunt: It shows land ownership and boundaries, works offline, and includes 3D maps and weather tools, great for navigating deer zones and avoiding trespass.

• HuntWise: It uses weather and moon data to predict deer movement and shows ideal stand spots, best for timing hunts during peak activity.

• HuntStand: It offers deer activity forecasts, scent mapping, and monthly satellite updates, ideal for tracking habitat changes.

• BaseMap: It has clear satellite maps and real-time location sharing—perfect for safe, group hunts in public lands.

• Windy.com: Shows cloud cover to help plan clear-sky hunts.

• NOAA Weather: Gives local storm alerts.

• Fish Rules App: Provides up-to-date hunting and fishing regulations.

2. CDFW Official Resources

• Big Game Hunting Digest: Provides info on seasons, tag limits, and zone rules like nonlead ammo.

• Automated License System (ALDS): Request tags and view drawing results (June 16, 2025) and harvest reports by January 31, 2026.

• Closures & Alerts: Follow any fire- or disease-related evacuations by checking CDFW news and permit updates.

• Contact & Reporting: Report poaching/spills: 1-888-334-2258, and to inquire about zone-specific matters, call local CDFW offices.

Tips for First-Time Hunters

If you're a first-time hunter, here are some gems of tips for you to hunt during the California deer hunting season 2025 without a problem:

1. Compulsory Gear Checklist

When using a firearm, wear a blaze orange hat and vest (400+ sq. in.). Toss on a moisture-absorbing base, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof upper. Also, wear sturdy boots that can be used on rough ground. Gear-wise, pack a .243+ caliber rifle (with nonlead ammo) or a 40+ lb. bow with draw and fixed-blade broadheads.

Take the finest long-range binoculars, a rangefinder, a sharp knife, game bags, and gloves. Also, toss in paper maps and take a first aid bag with a tourniquet and a blanket, a headlamp with a red light, water, snacks, and electrolyte packs. Don't forget to take a power station with you to charge your phone, lights, radio, laptop, GPS devices, etc., in hunting cabins.

The BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 power station provides portable convenience for critical devices with 2,073.6 Wh capacity and 2,600W output. It can juice up small devices like smartphones, laptops, navigation gear, and radio equipment. You can also check your battery performance in real time through its AI-BMS (Battery Management System). The unit can be self-charged via solar, a wall outlet, a generator, or a car charger.

Moreover, the Elite 200 V2 also boasts a quick charging speed, which takes it from zero to 80% in just 1.1 hours. If you are a team of hunters and want more power for your equipment, the BLUETTI Apex 300+B300K is an absolute beast. It offers 3,840W output and 5,529.6Wh, which can go up to 7,680W surge output.

So, you can juice up your basics, navigation gear, as well as equipment like electric grills, blankets, lights, radios, etc., with Apex 300. The unit is compatible with solar charging (up to 30 kW with SolarX 4K) and AC charging, as well as a generator. It can self-charge up to 80% in 45 minutes. It also offers weather alerts and auto-charging in bad weather.

Both the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 and Apex 300+B300K provide multiple power ports that enable simultaneous charging for AC/DC equipment. They are portable, have a noiseless operation, and emit no pollution.

2. Safety Training and Certification

First-time hunters must complete a hunter education course unless exempt (like military). It consists of gun safety, wildlife identification, survival, and navigation; an online course; and a field day (approximately $25). Besides, a gun should always be treated as though it is loaded and should be pointed in a safe direction, and one should be aware of the target and the background.

In the case of tree stands, make use of the full body harness and guarantee stability prior to climbing. In addition, investigate CDFW harvest statistics to determine the areas where hunters enjoy consistent success and where they are experiencing failure. This helps you avoid areas affected by drought, fire, or low deer numbers.

3. Traversing Public vs. Private Hunting Lands

Free access and plenty of space are available in such places as BLM, CDFW, and National Forests, which, unfortunately, are heavily visited and require proper scouting. Find such areas using such tools as onX Hunt and the CDFW Public Lands Portal. Private land offers better chances at bigger deer and less pressure, but it needs permission or payment.

You can ask landowners directly (not during opening weekend) or use sites like HuntWizard or GoHunt for leases. Gaining access to private land takes time and trust. Most of the successful hunters contribute to ranch work, participate in habitat projects, or just demonstrate that they are sincere and reliable, which makes things easier for the landowner. Apart from that, do not trespass by following posted signs. Otherwise, you'll find yourself fined.

FAQs

1. What are California deer hunting charges in 2025?

California deer hunting fees vary between residents and non-residents. To the resident, the hunting license costs $56.50, the first deer tag fee is $35.38, and the second deer tag also costs the same. All of these are equal to $127.26.

Whereas for non-residents, the hunting license is $184.25, and first and second deer tags are each $318.61, which sums up to a total charge of $821.47. There are also additional costs for CWD testing for specific zones, preference point applications, and hunter education certification.

2. How many deer tags can I buy in California?

In California, hunters can buy up to two deer tags each year, either two for different general zones or one general and one premium (draw) tag. Each tag is for one deer and must be bought separately. However, non-residents pay much more for tags.

3. Are preference points required for all California deer tags?

You only need preference points for X-zone and special-hunt tags. Most A, B, C, and D zone tags can be bought right at the counter with no draw. Because X-zone tags are limited, they're given out by points, and some X-zones take several points to have a decent chance.

4. Where to find the finest deer hunting area in California?

The most popular parts of California to hunt deer are the Central Coast, the Sierra foothills of Nevada, Northern California, and the mountains of Southern California.

Final Word

California is well known to be a highly diverse and rewarding option concerning deer hunting. It features an abundance of zones, having different terrains, species of deer, and hunting rules. Getting acquainted with these areas and preparing for permits well in advance are the factors that will make your California deer season hunt 2025 fruitful. Being a novice hunter, you should be well prepared before the beginning of the hunting season. Prepare for crucial wear, train for safety, and obtain certifications.

Also, carry a power station such as the BLUETTI Apex 300 or Elite 200 V2 based on your energy needs to juice up your hunting gear, navigation equipment, and essentials like lights, phones, radios, laptops, etc. You can power them up with solar or a car outlet on your way to the hunting grounds. Also, remember, sustainable hunting requires ethical behavior, including obeying weapon laws, abiding by tag quotas, and having no tainted harvest reporting.