Mammal Hunting Regulations: General Provisions and Definitions

Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions

§250. General Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic Game Mammals, and Furbearing Mammals.

Except as otherwise provided in this Title 14, and in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals may not be taken at any time.

Amendment filed 5/29/2024; operative 7/1/2024.

§250.1. Prohibition on the Use of Lead Projectiles and Ammunition Using Lead Projectiles for the Take of Wildlife.

• (a) Purpose. This regulation phases in the requirements of Fish and Game Code Section 3004.5, which prohibits the use of any lead projectiles or ammunition containing lead projectiles when taking any wildlife with a firearm on or after July 1, 2019.
• (b) Definitions.
  • (1) A projectile is any bullet, ball, sabot, slug, buckshot, shot, pellet or other device that is expelled from a firearm through a barrel by force.
  • (2) Nonlead ammunition is any centerfire, shotgun, muzzleloading, or rimfire ammunition containing projectiles certified pursuant to subsection (b)(3) or subsection (f).
  • (3) Shotgun ammunition containing pellets composed of materials approved as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as identified in Section 507.1 of these regulations, is considered certified.
  • (4) A nonlead projectile shall contain no more than one percent lead by weight, as certified pursuant to subsection (b)(3) or subsection (f).
• (c) General Provisions.
  • (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess any projectile containing lead in excess of the amount allowed in subsection (b)(4) and a firearm capable of firing the projectile while taking or attempting to take wildlife.
  • (2) The possession of a projectile containing lead in excess of the amount allowed in subsection (b)(4) without possessing a firearm capable of firing the projectile is not a violation of this section.
  • (3) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the possession of concealable firearms containing lead ammunition, provided that the firearm is possessed for personal protection and is not used to take or assist in the take of wildlife.
• (d) Phased Approach to Prohibit the Use of Lead Ammunition for the Take of Wildlife. The use of lead projectiles is authorized until the effective dates described in subsections (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3).
  • (1) Effective July 1, 2015, it shall be unlawful to use, or possess with any firearm capable of firing, any projectile(s) not certified as nonlead when taking:
    • (A) Nelson bighorn sheep as authorized by Fish and Game Code Section 4902; or
    • (B) All wildlife in any wildlife area or ecological reserve, as described in sections 551, 552 and 630 of these regulations.
  • (2) Effective July 1, 2016, it shall be unlawful to use, or possess with any shotgun capable of firing, any projectile(s) not certified as nonlead as described in subsection (b)(3) when taking:
    • (A) Upland game birds as included in Fish and Game Code Section 3683, except for dove, quail, snipe, and any game birds taken under the authority of a licensed game bird club as provided for in sections 600 and 600.4 of these regulations;
    • (B) Resident small game mammals as defined in Section 257 of these regulations;
    • (C) Fur-bearing mammals as defined by Fish and Game Code Section 4000;
    • (D) Nongame mammals as defined by Fish and Game Code Section 4150;
    • (E) Nongame birds as defined by Fish and Game Code Section 3800; or
    • (F) Any wildlife for depredation purposes, regardless of whether the take is authorized by a permit issued pursuant to sections 401 or 402 of these regulations.
  • (3) Effective July 1, 2019, it shall be unlawful to use, or possess with any firearm capable of firing, any projectile(s) not certified as nonlead when taking any wildlife for any purpose in this state.
• (e) Condor Range. [This subsection shall be repealed effective July 1, 2019]
  Methods of take. Notwithstanding subsection (c)(3), it is unlawful to use, or possess with any firearm capable of firing, any projectile or ammunition containing any projectile not certified as nonlead when taking or attempting to take any big game as defined in section 350, nongame birds, or nongame mammals, in the area defined as the “California condor range” in subsection (a) of Fish and Game Code Section 3004.5.
• (f) Nonlead Projectile and Ammunition Certification Process.
  • (1) Any person or manufacturer requesting to have their projectile(s) or ammunition certified as nonlead shall submit the information identified in subsection (2) below to the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Branch in Sacramento. The department shall certify or reject the request within 60 business days of receipt.
  • (2) Information required for consideration of certification:
    • (A) Name of manufacturer of projectile or ammunition, address, and contact information;
    • (B) For projectile certifications, information shall include the following: caliber, weight in grains, product trade name or marketing line (if established), product or catalog number (SKUs or UPCs are acceptable), composition, percent content of lead by weight, and detailed unique identifying characteristics;
    • (C) For ammunition certifications, information shall include the following: caliber, cartridge designation, weight in grains of the projectile, product trade name or marketing line (if established), product or catalog number (SKUs or UPCs are acceptable), composition of projectile, percent content of lead by weight of projectile, detailed unique identifying characteristics of the projectile, and any unique identifying characteristics of the cartridge;
    • (D) Signed statement verifying all information provided is accurate; and
    • (E) Digital color image of the projectile(s) or ammunition.
  • (3) The department shall determine, based on the information supplied, whether the projectile contains no more than one percent of lead by weight.
  • (4) The department shall update the list of certified projectiles and ammunition not less than once annually and make it available on the department's web site.
  • (5) The department shall decertify and remove from the list any projectile(s) or ammunition it determines does not meet the standards set forth in this section.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§250.2. Nonlead Ammunition Coupon Program Process.

• (a) These regulations establish a nonlead ammunition coupon program using non-state funds to provide eligible hunters with nonlead ammunition at no or reduced charge. The program will be administered by an agent of the department and awarding of non-state funds will be administered as a grant. The department's agent will be selected through a public solicitation process, and, upon selection of an agent, the department will advertise a website address where eligible hunters may apply.
• (b) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
  • (1) “Eligible hunter” is any hunter who meets all of the following requirements:
    • (A) is 18 years of age or older as of July 1 of the applicable license year;
    • (B) holds an appropriate permit tag; and
    • (C) is not prohibited from possessing ammunition pursuant to Penal Code section 30305.
  • (2) “Appropriate permit tag” means a valid California tag, permit, or validation to hunt deer, elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, wild pig, pronghorn antelope, or upland game for the applicable license year.
  • (3) “Applicable license year” means the license year in which the drawing will occur.
• (c) Any eligible hunter may apply to the department's agent to be entered in the nonlead ammunition coupon program drawing. The drawing will be administered through a nonlead ammunition coupon program website that is operated by the department's agent as established under a grant agreement.
• (d) On at least a monthly basis from July 1 through December 31, eligible hunters who have applied will be randomly selected to receive a coupon redeemable for a box of nonlead ammunition at reduced or no charge. The maximum number of eligible hunters drawn on a monthly basis will be determined based on the total funds available such that the number drawn each month, over the course of the six-month drawing period, will expend the total available funds in the year allocated. An average of no more than $30 per box of nonlead ammunition will be used in determining the maximum number of eligible hunters drawn each month.
• (e) To be considered, eligible hunters shall apply, at no charge, through a designated website developed and maintained by the department's agent. Eligible hunters may apply as soon as the website is available, and must apply no later than December 1 in the applicable license year. The applicant must provide the following information, which the department will use to verify eligibility for the drawing with the agent:
  • (1) Name of applicant;
  • (2) Applicant's date of birth;
  • (3) Applicant's Document Number as printed on their hunting license for the license year in which the drawing will occur;
  • (4) Mailing address and email for notification and for receiving a coupon for a box of ammunition;
  • (5) Preferred ammunition type from the list of available ammunition as identified on the agent's nonlead ammunition coupon program website; and
  • (6) Applicant's certification under penalty of perjury that he or she is not prohibited from possessing ammunition pursuant to of Penal Code section 30305.
• (f) The number of applicants to be selected during each drawing shall be determined by the department's agent and will be published on the website after the program is established and available funding is known. An eligible hunter with an appropriate permit tag may not apply more than once, nor be awarded more than once, during a license year. Applications will be considered in each of the subsequent drawings after receipt until they are either drawn, or the drawing period ends.
• (g) The list of available ammunition will be provided on the agent's website and will be dependent on market availability. Coupons for nonlead ammunition will not be available in all calibers or in all shotgun shell gauges or loads. For purposes of this section, a box of nonlead ammunition is 20 centerfire cartridges or 25 shotgun shells.
• (h) The program may be offered and implemented for license year 2017-18, and for subsequent license years, provided funding is available as determined by the department. The program will be implemented only if the department is successful at awarding a grant using non-state funding.

New section filed 9-13-2016; operative 1-1-2017.

§250.5. Shooting Time.

In these orders whenever a specific clock time is mentioned, such time is meant to be legal California time for the date specified: i.e., during the days when California is on Pacific Daylight Saving Time, Pacific Daylight Saving Time is intended; when California is legally on Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Standard Time is intended. When reference is made to sunrise or sunset time, such reference is to the sunrise or sunset time at the location of the hunter. ( See Section 310 for resident small game shooting hours. See Section 352 for big game shooting hours. See Section 466 for hours for taking furbearers. See Section 474 for hours for taking nongame mammals.)

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251. Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air or Land Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats, Sailboats or Snowmobiles.

• (a) General Prohibition: No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached. For purposes of this subsection "use" includes but is not limited to personal use or intent by another to obtain information from such personal use. Evidence of an act constituting a violation of this section includes but is not limited to flying slowly at low altitudes, hovering, circling or repeatedly flying over any area where big game may be found. Exceptions to this
  • (1) When the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or sailboat has been shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress therefrom has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or is being propelled by paddle, oar or pole.
  • (2) When used by the landowner or tenant of private property to drive or herd game mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private property.
  • (3) Pursuant to a license from the department issued under such regulations as the commission may prescribe (see subsection 251(b) below).
• (b) Mobility Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle License
  • (1) Applications: Applications for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License for mobility disabled persons shall be on a form supplied by the Department (Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application, FG1460-10/95). The application shall include the applicant's name, address, physical description, a description of the qualifying disability, and a certified statement from a licensed physician describing the applicant's permanent disability. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify an application for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License.
  • (2) Terms of the License: The Motor Vehicle Hunting License shall specify conditions under which said license shall be used and shall include but not be limited to the following provisions:
    • (A) The licensee shall be accompanied by an able bodied assistant who shall immediately retrieve, and tag if necessary, all game taken. (Possession of the licensee's tag, required in this subsection, shall not be considered an unlawful possession of a tag or license issued to another person).
    • (B) The assistant shall not possess a firearm, crossbow or archery equipment unless he/she is a licensed hunter and possesses any necessary license or tag for the area being hunted. The assistant shall not discharge a firearm or release a bolt or an arrow from the vehicle. If licensed, the assistant may dispatch wounded game which has moved out of range of the licensee.
    • (C) The vehicle must be stopped and the engine must be shut off prior to the licensee discharging firearm or releasing a bolt from a crossbow or an arrow from archery equipment.
    • (D) The licensee shall notify the Department, at the regional office having responsibility for the area where the licensee intends to hunt, at least 48 hours prior to hunting or contact the department's 24-hour dispatcher at the number indicated on the license. The licensee shall specify the locality, vehicle description, and the approximate time frame during which such hunt shall take place.
    • (E) The licensee or assistant shall not pursue any animal or drive or herd animals to any other hunters with a motor vehicle.
    • (F) This license does not grant permission to trespass on private property or permission to use a motor vehicle while in any area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.
    • (G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law.
    • (H) The licensee shall have the license in possession while hunting from a motor vehicle.
  • (3) License Fee: A license fee of $25.00, as adjusted annually pursuant to Section 713 of the Fish and Game Code, shall be charged for processing and issuing the Mobility Impaired Disabled Person Motor Vehicle Hunting License. Licenses shall be issued only by the Director or his/her designee. Licenses shall be permanent and have no expiration date.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251.1. Harassment of Animals.

Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd or drive any game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal's normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering. This section does not apply to a landowner or tenant who drives or herds birds or mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private or public property, including aquaculture and agriculture crops.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251.2. Permits to Pursue, Drive, Herd, or Take Birds and Mammals.

Permits to pursue, drive, herd, or take birds and mammals with or from motorized water, land, or air vehicles may be issued by the department under and subject to the following conditions:

• (a) To Whom Issued. Permits may be issued to landowners, tenants, or lessees suffering damage, actual or immediately threatened, to land or property by birds or mammals. Permits may not be issued to any person less than 18 years of age. The privilege granted in a permit entitles only the permittee, members of his family, his employees or contractors to pursue, drive, herd, or take birds and mammals in accordance with the provisions of the permit. No permittee shall allow any person under 16 years of age to take, pursue, drive, or herd birds or mammals under a permit. No permit may be transferred to another person.
• (b) Exemption from Permit. Federal or state animal control agencies and their employees or contractors, including other public employees supervised by such agencies, engaged in pursuing, driving, herding or taking birds or mammals in the performance of their regular duties are not required to obtain a permit pursuant to this section. This exemption shall not be effective unless the agencies or their employees or contractors are performing their required duties in accordance with applicable Federal regulations. Agencies taking depredating animals on or over private lands shall do so only through a written landowner agreement. Such agreement shall become valid only upon approval of the department. Federal or state animal control agencies engaged in the foregoing activities shall submit a report to the headquarters office of the Department of Fish and Game each calendar quarter showing the number and species of birds or mammals taken or herded; area where the activity occurred, and such other information the department may require.
• (c) Application Requirements. An applicant for a permit shall submit a written request to the department showing his name, address, location and size of the land where damage is occurring, and the names of all individuals and/or State or Federal agencies other than the applicant who may be employed or authorized by the applicant to pursue, drive, herd, or take the birds or mammals which are causing damage, actual or immediately threatened, to land or property; a description of the property, including livestock or other domestic animals being damaged; the species of birds or mammals causing damage; the proposed method of pursuing, driving, herding, or taking the offending animals; the period of time a permit is needed to alleviate damage; and such other information the department may require.
• (d) Investigation of Damage. Upon receiving a request for a permit, the department shall investigate the applicant's claim of damage and shall be satisfied that damage has occurred or is immediately threatened before issuing a permit. The department may deny a request for a permit, and the applicant may appeal such decision before the commission.
• (e) Permit Limitations. A permit issued pursuant to these regulations shall not authorize the permittee to kill any game bird or game mammal. A permit shall be valid on public lands only if the permittee has permission from the agency controlling the lands to exercise the privileges of the permit on such lands, or if the permittee, by obtaining a permit under these regulations, has fulfilled applicable requirements set forth in Federal laws and regulations.
  
  The department may impose any additional limitation or requirement in a permit as needed to prevent unnecessary harm to any species of wildlife or for public safety reasons.
• (f) Reports. The permittee shall submit a report within 15 days following expiration of the permit showing the number of birds or mammals taken under the permit, except that any permittee authorized to use any type of aircraft under such permit shall submit a report to the department each calendar quarter showing the number and species of animals taken.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§251.3. Prohibition Against Feeding Big Game Mammals.

No person shall knowingly feed big game mammals, as defined in Section 350 of these regulations.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251.4. Mountain Lion Possession Permit.

• (a) Permit Requirements.
  Pursuant to Section 4800 of the Fish and Game Code, no person may sell or possess any mountain lion, part or product thereof, unless he is in possession of a valid, nontransferable permit issued by the department. A permit shall be issued by the department only to: 1) any person who can demonstrate that the mountain lion, part or product thereof, was in his possession on or before June 6, 1990; or 2) a nonprofit museum or government-owned facility generally open to the public, or an educational institution, for display, exhibition, or storage, for a bona fide scientific or educational purpose as determined by the department. Permits shall be made available to department employees for inspection upon request and may be revoked by the department for failure to comply with the terms of the permit, this section, or Section 4800 of the Fish and Game Code. Any person issued a permit or a tag from the department for a mountain lion, or part or product thereof, prior to January 1, 2014, shall not be required to obtain a new permit, provided he maintains and makes available his existing permit or tag upon request of a department employee.
• (b) Information Required to Obtain a Permit.
  The application for a permit issued pursuant to subdivision (a) above shall be in the form of a letter to the department's Wildlife and Fisheries Division located at 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 and the applicant shall submit the following information:
  • (1) Full name of the person requesting a permit. If an entity is requesting a permit, the request shall be made on official letterhead with an original signature.
  • (2) Physical address where mountain lion carcass or part or product thereof shall be located.
  • (3) Description of mountain lion carcass or part or product thereof, subject to the permit.
  • (4) Description of how the mountain lion carcass, or part or product thereof shall be uniquely identified by the applicant pursuant to subdivision (c).
  • (5) Description of how the mountain lion carcass or part or product thereof shall be used and the anticipated length of time for use.
• (c) Unique Identification.
  Any person in possession of a permit to possess a mountain lion carcass, part or product thereof pursuant to this section shall uniquely identify such mountain lion carcass or part or product thereof. Unique identification methods include, but are not limited to, permanent marking, tattooing, microchipping, detailed photographs, descriptive measurements, or another suitable method approved in advance by the department.
• (d) Change of Address or Name.
• The permittee shall notify the department in writing of any change of address or name related to the permit within thirty days of the change.


• (e) Disposition. Any permittee no longer desiring to possess a mountain lion carcass or part or product thereof shall transfer such carcass or part or product thereof to the department.

Amendment filed 11/1/2013; operative 1/1/2014

§251.5. Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic Game Mammals, Furbearers and Nongame Animals, Possession Of.

• (a) Migratory game birds may not be held beyond the period provided by the federal regulations and in accordance with the daily bag and possession limits prescribed by these regulations (see sections 257 and 502).
• (b) Live mountain lions may be possessed only under terms of a permit issued by the Department pursuant to section 2150 of the Fish and Game Code or if the owner can demonstrate that the mountain lion was in his/her possession on or before June 6, 1990 under a permit issued pursuant to section 3200 of said code.
• (c) Every game bird, game mammal, exotic game mammal, furbearer or nongame animal taken under the authority of a hunting or trapping license and reduced to possession by the hunter or trapper shall be immediately killed and become a part of the daily bag limit.

Amendment filed 5/29/2024; operative 7/1/2024.

§251.6. Tagging of Live Domesticated Big Game Mammals.

• (a) Domesticated game breeders or other persons holding domesticated big game mammals including nonnative hoofed big game mammals in captivity shall within 30 days after such mammals are acquired, or born, mark each animal with a seal, ear tag or other marking device supplied by the Department of Fish and Game. Alternate methods of marking big game mammals may be used upon approval by the department.
• (b) The requirements of this section shall not apply to public zoological gardens, game breeders holding animals on any island in the Santa Barbara Channel area, and to those animals presently in captivity in such cases where the department determines that the capturing and marking or tagging would create a substantial risk to human safety or to the health and safety of the animals.
• (c) The seals shall be numerically identified and issued at a cost of 25 cents (25¢) per seal. The seals shall be issued only from the Sacramento office of the Department of Fish and Game.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-1981; designated effective 5-23-1981.

§251.7. Possession, Transportation and Importation of Game Birds.

• (a) No person may possess any birds taken in this state in excess of the daily bag and possession limits. The exception to this is for the purpose of transportation, cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services, where an individual may possess game birds taken by another hunter provided that they are tagged by the hunter who has lawfully taken them. The tag must contain the hunter's name, address, hunting license number, kinds and numbers of game birds taken, date and location of kill, and signature.
• (b) All birds, including migratory game birds, possessed or transported within California must have a fully feathered wing or head attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial preservation facility or being prepared for immediate consumption. Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached.
• (c) Migratory game birds imported into California shall be accompanied by a declaration of entry as prescribed in Section 2353 of the Fish and Game Code.
• (d) Only one possession limit of migratory game birds may be possessed per individual after the close of the season for that species.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251.8. Transportation of Game Birds and Game Mammals off Indian Reservations.

• (a) Pursuant to the provisions of sections 3080 and 3081(b) of the Fish and Game Code, game birds and game mammals taken by California Indians on reservations under those circumstances wherein the taking of such animals is excepted from the application of the California Fish and Game Code in accordance with the provisions of section 12300 of the Fish and Game Code may be transported off the reservation and possessed within this state subject to the following conditions:
  • (1) A permit, in such form as shall be prescribed by the Department of Fish and Game, to transport the carcass of a game bird or mammal or parts thereof off a particular California Indian reservation shall first be obtained from tribal members designated by the tribal council of the reservation. Copies of the permit shall be maintained and distributed by the designated tribal members in accordance with instructions issued by the Department of Fish and Game.
  • (2) The carcass of each game bird or mammal or parts thereof shall be suitably stamped and/or tagged in such manner as shall be designated by the Department of Fish and Game prior to the transportation off the reservation.
  • (3) The permit, stamps and/or tags, as prescribed by the Department of Fish and Game, shall be furnished to each tribal reservation without charge. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of the permit or the stamping and/or tagging of the carcass.
  • (4) The permittee shall retain such permit in his possession and shall maintain the stamp and/or tags on the carcass or parts thereof at all times while transporting or possessing the carcass or parts thereof off his reservation.
• (b) Game birds and game mammals taken on Indian reservations in accordance with applicable provisions of the Fish and Game Code and part 2, division 1, title 14, of the California Code of Regulations, which apply to the remainder of the state may be transported and possessed on such reservations without a permit being issued or the carcasses being stamped or tagged as provided in this section.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§251.9. Computer Assisted Remote Hunting.

• (a) It is unlawful to take or assist in the taking of any bird or mammal in or from this state, by computer-assisted remote hunting. (b) It is unlawful to establish or operate a computer-assisted remote hunting site for the purpose of taking any bird or mammal from or within this state. (c) For the purposes of this section, "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other remotely controlled device, equipment, software, or technology, to remotely control the aiming or discharge of any weapon, including, but not limited to, any firearm, bow and arrow, spear, harpoon or any other weapon capable of killing or injuring any bird or mammal, for the purposes of taking any bird or mammal. "computer-assisted remote hunting site" means any computer, internet site or web-based device or system, or other electronically operated site or system used to assist in the remote taking of any bird or mammal.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§252. Bag and Possession Limit Defined.

"Bag and possession limit" means the daily bag limit of each kind of resident and migratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals which may be taken and possessed unless otherwise authorized.

Amendment filed 5/29/2024; operative 7/1/2024.

§255. Code Definitions Reaffirmed.

Words defined by sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 22, 29, and 30 through 88 inclusive of the Fish and Game Code have had and shall have the same meaning, definition and scope whenever used in division 1 of title 14, California Code of Regulations, it being the intent of the Fish and Game Commission in adopting the orders, rules, and regulations set forth in said division that the provisions of said sections were and are applicable.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§257. Resident Small Game Defined.

"Resident small game" means the following resident game birds: Chinese spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringed turtle-doves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel's or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, sooty grouse and varieties thereof, ruffed grouse, sage grouse (sage hens), white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pigmy rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurus and Tamiasciurus).

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals, and Exotic Game Mammals by the Aid of Bait.

• (a) Bait. As used in this section, "bait" shall mean any shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or any other feed, or cervid-derived biofluid, capable of luring, attracting, or enticing resident game birds or mammals.
• (b) Baited Area. As used in this section, "baited area" shall mean any area where bait is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all bait.
• (c) It shall be unlawful to use lures, or similar materials that contain or are labeled or advertised as containing any chronic wasting disease sensitive cervid biofluid as defined in Section 714, including but not limited to urine, feces, saliva, and scent gland secretions, to take any game bird or game mammal.
• (d) Resident game birds, game mammals, and exotic game mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area, except for:
  • (1) The taking of domestically reared and released game birds on licensed pheasant clubs and other licensed game bird clubs;
  • (2) The taking of resident game birds, game mammals, and exotic game mammals, on or over standing crops, flooded standing crops (including aquatics), flooded harvested croplands, grain crops properly shocked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting;
  • (3) The taking of resident game birds and mammals on or over any lands where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes: provided that manipulation for wildlife management purposes does not include the distributing or scattering of grain or other feed once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.

Amendment filed 5/29/2024; operative 7/1/2024. Amendment filed 7/1/2024; effective 7/1/2024.

§258. Season Defined.

"Season" means that period of time during which resident and migratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals may be taken. All dates are inclusive.

Amendment filed 5/29/2024; operative 7/1/2024.

§260. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds and Quail in Picacho State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Picacho State Recreation Area only migratory game birds and quail may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Sections 301, 500, 501 and 502 of these regulations.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§260.1. Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than During September-January on Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area hunting is permitted only during the period September 1 to January 31.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§260.2. Hunting Restrictions on Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.

Game species may be taken on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area only as follows:

(a) No hunting of any type is permitted between February 1 and September 14 except for wild turkeys only, during the spring turkey hunting season as provided in Section 306 of these regulations.

(b) No waterfowl or deer hunting is permitted at any time.

(c) Game species may be taken only during their respective open seasons or portions thereof falling within the period September 15 through January 31; and as provided in (a) above; and as otherwise provided by state Parks and Recreation area regulations (see area regulations).

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§260.3. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds on San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, only migratory waterfowl may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§260.4. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area only waterfowl and resident small game may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 551 of these regulations.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§260.5. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens and Common Snipe Within Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, only waterfowl, American coots, common moorhens and common snipe may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§262. Prohibition Against Hunting on Portions of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.

That portion of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area lying southwest of the following line is closed to hunting: Beginning at a point on Little Frank's Tract 2,000 feet north of the Piper Slough; southeast 2,000 feet east of the Piper Slough levee to the junction of the Holland Island levee.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§263. Prohibition Against Night Hunting.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, hunting wildlife from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited in Monterey and San Benito counties east of Highway 101.

Amendment of NOTE filed 5-13-81; designated effective 5-23-81.

§264. Use of Lights While Hunting--Specific Areas.

• (a) Lights of any size or voltage may be used to take furbearing or nongame mammals only in the areas described in subsections (b) and (c) below, and only under the following conditions:
  • (1) The use of lights for night hunting is prohibited in any area where the general deer season is open.
  • (2) Furbearing mammals and nongame mammals may be taken with the aid of a spotlight or other artificial light operated from a vehicle provided such vehicle is stopped and standing with the motor off. No spotlight may be used from a vehicle which is on a public road or highway.
• (b) Zone 1. (Portions of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba counties.)
  Area: Within the boundary beginning at the junction of Interstate 880 and Interstate 5 near Sacramento; east on Interstate 880 to its junction with Interstate 80; north and east on Interstate 80 to its junction with Highway 65 near Roseville, along Highway 65 to its junction with Highway 20 at Marysville; west on Highway 20 to its junction with Highway 45; north on Highway 45 to its junction with Highway 162; east on Highway 162 to its junction with Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to South Avenue near the town of Corning; west on South Avenue to Interstate 5 in Corning; north on Interstate 5 to Corning Road; west on Corning Road to Paskenta Road; west on the Paskenta Road to the town of Paskenta; southwest on the Round Valley Road to the Garland Road; south on the Garland Road to the town of Newville; south on the Newville-Elk Creek Road to the town of Elk Creek; south on the Elk Creek-Stonyford Road to the town of Stonyford; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the town of Ladoga; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the town of Leesville; south from Leesville on the Bear Valley Road to its intersection with Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to its intersection with Highway 16; south and east on Highway 16 to its intersection with Interstate 5; east on Interstate 5 to Interstate 880 and the point of beginning.
• (c) Zone 2. (Portions of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono and San Bernardino counties and all of Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.)
  Area: Inyo, Mono and Kern counties south and east of a line beginning at the junction of Highway 182 and the California-Nevada state line; south on Highway 182 to its junction with Highway 395; south on Highway 395 to its intersection with Highway 168 at Bishop; west on Highway 168 to its intersection with the Inyo National Forest boundary; south on the Inyo National Forest boundary to its junction with County Highway J41; south and east on County Highway J41 to its junction with Highway 395; south on Highway 395 to its junction with Highway 14 near Inyokern; south on Highway 14 to its junction with Highway 178 at Freeman; west on Highway 178 to its junction with the Bodfish-Caliente Road at Isabella; south on the Bodfish-Caliente Road to its junction with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to its junction with the Los Angeles Aqueduct; south and west on the Los Angeles Aqueduct Road to its junction with 265th Street West near Neenach; south on 265th Street West to its junction with the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road at Three Points; east along the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road to its junction with Highway 14 at Palmdale; south on Highway 14 to its intersection with the Angeles Forest Highway; south on the Angeles Forest Highway to the Mill Creek Summit Road; east and south on the Mill Creek Summit Road to its intersection with the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) at Upper Chilao Campground; east on the Angeles Crest Highway to its intersection with the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line; north on the Los Angeles-Kern-San Bernardino county line to its intersection with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to its intersection with the range line between R3W and R4W; south along the range line between R3W and R4W to the southeast corner of T8N, R4W; east along T8N to its intersection with the west boundary of the U.S. Marine Corps Training Center; south and east on that boundary to its intersection with Giant Rock Road; east along Giant Rock Road to a point where it turns southeast and corresponding with a projected north extension of Sunfair Road; south on Sunfair Road and its projected extension to the San Bernardino-Riverside county line; and all of Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.

Certificate of Compliance as to 6-24-85 order transmitted to OAL 9-30-85 and filed 11-1-85.

§264.5. Use of Lights While Hunting--Remainder of State.

Lights may be used, in those portions of the state not listed in Section 264, to take furbearers and nongame mammals under the following conditions only:

• (a) Only 9 volt lights or smaller, hand-held or worn on the head are permitted.
• (b) Persons using such lights must be on foot.
• (c) Lights may not be used in or from a vehicle and may not be attached or powered from any source other than self-contained batteries.
• (d) A landowner or tenant suffering damage to livestock or other property by furbearing mammals or nongame mammals may designate, in writing, persons allowed by such landowner or tenant to use artificial lights in excess of 9 volts to assist in taking the depredating mammals. The landowner or tenants shall notify the closest fish and game office whenever furbearing or nongame mammals are taken under this authority.

No furbearing or nongame mammals including any threatened, endangered or fully protected species may be taken contrary to any other prohibition set forth in these regulations.

Certificate of Compliance as to 6-24-85 order transmitted to OAL 9-30-85 and filed 11-1-85.

§265. Use of Dogs for Pursuit/Take of Mammals or for Dog Training.

• (a) Prohibitions on the Use of dogs. The use of dogs for the pursuit/take of mammals or for dog training is prohibited as follows:
  • (1) The use of dogs is prohibited during the archery seasons for deer or bear.
  • (2) The use of dogs is prohibited for the take of bear, bobcat, elk, bighorn sheep and antelope.
  • (3) Mountain lions may not be pursued with dogs except under the provisions of a depredation permit issued pursuant to Section 4803 of the Fish and Game Code. Bear or bobcat may not be pursued with dogs except under the provisions of a permit issued pursuant to sections 3960.2 or 3960.4 of the Fish and Game Code. Dog training on mountain lions is prohibited.
  • (4) The use of dogs for the pursuit/take of mammals or for dog training is prohibited from the first Saturday in April through the day preceding the opening of the general deer season in the following dog control zones:
    • (A) Central California Dog Control Zone: Napa County north of Highway 128 and east of Highway 29; Lake County east of a line beginning at the Lake-Napa county line and Highway 29; northwest on Highway 29 to Highway 53. From Highway 53 turn northwest on Highway 20; northwest on Highway 20 to the Lake-Mendocino county line; north on the Lake-Mendocino county line to the Lake-Glenn county line; south on Lake-Glenn county line to the Lake-Colusa county line; south on the Lake-Colusa county line to the Lake-Yolo county line; southwest on the Lake-Yolo county line to the Lake-Napa county line; west on the Lake-Napa county line to the starting point. Mendocino County east of Highway 101, and north of Highway 20. Sierra and Alpine counties and those portions of Nevada, Placer, Amador and Calaveras counties east of Highway 49; and El Dorado County east of the following line: Beginning at the junction of Highway 49 and the Placer-El Dorado county line; south on Highway 49 to Highway 193 at Cool; east and south along Highway 193 to Highway 49 in Placerville; south on Highway 49 to the Amador-El Dorado county line; east on the El Dorado-Amador county line to the Alpine-El Dorado county line; east on the Alpine-El Dorado county line to the California –Nevada state line; north on the California-Nevada state line to the Placer-El Dorado county line; west on the Placer-El Dorado county line to the starting point.
    • (B) Northern California Dog Control Zone: Plumas and Trinity counties. Butte County east of the following line: Beginning at the junction of Highway 99 and the Butte-Tehama county line; south and east along Highway 99 to Highway 149; south and east along Highway 149 to Highway 70; south along Highway 70 to the Butte-Yuba county line; east on the Butte-Yuba county line to the Butte-Plumas county line; north on the Butte-Plumas county line to the Butte-Tehama county line southwest on the Butte-Tehama county line to the starting point.
      
      Del Norte County east of Highway 101. Glenn County west of a line beginning at the intersection of County Road 200 and the Glenn-Tehama county line; southeast on County Road 200 to County Road 306; south along County Road 306 to the Colusa-Glenn county line; west on the Colusa-Glenn county line to the Glenn-Lake county line; northwest on the Glenn-Lake county line to the Glenn-Mendocino county line; north on the Glenn-Mendocino county line to the Glenn-Tehama county line; east on the Glenn-Tehama county line to the starting point. Humboldt County north of Highway 36 and east of Highway 101. Siskiyou County south and west of the line defined as follows: Beginning at the Oregon-California state line at Interstate 5, proceed south on Interstate 5 to Highway 97 at the town of Weed; north on Highway 97 to Meiss Lake Road near the town of Macdoel; east on Meiss Lake Road to Old State Highway; south on Old State Highway to Redrock Road; east on the Redrock Road (forest service road 15[8Q03] to Willow Creek Red Rock Road; north on Willow Creek Red Rock Road to the Gold Digger Pass Road (N8U01); east on the Gold Digger Pass Road to the western boundary of the Lava Beds National Monument; north and east on said boundary to the Siskiyou-Modoc county line; south on the Siskiyou-Modoc county line to the Siskiyou-Shasta county line; west on the Siskiyou-Shasta county line to the Siskiyou-Trinity county line; west on the Siskiyou-Trinity county line to the Siskiyou-Humboldt county line; northwest on the Siskiyou-Humboldt county line to the Siskiyou-Del Norte county line; north on the Siskiyou-Del Norte county line to the California-Oregon state line; east on the California-Oregon state line to the starting point. Shasta County south and west of Highway 89 and north of the line defined as follows: Beginning at the Shasta-Tehama county line and Highway 36 near the town of Beegum, go west on Highway 36 to County Road A16; north on County Road A16 to Pine Street in the city of Redding; north on Pine Street to Eureka Way (Highway 299); west on Eureka Way (Highway 299) to Highway 273; north on Highway 273 to Interstate 5; north on Interstate 5 to the south shore of Shasta Lake; east and north along the southern shore of Shasta Lake to Fender's Ferry Road; southeast on Fender's Ferry Road to Highway 299; southwest on Highway 299 to Oakrun Road; southwest on the Oakrun Road to Fern Road in the town of Oakrun; northeast on the Oakrun Road to Fern Road to the town of Fern; south and west on Fern Road to Whitmore Road; east on Whitmore Road to the town of Whitmore. From Whitmore Road turn south on Ponderosa Way to Innwood Road; Innwood Road to Highway 44 near Innwood; east on Highway 44 to Wilson Hill Road; south on Wilson Hill Road to Rock Creek Road; south on Rock Creek Road to the Shasta-Tehama county line; east along the Shasta-Tehama county line to Highway 89; North on Highway 89 to the Shasta-Siskiyou county line; west along the Shasta-Siskiyou county line to the Shasta-Trinity county line; southeast along the Shasta-Trinity county line to the Shasta-Tehama county line; east along the Shasta-Tehama county line to the starting point. The following portions of Tehama County : Those portions of Tehama County within the Mendocino National Forest and east of Ponderosa Way . Those portions of Tehama County within the Lassen National Forest. Those portions of Tehama County east of Ponderosa Way . Those portions of Lassen County north and west of the following line: North from the Lassen-Sierra county line on Highway 395 to Highway 36 east of Susanville; northwest on Highway 36 to Highway 139; north on Highway 139 to the Lassen-Modoc county line; west along the Lassen-Modoc county line to the Lassen-Shasta county line; south along the Lassen-Shasta county line to the Plumas-Lassen county line; southeast along the Plumas-Lassen county line to the Lassen-Sierra county line; east along the Lassen-Sierra county line to the starting point.
    • (C) Southern Sierra Dog Control Zone: Those portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno and Tulare counties east of the following line beginning at the intersection of Highway 49 and the Calaveras-Tuolumne county line; south on Highway 49 to Highway 108; southwest on Highway 108 to Highway 120; east on Highway 120 to the Smith Station Road (J20); south on the Smith Station Road (J20) to the Greeley Hill Road; east on the Greeley Hill Road to the Briceburg Road; east on Briceburg Road to the North Fork of the Merced River at Bower Cave; south on the North Fork of the Merced River to Road 3S15 (Black Mountain Road/Ponderosa Way); south on Road 3S15 (Ponderosa Way) to Forest Service Road 3S02 (Ponderosa Way) crossing the U.S. Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management property boundary in Section 28 located in Township 3S, Range 18E to Forest Service Road 2S05 (Bull Creek Road); south on Forest Service Road 2S05 (Bull Creek Road) to the Main Fork of the Merced River; west on the Main Fork of the Merced River to the southern boundary of Lake McClure; west on the southern boundary of Lake McClure to Highway 49; south on Highway 49 to Highway 140 at Mariposa; north on Highway 140 to the South Fork of the Merced River; east along the South Fork of the Merced River to Hite Cove Trail at Hite Cove. From Hite Cove south on the U.S. Forest Service Road (Hite Cove Trail) to Hite Cove Road; south on Hite Cove Road to Scott Road; south on Scott Road to Jerseydale Road; south on Jerseydale Road through Jerseydale Station and Darrah to the Darrah Road; south along Darrah Road to Highway 49; south along Highway 49 to Highway 41 at Oakhurst; north along Highway 41 to its intersection with the Bass Lake Road at Yosemite Forks; south along Bass Lake Road to Road 274; south on Road 274 past Bass Lake on the east side of the lake to the junction with the Mammoth Pool Road at North Fork; west on Mammoth Pool Road to Road 222 (Auberry Road); south on Road 222 (Auberry Road) to the San Joaquin River; east along the San Joaquin River to Italian Bar Road (Road 225) at the Italian Bar Bridge; south on Italian Bar Road (Road 225) to Jose Basin Road (County Road M2441); east on Jose Basin Road (County Road M2441) to its intersection with Forestry Service Roads 8S08 (Railroad Grade Road) and 9S07 (Jose Basin Road); south on 9S07 (Jose Basin Road) to Jose Basin/Musick Farm Road; southeast on 9S07 to Auberry Road near Pine Ridge; east on Auberry Road to North Toll House Road; south on North Toll House Road to Peterson Road; east on Peterson Road to Big Creek Road; east on Big Creek Road (10S02) near Peterson Mill to Dinkey-Trimmer Road (10S69 Trimmer Springs Road) at Haslett Basin; east on Dinkey-Trimmer Road (10S69) to Sycamore Springs Road (11S02); east on Sycamore Springs Road (11S02) to Black Rock Road (11S12) at Balch Camp; east on the Black Rock Road (11S12) to the decommissioned 11S07 (the old Rodgers Ridge Road) at Black Rock Reservoir Dam; east along decommissioned 11S07 (old Rodgers Ridge Road) to Garlic Spur; south on Garlic Spur to the Kings River; west along the Kings River to Verplank Ridge; south on Verplank Ridge-Hoise Ridge to Forest Route 13S65; southeast on Forest Route 13S65 to Forest Route 13S03; southeast on Forest Route 13S03 to Highway 180 near Cherry Gap; south along Highway 180 to the north boundary of Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park; south along the western boundary of Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park to the northern boundary of Sequoia National Forest between Grouse Peak and Dennison Mountain; south along the common line between R29E and R30E, M.D.B.M. to the boundary of the Sequoia National Forest; east and south along that boundary to Balch Park Road; southeast along that road to the west boundary of Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest; south and east along that boundary to Forest Trail 30E14; southeast along 30E14 to the Doyle Springs Road (Wishon Drive); southwest along Doyle Springs Road (Wishon Drive) to Camp Wishon; southeast along the Alder Creek Grove-Hossack Meadow Road to Camp Nelson; east along Highway 190 to Coy Flat Road; south along Coy Flat Road to the boundary of the Tule River Indian Reservation; south along the east boundary of that reservation (County Highway J42) to Parker Peak; southeast through Upper Parker Meadow to Parker Pass. Parker Pass to Forest Route 22S81; south through Starvation Creek Grove on Forest Route 22S81 to M504 (Parker Pass); south on M504 to Forest Route 23S64; southeast on 23S64 to the southwest corner of Section 15, T23S, R31E, M.D.B.M, continuing to the northeast corner of Section 22, T23S, R31E, M.D.B.M.; south approximately 6 miles to Sugarloaf Winter Recreation Area.; southeast on Sugarloaf drive to Forest Road 24S23; northeast on Forest Route 24S23 to Forest Route 23S16; Southeast on Forest Route 23S16 to Portuguese Pass; southeast along Forest Route 23S16 (24S06) though Portuguese Pass to the Tulare-Kern county line; east along the Tulare-Kern county line to the Tulare-Inyo county line.; north along the Tulare-Inyo county line to Fresno-Inyo county line; north along the Fresno-Inyo county line to the Fresno-Mono county line; north along the Fresno-Mono County line to the Mono-Madera county line; north along the Mono-Madera county line to the Mono-Tuolumne county line; north along the Mono-Tuolumne county line to the Alpine-Tuolumne county line; northwest along the Alpine-Tuolumne county line to the Calaveras- Tuolumne county line; southwest along the Calaveras- Tuolumne county line to the starting point. That portion of Kern County within a line beginning where the Tulare-Kern county line intersects the west boundary of the Sequoia National Forest; south along the said boundary to the Poso Flat Road; on Poso Flat Road to National Forest Route 25S03 (Rancheria Road); northeast along National Forest 25S03 (Rancheria Road) to National Forest 25S15 (Rancheria Road); north on National Forest 25S15 (Rancheria Road) to Rancheria Road; northeast along Rancheria Road through Shirley Meadow to Forest Highway 90 (Forest Route 23S16) at Greenhorn Summit; northeast on Forest Highway 90 (Forest Route 23S16) to Cow Creek; northeast on Cow Creek to Bull Run Creek; north on Bull Run Creek to the Tulare-Kern county line; west along said county line to the point of beginning, Those portions of Inyo and Mono counties west of Highway 395.
    • (D) Southern California Dog Control Zone: Those portions of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties within the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests; and those portions of San Bernardino County within the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests.
• (b) Authorized Use of Dogs. The use of dogs for the pursuit/take of mammals or for dog training is authorized as follows:
  • (1) Dog Control Zones. The use of dogs for the pursuit/take of mammals or for dog training is permitted in the dog control zones described in subsections 265(a)(4)(A), (B), (C) and (D) from the opening day of the general deer season through the first Friday in April.
  • (2) Areas of the State Outside the Dog Control Zones. The use of dogs for the pursuit/take of mammals or for dog training in areas outside of the dog control zones is permitted year-round, except for closures and restrictions described in this Section 265 and Section 364, and the provisions of sections 3960 and 4800 of the Fish and Game Code which prohibit allowing any dog to pursue any big game mammal during the closed season on such mammal or mountain lions, elk or any fully-protected, threatened or endangered mammal at any time.
  • (3) Take of Depredating Mammals. The use of dogs is permitted for pursuing/taking depredating mammals by federal and county animal damage control officers or by permittees authorized under a depredation permit issued by the department.
  • (4) Take of Furbearers and Nongame Mammals. Furbearers and nongame mammals as specified in subsection 472(a) may be taken with the aid of dogs during the appropriate open season, except for closures and restrictions described in subsections 265(a) and (b).
  • (5) Prohibition on Starting Pursuit Within 400 Yards of Baited Area. Pursuits may not be started within 400 yards of a baited area as described in Section 257.5 of these regulations.
  • (6) Dog Training. Except for the prohibitions of subsection 265(a), dog training is permitted pursuant to the following provisions:
    • (A) Dog Training Defined. For purposes of these regulations, dog training is defined as the education of dogs through "breaking" or "practicing" under strict provisions that preclude the injuring or take of animals. Training is distinguished from "pursuit", as used in Section 86 of the Fish and Game Code, in that the animal being chased shall not be killed, captured, or injured.
    • (B) Prohibition on Killing, Capturing or Injuring Mammals. No person shall kill, capture or injure any mammal, nor shall any person's dog be allowed to kill, capture or injure any mammal during dog training.
    • (C) Prohibition on Possession of Equipment. No firearm, archery gear, crossbow or other instrument capable of killing, injuring or capturing any animal may be possessed by any person training dogs during the seasons described in subsection 265(b)(6)(F) below. Possession of a firearm, archery gear, crossbow or other instrument capable of killing or capturing any animal is prohibited while training dogs, but such equipment may be transported to or from a campsite, transported to or from a residence or lawfully possessed by a person at a campsite provided all dogs are secured and under the control of the owner, agent or person training or transporting said dogs.
    • (D) Prohibition on Starting Dog Training Within 400 Yards of Baited Area. Dog Training may not be started within 400 yards of a baited area as described in Section 257.5 of these regulations.
    • (E) Prohibition on Training Dogs on Big Game Mammals, Bobcat or on Protected, Threatened or Endangered Mammals. It shall be unlawful to train any dog on any big game mammal, bobcat, or to train any dog on any fully-protected, threatened or endangered mammal at any time. A person in possession of a valid deer tag may utilize the general deer season for purposes of educating a dog for deer. Only one dog may be used for training in areas where the general deer season (as described in subsection 360(a) and (b)) is open.
    • (F) Seasons.
      • 1. Gray Fox. Dogs may be trained on gray fox from March 1 through the day preceding the opening of the general gray fox season, except for closures and restrictions described in subsections 265(a) and (b).
      • 2. Raccoon. Dogs may be trained on raccoon from April 1 through the day preceding the opening of the general raccoon season, except for closures and restrictions described in subsections 265(a) and (b).
      • 3. Other Mammals. Except for closures and prohibitions described in this Section 265 and sections 3960 and 4800 of the Fish and Game Code, dogs may be trained on mammals other than gray fox and raccoon at any time.
• (c) Restrictions on the Number of Dogs per Hunter.
  • (1) One Dog per Hunter Limitation During Deer Season. No more than one dog per hunter may be used in the area where the general deer season is open.
  • (2) Three Dogs per Hunter Limitation for the Take of Wild Pigs. Up to three dogs per hunter may be used for the purpose of taking wild pigs, pursuant to the following provisions:
    • (A) No more than one dog per hunter may be used in an area where the general deer season is open.
    • (B) No dogs may be used within the closures described in subsection 265(a).

Repeal of subsection (d) filed 4/2/2018; operative 4/26/2018.