← California hunting laws›Hunting License

California Hunting License (2026)

Restricted: California requires a hunting license, and you need a hunter-education certificate before your first purchase unless you held a California license within the prior 2 years.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026
Hunting rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

California requires a hunting license, and you need a hunter-education certificate before your first purchase unless you held a California license within the prior 2 years. Licenses are available through CDFW.

Official source: wildlife.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Hunting License in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • ArizonaRestricted

    Arizona requires a hunting license for hunters age 10 and older, and hunter education is mandatory for hunters under 14 to take big game. Licenses are available through AZGFD.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: azgfd.com · Full Arizona rule →

  • NevadaRestricted

    Nevada requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born after Jan 1, 1960. Licenses are available through the Nevada Dept. of Wildlife.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ndow.org · Full Nevada rule →

  • OregonRestricted

    Oregon requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for hunters born on or after Jan 1, 1960. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the OR Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.

    Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: myodfw.com · Full Oregon rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app
Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind California hunting rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.

LawLert is an independent app, not affiliated with any government — informational only, not legal advice. Verify with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.