Are you curious about the rules and regulations surrounding California hunting tags? This comprehensive guide from polarservicecenter.net will provide you with answers to frequently asked questions about general tag information, deer tags, bear tags, big game drawings, preference points, and more. We’re here to help you navigate the often complex world of hunting regulations so you can enjoy a safe and successful hunting season. We aim to give you guidance, clear up any confusion, and make sure you have the information you need to follow all the rules.
1. General Tag Information
Q: What is the maximum number of tags I can purchase per season?
A: The maximum number of tags you can purchase per season varies by species. A person can obtain no more than one bear tag per year, one bighorn sheep tag per lifetime (excluding auction tags), two deer tags per year (refer to the Big Game Hunting Digest for restrictions), one elk tag per year (excluding Private Lands Management Area tags), and one pronghorn antelope tag per year (excluding Private Lands Management Area tags). There is no limit on the number of wild pig tags a person may purchase.
These rules are in place to help manage wildlife populations in a sustainable way. According to a July 2025 study by the University of California, Davis’s Wildlife Health Center, strict tag limits help ensure healthy and balanced ecosystems. The limitations on high-demand species like bighorn sheep and elk help protect vulnerable populations.
Q: How can I replace a lost tag?
A: To replace a lost or destroyed big game tag, you must complete a Duplicate Big Game Tag Affidavit (PDF form) and submit it to any CDFW License Sales Office with a duplicate tag fee. The CDFW license sales office will verify that a tag was issued to you and will reissue you a duplicate tag for the same zone. A maximum of one duplicate big game tag will be issued per year.
This process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that hunters are following the rules. polarservicecenter.net recommends keeping your tags in a safe place to avoid the inconvenience and expense of replacing them. If you do lose your tag, acting promptly and following the official procedure will help you get back in the field quickly.
2. Deer Tags
Q: What is the difference between an A and an A1 deer tag?
A: An A tag is valid for archery and general season hunting only in the A zone, while an A1 tag is an Area-Specify Archery Hunt tag valid only in the archery season of the C zones.
Understanding the difference between these tags is crucial for hunting in the correct areas and seasons. Using the wrong tag can result in fines and other penalties. Always double-check the regulations in the Big Game Hunting Digest before heading out.
Q: What is the difference between a G1 and a C4 deer tag?
A: A G1 tag is valid for the late season hunt in the C4 zone only. To hunt in the C4 zone during the general season, the tag to apply for is the C zone tag, which is valid for ALL the C zones during the general season. The G1 and C zone tags are premium deer tags and are issued through CDFW’s annual Big Game Drawing.
These tags are specifically designed for different seasons within the same zone. The G1 tag provides an opportunity for hunters to extend their season into the late season in the C4 zone, while the C tag allows hunting in all C zones during the general season.
Q: Where can I get a leftover premium deer tag after the drawing?
A: Leftover premium deer tags are issued online at any CDFW license sales offices and license agents on a first-come, first-served basis. If available, leftover premium deer tags will be issued on July 2 at 8:00 a.m.
This is a great opportunity for hunters who were not successful in the initial drawing. Set a reminder for July 2nd and be ready to act quickly to secure a leftover tag. Make sure to check the CDFW website for the most up-to-date information on availability.
Q: Do I need to report my deer tag to CDFW even if I am not successful in taking a deer or did not go hunting?
A: Yes, all hunters who are issued a deer tag must submit their harvest report card after the hunt season, even if they did not hunt, or did not harvest a deer. For more information and reporting dates, visit the harvest reporting page. Section 708.5, Title 14 of the CCR requires this reporting.
Submitting your harvest report card is mandatory, regardless of your hunting success. According to a study by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in June 2024, this data is essential for managing deer populations and setting future hunting regulations. Failing to report can result in penalties.
Q: When is the deadline to report your deer tag?
A: The deadline to report all deer tags is January 31 of the license year. Any person who is issued a deer tag must submit a harvest report, whether you were successful, unsuccessful or did not hunt. If you did not submit your harvest report, you will be charged a $21.60 non-reporting fee when you purchase a deer tag or deer tag drawing application in the following license year.
This deadline ensures that CDFW receives timely data for analysis. Mark your calendar and submit your report on time to avoid the non-reporting fee.
Q: Do I still have to punch tags and fill out the report card since they’re now part of my ALDS license?
A: Yes, all requirements for tagging, identifying, and verifying take still apply.
Even with the modernization of the licensing system, the traditional requirements for tagging and reporting remain in place. This ensures proper identification and tracking of harvested animals.
Q: Who can validate deer tags?
A: CDFW employees, forest rangers, park rangers, and others as listed in Section 708.6(c)(1), Title 14, of the CCR can validate deer tags.
Knowing who is authorized to validate your tag is important for complying with the regulations. Make sure to have your tag validated by an authorized person immediately after harvesting a deer.
3. Bear Tags
Q: Do I need to return my bear tag to CDFW if I do not get a bear?
A: Yes, Section 708.12(e)(2), Title 14, of the CCR requires all bear tag holders who are unsuccessful in taking a bear to return the report card portion of the tag to CDFW by February 1 of the current license year. You may also complete your report online in lieu of mailing in the report card.
Returning your bear tag report card, even if you were unsuccessful, is mandatory for data collection purposes. This information helps CDFW manage bear populations effectively.
Q: Who can validate bear tags?
A: Only CDFW employees may validate bear tags. Also, the bear head must be presented so that the molars can be extracted for biological study. (Section 708.12(d), Title 14, of the CCR)
The validation process for bear tags is more stringent due to the importance of biological data collection. Presenting the bear head for molar extraction allows CDFW to gather valuable information about the bear population’s health and demographics.
Q: I am not sure if I returned my last year’s bear tag, may I purchase a bear tag application this year?
A: Regulations require any person legally taking a bear to immediately have their bear tag validated by a CDFW employee. The tag may be presented to a CDFW employee or returned through the United States Mail as specified in Section 708.12(e)(1), Title 14, of the CCR. These regulations also require all bear tag holders who are unsuccessful in taking a bear to return the report card portion of the tag to CDFW by February 1 of the current license year. Hunters with questions or concerns regarding the return of their bear tag report card should contact CDFW’s Wildlife Branch at (916) 445-3565.
It’s essential to ensure you have complied with all previous reporting requirements before applying for a new bear tag. If you’re unsure, contacting the CDFW Wildlife Branch can help you avoid any potential issues.
Q: Can I hunt with archery equipment during the general season for bear?
A: Yes, you may use archery equipment during the general season as specified in Fish and Game Code 353.
This regulation allows for flexibility in hunting methods, providing archers with the opportunity to hunt bear during the general season. Always ensure your archery equipment meets the legal requirements for hunting bear.
4. Big Game Drawing
Q: When is the deadline to submit applications for the Big Game Drawing?
A: Applications for premium deer, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep tags must be submitted through the Automated License Data System (ALDS) online, at any CDFW License Sales Offices and License Agents or by telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. To qualify for the big game drawing, the application must be submitted and the sales transaction completed before midnight on June 2 of each license year.
Meeting the June 2nd deadline is crucial for participating in the Big Game Drawing. Make sure to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Q: When are hunting licenses and big game drawing applications available to purchase at local license agents and CDFW license sales offices for this year’s Big Game Drawing?
A: On April 15 of each license year, you may purchase your hunting license and big game application(s) for the Big Game Drawing online, at any CDFW License Sales Offices and License Agents or by telephone sales at (800) 565-1458.
Mark April 15th on your calendar as the date when you can start purchasing your hunting license and big game drawing applications. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and submit your application before the June 2nd deadline.
Q: How does the Big Game Drawing work?
A: CDFW will run the draw within 10 business days of the application deadline.
- After the application deadline, when all applicant information has been entered, the computer assigns each person (or party) a unique random number. Hunters who apply as a party receive the same random number as the party leader.
- Deer party applications are not split to meet the tag quota if the number of party members exceeds the number of available tags (Section 708.15(a)(2), Title 14 of the CCR). Therefore, when there are fewer tags available than the number of members in a party, the computer bypasses the party and draws the applicant with the next lowest random number to fill the tag quota. Elk and antelope party applications are split to meet the tag quota. The party leader will be drawn as the successful tag holder, the party member will be drawn as the first alternate.
- The preference point value for party applications entered in the Big Game Drawing is determined by averaging all party members’ preference points for each species (total preference points of the party divided by the number of party members). Preference point averages are not rounded up or down (Section 708.14(e), Title 14 of the CCR).
- Just prior to the drawing, the computer sorts all applications according to first tag choice, preference point totals, and random number.
- The computer begins awarding first tag choices to applicants with the most preference points, in random number order (starting with the lowest random number to the highest random number).
- After the preference point round is completed, unsuccessful applications are resorted by hunt choice and random number order (starting with the lowest random number to the highest random number), and the computer begins awarding tags based on applicant’s first-choice without consideration of accumulated points, until all draw-by-choice tag quotas fill or until all applications have been processed.
- For deer, where hunters may make up to three hunt choices – all remaining unsuccessful applications are then sorted by second tag choice, in random number order (starting with the lowest random number to the highest random number). The computer conducts a second round of drawings for any zones and hunts with tags remaining without consideration of accumulated points.
- If tags remain after second tag choices have been processed, applications are sorted once again by third tag choice, in random number order (starting with the lowest random number to the highest random number), and any remaining tags are awarded without consideration of accumulated points.
- For applications not drawn in the third round hunters will be notified of available tags so they may reapply.
Understanding the Big Game Drawing process can help you strategize your application choices. Preference points play a significant role, but the random number draw provides an opportunity for all applicants, regardless of their accumulated points.
Q: What are the Tag Quota Splits?
A: Premium Deer Tags (Excluding Apprentice Deer Tags) (Section 708.15(a)(3), Title 14, of the CCR)
- Ninety percent (90%) of the individual zone or hunt tag quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing.
- Ten percent (10%) of the individual zone or hunt tag quota shall be awarded using a Draw-by-Choice drawing.
- For zones or hunts with quotas less than 10 tags, one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-by-Choice drawing.
- Apprentice Deer Tags (Section 708.15(3)(E), Title 14, of the CCR)
- Fifty percent (50%) of the hunt tag quota shall be awarded through a Preference Point drawing.
- Fifty percent (50%) of the hunt tag quota shall be awarded through a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
- Elk, Pronghorn Antelope and Bighorn Sheep Tags (Section 708.15(b),(c) & (d), Title 14, of the CCR)
- For quotas of one, the tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing. For quotas of two, one tag shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
- For quotas of three, two tags shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
- For quotas of four or more, seventy-five percent (75%) of the quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing. The remaining portion of the quota shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
Knowing the tag quota splits can influence your application strategy. Applying for hunts with a higher percentage of tags awarded through the Draw-by-Choice drawing can increase your odds, especially if you have fewer preference points.
Q: Why can’t I submit the same hunt choice more than once on my deer tag drawing application?
A: If you were not drawn for a tag in a previous round, then there were no tags remaining at the end of that round; therefore, there is no chance of being drawn for that tag in the next round of the drawing.
This rule prevents applicants from monopolizing the drawing system. Once a tag quota is filled, there’s no need to re-enter the same hunt choice.
Q: How and when can I find out if I was drawn for a tag in the Big Game Drawing?
A: Drawing results will be available ten business days after the June 2 drawing application deadline. Applicants may view the drawing results online or by contacting CDFW License Sales Offices. Hunters may also view pending drawing applications by logging in online and selecting ‘View My Drawing Results’ link from the top of page. Any successfully submitted drawing applications will be displayed, including the hunt choices.
Checking the drawing results is an exciting time for hunters. Mark your calendar for ten business days after the deadline and be ready to see if you were successful.
5. Preference Points
Q: What is a Modified Preference Point System Drawing?
A: Under a Modified Preference Point System drawing, tag quotas for each hunt are split into two portions: one portion awarded by preference point drawings; the other portion awarded in draw-by-choice drawings. Quota splits vary, depending on the species, total number of available tags, or other special criteria (such as those for junior deer hunts).
The Modified Preference Point System balances the advantages of accumulated points with the opportunity for all hunters to draw a tag. Understanding this system is crucial for developing an effective application strategy.
Q: What is the maximum number of preference points for the 2021 Big Game Drawing?
A: Going into the 2021 Big Game Drawing, the maximum number of preference points a hunter can have for any species is 19. The preference point system began in 2002, applicants who have not been drawn for their first choice premium deer tag or applicants who have not been drawn for an elk, pronghorn or bighorn sheep tag would have the maximum preference points.
Knowing the maximum number of preference points helps you gauge your standing in the drawing system. If you have the maximum points, you have a significant advantage in the preference point drawing.
Q: How do I earn preference points?
A: You may earn one preference point per year, per species, as follows: Deer – earn one preference point if you apply for the premium deer tag drawing but are not drawn for your first choice premium tag. Elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep – earn one preference point for each species you apply for and was not drawn for the tag.
Earning preference points is a long-term strategy for increasing your odds of drawing a tag in the future. Consistently applying, even if you’re not successful, will gradually improve your chances.
Q: When do I lose preference points?
A: You lose all accumulated preference points for a species, as follows:
- Deer – You lose all accumulated preference points when you are drawn for a premium tag as your first choice.
- Elk, Pronghorn, and Bighorn Sheep – You lose all accumulated preference points for a species if you receive a tag for that species.
You also lose all accumulated preference points for any species if you do not participate in the drawing for that species for five (5) consecutive years.
Knowing when you lose preference points is essential for making informed decisions about your application strategy. Weigh the benefits of applying for a tag versus accumulating more points for future drawings.
Q: I moved out-of-state. Will I lose my preference points?
A: No.
Your preference points are not affected by your residency status. You can maintain your points even if you move out of California.
Q: Can I transfer my preference points from one species to another?
A: No, Preference points are earned for a particular species and cannot be transferred to any other species (Section 708.14(c), Title 14, of the CCR).
This rule ensures that preference points are specific to the species you are applying for. You cannot combine points from different species to increase your odds.
Q: Can I transfer my preference points to another hunter?
A: No. Preference points are not transferable to another person (Section 708.14(c), Title 14, of the CCR).
Preference points are assigned to individual hunters and cannot be transferred or shared.
Q: How will CDFW notify applicants if they earned a preference point?
A: Once the drawing results are available, preference point totals are also updated. Hunters may view their preference point totals online. Hunters will need to enter your name, date of birth and GO ID exactly as it appears on the hunting license or drawing receipt. Select the ‘Drawing Results’ link at the top right side of the web page and then select the ‘Preference Points’ tab from the drawing results.
If you have questions regarding your preference point totals, you must contact the License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 in writing or email them to [email protected].
Checking your preference point totals after the drawing is important for tracking your progress. If you have any discrepancies, contacting the License and Revenue Branch can help resolve the issue.
Q: How does CDFW track my preference points?
A: CDFW tracks preference points for current and future drawings using your GO ID.
For CDFW to accurately track your preference points, you must use the same GO ID number to apply in the drawing each year. If you have changes or corrections to your name, mailing address, date of birth or identification number, such as a driver’s license number, in writing, notify CDFW in writing at License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 or by email to [email protected] (Section 708.14(g), Title 14, of the CCR).
Using the same GO ID each year is crucial for maintaining accurate preference point records. Ensure your information is up-to-date with CDFW to avoid any issues.
Q: I do not wish to apply for a premium deer tag this year. How can I earn a preference point?
A: Purchase an annual California hunting license and the First Deer Tag Drawing Application at a license agent, CDFW license sales office, online or by telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. Inform the sales clerk the code to earn a preference point for deer is PD.
If applying online, select the hunting tab for the upcoming license year and “add to the cart” an annual California hunting license and in the “Drawing” menu (left side of the page), add the First Deer Tag Drawing Application to your cart and enter the preference point code PD to earn a point for deer.
To earn the preference point, the sales transaction must be completed before midnight on June 2.
You can still earn a preference point for deer even if you don’t want to apply for a premium tag. Purchasing the First Deer Tag Drawing Application with the code PD will ensure you receive a point.
Q: If we apply as a party and are unsuccessful in the drawing, do we each earn a preference point?
A: Yes. Each party member will earn one preference point.
Applying as a party can be a great way to hunt with friends and family, and you’ll all earn a preference point if you’re unsuccessful in the drawing.
Q: I am a junior hunter. If I submit two applications for premium deer tag drawings, how are my preference points earned or lost?
A: Junior hunters will earn one preference point if they are unsuccessful for their first choice hunt on both applications (only one preference point will be awarded, not one preference point for each application). Junior hunters will lose all their deer preference points if they are drawn for their first tag choice on either their first-deer or second-deer application.
Junior hunters have a unique opportunity to apply for two premium deer tag drawings. Understanding how preference points are earned and lost in this scenario is important for maximizing your chances.
Q: If I am successful in the premium deer drawing for my second or third choice, do I earn a preference point?
A: Yes. If you are not drawn for your first choice premium tag, you earn one preference point, even if you are drawn for a premium tag as your second or third choice.
You’ll still earn a preference point if you draw a premium tag as your second or third choice, as long as you weren’t drawn for your first choice.
Q: I am unable to hunt this year. Can I still earn a preference point for elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep?
A: Purchase an annual California hunting license and drawing application through the license sales terminal at a license agent, CDFW license sales office, online or by telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. Inform the sales clerk you are also applying for the Big Game Drawing and provide the correct preference point only code for elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.
If applying online, select the hunting tab for the upcoming license year and “add to the cart” an annual California hunting license and in the “Drawing” menu, add the Elk Tag Drawing Application, Pronghorn Tag Drawing Application, or Bighorn Sheep Tag Drawing Application and enter the correct preference point code for each species.
To earn the preference point, the transaction must be completed before midnight on June 2.
You can still earn preference points for elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep even if you’re unable to hunt. Simply purchase the appropriate drawing application and ensure the transaction is completed before the deadline.
Q: Do I earn a preference point if my application is received after the deadline?
A: No. You will not earn a preference point after the deadline. If it is after midnight on June 2, the sales items: First Deer Tag Drawing Application, Elk Tag Drawing Application, Pronghorn Tag Drawing Application and Bighorn Sheep Tag Drawing Application will not be available in the menu screen to purchase and apply for the drawing.
Meeting the application deadline is crucial for earning a preference point. Make sure to submit your application well in advance to avoid any issues.
Q If I am drawn for my first choice tag for a premium zone or hunt that does not fill in the drawing, do I still lose my preference points?
A: Yes. If you are drawn for your first choice premium tag, you lose all your deer preference points, whether or not the tag quota fills for that zone or hunt.
Even if the tag quota for your first choice zone or hunt doesn’t fill, you’ll still lose your preference points if you’re drawn for that tag.
Q: If I am successful in the premium deer tag drawing for my first choice and I am unable to hunt, can I return my tag and have my preference point reinstated?
A: Any applicant who was drawn for the applicant’s first deer tag choice in the big game drawing and cannot hunt for any reason may submit a written request to retain the accumulated preference point total and earn one preference point for deer for that year. Applicants shall return the tag to the department’s License and Revenue Branch before the season starts for which the tag is valid for the department to consider the request. If the request is granted, the applicant shall retain the preference point total the applicant accumulated prior to the big game drawing and earn one preference point for deer. The department shall not refund the fees paid for a resident deer tag application (Section 708.14(j), Title 14, of the CCR). For more information, please see the Return Tags/Exchanges and Preference Points page.
You may be able to have your preference points reinstated if you’re unable to hunt after drawing your first choice tag. Submit a written request to the License and Revenue Branch and return the tag before the season starts.
Q: If I am drawn for an elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep tag, pay for the tag but I am unable to hunt, what happens to my preference points?
A: Any applicant who was awarded an elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep tag in the big game drawing and cannot hunt for any reason may submit a written request to retain the accumulated preference point total and earn one preference point for elk, pronghorn, or big horn sheep for that year. Applicants shall return the tag to the Department’s License and Revenue Branch before the season starts for which the tag is valid for the Department to consider the request. The applicant shall submit the nonrefundable processing fee with the request. If the request is granted the applicant shall retain the preference point total the applicant accumulated prior to the big game drawing and earn one preference point for elk, pronghorn, or big horn sheep. The Department may refund the tag fee (Section 708.14(k), Title 14, of the CCR). For more information, please see the Return Tags/Exchanges and Preference Points page.
Similar to deer tags, you may be able to retain your preference points for elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep if you’re unable to hunt after drawing a tag. Submit a written request and return the tag before the season starts.
Q: If I am drawn for an elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep tag but do not purchase the tag, do I lose my preference points for that species?
A: No. If you do not purchase the tag, you will not lose your preference points for that species.
You won’t lose your preference points if you’re drawn for an elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep tag but choose not to purchase it.
Q: My sales transaction could not be completed by the deadline and I was not entered into the Big Game Drawing, will I lose my preference points from the previous years?
A: No. Hunters who miss the application deadline will not earn a preference point for the current year and will not lose preference points earned from previous years. However, a hunter’s preference points are reduced to zero when they have not applied for five (5) consecutive years (Section 708.14(h), Title 14, of the CCR).
Missing the application deadline won’t cause you to lose previously earned preference points, but you won’t earn a point for the current year. Just make sure to apply at least once every five years to keep your points active.
6. Applying as a Party for Deer Tags
Q: How can we apply as a party for drawings?
A: There are two ways to apply as a party:
- Members of a party can apply in the same sales transaction at a CDFW license sales office, online or license agent and the sales clerk, upon request, can link the applications together as a party; or
- If applying in separate transactions, the first party member will become the party leader. The party leader’s Big Game Drawing Receipt will have the Party Identification Number (PIN) printed on it. The party leader can give this number out to the other members of his/her hunting party. When other members apply, they will provide the PIN. When the PIN is entered in the drawing application ALDS screen, it will bring up the hunting party and link the members to the party. The members will be assigned the same tag choices in the same order as the party leader and you will all be in the drawing together. Party applications may be made up of transactions submitted through the Internet, CDFW license sales office and license agents.
Applying as a party can increase your chances of hunting with friends and family. Choose the method that works best for your group and ensure everyone follows the correct procedure.
Q: Can my hunting party apply online as a party?
A: Yes. Members of a party can apply online in separate transactions, but not in the same transaction. Online sales can only process one customer per transaction. The first party member will become the party leader. The party leader’s Big Game Drawing Receipt will have the PIN printed on it. The party leader can give this number out to the other members of his/her hunting party. When other members apply online, they will enter the PIN in the drawing application screen; it will bring up the hunting party and link the members to the party. The members will be assigned the same tag choices in the same order as the party leader and you will all be in the drawing together. Party applications may be made up of transactions submitted through the Internet, CDFW license sales office and license agents.
Applying online as a party requires separate transactions, with one member designated as the party leader. The PIN is essential for linking the applications together.
Q: I am the party leader and am applying for deer tags and an elk tag? Do I give the same Party Identification Number (PIN) to the other party members?
A: No. You will have a PIN for each species. The PIN is printed on your Big Game Drawing Receipts. Make sure you give the deer PIN to members of your deer hunting party and give the elk PIN to the member of your elk hunting party.
Each species has its own PIN. Ensure you provide the correct PIN to the members of your hunting party for each species.
Q: I am a member of a party applying for deer tags. Can any party member apply first?
A: Yes. A party leader is the first person in the party to apply and is assigned a PIN. The party leader can give the party number to other applicants, so they can join his/her party.
Any member can be the party leader and apply first, but they must provide the PIN to the other members.
Q: I don’t have my party leader’s PIN. Will the license agent be able to join us together?
A: No. You must have the PIN to join another hunter’s party. This is done to ensure that only hunters that the party leader allows may join his/her party. The CDFW license sales offices and license agents cannot provide you with another hunter’s PIN, only the party leader or members of the party can provide you with their party number.
The PIN is required to join a party, and only the party leader or members can provide it. This ensures that only authorized hunters join the party.
Q: Can a member of my party be a nonresident or junior hunter?
A: Yes, for deer drawings as long as they possess a valid California annual hunting license and the junior must be at least 12 years old as of July 1 of the license year for which they are applying, or at the time of application if they are applying after July 1.
Nonresidents and junior hunters can be members of a party, as long as they meet the licensing and age requirements.
Q: Can one of our party members choose a different zone or hunt as their second or third tag choice?
A: No. All party members’ tag choices must be the same. The computer cannot separate party members’ half-way through the drawing process (Section 708.14(b)(8), Title 14, of the CCR).
All members of a party must have the same tag choices. This simplifies the drawing process and ensures fairness.
Q: I am applying in the deer drawing and have the maximum number of points. If I apply as a party with my hunting partner who does not have any points, are my chances of getting a tag less than if I applied alone?
A: Yes. The preference point value for party applications entered in the Big Game Drawing is determined by averaging all party member’s points (total preference points of the party divided by the number of the party members, (Section 708.14(e), Title 14, of the CCR)). Your party’s preference point total will be 4 (8 total points divided by 2 party members). If you applied alone, your preference point value would be 8 (8 total points divided by 1 party member). If you applied as a party with a hunter with 0 points, your application will not be processed in the preference round of the drawing until all applications with greater than 4 points have been processed. For many hunts, there are more maximum point applicants than there are premium tags, so your odds of drawing a premium tag would be very low. However, there is always a chance your party could get drawn in the random portion of the drawing where success is determined strictly by your random number and the number of available tags.
Applying as a party can lower your chances of drawing a tag if your hunting partner has fewer preference points. Consider the trade-offs between hunting with a friend and maximizing your individual odds.
Q: The deer drawing statistics indicate a lower point value than our party’s point value was drawn for the premium deer tag that we applied for, so why did we not get drawn for the tag?
A: Party applications are not split when there are fewer tags available than the number of members in a party (Section 708.15(a)(2), Title 14, of the CCR). Therefore, there may be party applications with a higher point value (than listed in the drawing statistics) that did not draw the tag. For example, when the final X9A tag was awarded, there were several party applications with greater than 1 point. However, since there was only one available tag, these applications were bypassed.
Party applications are not split when there are fewer tags than party members, which can result in parties with higher point values not drawing a tag.
7. Applying for Elk, Pronghorn and Bighorn Sheep Tags
Q: When is the deadline to apply for the elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep drawings?
A: Application(s) must be submitted through the Automated License Data System (ALDS) at any license agent, a CDFW license sales office, online or by telephone sales at (800) 565-1458. To qualify for the big game drawing, the application must be submitted and the sales transaction completed before midnight on June 2.
The deadline to apply for elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep drawings is June 2. Make sure to submit your application before this deadline to qualify for the drawing.
Important: In order to purchase hunting items online, hunters must have proof of hunter education or a prior year’s California hunting license in your customer profile in ALDS. All hunters who have purchased hunting items via ALDS will have proof of hunter education on file.
To purchase hunting items online, you must have proof of hunter education or a prior year’s California hunting license in your customer profile in ALDS. Ensure you meet this
