California Mule Deer Hunting
Plan your California mule deer 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 mule deer hunts across California, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
California Mule Deer 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 Mule Deer Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident 1st Deer Tag/Application | Draw | — | $42.38 |
Drawing application fee included with tag fee. | |||
| 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 1st Deer Tag/Application | Draw | — | $377.35 |
Drawing application fee included with tag fee. | |||
| 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
Mule deer archery season in California runs approximately July 25 through August 10 in zone B4, approximately August 15 through September 5 in zones B1, B2, B3, and B5, and approximately August 15 through September 12 in zone B6. General rifle season runs approximately August 23 through September 7 in zone B4, approximately September 19 through October 12 in zones X9a and X9b, approximately September 19 through October 18 in zone B6, approximately September 19 through October 25 in zones B1, B2, B3, and B5, approximately September 26 through October 11 in zone X8, and approximately October 3 through October 18 in most X zones with X8 and X9a/X9b having different dates. Area-specific archery season for restricted deer hunts runs approximately September 26 through December 31.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt mule deer 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 mule deer 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.
