How to start hunting in California

1. Get a Hunting License: Complete a hunting education course through an accredited organization. We recommend this one: Hunter Ed California.

2. Purchase Your Hunting License: Buy a hunting license for the current year (2024-2025) along with the appropriate tags and validations. You can do this here: California Wildlife License. Make sure to have your hunting course completion certificate ready.

3. Find an Appropriate Hunting Area: Depending on the species you want to hunt, your tag may limit you to specific areas, or it might allow for state-wide hunting.

4. Check Allowed Hunting Dates: Ensure you know the allowed hunting dates for the species you are targeting.

5. Locate Suitable Lands: Look for suitable public (or sometimes private) lands. Public lands typically include those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), national forests, national wildlife refuges, and CDFW-owned and operated wildlife areas and ecological reserves.

6. Gear Up and Hunt: Choose your permitted weapon of choice and embark on your hunting adventure!

Pro Tip: The CA 2024-2025 Artemida Hunting Atlas can help you with steps 3-6!

Happy Hunting! #CaliforniaHunting #HuntingGuide #ArtemidaHuntingAtlas