While fall is optimal hunting season in California, hunters who prefer stalking their prey in the sultry summer months can find plenty of chances to practice their favorite sport. In fact, summer offers multiple opportunities for hunting in California, ranging from small prey animals to highly sought-after large game.
Here are three animals legal to hunt in California in the summer.
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1. Deer
California has one of the earliest seasons for hunting deer. Archery hunting begins in early July,
according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and general hunting begins in August. Dates vary based on zones.
2. Rabbits and Hares
Hunting season begins on July 1 and ends on the last Saturday in January for brush, cottontail, and pigmy rabbits, and for varying kinds of snowshoe hare. Hunters are limited to bagging five per day and possessing 10. The state permits hunters to use raptors to hunt rabbits and hares, and allows the use of this method, called falconry, during the general rabbit hunting season and beginning on the first Monday after the end of the general season and lasting through the third Sunday in March. Hunting of rabbits and hares is allowed across most of the state.
3. Pronghorn Antelope
Beginning in late August and extending through early and mid-September, California allows hunting of pronghorn antelope, with dates varying by zone and by type of antelope. At Clear Lake, for example, the antelope hunting season lasts from Aug. 22 to Aug. 30 for general buck hunting, and from Aug. 8 to Aug. 16 for archery. Hunters must report the California Department of Fish and Wildlife the results of their hunts, even if they didn't bag anything. They must also submit two teeth from any antelope they kill, so the department can use them for age analysis.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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