California Blacktail Hunting
Plan your California blacktail hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land blacktail hunts across California, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
California Blacktail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Zone B4 Archery
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Archery season for zone B4
Zones B1 B2 B3 B5 Archery
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Archery season for zones B1, B2, B3, B5
Zone B6 Archery
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Archery season for zone B6
Zone B4 General
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Rifle
General season for zone B4
X9 Zone General
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General season dates for Zones X9a and X9b.
Zone B6 General
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Rifle
General season for zone B6
Zones B1 B2 B3 B5 General
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Rifle
General season for zones B1, B2, B3, B5
X8 Zone General
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General season dates for Zone X8.
Area-specific Archery Season Restricted Hunts
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Archery season dates for area-specific restricted deer hunts. Restricted deer hunt tags are issued upon request to hunters applying on a First Deer Tag. Tags available at CDFW license agents, online and telephone sales until tag quotas fill.
X Zone General Season Oct
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Ages 3–18
General season dates for most X zones (X1-X7b). X8 and X9a/X9b have different dates.
California Blacktail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident 2nd Deer Tag/Application | Draw | — | $52.92 |
Drawing application fee included with tag fee. | |||
| 1st Deer Tag - Resident | — | — | $42.38 |
Price includes any applicable application fees, agent handling fees and license buyer surcharge. Deer Tag fees are nonrefundable once a deer tag has been issued regardless of closure of any zone or hunt due to fire, weather or other natural disasters (Sec. 708.2 Title 14, CCR). | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident 2nd Deer Tag/Application | Draw | — | $377.35 |
Drawing application fee included with tag fee. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit | OTC | Disabled hunters | $0.00 |
Available to any visually impaired hunter with permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease/disorder substantially impairing vision preventing viewing and aligning muzzleloader sights. Allows use of 1X scope on muzzleloader rifle during muzzleloader deer hunt tag conditions. Must renew each license year; may provide copy of previously issued permit for renewal. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Blacktail archery seasons in California vary by zone, with Zone B4 running approximately July 25 to August 10, 2026, Zones B1, B2, B3, and B5 running approximately August 15 to September 5, 2026, Zone B6 running approximately August 15 to September 12, 2026, and area-specific restricted hunts running approximately September 26 to December 31, 2026. General rifle seasons also vary by zone, with Zone B4 running approximately August 23 to September 7, 2026, Zones B1, B2, B3, and B5 running approximately September 19 to October 25, 2026, Zone B6 running approximately September 19 to October 18, 2026, Zone X8 running approximately September 26 to October 11, 2026, Zones X9a and X9b running approximately September 19 to October 12, 2026, and most X zones running approximately October 3 to October 18, 2026.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt blacktail in California with either a Premium Deer Hunt Tag obtained through the draw or one of several over-the-counter deer tags. Available options include archery-only and restricted tags, and many require a First Deer Tag. Tag availability depends on the hunt and quota, so check the current tag rules before applying or purchasing.
Yes. California offers over-the-counter blacktail tags for residents and nonresidents, including archery-only and restricted deer tags that remain available until their quotas fill. Many options require a First Deer Tag, while some restricted tags may be purchased as a Second Deer Tag under different eligibility rules. Check the current zone, quota, and tag-order requirements before purchasing.
