The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has commenced the deer season with the opening of Zone A General Season on August 9, 2025. Other hunting zones across the state will begin their seasons in September and October, offering various opportunities for deer hunters.
Hunters interested in purchasing deer tags should do so quickly, as availability differs by zone. A current list of available deer tags can be accessed online, and tags can be purchased via CDFW’s automated license and data system or in person at designated license agents. It is important for hunters to familiarize themselves with the regulations to ensure sustainable wildlife management and conservation.
Hunters must ensure that deer tags are properly affixed to the animal and validated prior to transporting harvested game. Validation can be conducted by authorized personnel, including CDFW employees, firefighters, notaries, peace officers, and other designated agents. The only exception to this validation requirement is when the animal is being taken directly to an authorized tag validator.
Due to recent detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state, new regulations have been adopted to define CWD management zones as any deer hunt zone or county where CWD has been found or is within five miles of a detection. The regulations grant the director the authority to designate CWD management zones based on management goals and feasibility.
For the 2025 hunting season, hunters harvesting deer in hunt zones D7, X9a, X9b, and X9c must have their animals sampled for CWD. This requirement applies to all deer specialty hunts within these zones. Although CWD testing may currently be delayed, hunters are encouraged to submit samples as it is crucial for managing the disease. More information on CWD and sample submission can be found at the CDFW website.
