Date: November 7, 2023
Cris Alarcon, El Dorado County. – The anticipation, the rush of excitement, and the connection with the wild – these are the hallmarks of the hunting experience that enthusiasts cherish. In a bid to introduce more Californians to the joys of hunting, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has introduced Free Hunting Days, allowing residents to experience the thrill of the hunt without the need for a hunting license. This initiative, stemming from a newly revised California law, aims to promote the heritage of hunting and connect people with nature.
Two Days to Embrace the Hunt
This year, California’s Free Hunting Days fall on November 25, 2023, and April 13, 2024, offering Californians two incredible opportunities to engage with the outdoors in a unique and exhilarating way. On these designated days, eligible California residents can pursue hunting without purchasing a hunting license, as long as they meet certain requirements.
Requirements for Participation
To partake in the Free Hunting Days, aspiring hunters must fulfill specific criteria:
- Proof of completing a hunter education course.
- Possession of a valid Free Hunt Days Registration.
- Appropriate tags, federal entitlements, and entry permits.
- Accompaniment by a mentor at least 21 years old who holds a valid California hunting license.
These requirements ensure a safe and educational experience for all participants. It’s an excellent way to introduce newcomers to the sport while upholding responsible hunting practices.
Diverse Hunting Opportunities
The chosen dates for Free Hunting Days were carefully selected to provide a wide array of hunting opportunities. On November 25, waterfowl and various upland game seasons will be open in different zones across the state. This includes hunting for species such as rabbit, squirrel, dove, pheasant, quail, and fall wild turkey. This timing, falling on a holiday weekend, makes it ideal for friends and family to come together and introduce newcomers to hunting.
The second Free Hunting Day on April 13, 2024, caters to wild pig and wild turkey hunting, two popular activities in the spring. These opportunities allow residents to explore the diverse and exciting world of hunting, connect with nature, and enjoy the bounty of wild game.
Encouraging a Connection to Nature
Taylor Williams, the Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) Manager at CDFW, encourages California residents to take advantage of Free Hunting Days. He believes that these days offer a chance for people to discover their personal connection to nature and the wild food resources in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, Free Hunting Days provide an accessible opportunity to connect with the great outdoors, learn from experienced mentors, and enjoy the unique flavors of wild game.
While the Free Hunting Days allow residents to forgo a California Hunting License, other hunting regulations such as bag limits, gear restrictions, and shooting times remain in effect. Additionally, participants may need to obtain state-operated wildlife area passes, tags, and federal entitlements, depending on the species they plan to hunt. For those interested in hunting wild pigs, a Wild Pig Tag will be necessary.
More information is available at CDFW’s Free Hunting Days web page. The Free Hunting Days Registration is available at no cost at CDFW license sales offices, from license agents and through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website(opens in new tab). Hunting seasons, regulations, places to hunt and other resources are available at CDFW’s Hunting in California web page. For additional information on participants hoping to get started hunting this season, please visit CDFW’s R3 web page for a variety of resources.
