For California hunters planning their 2026 season, one of the most important deadlines of the year is almost here.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Big Game Drawing application period closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on June 2, and hunters hoping to draw premium opportunities for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and desert bighorn sheep need to act before the cutoff.
Applications can be completed online through CDFW’s license sales portal (https://www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales), in the CDFW License App, at select license sales offices and authorized agents, or by phone through CDFW telephone sales.
But this deadline is about more than just drawing tags.
California hunters can also now purchase their 2026 California hunting license, valid July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, along with key validations and tags for the coming season, including:
- 2026 California Upland Game Bird Validation
- 2026 California Duck Validation
- 2026 California Wild Pig Validation
- 2026 California Bear Tags
- Type A and Type B Wildlife Area Passes
- Other annual hunting entitlements
Hunters should also remember to request the free 2026–2027 California Duck Stamp and Upland Game Bird Stamp, which can be mailed to your address later in the license year — an easy item to overlook during checkout.
Bigger Opportunities in 2026
California’s upcoming hunting year brings several notable changes that could make this drawing especially attractive.
Black bear hunters will see expanded opportunity in 2026, including the ability to purchase up to two bear tags under the updated framework. For the first time, bear hunting will also open across California’s Northeastern Bear Conservation Region, creating new access in several X-zone deer country units long familiar to big game hunters.
Big game applicants will also see expanded opportunity elsewhere, with additional elk tags available in select hunts and new desert bighorn sheep hunt zones in the Mojave region, increasing both access and total tag numbers compared to prior years.
Plan Before You Apply
Big game applications are only half the equation—knowing exactly what you’re applying for matters.
California hunters preparing their applications can use the Hunterizer Seasons App to review 2026 season dates, regulations, and zone maps before submitting choices.
The Hunterizer mapping tools go beyond standard statewide zones, with specialized deer mapping layers for:
- Special Archery-only deer zones
- Junior deer hunts
- Muzzleloader deer hunts
- Special General deer opportunities
That makes it easier to understand exactly where your hunt choices are located before you commit your preference points.
For hunters asking the practical question—“What can I hunt today?”—Hunterizer also provides season availability by date and location, helping California hunters stay organized throughout the season.
The deadline comes fast every year. If hunting in California is part of your 2026 plans, now is the time to lock in your applications, licenses, and tags.
