Hunting in California: 3 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Your Kids

Taking the kids hunting offers ample teaching opportunities about wildlife conservation, firearm safety, and remaining quiet for long periods of time. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time together, and learn together or pass along experience.

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Sharing wildlife conservation and firearm safety are crucial to understanding and appreciation, and can start at any age. Taking the kids hunting is a great activity to do together, for a lifetime. There are a few things to keep in mind before heading out to purchase the permits, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

1. Safety is the Major Consideration

Applicants less than the age of 16 are eligible for junior licenses, so long as they pass a hunter safety course. These courses might prove challenging for children age 12 or younger. Also, don't forget the protection. Younger kids have much more sensitive ears and eyes. Ear protection and eye protection are still of vital importance, even off the firing range. Make sure they fit little heads, ears, and eyes properly and comfortably so they don't get pulled off. Over the head ear protection with built-in microphones are pricier than earplugs, but they're an easier and more comfortable fit for long term wear and they'll still be able to hear people talking or giving instruction.

2. Excluded From Big Game Hunting

Junior hunters less than age 12 are excluded from permits for big game. There are plenty of other creatures in the woods for hunting, however. Often game birds or rabbits and squirrels are a choice target for beginning junior hunters.

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3. Be Colorful


While orange attire is not required for hunting in California, it is strongly recommended while hunting big game and game birds. Junior hunters, being children, have a greater potential for wandering off, or otherwise venturing out of immediate line of sight. Also, their slighter stature moving through the brush could be mistaken for a game animal by other hunters in the vicinity. Orange attire, while rarely registering so vibrantly to other species, will reduce the risk of accidents.

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