This step-by-step guide walks hunters through licensing, tagging, and harvest reporting for deer, elk, antelope, black bear, bighorn sheep, and wild pig.
1. Get the Right License, Tag, or Validation
Before you hunt, secure your California hunting license, available online, through select CDFW offices, or authorized agents.
For these game species, you also need species-specific tags and/or entitlements:
- Black Bear: One tag per year.
- Deer: Up to two tags per year.
- Elk, Antelope, Bighorn Sheep: Each requires its own tag, through the draw system.
- Wild Pig: Requires a validation for harvest purposes.
Refer to the California Big Game Hunting Digest for seasons, tag quotas, and drawing details.
2. Fill Out Your Tag During the Hunt
Upon successful harvest, immediately fill in the required information on your tag as instructed – date, time, location, etc. – affix it to the harvested animal (if applicable). Refer to the tag for additional information.
3. Report Your Harvest—Promptly
CDFW requires all tag holders, successful or not, to submit harvest reports. Timelines vary by species:
| Species | Successful Hunters Report… | Unsuccessful Hunters (or unused tags)… | Program Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Within 30 days of harvest or by January 31 (whichever is first) | By January 31, whether you hunted or not. | Deer |
| Elk | Immediately | Within one week after season closes | Elk |
| Antelope | Immediately | Within one week after season closes | Pronghorn Antelope |
| Bear | Immediately | By February 1 of the license year | Bear |
| Bighorn Sheep | Immediately | Within 10 days after season closes | Bighorn Sheep |
| Wild Pig | At license-year end. Include number of harvest by month & county | N/A | Wild Pig |
You can report online (Wild Pig to be completed online only), or mail your report card to:
CDFW Wildlife Branch
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Why It Matters
Unused tags still require reporting! Missing reports can lead to non-reporting penalties or future restrictions.
Staying compliant ensures:
- Accurate data for wildlife management and conservation.
- Continued tag availability.
- Support for ethical hunting in California.
Feature Your Hunt with Our Photo Tool!
Be proud of your responsibly tagged photo! CDFW invites hunters to submit high-resolution, natural-setting photos (with properly tagged animals, not bed of a pickup, please). Shared images may appear in the California Hunting Digest and more. Submit via the CDFW’s online photo submission tool.
Summary Checklist:
- Buy your hunting license and the right tag(s).
- Hunt and tag carefully.
- Report harvest, or non-harvest, by the deadline online or via mail.
- Snap a clean, properly tagged photo of your harvest and submit it for possible publication.
Hunters keep your trail clear and your compliance on point, and don’t forget to share that winning shot!
Get your hunting license and tags today!