Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a California hunting license with HunterSafetyUSA:
- Step 1: Complete the online Hunter Education Certification course
- Step 2: Select your license type
- Step 3: Buy your California Department of Fish and Wildlife license through an online purchase or in person through a licensed agent.
California Hunter Education Certification
How do I get my Hunter Education Certificate (Card)
You have 3 options to complete your hunter education requirements to hunt in California.
- Complete an in-person course through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Typically, you will need to register for these months in advance; therefore, plan accordingly if you wish to pursue the in-person option. The Traditional Hunter Education Course consists of a minimum of ten hours of classroom, homework, and field instruction
- A hybrid course through a CDFW exclusive partner. Once you have completed an online course, you will still need to attend a 4-hour follow-up in-person class with a certified Hunter Education Instructor.
- Or complete our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course (Adults 17 and older only). We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course.
The CDFW Website states that "Yes, California accepts proof of Hunter Education issued from any state or province."
What makes our course the best?
First and foremost, we have the best technology experience of all the courses on the market. We have students who opt to take our course even though they already have their Hunter Education Card, they just love it that much.
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course. We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online with our IHEA-approved course.
After completing the HunterSafetyUSA course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
We submit your course results to TPWD. They will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card) in 24 hours (this can take 3-4 days when completed outside of hunting season, April-July); however, when taken during peak hunting season, August-March, it's processed in 24 hours. This is valid for use in all 50 U.S. states (including California), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or U.S. territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
Select Your Hunting License CA
California offers a range of hunting licenses to cater to different hunters, based on their residency, age, and specific needs.
For hunters pursuing big game, additional tag licenses are required.
Below is an overview of the main types:
Resident Licenses
A resident is a person who has lived in California for at least 6 months. Active-duty military members are considered residents.
All California residents are required to have a resident hunting license.
- Resident Hunting License: Required for California residents aged 16 or older to hunt birds and mammals.
- Junior Hunting License: For residents and non-residents under 16 years old.
- Lifetime Hunting License: Available to residents; provides hunting privileges for life. Fees vary by age.
Non-Resident Licenses
All non-residents are required to obtain a non-resident hunting license.
- Non-Resident Hunting License: For non-residents aged 16 or older.
- Two-Day Non-Resident Hunting License: Allows non-residents to hunt small game and furbearers for two consecutive days.
Special Licenses and Permits
- Disabled Archer Permit: For hunters with permanent disabilities affecting archery hunting.
- Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License: Permits hunting from a motor vehicle for those with mobility impairments.
- Visually Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit: Allows visually impaired hunters to use scopes on muzzleloading rifles.
Validations and Tags
Depending on the game, additional validations or tags may be required:
- Upland Game Bird Validation: Required to hunt upland game birds.
- California Duck Validation: Required to hunt waterfowl.
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation: Required for hunting migratory game birds; available at no cost.
- Big Game Tags: Required for hunting species like deer, elk, bear, and pronghorn.
Hunting licenses, which must adhere to specific regulations, are good from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. California residents may buy a lifetime hunting license.
Where to buy your California Hunting License
To hunt or fish in California, you can purchase your hunting or fishing license either online through the official licensing platform, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Online License Sales, through the CDFW License Sales Offices, or in person at an approved license sales agent. A comprehensive list of these agents can be found on the Find a License Agent page. Telephone License Sales: (800) 565-1458
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents:
- Bass Pro Shops – Rancho Cucamonga, CA Address: 7777 Victoria Gardens Ln, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Phone: (909) 922-5500
- Walmart Supercenter – Sacramento, CA Address: 6051 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823 Phone: (916) 427-9719
- Turner's Outdoorsman – Fresno, CA Address: 6264 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA 93710 Phone: (559) 214-1200
- Big 5 Sporting Goods – San Diego, CA Address: 4838 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: (858) 560-0311
- Dick's Sporting Goods – San Jose, CA Address: 680 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 Phone: (408) 300-5212
Where to Find Additional Resources
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Contact Information:
Phone: (916) 928-5805 Email: [email protected] Website: wildlife.ca.gov
FAQs
Will the Texas Hunter Education Card (Certificate) be accepted in California?
Yes, the permanent Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education Card (Certification) is recognized by California and all other states and provinces with mandatory hunter education requirements due to reciprocity agreements with the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that "Yes, California accepts proof of Hunter Education issued from any state or province."
How do I get a hunting license in California?
You have 3 options to complete your hunter education requirements to hunt in California.
- Complete an in-person course through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Typically, you will need to register for these months in advance; therefore, plan accordingly if you wish to pursue the in-person option. The Traditional Hunter Education Course consists of a minimum of ten hours of classroom, homework, and field instruction
- A hybrid course through a CDFW exclusive partner. Once you have completed an online course, you will still need to attend a 4-hour follow-up in-person class with a certified Hunter Education Instructor.
- Or complete our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course (Adults 17 and older only). We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course.
Choose one of these options, and you can now go buy your hunting license(s) and hunt legally for life.
Can you take the California Hunter Safety course online?
Online classes are offered in California, but to obtain a valid hunter education certificate, you will ALSO need to attend a 4-hour home study / online follow-up class with a certified hunter education instructor. Alternatively, you could take our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course (Adults 17 and older only). HunterSafetyUSA is an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course. It covers essential hunter safety education topics, making it one of the most efficient ways to fulfill your requirements.
How early should I sign up for the course before the hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.