Calfornia Fish and Game Commission

Selected 2007 Resident and Migratory Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations

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Subdivision 2. Game and Furbearers

Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions

§250. General Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals and Furbearing Mammals.
§250.5. Shooting Time.
§251. Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air or Land Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats, Sailboats or Snowmobiles.
§251.1. Harassment of Animals.
§251.5. Game Birds, Game Mammals, Furbearers and Nongame Animals, Possession Of.
§251.7. Possession, Transportation and Importation of Game Birds.
§251.8. Transportation of Game Birds and Game Mammals off Indian Reservations.
§251.9. Computer Assisted Remote Hunting
§252. Bag and Possession Limit Defined.
§255. Code Definitions Reaffirmed.
§257. Resident Small Game Defined.
§257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds and Mammals by the Aid of Bait.
§258. Season Defined.
§260. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds and Quail in Picacho State Recreation Area.
§260.1. Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than During September-January on Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.
§260.2. Hunting Restrictions on Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.
§260.3. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds on San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.
§260.4. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area.
§260.5. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens and Common Snipe Within Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area.
§262. Prohibition Against Hunting on Portions of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
§263. Prohibition Against Night Hunting.

Chapter 2. Resident Small Game

§300. Upland Game Birds.

Pheasant: General, Archery, Falconry
Quail: General, Archery, Falconry
Chukar: General, Archery, Falconry
Sage Grouse: General, Archery, Falconry
Blue and Ruffed Grouse: General, Archery, Falconry
Ptarmigan: General, Archery, Falconry
Wild Turkey: General, Archery, Falconry
Band-tailed Pigeons: Shotgun, Archery, Falconry
Doves: Shotgun, Archery, Falconry
Common Snipe: Shotgun, Archery, Falconry

§310.5 Shooting Hours for Upland Game Birds
§311. Methods Authorized for Taking Resident Small Game.
§311.6. Prohibition of Rifles and Pistols in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.
§313. Upland Game Stamp.

§354. Archery Equipment and Crossbow Regulations.

Chapter 6. Nongame Animals

§472. General Provisions.
§473. Possession of Nongame Animals.
§475. Methods of Take for Nongame Birds and Nongame Mammals.
§485. American Crow.

Chapter 7. Migratory Game Birds

§505 Decoys.
§506. Shooting Hours.
§507. Provisions Related to the Taking of Migratory Game Birds.
§507.5. Scull Boats
§509. Concurrence with Federal Regulations.

Subdivision 3. General Regulations.

Chapter 3. Miscellaneous.

§700. Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Possession and Display Of.
§730. Camping Near or Occupying Wildlife Watering Places.

 

Subdivision 2. Game and Furbearers


Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions

§250. General Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals and Furbearing Mammals.

Except as otherwise provided in this Title 14, and in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals and furbearing mammals may not be taken at any time.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§250.5. Shooting Time.

In these orders whenever a specific clock time is mentioned, such time is meant to be legal California time for the date specified: i.e., during the days when California is on Pacific Daylight Saving Time, Pacific Daylight Saving Time is intended; when California is legally on Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Standard Time is intended. When reference is made to sunrise or sunset time, such reference is to the sunrise or sunset time at the location of the hunter. (See Section 310.5 for shooting hours for upland game birds. See Section 506 for shooting hours for migratory game birds.)

New NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§251. Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air or Land Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats, Sailboats or Snowmobiles.

(a) General Prohibition: No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached. For purposes of this subsection "use" includes but is not limited to personal use or intent by another to obtain information from such personal use. Evidence of an act constituting a violation of this section includes but is not limited to flying slowly at low altitudes, hovering, circling or repeatedly flying over any area where big game may be found. Exceptions to this subsection are:

(1) When the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or sailboat has been shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress therefrom has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or is being propelled by paddle, oar or pole.

(2) When used by the landowner or tenant of private property to drive or herd game mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private property.

(3) Pursuant to a license from the department issued under such regulations as the commission may prescribe (see subsection 251(b) below).

(b) Mobility Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle License

(1) Applications: Applications for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License for mobility disabled persons shall be on a form supplied by the Department (Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application, FG1460-10/95). The application shall include the applicant's name, address, physical description, a description of the qualifying disability, and a certified statement from a licensed physician describing the applicant's permanent disability. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify an application for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License.

(2) Terms of the License: The Motor Vehicle Hunting License shall specify conditions under which said license shall be used and shall include but not be limited to the following provisions:

(A) The licensee shall be accompanied by an able bodied assistant who shall immediately retrieve, and tag if necessary, all game taken. (Possession of the licensee's tag, required in this subsection, shall not be considered an unlawful possession of a tag or license issued to another person).

(B) The assistant shall not possess a firearm, crossbow or archery equipment unless he/she is a licensed hunter and possesses any necessary license or tag for the area being hunted. The assistant shall not discharge a firearm or release a bolt or an arrow from the vehicle. If licensed, the assistant may dispatch wounded game which has moved out of range of the licensee.

(C) The vehicle must be stopped and the engine must be shut off prior to the licensee discharging firearm or releaseing a bolt from a crossbow or an arrow from archery equipment.

(D) The licensee shall notify the Department, at the regional office having responsibility for the area where the licensee intends to hunt, at least 48 hours prior to hunting or contact the department's 24-hour dispatcher at the number indicated on the license. The licensee shall specify the locality, vehicle description, and the approximate time frame during which such hunt shall take place.

(E) The licensee or assistant shall not pursue any animal or drive or herd animals to any other hunters with a motor vehicle.

(F) This license does not grant permission to trespass on private property or permission to use a motor vehicle while in any area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.

(G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law.

(H) The licensee shall have the license in possession while hunting from a motor vehicle.

(3) License Fee: A license fee of $25.00, as adjusted annually pursuant to Section 713 of the Fish and Game Code, shall be charged for processing and issuing the Mobility Impaired Disabled Person Motor Vehicle Hunting License. Licenses shall be issued only by the Director or his/her designee. Licenses shall be permanent and have no expiration date.

Amended 2004

§251.1. Harassment of Animals.

Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd or drive any game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal's normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering. This section does not apply to a landowner or tenant who drives or herds birds or mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private or public property, including aquaculture and agriculture crops.

New section filed 11-14-90; operative 11-14-90.

§251.5. Game Birds, Game Mammals, Furbearers and Nongame Animals, Possession Of.

(a) Migratory game birds may not be held beyond the period provided by the federal regulations and in accordance with the daily bag and possession limits prescribed by these regulations. (See section 500.)

(b) Live mountain lions may be possessed only under terms of a permit issued by the Department pursuant to section 2150 of the Fish and Game Code or if the owner can demonstrate that the mountain lion was in his/her possession on or before June 6, 1990 under a permit issued pursuant to section 3200 of said code.

(c) Every game bird, game mammal, furbearer or nongame animal taken under the authority of a hunting or trapping license and reduced to possession by the hunter or trapper shall be immediately killed and become a part of the daily bag limit.

Repealer of subsections (a) and (b), subsection relettering and amendment of Note filed 9-1-2000; operative 9-1-2000.

§251.7. Possession, Transportation and Importation of Game Birds.

(a) No person may possess any birds taken in this state in excess of the daily bag and possession limits. The exception to this is for the purpose of transportation, cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services, where an individual may possess game birds taken by another hunter provided that they are tagged by the hunter who has lawfully taken them. The tag must contain the hunter's name, address, hunting license number, kinds and numbers of game birds taken, date and location of kill, and signature.

(b) All birds, including migratory game birds, possessed or transported within California must have a fully feathered wing or head attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial preservation facility or being prepared for immediate consumption. Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached.

(c) Migratory game birds imported into California shall be accompanied by a declaration of entry as prescribed in Section 2353 of the Fish and Game Code.

(d) Only one possession limit of migratory game birds may be possessed per individual after the close of the season for that species.

Amended 2007.

§251.8. Transportation of Game Birds and Game Mammals off Indian Reservations.

(a) Pursuant to the provisions of sections 3080 and 3081(b) of the Fish and Game Code, game birds and game mammals taken by California Indians on reservations under those circumstances wherein the taking of such animals is excepted from the application of the California Fish and Game Code in accordance with the provisions of section 12300 of the Fish and Game Code may be transported off the reservation and possessed within this state subject to the following conditions:

(1) A permit, in such form as shall be prescribed by the Department of Fish and Game, to transport the carcass of a game bird or mammal or parts thereof off a particular California Indian reservation shall first be obtained from tribal members designated by the tribal council of the reservation. Copies of the permit shall be maintained and distributed by the designated tribal members in accordance with instructions issued by the Department of Fish and Game.

(2) The carcass of each game bird or mammal or parts thereof shall be suitably stamped and/or tagged in such manner as shall be designated by the Department of Fish and Game prior to the transportation off the reservation.

(3) The permit, stamps and/or tags, as prescribed by the Department of Fish and Game, shall be furnished to each tribal reservation without charge. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of the permit or the stamping and/or tagging of the carcass.

(4) The permittee shall retain such permit in his possession and shall maintain the stamp and/or tags on the carcass or parts thereof at all times while transporting or possessing the carcass or parts thereof off his reservation.

(b) Game birds and game mammals taken on Indian reservations in accordance with applicable provisions of the Fish and Game Code and part 2, division 1, title 14, of the California Code of Regulations, which apply to the remainder of the state may be transported and possessed on such reservations without a permit being issued or the carcasses being stamped or tagged as provided in this section.

Editorial correction of printing error in subsection (b) (Register 91, No. 31).


§251.9. Computer Assisted Remote Hunting.

(a) It is unlawful to take or assist in the taking of any bird or mammal in or from this state, by computer-assisted remote hunting.
(b) It is unlawful to establish or operate a computer-assisted remote hunting site for the purpose of taking any bird or mammal from or within this state.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other remotely controlled device, equipment, software, or technology, to remotely control the aiming or discharge of any weapon, including, but not limited to, any firearm, bow and arrow, spear, harpoon or any other weapon capable of killing or injuring any bird or mammal, for the purposes of taking any bird or mammal.
(d) For the purposes of this section, "computer-assisted remote hunting site" means any computer, internet site or web-based device or system, or other electronically operated site or system used to assist in the remote taking of any bird or mammal.
   
New section filed 11-1-2005 operative 12-1-2005 (Register 2005, No. 44).

§252. Bag and Possession Limit Defined.

"Bag and possession limit" means the daily bag limit of each kind of resident and migratory game birds, game mammals and furbearing mammals which may be taken and possessed by any one person unless otherwise authorized.

New NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§255. Code Definitions Reaffirmed.

Words defined by sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 22, 29, and 30 through 88 inclusive of the Fish and Game Code have had and shall have the same meaning, definition and scope whenever used in division 1 of title 14, California Code of Regulations, it being the intent of the Fish and Game Commission in adopting the orders, rules, and regulations set forth in said division that the provisions of said sections were and are applicable.

Editorial correction of printing error (Register 91, No. 31).

§257. Resident Small Game Defined.

"Resident small game" means the following resident game birds: Chinese spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringed turtle-doves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel's or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, blue grouse and varieties thereof, ruffed grouse, sage grouse (sage hens), white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pigmy rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurus and Tamiasciurus).

Amended 2007.

§257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds and Mammals by the Aid of Bait.

Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds and mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area.

(a) Definition of Baited Area. As used in this regulation, "baited area" shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.

(b) Exceptions:

(1) The taking of domestically reared and released game birds on licensed pheasant clubs and other licensed game bird clubs;

(2) The taking of resident game birds and mammals on or over standing crops, flooded standing crops (including aquatics), flooded harvested croplands, grain crops properly shocked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting;

(3) The taking of resident game birds and mammals on or over any lands where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes: provided that manipulation for wildlife management purposes does not include the distributing or scattering of grain or other feed once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.

Amendment of first paragraph filed 7-1-86; effective upon filing.

§258. Season Defined.

"Season" means that period of time during which resident and migratory game birds, game mammals and fur-bearing mammals may be taken. All dates are inclusive.

New NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§260. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds and Quail in Picacho State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Picacho State Recreation Area only migratory game birds and quail may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Sections 301, 500, 501 and 502 of these regulations.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§260.1. Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than During September-January on Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area hunting is permitted only during the period September 1 to January 31.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§260.2. Hunting Restrictions on Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.

Game species may be taken on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area only as follows:

(a) No hunting of any type is permitted between February 1 and September 14 except for wild turkeys only, during the spring turkey hunting season as provided in Section 306 of these regulations.

(b) No waterfowl or deer hunting is permitted at any time.

(c) Game species may be taken only during their respective open seasons or portions thereof falling within the period September 15 through January 31; and as provided in (a) above; and as otherwise provided by state Parks and Recreation area regulations (see area regulations).

Amendment of subsection (a) filed 9-16-81; designated effective 9-26-81.

§260.3. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds on San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, only migratory waterfowl may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§260.4. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area only waterfowl and resident small game may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 551 of these regulations.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§260.5. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens and Common Snipe Within Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, only waterfowl, American coots, common moorhens and common snipe may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations.

Amendment filed 10-11-85; effective upon filing.

§262. Prohibition Against Hunting on Portions of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.

That portion of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area lying southwest of the following line is closed to hunting: Beginning at a point on Little Frank's Tract 2,000 feet north of the Piper Slough; southeast 2,000 feet east of the Piper Slough levee to the junction of the Holland Island levee.

New section filed 10-14-82; effective upon filing.

§263. Prohibition Against Night Hunting.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, hunting wildlife from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited in Monterey and San Benito counties east of Highway 101.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

Chapter 2. Resident Small Game

§300. Upland Game Birds.

(a) Resident Upland Game Birds

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(1)  General Seasons:   Shotgun;  Crossbow;  and Pistol/Revolver for Blue/Ruffed Grouse Only;  Bag and Possession Limits and Open Areas     (see Authorized Methods of Take, Section 311)
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(A) Pheasants The second Saturday in November extending for 44 consecutive days Bag Limit:
2 males per day for the first 2 days of the season; 3 males per day after the first two days of the season

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
3. Area: Statewide
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(B) Quail [including California (valley) quail, mountain quail, and Gambel's (desert) quail] See area zone descriptions for details Bag Limit:
10 quail in any combination of species per day


Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
Mountain Quail only: a. Early Mountain Quail Season (Zone Q1) - The second Saturday in September extending through the Friday prior to the third Saturday in October
All species: General Quail Season (Zone Q1) - The third Saturday in October extending through the last Sunday in January
All species: b. Early Coastal Season (Zone Q2) - The last Saturday in September extending through the last Sunday in January
All species: c. Balance of the State Season (Zone Q3) - The third Saturday in October extending through the last Sunday in January

QUAIL HUNTING ZONE AREA DESCRIPTIONS

Link to Map

3. Area Zone Descriptions:

a. Zone Q1:
The early mountain quail season hunting zone includes the counties of Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, and those portions of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Tuolomne, Tulare, and Yuba counties lying east of the western boundary of the national forests.

b. Zone Q2:
The early coastal quail season (all species) hunting zone includes the counties of Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino.

c. Zone Q3:
The balance of the state season (all species) hunting zone includes the remaining land area not included in Zone Q2 (the counties of Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino).
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(C) Chukar (Red-Legged Partridges) The third Saturday in October through the last Sunday in January Bag Limit:
6 chukar per day

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
3. Area: Statewide
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(D) Sage Grouse The second Saturday in September extending for two consecutive days See area open zone descriptions (subsection 300(a)(1)(D)3.)

East Lassen and Central Lassen zones:
Bag Limit: 2 sage grouse per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit: 2 sage grouse per season

North Mono and South Mono zones:
Bag Limit: 1 sage grouse per day, 1 per season

Possession Limit: 1 sage grouse per season

SAGE GROUSE HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTIONS AND PERMIT PROCESS

3. Area Open Zone Descriptions:

a. East Lassen Zone:
That portion of Lassen County beginning at the intersection of Highway 395 and County Road 502 in the town of Ravendale; north and east on County Road 502 to County Road 526 (Buckhorn Road); east on County Road 526 to the Nevada state line; south along the Nevada state line to its intersection with County Road 320 (Wendel-Flanigan Road); northwest on County Road 320 to its intersection with Highway 395 between Wendel and Litchfield north on Highway 395 to the point of beginning.

b. Central Lassen Zone:
That portion of Lassen County beginning at the intersection of Highway 139 and County Road 513 (Termo-Grasshopper Road); east on County Road 513 to its intersection with County Road 523 (Westside Road); north on County Road 523 to its intersection with County Road 525 (Brockman Road); east on County Road 525 to its intersection with Highway 395; south on Highway 395 to its intersection with Highway 36 in the town of Johnstonville; west on Highway 36 to its intersection with Highway 139 in Susanville; north on Highway 139 to the point of beginning.

c. North Mono Zone:
That portion on Mono County beginning at the intersection of Highway 182 and the California-Nevada state line; south and east along the California-Nevada state line to Highway 167; west along Highway 167 to Highway 395; north along Highway 395 to Highway 182 at Bridgeport; north along Highway 182 to the point of beginning.

d. South Mono Zone:
That portion of Mono County beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 395; north along U.S. Highway 6 to the intersection of U.S. Highway 120; west along U.S. Highway 120 to the intersection of the Benton Crossing Road; west along Benton Crossing Road to the intersection of Owens River Road; west along Owens River Road to the intersection of U.S. Highway 395; south along U.S. Highway 395 to the point of beginning.

No open season in the balance of the state not included in the above open zones.

4. Number of Permits:

a. East Lassen Zone: 20 permits
b. Central Lassen Zone: 15 permits
c. North Mono Zone: 25 permits
d. South Mono Zone: 35 permits

5. Permit Process:


The free sage grouse hunting permits shall be issued by public drawing. All applicants shall apply either on a postcard or through the Internet at the License and Revenue Branch Home Page at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lrb and select sage grouse drawing. All applicants must provide their name, address, zip code, hunting license number, and the zone they wish to hunt. Applicants shall submit only one drawing application for either the East Lassen Zone, Central Lassen Zone, North Mono Zone, or the South Mono Zone. Up to four hunters may apply as a party. All hunters' names, addresses, and hunting license numbers must be included on the application. Postcard applications for all hunts shall be mailed to the Department of Fish and Game, License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento. Applications must be received before the close of the business day on the second Monday of August for all open zones (East Lassen Zone, Central Lassen Zone, North Mono Zone, or the South Mono Zone). Successful applicants will be notified by mail prior to the opening date of the season. Permits are nontransferable. Any permits remaining after the drawing will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and will be advertised by news release following each drawing. Applications for remaining permits shall be mailed to the above address with the same required information. Successful drawing applicants previously selected, or hunt party members, may not apply for remaining permits.

6. Falconry Only Permits:


Applicants desiring to use a sage grouse permit during the falconry-only season must declare upon the application that the permit is for falconry only.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(E) Blue and Ruffed Grouse The second Saturday in September extending for 31 consecutive days Bag Limit: 2 grouse per day

Bag Limit Makeup:
up to 2 blue grouse
up to 2 ruffed grouse
or one of each

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit

BLUE AND RUFFED GROUSE HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTIONS

Link to Map

3. Area Open Zone: The open hunting zone for blue and ruffed grouse includes the following counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yuba. All other counties are closed to the taking of blue or ruffed grouse.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(F) White-Tailed Ptarmigan The second Saturday in September extending for nine consecutive days Bag Limit:
2 ptarmigan per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit:
2 per season

PTARMIGAN HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTIONS

3. Area Open Zone: The open hunting zone for ptarmigan includes Alpine County and that portion of Mono County lying north and west of a line beginning at the intersection of Highway 203 and the Madera County line; east on Highway 203 to Highway 395; and north on Highway 395 to the Nevada state line.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(G) Wild Turkeys a. Fall Season - The second Saturday in November extending for 16 consecutive days Bag Limit:
1 either-sex turkey per day, 1 per season

Possession Limit:
1 per season
b. Spring Season - The last Saturday in March extending for 37 consecutive days

c. Additional Spring Season for Hunters with Junior Hunting Licenses - The day following the close of the general spring turkey season extending for 14 consecutive days.

Baq Limit:
1 bearded turkey per day, 3 per season. No person shall take more than a total of 3 turkeys during the general, archery, and additional season for junior hunters, combined.

Possession Limit:
3 per season

(A bearded turkey is one having a beard visible through the breast feathers.)

3. Area:

a. Fall Season:
All counties except San Diego County

b. Spring Season:
Statewide including State Game Refuge 1G, located in Tehama County
 

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 (2) Archery Seasons, Bag and Possession Limits and Open Areas
(see Authorized Methods of Take, sections 311 and 354)
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(A) Pheasants The second Saturday in November extending for 60 consecutive days Bag Limit:
2 pheasants per day for the first 2 days of the season; 3 pheasants per day after the first two days of the season

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit; the daily archery bag may contain not more than one female pheasant
3. Area: Statewide
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(B) Quail (all species) The third Saturday in August extending for 21 consecutive days and during the general seasons as follows: Bag Limit:
10 quail in any combination of species per day


Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
Mountain Quail only: a. Early Mountain Quail Season (Zone Q1) - The second Saturday in September extending through the Friday prior to the third Saturday in October
All species: General Quail Season (Zone Q1 ) - The third Saturday in October extending through the last Sunday in January
All species: b. Early Coastal Season (Zone Q2) - The last Saturday in September extending through the last Sunday in January
All species: c. Balance of the State Season (Zone Q3) - The third Saturday in October extending through the last Sunday in January
3. Area: Statewide
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(C) Chukar The third Saturday in August extending for 21 consecutive days and during the general season Bag Limit:
6 chukar

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
3. Area: Statewide
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(D) Sage Grouse The second Saturday in September extending for 2 consecutive days See area open zone descriptions (subsection 300(a)(1)(D)3.)

East Lassen and Central Lassen zones:
Bag Limit: 2 sage grouse per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit: 2 sage grouse per season

North Mono and South Mono zones:
Bag Limit: 1 sage grouse per day, 1 per season

Possession Limit: 1 sage grouse per season
3. Area: Open Zone: see open zone descriptions for details [subsection 300(a)(1)(D)3.], which include portions of Lassen, Mono, and Inyo counties. Hunting by free permit only; see permit process section for details.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(E) Blue and Ruffed Grouse The third Saturday in August extending for 21 consecutive days and during the general season from the second Saturday in September extending for 31 consecutive days Bag Limit: 2 grouse per day
Bag Limit Makeup:
up to 2 blue grouse
up to 2 ruffed grouse
or one of each

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit

3. Area: Open Zone: see open zone descriptions for details [subsection 300(a)(1)(E)3.], which include northern and eastern portions of the state
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(F) White-Tailed Ptarmigan The second Saturday in September extending for nine consecutive days Bag Limit:
2 ptarmigan per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit:
2 per season
3. Area: Open Zone: see open zone descriptions for details [subsection 300(a)(1)(F)3.], which include portions of Alpine and Mono counties
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(G) Wild Turkeys a. Fall Season - The second Saturday in November extending for 16 consecutive days Bag Limit:
1 either-sex turkey per day, 1 per season

Possession Limit:
1 per season
b. Spring Season - The last Saturday in March extending for 51 consecutive days Bag Limit:
1 bearded turkey per day , 3 per season. No person shall take more than a total of 3 turkeys during the general, archery, and additional season for junior hunters, combined.

Possession Limit:
3 per season

(A bearded turkey is one having a beard visible through the breast feathers.)

3. Area:

a. Fall Season:
All counties except San Diego County

b. Spring Season:
Statewide including State Game Refuge 1G, located in Tehama County
 

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S 		(3) Falconry Seasons, Bag and Possession Limits and Open Areas
(see Authorized Methods of Take, Section 311)
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits and Hawking Hours
(A) Pheasants
(B) Quail
(C) Chukar
(D) Blue and Ruffed Grouse
(E) White-Tailed Ptarmigan		 October 1 extending through the last day in February Bag and Possession Limits: same as general season regulations by species. The daily falconry bag may contain birds of either sex.

Hawking hours are sunrise to sunset.
3. Area: See open zone descriptions for details on each species [subsection 300(a)(1)]
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits and Hawking Hours
(F) Sage Grouse The first Saturday in November extending for 60 consecutive days, and during the general season See area open zone descriptions (subsection 300(a)(1)(D)3.)

East Lassen and Central Lassen zones:
Bag Limit: 2 sage grouse per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit: 2 sage grouse per season

North Mono and South Mono zones:
Bag Limit: 1 sage grouse per day, 2 per season

Possession Limit: 1 sage grouse per season

Hawking hours are sunrise to sunset.
3. Area:
See open zone descriptions subsection 300(a)(1)(D)3.]; hunting by free permit only; see permit process section for details [subsection 300(a)(1)(D)5.].
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(G) Wild Turkeys a. Fall Season - The second Saturday in November extending for 16 consecutive days Bag Limit:
1 either-sex turkey per day

Possession Limit:
1 per season
b. Spring Season - The last Saturday in March extending for 37 consecutive days

 

 Bag Limit:
1 bearded turkey per day

Possession Limit:
3 per season

(A bearded turkey is one having a beard visible through the breast feathers.)

3. Area:

a. Fall Season:
All counties except San Diego County

b. Spring Season:
Statewide including State Game Refuge 1G, located in Tehama County

(b) Migratory Upland Game Birds

(1) Shotgun, Archery, and Falconry Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits
(see Authorized Methods of Take, Section 507)
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(A) Band-Tailed Pigeons a. Northern Zone - The third Saturday in September extending for 9 consecutive days

b. Southern Zone - The third Saturday in December extending for 9 consecutive days

Bag Limit:
2 band-tailed pigeons per day

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit

BAND-TAILED PIGEON HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTIONS

Link to Map

3. Area Open Zone Descriptions:

a. Northern Zone:
Includes the counties of Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity.

b. Southern Zone:
Includes the balance of the state not included in the northern zone described above.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(B) Doves (Mourning doves, white-winged doves, spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and ringed turtle-doves) September 1 - 15 and from the second Saturday in November extending for 45 days

Bag Limit:
Spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and ringed turtle-doves shall be included in the bag and possession limit set for the mourning doves and white-winged doves.

10 doves per day in aggregate of the above listed dove

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit in aggregate of the above listed dove

3. Area:

Note: There is no open hunting season on common ground-doves, ruddy ground-doves, and Inca doves.

Statewide for mourning doves, spotted doves, ringed turtle-doves, and Eurasian collared-doves.

White-winged doves may be taken only in Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Species 1. Seasons 2. Daily Bag and Possession Limits
(C) Common Snipe The third Saturday in October extending for 107 days Bag Limit:
8 per day

Possession Limit:
double the daily bag limit
3. Area: Statewide
 

Amended 2007.

§310.5. Shooting Hours for Upland Game Birds.

The shooting hours for all upland game birds, except for pheasants and the spring wild turkeys season, shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for pheasants shall be from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The shooting hours for the spring wild turkey season shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to 4:00 p.m.

Amendment of section heading and repealer and new section filed 10-2-98; operative 10-2-98.

§311. Methods Authorized for Taking Resident Small Game.

Only the following may be used to take resident small game:

(a) Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using shot shells only and incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. If a plug is used to reduce the capacity of a magazine to fulfill the requirements of this section, the plug must be of one piece construction incapable of removal without disassembling the gun;

(b) Shotgun shells may not be used or possessed that contain shot size larger than No. BB, except that shot size larger than No. 2 may not be used or possessed when taking wild turkey. All shot shall be loose in the shell.

(c) Muzzle-loading shotguns;

(d) Falconry;

(e) Bow and arrow (see Section 354 for archery equipment regulations);

(f) Air rifles firing pellets and powered by compressed air or gas (0.20 caliber minimum for taking wild turkey); and firearm rifles and pistols for taking rabbits and squirrels, except in Los Angeles County, in addition to the methods listed in (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) above;

(g) In San Diego and Orange counties only, rabbits may be taken at any time during the open season by means of box traps. Such traps shall not exceed 24 inches in any dimension, shall be tended at least once every 24 hours, and shall show the name and address of the trap owner. All rabbits taken under this section shall be immediately killed and become a part of the daily bag limit;

(h) Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take resident game birds;

(i) Coursing dogs may be used to take rabbits;

(j) Archers hunting during any archery season may not possess a firearm while in the field engaged in archery hunting during an archery season;

(k) The use of live decoys is prohibited when attempting to take resident game birds;

(l) Pistols and revolvers may be used to take blue and ruffed grouse in those counties only and for the season described in Section 300(a)(1)(E).

(m) Crossbows, except for provisions of Section 354(d) and (g).

(n) Dogs may be used to take and retrieve resident small game.

Amended 2004.

§311.6. Prohibition of Rifles and Pistols in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.

The use of rifles and pistols to take any bird or mammal is prohibited in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.

Amendment of NOTE filed 9-16-81; designated effective 9-26-81.

§313. Upland Game Stamp.

Any adult License holder taking resident game birds including Chinese spotted doves, ringed turtle doves, of the family Columbidae; California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel's or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, blue, ruffed, and sage grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and migratory game birds including common snipe, western mourning doves, white-winged doves, and band-tailed pigeons must have a current state upland game stamp affixed to their license.

New section filed 7-15-93; operative 8-16-93.

§354. Archery Equipment and Crossbow Regulations.

(a) Bow, as used in these regulations, means any device consisting of a flexible material having a string connecting its two ends and used to propel an arrow held in a firing position by hand only. Bow, includes long bow, recurve or compound bow.

(b) Crossbow, as used in these regulations means any device consisting of a bow or cured latex band or other flexible material (commonly referred to as a linear bow) affixed to a stock, or any bow that utilizes any device attached directly or indirectly to the bow for the purpose of keeping a crossbow bolt, an arrow or the string in a firing position. Except as provided in subsection 354(j), a crossbow is not archery equipment and cannot be used during the archery deer season.

(c) For the taking of big game, hunting arrows and crossbow bolts with a broad head type blade which will not pass through a hole seven-eighths inch in diameter shall be used. Mechanical/retractable broad heads shall be measured in the open position. For the taking of migratory game birds, resident small game, furbearers and nongame mammals and birds any arrow or crossbow bolt may be used except as prohibited by subsection (d) below.

(d) No arrows or crossbow bolt with an explosive head or with any substance which would tranquilize or poison any animal may be used. No arrows or crossbow bolt without flu-flu fletching may be used for the take of pheasants and migratory game birds, except for provisions of section 507(a)(2).

(e) No arrow or crossbow bolt may be released from a bow or crossbow upon or across any highway, road or other way open to vehicular traffic.

(f) No bow or crossbow may be used which will not cast a legal hunting arrow, except flu-flu arrows, a horizontal distance of 130 yards.

(g) Except as described in subsection 354(j), crossbows may not be used to take game birds and game mammals during archery seasons.

(h) Except as provided in subsection 353(g), archers may not possess a firearm while hunting in the field during any archery season, or while hunting during a general season under the provisions of an archery only tag.

(i) No person may nock or fit the notch in the end of an arrow to a bowstring or crossbow string in a ready-to-fire position while in or on any vehicle.

(j) Upon application to the department, the department may issue a Disabled Archer Permit free of any charge or fee, to any person with a physical disability, as defined in 354(k), which prevents him/her from being able to draw and hold a bow in a firing position. The Disabled Archer Permit authorizes the disabled archer to use a crossbow or device which holds a string and arrow in the firing position to assist in the taking of birds and mammals under the conditions of an archery tag or during archery season.

(1) Applications for a Disabled Archer Permit, 2005/2006 Disabled Archer Permit Application, (Form FG 537 (New 1/05) ) shall be submitted to the department at the address specified on the application and shall include:

(A) Applicant’s name

(B) Applicant’s physical address

(C) Applicant’s date of birth

(D) Applicant’s Driver’s License or DMV Number

(E) Applicant