DEER HUNTING IN CALIFORNIA

California Deer Hunting

As Summer and Fall get closer, the thought on many of our minds is the quickly approaching deer hunting season. California has some of the best hunting lands, both private and public. A chance for a nice trophy buck is within reach for those that are willing to put in the time and effort to find the best hunting spots, and buy the right hunting gear, to improve their chances of success.

Deer Species to Hunt in California

California is home to several different species of deer. • Columbian Black Tailed Deer • California Mule Deer • Rocky Mountain Mule Deer • Southern Mule Deer • Burro Mule Deer • Random sightings of White Tailed Deer

Columbian Black Tailed Deer

The Columbian Black Tailed Deer are the most abundant species of deer in the California. Their habitat ranges from the coastal mountains of Oregon to near Santa Barbara, within the Western slope of the Cascade Sierra Nevada mountain range and along the Sierra Nevada Foothills.

California Mule Deer

The California Mule Deer is the second most populous species of deer in the state. Their typical habitat runs along the Western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Rocky Mountain Mule Deer

The Rocky Mountain Mule Deer is the third most populous species of deer in the state. They are also the largest subspecies of deer in California. Their typical habitat range runs throughout the Western United States. Rocky Mountain Mule Deer can be found in Lassen, Shasta, Siskiyou & Modoc Counties of California, as well as other areas.

Southern Mule Deer

The Southern Mule Deer can be found in Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties. Inyo, Kern & Mono counties are prime habitat for the Inyo Mule Deer.

Burro Mule Deer

The Burro Mule Deer habitat pretty much straddles the California and Arizona border, as their habitat range is found in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Compound Bows for Deer Hunting In California

• Oneida Eagle Phoenix lever Action Bow • Bear Archery Divergent Compound Bow Package • Obsession Bows Turmoil Compound Bow Package • Oneida Eagle Osprey Lever Action Bowfishing Bow

How to Find Deer in California

Many of the forests in California are noisy to walk through, as they are dry compared to other forests. It makes it hard to sneak up on the deer when you are out hunting. Successful hunters have learned that they need to spend a considerable amount of time scouting for deer before the deer season begins. The goal is to find individual or groups of deer, recently used deer trails, water sources, and feeding and bedding areas. You won’t see many deer from the roads in most of the hunting areas in California. The more successful hunters do more hiking to locate deer. Binoculars or a great spotting scope can be very helpful for locating and identifying deer at greater distances. The best thing you can do to improve your chances of successfully filling your deer tag is to hunt areas that are away from other hunters, vehicles, or livestock. One way to do this more quietly is to hike on well used game trails, logging roads that have been closed over the years to vehicle traffic, or logging trails. These areas can help you cover great distances with less noise as they have had some of the noisy branches and leaves crushed, or cleared off. Some areas to target, in any of the deer hunting zones in California, are the area thats have been burned in a forest fire, or a controlled burn, in the last five to ten years or where the oak acorns are mature and abundant. Meadows also provide good forage for deer, especially for does and fawns, but the big bucks tend to utilize areas with very thick cover during hunting season. For the big bucks, look for some rougher terrain, mountain ridges, and areas with thick vegetation. After heavy snow storms, the deer will rapidly move toward the winter range or hold in transitional areas, where they prefer areas with shrubs, and their favorite foraging plants at the intermediate elevations.

California Deer Hunting SpotKill Tracking Maps

California department of fish and wildlife has put together these spotkill maps, which can be another great source of information to use as you begin to plan your hunting trip. The deer spotkill maps gives you a graphical representation for each zone of where successful hunters got their buck directly on the map for your particular deer hunting zone. Click here to see these spotkill maps.

California Deer Hunting Harvest Statistics

California department of fish and wildlife has also put together thest deer harvest statistics tracking details. Click here to see these deer harvest statistics.

Best Deer Hunting Binoculars

• Zeiss Victory RF Rangefinding Binoculars • Swarovski EL Range Rangefinding Binoculars • Leica Geovid HD-B Rangefinding Binoculars • Leica GeoVid HD-B 3000 Rangefinding Binoculars

A Zone

The A Zone consists of mostly private land that you will need to get permission to hunt from the landowner. There is some public access on BLM and National Forest lands.

Colusa County

The best areas are around Bear Creek, Cache Creek, Fouts Spring, Goat Mountain, Letts Lake, Stonyford, Walker Ridge and Wilson Valley.

Lake County

The best deer hunting areas are around Boggs Forest, Borax Lake, Cache Creek, Cow Mountain, Deer Valley, Elk Mountain, French Ridge, Goat Mountain, High Glade, Highland Springs, Indian Valley, Mary Ann Ridge, Pine Mountain, Rice Creek, Lake Pillsbury, Walker Ridge and Wilson Valley.

Mendocino County

The best hunting areas are around Cow Mountain, and Jackson State Forest.

Monterey County

The best deer hunting areas are around Dutra Flat, Indian Camp, Big Sur, Gorda, Marble Peak, Plasket Ridge and Williams Hill, Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts Military Reservations.

Napa County

The best hunting areas are around Adams Creek, Blue Ridge, Knoxville, Lake Berryessa, Rector Reservoir, and Schwartz Canyon.

San Luis Obispo County

The best deer hunting areas are around American Canyon, Black Mountain, Branch Mountain, Caliente Mountain, Cerro Alto, Crocker Springs, Cuesta Grade, Hale Peak, La Panza, Lopez Canyon, Mt. Lowe, Quail Springs, Queen Bee, Ragged Point, Rock Front, Ruda Canyon Shaw Ridge, Snell Peak, and Camp Roberts Military Reservation.

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

The best deer hunting areas are around Aliso Canyon, Blue Canyon, Camuesa Peak, Colson Canyon, Dry Canyon, Figueroa Mountain, Little Pine Mountain, Little Pine Spring, McPherson Peak, Miranda Pines, Monte Arido Trail, Painted Rock, Potrero Seco, Santa Barbara Canyon, Santa Cruz Peak, Sierra Madre Mountains, Three Sisters, Vandenburg Air Force Base.

Deer Hunting Knife Sets

• Outdoor Edge Cutlery Jaeger Pak Knife Kit • Browning Field Dressing Kit • Work Sharp Benchtop Angle Set Knife Sharpener • Outdoor Edge Cutlery Wild Guide Knife Set

B Zones

B Zone Deer Tags are valid in Zones B1 - B6.

Del Norte County

Good deer hunting locations include Bear Basin, French Hill, Page Mountain, Sanger Peak, and Shelly Creek.

Humboldt County

Great hunting areas include the 8 Mile Ridge, Black Lassics, Blake Mountain, Board Camp, Buck Mountain, Grouse Mountain, Larabee Butte, Mad River Rock, Pilot Ridge, Race Track, Snow Camp, South Fork Mountain, Titlow Hill, and Watts Lake.

Lake County

Good areas to target deer are in the area of Lake Pillsbury and Snow Mountain.

Mendocino County

Good deer hunting areas include Anthony Peak, Bald Mountain, Buck Rock, Dos Rios, Etsel Ridge, Grizzly Flat, Howard Lake, Hull Mountain, Indian Dick, Little Doe Ridge, Mendocino Pass, Monkey Rock, San Hedrin Mountain, Snow Mountain, and Soldier Ridge.

Siskiyou County

Good areas to target are Badger Mountain, Clear Creek, Elk Lake and Valley, Grayback, Grider Ridge, Gun Sight Peak, Lake Mountain, Mill Creek, Poker Flat, and Thompson Ridge.

B1 Zone

There is good public access to Mendocino National Forest (530) 934-3316, Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2500, Six Rivers National Forest (707) 442-1721. Arcata Field Office BLM lands (707) 825-2300. CDFW Eureka office (707) 445-6493.

B2 Zone

There is good public access on Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 934- 3316 lands, Klamath National Forest (530) 842-6131, Six Rivers National Forest (707) 442-1721, and Redding Field Office BLM lands (530) 224-2100. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300.

B3 Zone

Has good public access to Mendocino National Forest lands in western part of hunt area (530) 934-3316 CDFW Rancho Cordova office (916) 358-2900.

B4 Zone

Consists mainly of private land, with limited public access on King Range Conservation area,administered by Arcata Field Office BLM (707) 825-2300. CDFW Eureka office (707) 445-6493.

B5 Zone

Located in the western portion of the zone, public access is good on Mendocino National Forest (530) 934- 3316 and Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2500. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300.

B6 Zone

Public access is good in Klamath National Forest (530) 842-6131. Foothills of Scott and Shasta valleys are largely private. CDFW contact (530) 459-3164. Our Favorite Grill - TRAEGER TIMBERLINE 850 PELLET GRILL Taste the Wood Fired Difference with this pellet grill that has three tiers of stainless steel grates with a lot of cooking space that are durable and easy to maintain. It also gives you the extra room to cook the biggest of feasts. It’s included WIFIRE® technology lets you control your grill anytime, anywhere, using the Traeger App. The Traeger app lets you adjust temperatures, monitor your food, and browse over 1,600 recipes, and more. Check out our pellet grills page for more information.

C Zones

C Zone Deer Tags are valid in zones C1, C2, C3 and C4 General Seasons only.

C1 Zone Archery Hunt A1

Has large areas of private land where access is restricted. Some private land owned by timber companies is open to hunting. Most public land is administered by Klamath National Forest (530) 842-6131 with fair access. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300. The best areas to hunt for deer in Zone C-1 are around Bald Mountain, Ball Mountain, Bear Creek, Black Mountain, Bogus Burn Mountain, Butte Mountain, Camp Creek, Dead Horse Summit, Dorris Hill, Eagle Rock, Goosenest, Grass Lake, Herd Peak, Horseshoe Ranch WLA, Indian Point, Iron Gate Reservoir, Jenny Creek, Lodge Pole Station, Martins Dairy, McGavin Peak, Miller Mountain, Shovel Creek, Sloan Butte and Willow Creek/Mountain.

C2 Zone

Good access, mostly public land administered by the Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2500 and private timber companies open to hunting. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300.

C3 Zone

Good access in middle and higher elevations on Lassen National Forest (530) 257-2151, and fair access on private timberlands open to hunting. Lower elevations are largely private property where access is restricted. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300.

C4 Zone Archery Hunt A1

Has good hunting access in the eastern portion on public lands that are administered primarily by the Lassen National Forest (530) 257-2151. Fair access on private timber lands open to public. CDFW contact (530) 225- 2300. Early in the deer season, the best hunting areas are the Lake Almanor Basin, Stover Mountain, Rock Creek, Bailey Creek, and Swain Mountain. About the middle of the season as colder weather begins to move in, the deer migrate into Tehama and Butte counties. Though some deer will remain in the Feather River Canyon and Greenville areas. In oak and shrub woodland habitat the deer are at or below 4,000 feet in elevation. The best deer hunting areas in Zone C-4 are located in the following areas:

Butte County

Good hunting areas are around Bald Mountain, Butte Meadow, Colby Mountain, Humbug Summit, Philbrook Lake, Snag Lake, and Transfer Station.

Lassen County

Deer can be found around Bogart Butte, Cemetery Mountain, Duck Lake, Goodrich Mountain, McCoy Flats, Swain Mountain, and Turner Mountain.

Plumas County

Good areas to target would be at Butte Lake, Eagle Rock, Echo Lake, Humbug Summit Valley, Long Valley, Morris Lake, Mosquito Ridge, Mud Creek Rim, Rush Hill, Stover Mountain, and Wilson Lake.

Shasta County

Great areas to hunt would be at Badger Mountain, Baker Mountain, and Viola.

Tehama County

Deer can be found in the area of A-Line, Butte Meadow, Carter Meadow Mountain, Childs Meadow, Digger Butte, Long Point, Mill Creek, Mineral Summit, Morgan Summit, Panther Springs, Paynes Creek, Slate Creek, Transfer Station, Turner Mountain, Wilson Lake, and Yellow Jacket.

Big Game Bags

• Caribou Gear Magnum Pack Game Bags • Caribou Gear Wapiti Game Bag • Caribou Gear Carnivore III Game Bags

D Zones

D3 D4 D5 D3-5 Zone

Tag is valid in Zones D3, D4 and D5. Good public access on National Forest lands, mostly private at lower elevations (916) 358-2900.

D3 Deer Zone

The most popular and productive deer hunting areas in Zone D3 include:

Butte County

Feather Falls area: This is largely winter range and hunting is best during the late portion of the season. Specific areas include the Fields Ridge area, southeast of Feather Falls; Sunset Hill, Camp 18 and Watkins Ridge. Brush Creek area: This is largely winter range and hunting is best during the late portion of the season. Specific areas include: Merrimac and Coyote Gap. In the Mooreville Ridge Road and Sly Creek Reservoir area, the migratory deer are generally present in the middle of October.

Nevada County

Specific areas include: Bowman Lake, Grouse Ridge, and Red Mountain. Migratory deer can still be found at these high elevations early to mid-season.

Plumas County

In the La Porte area, around Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Camel Peak, Stag Point, and Onion Valley. In the Bucks Lake area, the area between Bucks Lake and the Middle Fork of the Feather River, Bear Creek, and Willow Creek. In the Eureka Ridge area, specific areas include White Cap and Big Hill.

Sierra County

Haypress Meadows, and Jackson Meadows Reservoir. In the Lakes Basin in the Sierra Buttes where hunting success is favorable throughout the season. Late in the season, the deer will migrate to the west, down Pig and Hog Canyons.

Yuba County

Challenge, Peterson Ridge Road, Pike County Peak Lookout area where the migratory deer are generally present around the middle of October. The area east of Oregon Hill Road and west of Bullards Bar Reservoir. In the area north of Bullards Bar Reservoir, the migratory deer are generally present in the middle of October. Strawberry Valley, Slate Creek, Pendola Road, Garden Valley Road, and McClain Road. In the area around Bullards Bar Reservoir, the migratory deer are generally present in the middle of October. The best areas to hunt are the black oak groves along the north arm of the lake. In the Spenceville Wildlife Area, the resident deer are present throughout the year, and the migratory deer generally do not arrive until late October. In the Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area, the resident deer are present throughout the year, and the migratory deer generally do not arrive until late October.

D4 Zone

The most popular and productive deer hunting areas in Zone D4 include:

Placer County

Good hunting grounds include the areas around Barker Meadow Pass, Bear Springs, Cisco Grove, Foresthill, Greyhorse Valley, Monument Ridge, Onion Creek, Soda Springs, Granite Chief Wilderness, and Emigrant and Yuba Gap. The migratory deer are still present at these higher elevations during the early to middle of the deer season.

Sutter and Yuba Counties

The Feather River Wildlife Area, which consists of 2,329 acres of river bottom forest in 5 separate parcels on either side of the Feather River. Resident deer are present throughout the year in this area. Shotguns and archery equipment are the only methods of take permitted in this wildlife area.

D5 Zone

The most popular and productive deer hunting areas in Zone D5 include:

Alpine County

The north side of highway 4 around Blue Lakes, Mount Reba and Bear Valley on Higher elevations and peaks south of Highway 4 and around Highland Lake and Pacific Valley; Carson Iceberg and Mokolumne Wilderness Areas which is a great place to do some pack in hunting to get away from the crowd.

Amador County

Areas around Silver Lake and east of Bear River Reservoir, as well as up around Mount Plasse, Onion Valley, Foster Meadows and southwest of Caples Lake. Calaveras County. Areas around Black Springs, Cabbage Patch, Mattley Meadows, and Bear Trap Basin in the eastern portion of the county. Hermit Springs, Upper Bailey Ridge, and Cuneo Camp at the mid level elevations on both USFS and private timber lands.

El Dorado County

Some good hunting areas are up around Bunker Hill, McKinstry Peak, Van Vleck, Upper Bassi, Tells Peak, Slick Rock, Wrights Lake, Granite Springs and Lyons Creek west to Ice House Reservoir. On the south side of Highway 50 good areas include Cody Meadows, Leek Springs Lookout, and the upper end of Alder Ridge. Deer will migrate into the intermediate range and winter range areas following October storms. Intermediate range areas are generally between 4000 - 5500 feet. We typically have storms after October 20th that will cause the deer to migrate. Some good deer hunting areas in the intermediate and winter range areas include: Peavine Ridge on the north side of Highway 50, the Alder Creek area on the south side of Highway 50, and along the north south road between Iron Mountain Road and Highway 88. Blue Mountain, Lower Bailey Ridge, Summit Level Ridge and in the Westpoint and Bald Mountain area on the western edge of USFS lands. Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) owns large blocks of land in the intermediate and winter range areas within zone D-5, a lot of which is behind locked gates. SPI allows public hunting on their property, but access to a lot of their land is by foot only and no written permit is required. No camping or fires are allowed on SPI property. If you plan to hunt SPI timber lands, be sure to verify that the land is open to hunting during the time you will be there, as they do close the lands when fire danger is high, especially in years of drought.

D7 Zone

The most popular and productive deer hunting areas in Zone D7 include: The summer range habitat for the migrant herds may be found anywhere from 5,000 feet to the Sierra Crest within Zone D-7. Some of the best areas include the Kaiser Wilderness, east to Mt. Givens; Tamarack Ridge; Kaiser Diggings; Mt. Tom; Hoffman Meadow and areas near Wishon and Courtwright Reservoirs; Woodchuck Country; Spanish, Hoffman, and Hall Mountains. The intermediate range, which is best after winter storms start to show up, the deer will begin to migrate west of the Kaiser Wilderness in the vicinity of Daulton Creek, Stump Springs Road, and Mushroom Rock. The winter range, which is best once good amounts of snow have accumulated at the higher elevations, the deer may be found around Patterson Mountain, Fence Meadow, Secata Ridge, and Rodgers Ridge.

D8 Zone

The most popular and productive deer hunting areas in Zone D8 include: The Hume Deer Herd occupies the summer and fall ranges in the northern portion of Zone D8, south of the Kings River in the Sequoia National Forest between the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They are also in the Park's high country where they are not accessible to hunters until they begin their migration. The higher elevations provide the best hunting, and most of the deer are taken east of Highway 180, and north of the Jennie Lakes Wilderness Area, which is a great area for a pack trip. The Monarch Wilderness Area is steep and rugged, with a lot of brush in the lower elevation of the wilderness area. The Kaweah Deer Herd resides in the north central portion of the zone. This herd is migratory, but does spend most of the year in the park, until the winter storms push these deer to the lower elevations. A small portion of the herd is accessible on public lands in the Eshorn area. The Tule Deer Herd resides in the central portion of the zone, west of the Kern River Deer Herd. These deer spend the summer months at the higher elevations and then migrate to intermediate and winter ranges in late October after the first winter weather starts to roll through. Look for deer near Jordan Peak, Deep Meadow, Clicks Creek, Slate Mountain, and Mule Peak. The Greenhorn Deer Herd resides in the southern portion of the zone. This deer herd is migratory, but the higher elevation areas such as Last Chance Meadow and Lion Ridge are good bets, as well as Frog, Tobias, Tyler Meadows, and Bull Run Basin. Additional areas that are good to take a look at are the Black Mountain, Sunday Peak, and Shirley Basket Meadows areas. When the weather gets colder as you approach the later part of the season it would be a good bet to try near Pine Mountain, White River, and the Sandy Creek Fire Road. Cedar and Alder Creek are good low elevation sites. Another good area to try is around Coffee Creek. The Kern River Deer Herd resides in the upper stringer meadows on summer ranges in the eastern portions of Tulare County. The Sherman Peak area, Cherry Hill Road, or areas north of Johnsondale, are all good bets. Additional hunt G-6 tagholders do well on the migration routes along the Rincon Trail, especially in the Brush Creek area. Other good areas include Sand Hill Ridge, Burton Camp, and Fairview Ridge. The Foothill Deer Herd deer are resident deer that do not migrate. They reside in the western Sierra Nevada foothills throughout the zone.

D10 Zone

No public land available. Hunting normally restricted to landowners and permittees (559) 243-4005.

D11 Zone

Tag good for D11, D13 and D15, but not Camp Pendleton. Mostly good access on public land except closures in Angeles National Forest. Call (626) 574-5200; for closure information (858) 467-4201.

D13 Zone

Tag good for D11, D13 and D15, but not Camp Pendleton. Good access on public lands; portion of zone on private lands (858) 467-4201.

D15 Zone

Tag good for D11, D13 and D15, but not Camp Pendleton. Good access on public lands (858) 467-4201.

D19 Zone

Good access on public lands; rugged terrain at higher elevations (909) 484-0167. How do I make my deer venison meat taste better? Find out more here.

Best Deer Hunting Rifles

• Tikka T3X SuperLite Bolt Action Rifle with True Timber Strata Camo • Winchester Model 1895 125th Anniversary Lever Action Rifle • Benelli LUPO Bolt Action Rifle • Remington Model 700 SPS Blued Bolt Action Rifle

X Zones

X1 Zone

This zone has good access on public lands that are administered by the Klamath National Forest (530) 842- 6131, Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2500, and Modoc National Forest (530) 233-5811. Refer to National Forest maps or contact the Forest Service for details. CDFW contact (530) 459-3164.

X2 Zone

Has good access on public lands that are managed by the Klamath National Forest (530) 842-6131, Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2500, and Modoc National Forest (530) 233-5811

X3a Zone

Has good access on public lands in the Modoc National Forest (530) 233-5811 and Alturas Field Office BLM lands (530) 233-4666. CDFW contact (530) 233- 3581.

X3b Zone

Has good access to public land. Contact the Modoc National Forest (530) 233- 5811, Alturas Field Office (530) 233-4666, or Surprise Field Office BLM property (530) 279-6101 for information. CDFW contact (530)233-3581.

X4 Zone

Has good access on public lands that are primarily managed by the Lassen National Forest (530) 257-2151. Most private timberland is open for public hunting. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808.

X5a Zone

Has good access on public lands managed by the Eagle Lake Field Office BLM (530) 257-0456. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808.

X5b Zone

Has good access on public lands administered by the Eagle Lake Field Office BLM (530) 257-0456. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808.

X6a Zone

CDFW Lassen County contact (530) 254-6808. CDFW Plumas County contact (916) 358-2900.

X6b Zone

Has good access on public lands. CDFW Lassen County contact (530) 254-6808. CDFW Plumas County contact (916) 358-2900

X7a Zone

Has good access on public lands. (916) 358-2900

X7b Zone

Has good access on public lands. (916) 358-2900

X8 Zone

Has good access on public lands, except two wilderness areas (916) 358-2900.

X9a Zone

Has good access on public lands. It is a good idea to carry chains and a shovel during the cold weather late in the season (760) 872-1171.

X9b Zone

Has good access on public lands. It is a good idea to carry chains and a shovel during the cold weather late in the season (760) 872-1171

X9c Zone

Wilderness areas and Death Valley Park expansion restrict vehicle access and open hunting areas (760) 872- 1171

X10 Zone

Adequate access on public lands with steep, and rough terrain (559) 243-4005

X12 Zone

Good access on public lands; carry chains and shovel; cold weather late in the season (760) 872-1171

California G Zone Deer Hunts

G1 - Late season tag is valid in C4 only. CDFW contact 530-597-2201 G3 - Good public access, with very unpredictable weather (760) 872-1171 G6 - Good public access on National Forest lands (559) 243-4005 G8 - Access fee required; date subject to change (831) 386-2214 G9 - 2018 Hunt canceled due to base operations G12 - Gray Lodge Wildlife Area only. Shotguns with solid slugs only (916) 358-2900 G13 - Good access on public lands, and rugged terrain at higher elevations (858) 467- 4201 G19 - Archery, crossbow, shotguns with solid slugs only. Walk in only (916) 358-2900 G21 - Only on lands designated USFS Ventana Wilderness Area in Monterey County; steep, rugged, brushy; vehicle restrictions (831) 649-2870 G37 - Good access on National Forest Service lands (559) 243-4005 G38 - Adequate access on public lands with steep, rough terrain (559) 243-4005 G39 - Good access, but 4wd vehicles recommended. Carry chains and shovel (760) 872- 1171.

Smokers to Cook Your California Venison Deer Meat

• Bradley Smoker Original Electric Smoker • Masterbuilt Adventure Series MES 1405 Digital Electric Smoker • Smoke Canyon Vertical Smoker with Offset Firebox • Masterbuilt Adventure Series MES 140S Digital Electric Smoker

Muzzleloading Deer Hunts in California

Muzzleloader hunting with a black powder gun is a favorite by those of us that like to hunt later in the season after we receive some weather to spring the bucks into being more active.

M3 Hunt

Good access on public lands. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808

M4 Hunt

Good access on public lands administered by the Eagle Lake Field Office BLM (530) 257-0456. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808

M5 Hunt

Good access on public lands administered by the Eagle Lake Field Office BLM (530) 257-0456. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808

M6 Hunt

Good access on public lands; rugged terrain at higher elevations (858) 467-4201

M7 Hunt

Good access; hunt on public lands (858) 467-4201

M8 Hunt

Mostly private land in hunt area, but good access on those lands that are public. CDFW contact (530) 254-6808

M9 Hunt

Good access on public lands managed by the Modoc National Forest (530) 233- 5811. CDFW contact (530) 233- 3581

M11 Hunt

Contact CDFW Eureka office (707) 445-6493 or CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300

MA1 Hunt

Open only on that portion of San Luis Obispo County lying within the Los Padres National Forest. Good access on public lands; rugged terrain (831) 649-2870. Public lands vehicle use limited (858) 467-4201.

CALIFORNIA APPRENTICE DEER HUNTS

J1 Hunt

Rugged oak and grassland habitat with good deer numbers. Boats required in two- thirds of area. No dogs allowed (707) 944-5500.

J3 Hunt

Hunt area is restricted to CDFW’s Tehama Wildlife Area. CDFW contact (530) 529-7162

J4 Hunt

Good public access on Shasta Trinity National Forest (530) 226-2300 and Redding Field Office BLM lands (530) 224-2100. CDFW Redding office (530) 225-2300

J8 Hunt

Good access. Wildlife Area only (916) 358-2900

J9 Hunt

Good access. Wildlife Area only. Shotguns using slugs only (916) 358-2900

J10 Hunt

Season subject to change by Commanding Officer (831) 386-2214

J11 Hunt

Within D14 and San Bernardino County only. Fair access on public lands (909) 484-0167

J12 Hunt

Good access; 4 X 4 recommended; carry chains and shovel (760) 872-1171

J13 Hunt

Mostly good access on public land except closures in Angeles National Forest. Call (626) 574-5200 for closure information (858) 467-4201

J14 Hunt

Within zone D19 and Riverside County only. Good access on public lands (909) 484-0167

J15 Hunt

Good public access on National Forest lands (559) 243-4005

J16 Hunt

Good access on National Forest lands; Mostly private at lower elevations (916) 358-2900, an exclusion of Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties

J17 Hunt

Good access on National Forest lands; Mostly private at lower elevations. (916) 358-2900. Please note: exclusion of Colusa County

J18 Hunt

Good access on National Forest lands; mostly private at lower elevations (916) 358-2900. Please note: exclusion of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties.

J19 Hunt

Good access on public lands (916) 358-2900

J20 Hunt

Good access on public lands (916) 358-2900

J21 Hunt

Good access in eastern portion on public lands administered primarily by the Lassen National Forest (530) 257-2151. Tehama Wildlife Area is not open to J21 hunters during the G1 season. CDFW contact (530) 529-7162

CALIFORNIA AREA SPECIFIC ARCHERY DEER HUNTS

Archery hunting with a compound bow is a favorite by those of us that like to hunt with a lot less pressure on the deer. During bow season, if you are hunting public land, there is a lot less hunters out in the field, and a lot less gun shots, and a lot less pressure on the bucks, which gives you more opportunity to see a nice buck during the hunt.

AO Archery Only (AO) Deer Tags

Valid for archery equipment during the archery and general seasons in zones A, B, any D zone, hunt G10 (military personnel only) 1 tag is valid in zones C1, C2, C3 and C4 during the Archery Season only. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best California Deer Hunting Experience Awaits!