🎯 Tag Hunter|California

California

Non-resident hunting — draw tags, OTC options, fees & deadlines

5
Species Available
1 species
OTC Tags
$48
NR Fee Range
Preference Points, Random Lottery
Point System
Official website:wildlife.ca.gov

Application Deadlines

🦌
Mule Deer
Opens Jun · Closes Jul 10, 2026
92d
NR $48
🐻
Black BearOTC
Opens Jul · Closes Aug 31, 2026
144d
NR $48
🦌
Elk
Opens Feb · Closes Mar 15, 2027
340d
NR $48
🐏
Bighorn Sheep
Opens Feb · Closes Mar 15, 2027
340d
NR $48
🐐
Pronghorn
Opens Feb · Closes Mar 15, 2027
340d
NR $48

Species Details

🦌
Elk
Preference PointsHard
$48
NR fee
Draw odds by points2% at 0 pts → 90% at 20 pts
0p
5p
10p
15p
20p

Tule elk unique to CA. Roosevelt elk in northwest zones. Very few NR tags. Residents and NR compete equally in most zones.

🐻
Black Bear
Random LotteryEasy
$48
NR fee
Draw odds by points99% at 0 pts → 99% at 20 pts
0p
5p
10p
15p
20p

OTC bear tag available statewide. Over-the-counter license from CDFW. Large black bear population in Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges.

🦌
Mule Deer
Preference PointsHard
$48
NR fee
Draw odds by points5% at 0 pts → 99% at 20 pts
0p
5p
10p
15p
20p

Zone A and X zones are most coveted. Many deer zones available to residents OTC. NR must draw. Premium zones like A-zone require points.

Also: any seasons available
🐏
Bighorn Sheep
Preference PointsBucket List
$48
NR fee
Draw odds by points0% at 0 pts → 25% at 20 pts
0p
5p
10p
15p
20p

Desert bighorn in southern CA, Sierra Nevada bighorn extremely rare. Apply annually for points. 15-25 year commitment.

🐐
Pronghorn
Preference PointsHard
$48
NR fee
Draw odds by points5% at 0 pts → 99% at 20 pts
0p
5p
10p
15p
20p

Northeastern CA (Modoc/Lassen counties) pronghorn. Underrated opportunity. Residents have better odds. Scenic high desert hunt.

Ready to build your California strategy?

Get a personalized multi-year plan with exact dates, fees, and point-building recommendations.