Hunting in California: 3 Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

If you're hunting in California, you're not limited to public lands. In fact, the state offers incentives to private landowners for them to keep their lands well-maintained and accessible to hunters.

As with any hunting area in California, hunters are required to buy a license before hunting on private land and obtain written permission from the owner.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

Here are three things you must know before you hunt on private land in California.

1. You must have a license to hunt on private land.
California requires hunters to follow the same rules and procedures for hunting on both private and public land. It's not enough to seek permission from the landowner. Even though an owner owns the land, all land is considered a public resource. That means you must be approved by the state of California to hunt on any land. You can purchase a license online or in person. To qualify for a license, you must complete an approved hunter education program.

VOTE NOW: Is California Gov. Jerry Brown Doing a Good Job?

2. Landowners must follow the same procedures as other hunters.
While landowners can charge fees for hunting on their land, they're not exempt from meeting these requirements if they want to hunt on their own property. This is because land ultimately belongs to the citizens of California, regardless of who owns it on paper. In addition, anyone who acts as a hunting guide must purchase a license. For example, if you want to organize guided hunts on your property, you'll need a guide license, which requires completing an application and paying a fee.

3. Some lands specialize in a certain type of wildlife.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife operates a program called SHARE, or Shared Habitat for Recreational Enhancement, with many of the participating landowners offering hunts for certain animals such as elk or bobcat. The department publishes a list of private lands and the species available to hunt on each. At some, you can hunt one species, such as deer, while others offer hunting opportunities for multiple species, such as deer, bear, and turkey.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Hunting in Connecticut: 3 Things for Landowners to Know About Hunting on Private Property
  
• Hunting in California: 3 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults