Mammal Hunting Regulations: Miscellaneous

Chapter 3. Miscellaneous

§700. Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Possession.

• (a) Possession of Sport Fishing License: Every person, while engaged in taking any fish, amphibian or reptile, shall have on their person or in their immediate possession a valid sport fishing license, except when diving as provided in Section 7145 of the Fish and Game Code.
• (b) Possession of Hunting License: Every person, while engaged in taking any bird or mammal Shall have on their person or in their immediate possession a valid hunting license.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708. Big Game License Tag, Application, Distribution and Reporting Procedures.

Repealed 7/8/11

§708.1. Big Game Deer License Tags Procedures and Requirements.

• (a) Deer License Tag Procedures and Requirements
  • (1) Deer License Tags.
    No person shall hunt deer without a valid deer license tag in possession for that particular area as defined in sections 360 and 361. Deer shall be tagged only with a valid deer license tag for the area (as defined in sections 360 and 361) in which the deer is killed. Except as otherwise provided in the Fish and Game Code, no person shall take more than two deer during any license year.
  • (2) Deer License Tag Application and Distribution Procedures.
    • (A) Distribution of Deer License Tags:
      • 1. Deer Tag Classification
        • a. Premium Deer Hunt Tags shall include all deer hunt tags where the tag quota filled on or before the first business day after July 1 in the immediately preceding license year.
        • b. Restricted Deer Hunt Tags shall include all non-Premium deer hunt tags where the tag quota filled on or before the first business day after August 1 in the immediately preceding license year.
        • c. Unrestricted Deer Hunt Tags shall include all deer hunt tags where the tag quota did not fill on or before the first business day after August 1 in the immediately preceding license year.
        • d. The department may designate the deer tag classification for any deer hunt that was not held in the previous year.
      • 2. Premium deer hunt tags shall be distributed by drawing, as described in Section 708.14, unless otherwise authorized. Applicants may apply through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office. Applications must be received by the department by June 2. Successful applicants will be selected by drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail.
      • 3. Except as noted in Section 708.3, deer tags for any restricted deer hunt tag or any unrestricted deer hunt tag and premium tags leftover after the drawing shall be issued upon request until each tag quota fills.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.2. Big Game Deer License Tags Issuance and Deer Tag Drawing Application Procedures.

• (a) Deer Tag Issuance and Deer Tag Drawing Application Procedures:
  • (1) Except for permits and deer tags issued pursuant to sections 4181.5, 4188, and 4334 of the Fish and Game Code, individuals may request deer tags and submit deer tag drawing applications at department license agents and department license sales offices.
  • (2) Applicants shall be at least 12 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying or at the time of application if they are applying after July 1 and possess an annual California hunting license valid for the deer hunting season for which they are applying. Applicants for apprentice hunts shall possess an annual junior hunting license for the deer hunting season for which they are applying.
  • (3) Incomplete, incorrect, late or ineligible applications will not be accepted.
• (b) Application Fee: The department shall require that the specified fee for a deer tag, as specified in Section 4332 of the Fish and Game Code, be paid as a prerequisite to obtaining a deer tag or tag drawing application. In addition to the tag fee, the department shall also charge a processing fee, as specified in Section 702, for each deer license tag application. Deer license tag processing fees are not refundable. Deer license tag fees are not refundable once a deer tag application has been entered into the big game drawing or a deer tag has been issued regardless of closures of any zone or hunt due to fire, weather or other natural disasters. The department may only refund deer tag license fees under the following provisions:
  • (1) The difference between the fee paid for a nonresident deer license tag application and a resident deer license tag application may be refunded for any nonresident deer tag application for which a deer tag was not issued.
  • (2) The department may refund the difference between the fee paid for a nonresident deer tag license application and a resident deer tag license application for any nonresident tag issued if all of the following conditions are met:
    • (A) The deer license tag is not a premium tag.
    • (B) The deer license tag is returned prior to the earliest opening date for the hunt.
    • (C) The tag quota has not been filled for the hunt.
    • (D) Request for refunds shall be submitted on or before March 1 of the license year to the department’s License and Revenue Branch,1740 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834 If the deadline to submit the request for refund falls on a weekend or holiday requests will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit the request.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.3. Big Game Deer License Tags.

• (a) Application Restrictions:
  • (1) First-Deer Tag Applicant or First-Deer Tag Drawing Applicants:
    • (A) Any person may use a first-deer tag drawing application to apply for any premium deer hunt tag issued by drawing as specified in section 708.1. Applicants shall not submit more than three choices for deer hunts per deer tag drawing application per license year.
    • (B) First-deer license tag applicants may apply for any unrestricted deer hunt tag. Tags shall be issued upon request to first- deer tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (C) First-deer license tag applicants may apply for any restricted deer hunt tag provided they have not been issued a premium or restricted hunt as a second deer license tag. Tags shall be issued upon request to first deer license tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (D) First -deer license tag applicants may apply for any premium deer hunt tag remaining on July 2 provided they have not been issued a premium or restricted hunt as a second deer license tag. Applicants may apply through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office beginning at 8:00 AM on July 2 each year. Premium deer hunt tags remaining on July 2 shall be issued upon request to first deer license tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (E) First-deer license tag applicants may apply for any premium or restricted deer hunt tag remaining on August 2 regardless of whether or not they have been issued a premium or restricted hunt as a second-deer license tag. Applicants may apply through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office beginning at 8:00 a.m. on August 2 each year. Premium deer hunt tags remaining on August 2 shall be issued upon request until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
  • (2) Second-Deer License Tag Applicant or Second-Deer License Tag Drawing Applicants:
    • (A) Second-deer license tag applicants may apply for any unrestricted deer hunt tag. Tags shall be issued upon request to second-deer license tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (B) Second-deer license tag applicants may apply for any restricted deer hunt tag provided they have not been issued a premium or restricted hunt as a first-deer license tag and they do not have a pending drawing application. Tags shall be issued upon request to second-deer license tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (C) Any second-deer license tag applicant may apply for any premium or restricted deer hunt tag remaining on August 2 each year. Applicants may apply through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office beginning at 8:00 a.m. on August 2 each year. Restricted deer hunt tags remaining on August 2 each year shall be issued upon request to second-deer license tag applicants until the tag quota for the hunt is filled.
    • (D) Any applicant who holds a junior hunting license for the license year for which they are applying, who has not used a first-deer license tag drawing application to apply for an additional apprentice hunt, may use a second-deer license tag drawing application to apply for an additional apprentice hunt tag issued by drawing as specified in sections 708.1 and 708.14. An apprentice hunter may not submit more than one application for additional apprentice hunts.
    • (E) No person shall submit more than one first-deer license tag application and one second-deer license tag application to the department during any one license year. Any person in violation of this subsection may be denied deer license tags for the current and following license year.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.4. Deer License Tag Exchange Fee.

The department shall not exchange any deer license tag for a different zone or hunt after the tag quota for the original tag zone or hunt fills for the season. The department shall not exchange a tag if the earliest season (either archery or general) for the tag being exchanged has opened. The department shall charge a nonrefundable processing fee, as specified in Section 702, for exchanging a deer license tag for a different zone or hunt. Applicants may apply at any department license sales office to exchange a deer license tag.
Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.5. Deer Tagging, Reporting, and Testing Requirements.

• (a) Upon the killing of any deer the tag holder shall immediately fill out all portions of the tag including the report card completely, legibly, and permanently, and cut out or punch out and completely remove notches or punch holes for the month and date of the kill .The deer license tag shall be attached to the antlers of an antlered deer or to the ear of any other deer and kept attached during the open season and for 15 days thereafter. Except as otherwise provided, possession of any untagged deer shall be a violation. (Refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4336).
• (b) Every person to whom a deer license tag is issued shall report to the Department their deer harvest.
  • (1) Successful deer tag holders are required to report deer harvested within 30 days of the date of harvest or by January 31, whichever date is first.
  • (2) Unsuccessful deer tag holders, whether they hunted or not, are required to report no harvest by January 31 annually.
• (c) Harvest Report Card Return and Reporting Mechanisms.
  • (1) By mail at the address specified on the harvest report card. A harvest report card returned by mail shall be postmarked by the date applicable to that card as specified in this section. If a report card is submitted by mail and not received by the department, it is considered not reported.
  • (2) Online through the department’s internet license sales service website by the date specified in the section. Tag holders reporting online will be provided a confirmation number upon successful submission. The tag holder must record the provided confirmation number in the space provided on the harvest report card and retain the harvest report card until March 1 annually. Tags reported online must be surrendered to the department upon demand.
• (d) Beginning July 1, 2016, deer tag holders, whether successful or unsuccessful, who fail to report by the date specified in this section shall be subject to a Deer Harvest Non-reporting Fee. The fee specified in Section 702 shall be charged prior to the issuance of a deer tag or deer tag drawing application in the following year.
• (e) The four Chronic wasting disease (CWD) Management Zones (CMZ) are deer hunt zones D-7, X-9a, X-9b, and X-9c as described in Section 360.
• (f) All hunters who take a deer within a CMZ, as described in subsection (e), shall provide the department with the retropharyngeal lymph nodes or the head from the harvested deer for the purpose of CWD testing within 10 days of take. The following are the permissible sampling methods:
  • (1) Bring the deer, or just the head, to a California CWD sampling station. The department will maintain a list of sampling stations on its website (wildlife.ca.gov/CWD/Sampling-Station);
  • (2) Bring the deer head to a participating meat processor or taxidermist. The department will maintain a list of participating meat processors and taxidermist on its website (wildlife.ca.gov/CWD/Meat-Processors-Taxidermists); or
  • (3) A hunter may self-sample their deer and bring the retropharyngeal lymph nodes directly to a California CWD sampling station. The department will maintain a list of sampling stations on its website ( wildlife.ca.gov/CWD/Sampling-Station). The department maintains an optional how-to-guide and data card for CWD sampling, data collection, and self-sample submissions on its website ( wildlife.ca.gov/CWD/Collect-Submit-Samples).
• (g) Hunters shall provide the following minimum information for the take pursuant to subdivision (f): the hunter’s name, GO ID, deer tag or document number, and hunt zone (GPS coordinates preferred).

Emergency amendment, adding subsections (e)-(g), filed 7/22/2024; effective 7/22/24 - 1/22/2025.

§708.6. Tag Countersigning and Transporting Requirements.

• (a) Any person legally killing a deer in this state shall have the deer license tag countersigned by a person authorized by the commission as described in subsection (c) before transporting such deer, except for the purpose of taking the deer to the nearest person authorized to countersign the license tag, on the route being followed from the point where the deer was taken (refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4341).
• (b) Any person legally killing an elk in this state shall have the elk license tag countersigned by a person authorized by the commission as described in subsection (c) before transporting such elk, except for the purpose of taking the elk to the nearest person authorized to countersign the license tag, on the route being followed from the point where the elk was taken.
• (c) The following persons are authorized to countersign deer and elk tags.
  • (1) State:
    • (A) Fish and Game Commissioners
    • (B) Employees of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, including Certified Hunter Education Instructors
    • (C) Employees of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE)
    • (D) Plant Quarantine Inspector, Supervisor I, and Supervisor II
  • (2) Federal:
    • (A) Employees of the Bureau of Land Management
    • (B) Employees of the United States Forest Service
    • (C) Employees of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service
    • (D) All Uniformed Personnel of the National Park Service
    • (E) Commanding Officers of any United States military installation or their designated personnel for deer or elk taken on their reservation.
    • (F) Postmasters & Post Office Station or Branch Manager for deer or elk brought to their post office.
  • (3) Miscellaneous:
    • (A) Firefighters employed on a full-time basis, only when the deer or elk carcass is brought to their fire station.
    • (B) Judges or Justices of all state and United States courts.
    • (C) Notaries Public
    • (D) Peace Officers (salaried & non-salaried)
    • (E) Officers authorized to administer oaths
    • (F) Owners, corporate officers, managers or operators of lockers or cold storage plants for deer or elk brought to their place of business.
• (d) No person may countersign his/her own deer tag or elk tag.

Amendment filed 7/1/2019; effective 7/1/2019. Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.7. Deer Head Retention Requirements and Production Upon Demand.

Any person taking any deer in this state shall retain in their possession during the open season thereon and for 15 days thereafter, that portion of the head which in adult males normally bears the antlers, and shall produce the designated portion of the head upon the demand of any officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this regulation (refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4302).
Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.8. Deer Violations, Tag Forfeiture.

Any person who is convicted of a violation involving deer shall forfeit their current year deer license tags and no new deer license tags may be issued to that person during the then current hunting license year, and that person may not apply for a deer license tag or deer preference points for the following license year (refer to Fish and Game Code, Section 4340).
Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§ 708.9. Bighorn Sheep License Tags, Application, Distribution and Reporting Procedures.

• (a) Fund-raising Nelson bighorn ram license tags:
• Fund-raising license tags for the taking of mature Nelson bighorn rams shall be sold for the purpose of raising funds to manage bighorn sheep. The department may designate a nonprofit organization to sell this fund-raising tag. The department may conduct a random drawing to distribute fund-raising tags. Any resident or nonresident is eligible to buy the tag. The sale price of a fund-raising license tag shall include the fee for processing and issuing an annual hunting license for the purchaser or any person designated by the purchaser. A fund-raising license tag distributed through a department random drawing does not include the fee for processing and issuing an annual hunting license. The purchasers of fund-raising license tags shall complete a required hunter orientation program conducted by the department and meet the hunter education requirements for a hunting license. The fund-raising license tags are defined in subsection 362(b).
• (b) General Nelson bighorn ram license tags:
  • (1) The general Nelson bighorn ram license tags shall be issued by drawing, as described in Section 708.14.
  • (2) Applicants shall apply, and pay a nonrefundable processing fee as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office on or before June 2 each year.
  • (3) Applicants shall be California residents or nonresidents, at least 16 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying
  • (4) Applicants shall possess an annual California hunting license that is valid during the bighorn ram season for which they are applying.
  • (5) Applicants shall not have been awarded a Nelson bighorn ram license tag in the department’s big game drawing.
  • (6) Applicants shall apply for only one designated zone.
  • (7) No applicant shall submit more than one application per license year.
  • (8) Incomplete, late and ineligible applications and applications submitted without the appropriate processing fee will not be included in the drawing and the applicant will not earn a preference point.
  • (9) Successful applicants and a list of alternates for each zone shall be determined by drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible.
  • (10) Not more than ten percent (10%) of general license tags shall be awarded to nonresidents each year.
  • (11) Unsuccessful applicants shall not be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be mailed notification as soon as practical. Upon receipt of the notification, the applicant shall submit the appropriate tag fee, as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at the department’s License and Revenue Branch. The tag fee shall be received by the department by 5:00 p.m. on July 15 each year. If the deadline to submit the fee falls on a weekend or holiday payment will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit payment.
  • (12) Should the quota for each zone remain unfilled after that date, the alternate lists shall be used. Successful applicants shall be issued tags only after successfully completing the required hunter orientation program conducted by the department.
• (c) Tagholder Responsibilities:
  • (1) Only persons possessing valid Nelson bighorn sheep license tags are entitled to hunt bighorn sheep. Tags shall not be transferable and are valid only in the zone or zones specified.
  • (2) Individuals awarded a fund-raising license tag and all successful applicants for general license tags shall attend and successfully complete a mandatory hunter orientation program. Licensed guides employed by successful applicants and the fund-raising license tag buyer shall accompany their clients to this orientation program.
  • (3) All successful bighorn sheep tag holders shall have their tags validated. All tags shall be returned to the department within 10 days after the close of the season, even though the tagholder may not have killed a Nelson bighorn ram.
  • (4) Upon the killing of any bighorn sheep, the tag holder shall immediately fill out all portions of the tag including the report card completely, legibly, and permanently, and cut out or punch out and completely remove notches or punch holes for the month and date of the kill. License tags shall be attached to the carcass of a bighorn ram immediately after the animal is killed.
  • (5) All tag holders will be notified by mail as to whether they will be required to report to the department before hunting and upon completion of hunting. The notification shall contain procedures for reporting, including appropriate methods of contacting the department.
  • (6) The tagholder shall surrender his tag to an employee of the department for any or all of the following reasons:
    • (A) Any act on the part of the tagholder which violates any of the provisions of the Fish and Game Code, or any regulations of the commission.
    • (B) Any act on the part of the tagholder which endangers the person or property of others. The decision of the department in such respects shall be final and binding upon the tagholder.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.10. Pronghorn Antelope License Tags, Application, Distribution and Reporting Procedures.

• (a) Fund-raising buck pronghorn antelope license tags:
• Fund-raising license tags for the taking of buck pronghorn antelope shall be offered for sale for the purpose of raising funds for the management of pronghorn antelope. The department may conduct a random drawing to distribute fund-raising tags. Any resident or nonresident is eligible to buy one of the fund-raising license tags. The sale price of a fund-raising license tag includes the fee for processing and issuing an annual hunting license for the purchaser or any person designated by the purchaser. A fund-raising license tag distributed through a department random drawing does not include the fee for processing and issuing a hunting license. The purchasers shall be issued the fund-raising license tag only after meeting the hunter education requirements for a hunting license.
• (b) Distribution of pronghorn antelope license tags:
  • (1) Applicants shall apply, and pay a nonrefundable processing fee as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office on or before June 2 each year.
  • (2) Applicants shall be California residents or nonresidents, at least 12 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying. Applicants for the apprentice pronghorn antelope hunts shall hold a junior hunting license for the license year for which they are applying. Applicants shall possess an annual California hunting license that is valid during the pronghorn antelope season for which they are applying.
  • (3) Up to two residents may apply together as a party. Nonresidents may not apply as a party.
  • (4) Applicants shall apply for only one designated zone pursuant to Section 363.
  • (5) No applicant shall submit more than one application per license year for a pronghorn antelope license tag.
  • (6) Incomplete, late and ineligible applications and applications submitted without the appropriate processing fee will not be included in the drawing and the applicant will not earn a preference point.
  • (7) Successful applicants and a list of alternates for each zone shall be determined by drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible.
  • (8) Not more than one nonresident shall be selected to receive a general license tag each year.
  • (9) Unsuccessful applicants shall not be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be mailed notification as soon as practical. Upon receipt of the notification, the applicant shall submit the appropriate tag fee, as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license sales office. The tag fee shall be received by the department by 5:00 p.m. on July 15 each year. If the deadline to submit the fee falls on a weekend or holiday payment will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit payment.
  • (10) Should the quota for each zone remain unfilled after that date, the alternate lists shall be used. Any tags unclaimed by successful applicants after that date shall be awarded to alternates for that zone, on an individual basis, in the order drawn.
• (c) Tagholder Responsibilities:
  • (1) Only persons possessing valid pronghorn antelope license tags are entitled to hunt pronghorn antelope. Tags shall not be transferable and are valid only in the area, season, and period specified on the tag.
  • (A) All tag holders shall return the report card portion of their license tag to the department within one week after the close of the pronghorn antelope season, even though the tagholder may not have killed a pronghorn antelope.
  • (B) The holder of a pronghorn antelope license tag, after killing a pronghorn antelope, shall immediately fill out all portions of the tag including the report card completely, legibly, and permanently, and cut out or punch out and completely remove notches or punch holes for the month and date of the kill. The tag portion shall be immediately attached to a horn of buck pronghorn antelope or to an ear of doe pronghorn antelope and kept attached for 15 days after the close of the open season.
  • (C) The tagholder shall surrender his license tag to an employee of the department for any of the following reasons:
    • 1. Any act on the part of the tagholder which violates any of the provisions of the Fish and Game Code, or any regulations of this commission.
    • 2. Any act on the part of the tagholder which endangers the person or property of others. The decision of the department in such respects shall be final and binding upon the tagholder.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.11. Elk License Tags, Application, Distribution and Reporting Procedures.

• (a) Fund-raising elk license tags:
  • (1) Three fund-raising license tags for the taking of elk bulls shall be offered for sale to raise funds for the management of elk. The department may designate a nonprofit organization or organizations to sell the fund-raising tags. The department may conduct a random drawing to distribute fund-raising tags. Any resident or nonresident is eligible to buy one of the license tags. The sale price of a fund-raising license tag includes the fee for processing and issuing an annual hunting license for the purchaser or any person designated by the purchaser . A fund-raising license tag distributed through a department random drawing does not include the fee for processing and issuing a hunting license. The purchasers of fund-raising tags shall complete required hunter orientation programs conducted by the department and meet the hunter education requirements for a hunting license.
• (b) Distribution of elk license tags
  • (1) Applicants shall apply, and pay a nonrefundable processing fee as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office on or before June 2 each year.
  • (2) Applicants shall be California residents or nonresidents, at least 12 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying. Applicants for the apprentice elk hunts shall hold a junior hunting license for the license year for which they are applying. Applicants shall possess an annual California hunting license that is valid during the elk season for which they are applying.
  • (3) Up to two residents may apply together as a party. Nonresidents may not apply as a party.
  • (4) Applicants shall apply for only one designated zone pursuant to Section 364.
  • (5) No applicant shall submit more than one application per license year for an elk license tag.
  • (6) Incomplete, late and ineligible applications and applications submitted without the appropriate processing fee will not be included in the drawing and the applicant will not earn a preference point.
  • (7) Successful applicants and a list of alternates for each zone shall be determined by drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible.
  • (8) Not more than one nonresident shall be selected to receive a general license tag each year.
  • (9) Unsuccessful applicants shall not be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be mailed notification as soon as practical. Upon receipt of the notification, the applicant shall submit the appropriate tag fee, as specified in Section 702, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license sales office. The tag fee shall be received by the department by 5:00 p.m. on July 15 each year. If the deadline to submit the fee falls on a weekend or holiday payment will be accepted until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline to submit payment.
  • (10) Should the quota for each zone remain unfilled after that date, the alternate lists shall be used. Any tags unclaimed by successful applicants after that date shall be awarded to alternates for that zone, on an individual basis, in the order drawn.
• (c) Tagholder Responsibilities:
  • (1) All tag holders shall return their license tags to the department within one week after the close of the elk season, even though the tagholder may not have killed an elk.
  • (2) Upon the killing of any elk, the tag holder shall immediately fill out all portions of the tag including the report card completely, legibly, and permanently, and cut out or punch out and completely remove notches or punch holes for the month and date of the kill.
    • (A) License tags shall be attached to the antler of an antlered elk immediately after killing. The license tag shall be kept attached to the antler of an antlered elk and retained for 15 days after the close of the season
    • (B) License tags shall be attached to the ear, leg, or largest portion of meat of antlerless elk immediately after killing. If the head is removed and not retained, evidence of sex in the form or udder or vulva must remain naturally attached. Boned out or quartered animals shall have evidence of sex naturally attached to a portion of the meat. The license tag shall be kept attached to the ear, leg, or largest portion of meat of an antlerless elk until processed and then shall be retained for 15 days after the close of the season.
  • (3) Persons authorized to validate or countersign elk tags are listed in subsection 708.6(c). Elk tags shall be countersigned before transporting such elk, except for the purpose of taking it to the nearest person authorized to countersign the license tag on the route being followed from the point where the elk is taken.
  • (4) Only persons possessing valid elk license tags are entitled to take elk. Tags are not transferable and are valid only for the area and period specified.
  • (5) The tagholder shall surrender his tag to an employee of the department for any or all of the following reasons:
    • (A) Any act on the part of the tagholder which violates any of the provisions of the Fish and Game Code, or any regulations of the commission made pursuant thereto.
    • (B) Any act on the part of the tagholder which endangers the person or property of others. The decision of the department shall be final.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.12. Bear License Tags.

• (a) Bear License Tags:
  • (1) With the exception of permits and tags issued pursuant to section 4181 of the Fish and Game Code, all bear license tags shall be available to the public through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office.
  • (2) The department shall require that the specified fee provided for in section 4751 of the Fish and Game Code for such bear license tags be paid as a prerequisite to obtaining a bear license tag.
  • (3) The department shall charge a nonrefundable processing fee, as specified in Section 702, for each bear license tag.
  • (4) Applicants may purchase only one bear license tag during any one license year. Any person who purchases more than one bear license tag may be denied bear license tags for the current license year.
  • (5) Upon the killing of any bear, that person shall immediately fill out all portions of the tag including the report card completely, legibly, and permanently, and cut out or punch out and completely remove notches or punch holes for the month and date of the kill .The bear license tag shall be attached to the ear of the bear and kept attached during the open season and for 15 days thereafter.
• (b) Use of Guides: Any holder of a bear license tag who utilizes the services of a guide or guides shall verify that the guide is in possession of a valid guide's license and shall place the guide's license number on the bear license tag in the space provided.
• (c) Validation of Bear Tags:
• Only department employees may validate bear license tags (This provision supersedes section 4755 of the Fish and Game Code). Bear license tags shall be countersigned by a department employee before transporting such bear except for the purpose of taking it to the nearest department employee authorized to countersign the bear license tag. If department offices are closed, the bear tag shall be validated within one (1) business day of transporting the bear from the point where taken.
• (d) Return of Bear License Tags:
  • (1) Every person who takes a bear shall immediately return the report card portion of the bear license tag, after having the tag countersigned as required in (c) above. The tag may be presented to a department office/officer or returned through the United States Mail.
  • (2) Every person who is unsuccessful in taking bear shall return the report card portion of the bear license tags by February 1 of the current license year. The tag may be presented to a department office/officer or returned through the United States Mail.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.13. Wild Pig Validations.

• (a) Any person, 12 years of age or older, who possesses a valid annual California hunting license may procure a wild pig validation as specified in Section 4654 of the Fish and Game Code through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office.
• (b) Wild pig validations are valid only during that portion of the current hunting license year in which wild pigs may be legally harvested as provided in subsection 378(a).
• (c) The holder of a wild pig validation shall keep the validation in their possession while hunting wild pig. Hunters are required to report take in the Automated License Data System within 60 days of the end of the license year. Reporting information shall include the hunter's identity, and number of pigs taken by month and county of take pursuant to Fish and Game Code 4657.

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

§708.14. Big Game License Tag Drawing System.

• (a) General Conditions
  • (1) Except as otherwise provided, the department shall award license tags for premium deer , bighorn sheep, elk and pronghorn antelope hunts, as described in sections 360(b) and (c), 361, 362, 364 and 363, using a Modified-Preference Point drawing system.
  • (2) Except as otherwise provided, the Modified-Preference Point drawing system shall award proportions of hunt tag quotas, as specified for each species, using the following drawing methods:
    • (A) Preference Point Drawings. Tags are awarded based on the following order of priority: an applicant's hunt choice (first choice only for deer), accumulated point totals by species (highest to lowest), and computer-generated random number (lowest to highest).
    • (B) Draw-By-Choice Drawings. Tags are awarded according to an applicant's hunt choice and computer-generated random number (lowest to highest), without consideration of accumulated points.
  • (3) Except as otherwise provided, applicants unsuccessful in receiving a tag for premium deer (based on first choice selection), bighorn sheep, elk or pronghorn antelope hunts shall earn one (1) preference point for use in future Big Game Drawings.
  • (4) To earn and accumulate a point for any species, a person shall comply with all application requirements for that species as specified in sections 708.1, 708.9, 708.10 and 708.11 including the following conditions:
    • (A) Applicants for premium deer license tags, pronghorn antelope license tags, or elk license tags shall be at least 12 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying.
    • (B) Applicants for Nelson bighorn sheep license tags shall be at least 16 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying.
    • (C) Applicants shall possess a valid annual California hunting license valid for the hunting season requested.
    • (D) Applications for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and elk hunts shall include the appropriate nonrefundable processing fees as specified in Section 702.
    • (E) Applicants shall apply for a premium deer license tag, bighorn sheep license tag, pronghorn antelope license tag and elk license tag through the department's Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office by June 2 each year.
    • (F) Each applicant who submits a premium license tag, as noted in (E) above, through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at department license agents and department license sales offices shall receive a “big game drawing receipt” printed from the terminal. The receipt shall contain the customer’s name and permanent identification number, proof of entry into the big game drawing for the license year, hunt choices for each species, accumulated preference points for each species, and Party Identification Number.
    • (G) Except for apprentice deer hunt applicants, applicants shall not submit more than one drawing application for each species during the same license year.
• (b) Party Applications, Residency
  • (1) No more than six persons shall apply together as a party for premium deer license tags. Applicants for premium deer license tags may be residents or nonresidents.
  • (2) No more than two residents shall apply together as a party for elk license tags. Nonresidents shall not apply as a party for elk license tags.
  • (3) No more than two residents shall apply together as a party for pronghorn antelope license tags. Nonresidents shall not apply as a party for pronghorn antelope license tags.
  • (4) Applicants shall not apply as a party for bighorn sheep license tags.
  • (5) Each year upon application, each applicant shall specify if the applicant is applying as an individual, a party leader or joining an existing party.
  • (6) Applicants applying as an individual or as a party leader shall be assigned a Party Identification Number from the department’s Automated License Data System terminal at the time of application each year. Applicants shall be assigned a Party Identification Number for each species.
  • (7) To apply as a party, the party leader shall apply first and provide their assigned Party Identification Number to the other party members.
  • (8) Applicants joining an existing party shall provide the Party Identification Number of the party leader when they apply to join the party.
  • (9) Applicants joining a party shall be assigned the same tag choices in the same order of preference as the party leader.
  • (10) All party members shall be awarded tags according to the choices selected by the party leader.
• (c) No applicant shall earn more than one (1) preference point per species, per drawing, for use in future drawings. Preference points are accumulated by species and shall not be transferred to another species or another person. Preference points are not zone or hunt specific.
• (d) Except as otherwise provided, successful applicants receiving tags for their first choice premium deer, bighorn sheep, elk or pronghorn antelope hunts shall lose all preference points for that species.
• (e) For party applications, the department shall use the average preference point value of all party members (total preference points for the party divided by number of party members) as the basis for consideration in the drawing for that species. Point averages shall not be rounded.
• (f) Except as otherwise provided, persons who do not wish to apply for an antelope, elk, bighorn sheep or premium deer tags, may earn one (1) preference point for any or all of these species, by submitting the appropriate application(s), as specified in sections 708.1, 708.9, 708.10 and 708.11, and selecting the point code number for that species, as defined by the department, as the hunt choice (first choice only for deer) through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office. Persons applying for a preference point in this manner shall be subject to the same application requirements as regular drawing applicants as specified in subsection 708.14.
• (g) The department shall maintain records of preference points earned by individual applicants based on the identification number assigned to each customer by the department’s Automated License Data System. The customer’s identification number, Get Outdoors ID (GO ID), will be printed on each drawing receipt issued by the Automated License Data System. Applicants shall notify the department's License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento, in writing, of any changes or corrections regarding name, mailing address, or date of birth.
• (h) Persons not applying for premium deer, bighorn sheep, elk, or pronghorn antelope hunts through the department's Big Game Drawings for five (5) consecutive years shall have their preference points for that species reduced to zero (0). For the purposes of this subsection, persons whose applications are disqualified from drawing shall be considered the same as persons not applying. Applying for preference points as described in (f) above, will keep an applicant's file active.
• (i) Any person may appeal incomplete, late and ineligible applications or applications submitted without the appropriate processing fee that were not included in the department's big game drawing and the hunter did not earn a preference point. The appeal shall be in writing and describe the basis for the appeal. The appeal shall be received by the department's License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento, or if mailed, postmarked on or before May 31 of the following year. The department, upon consideration of the appeal, may grant the appeal and award one preference point to the appellant. If the department grants the appeal for a preference point, the appellant shall pay all the applicable fees. The department shall not award a preference point unless the appellant pays all the applicable fees.
• (j) Any applicant who was drawn for the applicant’s first deer tag choice in the big game drawing (becoming a tag holder) and cannot hunt for any reason may return their entire unfilled tag (including carcass portion) and submit a written request to retain their accumulated preference point total and earn one preference point for deer for that license year. If the request is granted, the tag holder shall retain the preference point total the tag holder accumulated prior to the big game drawing and earn one preference point for deer for that license year. The department shall not refund the fees paid for a resident deer tag. To be eligible for preference point reinstatement, tag holders must meet one of the criteria below:
  • (1) Before a season starts. The tag holder must return the entire unfilled tag (including carcass portion) with their written request to the department’s License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA, postmarked prior to the earliest date the tag is valid for hunting. For tags that are valid for both an archery season, and a general season pursuant to sections 360 and 361 of these regulations, the written request must be postmarked prior to the opening date of the earliest season. The department may refund the difference between the fee paid for a nonresident deer tag and a resident deer tag for any nonresident. Party members may return their deer tags only if their points are less than or equal to the party's point average. For party members who have more points than the party's point average to have their points reinstated, all members of the party must return their tags for point reinstatement.
  • (2) After a season starts.
    • Commencing with the 2022 hunting license year beginning July 1, 2022, a tag holder whose hunt zone was inaccessible for sixty-six percent (66%) or more of a hunt season (pursuant to sections 360 and 361 of these regulations) due to a public land closure caused by wildfire may return their unfilled tag with their written request for preference point reinstatement. For tags that are valid for both an archery season and a general season, only the general season shall be considered for the calculation of the percentage of hunt season lost. The tag holder must return their entire unfilled deer tag (including carcass portion) with their written request to the department’s License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA, postmarked on or prior to February 28 of the current license year. Requests postmarked after this date shall not be considered.
• (k) Any applicant who was awarded an elk, antelope, or bighorn sheep tag in the big game drawing (becoming a tag holder) and cannot hunt for any reason may return their entire unfilled tag (including carcass portion) and submit a written request to retain their accumulated preference point total, earn one preference point for elk, antelope or bighorn sheep for that license year, and seek refund of the tag fee. The tag holder shall pay the nonrefundable processing fee specified in Section 702 with the request. If the request is granted, the tag holder shall retain the preference point total the tag holder accumulated prior to the big game drawing and earn one preference point for elk, antelope or bighorn sheep. The department may refund the tag fee. To be eligible for preference point reinstatement and/or tag refund, tag holders must meet one of the criteria below:
  • (1) Before a season starts. The tag holder must return their entire unfilled tag (including carcass portion) with their written request to the department's License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA, postmarked prior to the opening date of the season for which the tag is valid.
  • (2) After a season starts.
    •  Commencing with the 2022 hunting license year beginning July 1, 2022, a tag holder whose hunt zone was inaccessible for sixty-six percent (66%) or more of the hunt season (pursuant to sections 362, 363, and 364 of these regulations) due to a public land closure caused by wildfire may return their unfilled tag with their written request for preference point reinstatement and/or tag refund. The tag holder must return their entire unfilled tag (including carcass portion) with their written request to the department’s License and Revenue Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA, postmarked on or prior to February 28 of the current license year. Requests postmarked after this date shall not be considered.
• (l) Apprentice hunters must return all premium first-choice tags to be eligible for preference points reinstatement. All returned tags must meet eligibility requirements for point reinstatement. Tagholders must submit written request along with entire unfilled tags (including carcass portion) for preference point reinstatement.

Amendment filed 7/1/2024; effective 7/1/2024.

§708.15. Tag Quotas for Big Game License Tags Issued in Annual Drawing.

• (a) Premium Deer Hunts
  • (1) Except for apprentice deer hunt applicants, as specified in Section 708.2, applicants shall apply via first-deer tag for premium deer hunts with the department's Big Game Drawing through the department's Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office.
  • (2) Party deer tag drawing applications for premium deer hunts shall not be split to meet the tag quota if the number of party members exceeds the number of available tags. Party applications which exceed the number of available tags shall be bypassed until the tag quota is reached.
  • (3) License tags for premium deer hunts (except apprentice deer hunts) shall be awarded based on the following:
    • (A) Ninety percent (90%) of the individual zone or hunt tag quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing. Tag quota splits resulting in decimal fractions of a tag shall be rounded to the next higher whole number.
    • (B) Ten percent (10%) of the individual zone or hunt tag quota shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing. Tag quota splits resulting in decimal fractions of a tag shall be rounded to the next lower whole number.
    • (C) For zones or hunts with quotas less than ten (10) tags, one (1) tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing. Remaining tags shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing.
    • (D) Tags awarded to applicants for second or third choice zones or hunts shall be through a Draw-By-Choice drawing and shall not result in loss of accumulated points.
    • (E) License tags for apprentice deer hunts (J Hunts) as described in subsection 360(c) shall be awarded based on the following:
      • 1. Fifty percent (50%) of the hunt tag quota shall be awarded through a Preference Point drawing. Tag quota splits resulting in decimal fractions of a tag shall be rounded to the next higher whole number.
      • 2. Fifty percent (50%) of the hunt tag quota shall be awarded through a Draw-By-Choice drawing. Tag quota splits resulting in decimal fractions of a tag shall be rounded to the next lower whole number.
    • (F) An apprentice hunter applying for premium deer hunts (X zones, Area-specific archery hunts, and additional hunts) on a first-deer tag application and a second-deer tag application shall:
      • 1. Receive a point only if he/she is unsuccessful in the big game drawing with his/her first choice on both applications.
      • 2. Lose all preference points for deer if he/she receives his/her first choice on either application.
• (b) Bighorn Sheep Hunts
  • (1) Successful bighorn sheep tag applicants shall be determined as follows, based on tag quotas for each hunt.
    • (A) For quotas of one, the tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (B) For quotas of two, one tag shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (C) For quotas of three, two tags shall be awarded using a Preference Point Drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (D) For quotas of four or more, seventy-five percent (75%) of the quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing. Any resulting fractional tag shall be rounded to the next higher whole number. The remaining portion of the quota shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
  • (2) Alternates shall be selected for each hunt using a Preference Point Drawing. Alternate selection shall be limited to resident applicants.
• (c) Elk Hunts
  • (1) Successful elk tag applicants shall be determined as follows, based on tag quotas for each hunt or hunt period.
    • (A) For quotas of one, the tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (B) For quotas of two, one tag shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (C) For quotas of three, two tags shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (D) For quotas of four or more, seventy-five percent (75%) of the quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing. Any resulting fractional tag shall be rounded to the next higher whole number. The remaining portion of the quota shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
  • (2) Party applications drawn for the last tag available through the Preference Point drawing for a hunt will be split and the party leader (first of the party members to apply) shall be awarded the elk license tag. The party member shall become the first alternate for that hunt. Party applications shall not be split to fill the last tag available through the Draw-By-Choice drawing. In the event only one elk license tag is available to an alternate, party applications will be split and the alternate tag shall be awarded to the party leader.
  • (3) Alternates shall be selected for each hunt or hunt period using a Preference Point drawing. Alternate selection shall be limited to resident applicants.
• (d) Pronghorn Antelope Hunts
  • (1) Successful pronghorn antelope tag applicants shall be determined as follows, based on tag quotas for each hunt or hunt period.
    • (A) For quotas of one, the tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (B) For quotas of two, one tag shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (C) For quotas of three, two tags shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing, and one tag shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
    • (D) For quotas of four or more, seventy-five percent (75%) of the quota shall be awarded using a Preference Point drawing. Any resulting fractional tag shall be rounded to the next higher whole number. The remaining portion of the quota shall be awarded using a Draw-By-Choice drawing.
  • (2) Party applications drawn for the last tag available through the Preference Point drawing for a hunt will be split and the party leader (first of the party members to apply) shall be awarded the pronghorn antelope license tag. The party member shall become the first alternate for that hunt. Party applications shall not be split to fill the last tag available through the Draw-By-Choice drawing. In the event only one pronghorn antelope license tag is available to an alternate, party applications will be split and the alternate tag shall be awarded to the party leader.
  • (3) Alternates shall be selected for each hunt or hunt period using a Preference Point drawing. Alternate selection shall be limited to resident applicants.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.16. Fund-raising Big Game License Tags, Random Drawing.

• (a) General Conditions
  • (1) Commencing January 1, 2011, except as otherwise provided, the department may award license tags for fund-raising hunts for deer, bighorn sheep, elk and pronghorn antelope hunts, as described in sections 360, 361, 362, 363, and 364, using a random drawing system.
    • (A) Applicants for a deer, elk, or antelope license tag shall be 12 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying.
    • (B) Applicants for a big horn sheep license tag shall be 16 years of age on or before July 1 of the license year for which they are applying.
    • (C) Applicants for deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and elk hunts shall include the appropriate nonrefundable fee in Section 702.
    • (D) Applicants shall apply through the department’s Automated License Data System terminals at any department license agent or department license sales office on or before June 2 each year.
    • (E) Any resident or nonresident applicant may submit one or more fund-raising tag random drawing applications for each species during the same license year.
    • (F) No applicant shall earn a preference point in any fund-raising tag random drawings.
    • (G) Accumulated preference points shall not be considered in any of the fund-raising tag random drawings.
    • (H) Fund-raising tags shall not be transferred to another person.
    • (I) Successful applicants and a list of alternates for each fund-raising license tag will be determined by drawing within 10 business days following the application deadline date. If the drawing is delayed due to circumstances beyond the department's control, the department shall conduct the drawing at the earliest date possible.
    • (J) Unsuccessful applicants shall not be notified by mail.
    • (K) Successful applicants will be mailed notification as soon as practical.
    • (L) Upon receipt of the notification, the applicant shall claim the tag at the department's License and Revenue Branch, 1740 N. Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834 by 5:00 p.m. on July 15 each year. If the deadline to claim the tag falls on a weekend or holiday the applicant can claim the tag until the close of business on the first state business day following the deadline. Any tags unclaimed by successful applicants after that date shall be awarded to alternates for that license tag in the order drawn.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.17. Replacement Procedures for Lost Big Game License Tags.

• (a) Not more than one replacement license tag for each deer, bear, elk, pronghorn antelope, or bighorn sheep license tag issued to any tag holder shall be replaced each year. If the tagholder loses any big game license tag, it shall be replaced only by following the procedures below:
  • (1) The tag holder shall provide all of the following to any department license sales office:
    • (A) An affidavit, specified in Section 702, signed under penalty of perjury by the tag holder, containing the following information:
      • 1. A statement confirming that the originally issued big game license tag cannot be recovered.
      • 2. A statement describing the factual circumstances surrounding the loss of the big game license tag.
    • (B) Payment of the Duplicate Big Game License Tag Fee specified in Section 702, established pursuant to subdivision 1053(b) of the Fish and Game Code, and as adjusted pursuant to Sections 713 and 1055 of the Fish and Game Code.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§708.18. Fund Raising Big Game License Tags, Return for Refund

• (a) Any tagholder who was awarded a big game fund raising tag through an auction and cannot hunt may submit a written request to the department for a refund of the amount paid for the tag provided that:
  • (1) The request is due to circumstances beyond the control of the tag holder that prevent the use of the tag during the length of the season and in any zone open for hunting, including but not limited to:
    • (A) Serious medical condition, or death, of the tag holder;
    • (B) Military deployment of the tag holder; or
    • (C) An area closure that prohibits or limits the tag holder’s ability to hunt.
  • (2) The tag holder shall return the tag with the written request and supporting documentation to the department’s License and Revenue Branch at least ten business days before the start of the season for which the tag is valid.
  • (3) The department will consider the request and may refund the amount paid for the tag.
  • (4) The department may offer the tag to the next highest bidder(s) at the auction event in the amount of their final bid.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§712. Restriction of Importation of Hunter-Harvested Deer and Elk Carcasses.

It is unlawful to import, or possess any hunter harvested cervid carcass or parts of any cervid carcass imported into the State, such as deer, elk, moose, caribou, reindeer, and other species of the Family Cervidae, except for the following:

• (a) portions of meat with no part of the spinal column, brain or head attached (other bones, such as legs and shoulders, may be attached).
• (b) hides and capes (no spinal column, brain tissue or head may be attached).
• (c) clean skull plates (no brain tissue may be present, pursuant to Section 714 of these regulations) with antlers attached, if present. For the purposes of this section, the skull plate is defined as the paired bones (frontal, parietal, and temporal bones) that make up the top portion of the skull surrounding the brain and, in antlered animals, from which the paired antlers extend.
• (d) antlers with no meat or tissue attached, except legally harvested and possessed antlers in the velvet stage are allowed, if no meat, brain or other tissue is attached.
• (e) finished taxidermy mounts with no meat or tissue attached (antlers in the velvet stage are allowed if no meat, brain or other tissue is attached).
• (f) upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, ivories).

Amendment filed 7/1/2024; effective 7/1/2024.

§ 713. Carcass Condemnation for Diseased, Injured, or Chemically Immobilized Big-Game Species.

• (a) The Director may authorize Department employees to condemn the carcass of a diseased, injured, or chemically immobilized big-game animal (as defined in Section 350) that was lawfully taken and lawfully possessed under a license tag that is, in the opinion of the employee, unfit for human consumption, if the individual who took the animal requests it and this condition was not created by the actions of the individual who took the animal. A Department employee may condemn a big-game carcass that was chemically immobilized if the animal was taken during the established withdrawal period of that immobilizing drug.
• (b) The individual who took the carcass shall surrender the entire condemned carcass and any parts thereof to the Department employee or dispose of it as instructed by the Department employee.
• (c) After condemnation and surrender or verification of the appropriate disposal of the carcass as instructed by a department employee, the department employee shall provide written authorization to the tag holder who took the animal to, at their discretion, choose one of the following options:
  • (1) Purchase and use a duplicate tag subject to the fees established in Section 702 for the remainder of the current season under which the animal was taken; or
  • (2) Participate in the next big-game drawing for that species with one additional point added to the number of preference points the tag holder had when they obtained the original tag.

Change without regulatory effect 8/9/2019.

§714. Prohibition Against Possession of Cervid Biofluids.

• (a) For the purposes of this section, chronic wasting disease sensitive cervid biofluid refers to, but is not limited to, urine, feces, saliva, and scent gland secretions derived from a cervid.
• (b) It is unlawful to import, use, or possess any product that is derived from, contains, or is labeled or advertised as containing any chronic wasting disease sensitive cervid biofluid.
• (c) The prohibitions set forth in subsection (b) do not apply to parts retained on a field-dressed cervid legally harvested in California.

Amendment filed 7/1/2024; effective 7/1/2024

§715. Special Hunt Permit Issuance and Drawings in ALDS.

• (a) Special Hunts. A special hunt is a hunting opportunity, not otherwise specified in Fish and Game Code or these regulations, available to anyone with a valid annual California hunting license and any required validations or applicant statuses, for which the department may issue permits where participation is limited to a set number of available permits. Special hunt permits do not alter any season, size limit, bag limit or hunting quota specified in Fish and Game Code or these regulations.
  
  • (1) The department shall establish the parameters of each hunt with consideration for public interest, hunter and public safety, department capacity and staffing, hunt quality, wildlife habitat and species abundance.
  • (2) The hunt parameters will include, but are not limited to, species, location, season, maximum hunting party size, whether one or more additional hunter(s) or nonhunter(s) are allowed, the number of permits available, applicant statuses (apprentice, mobility impaired, new hunter, military veteran) method of take, and permit issuance method. For the purpose of this section, a “nonhunter” is a person in attendance at a special hunt who is not listed on any permit for that hunt, but who is invited as a guest or guardian of a permit holder. A nonhunter may only aid a permit holder in finding, pursuit, and attempting to take game, but a nonhunter may not themselves use a firearm, air rifle or archery equipment to take a game bird or game mammal during the special hunt.
    • (A) Apprentice Status: The department may offer “apprentice” hunting opportunities that are limited to junior hunters as defined in subdivision 3031(a)(2) of the Fish and Game Code or parties that include at least one junior hunter.
    • (B) Mobility Impaired Status: The department may offer hunting opportunities that are limited to mobility impaired hunters and disabled license holders or parties that include at least one such hunter.
      
      • 1. A “mobility impaired hunter” is defined as any person who possesses a valid California hunting license and one of the following:
        
        • a. A valid California special license plate for a disabled person or a disabled veteran issued pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 5007. A copy of the vehicle registration showing the special license plate for a disabled person or a disabled veteran was issued to the person must be in their possession while hunting.
        • b. A valid California disabled person parking placard issued pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22511.55 or California Vehicle Code Section 22511.59. The parking placard must be issued in the disabled person's name and the person must possess the placard identification card while hunting.
      • 2. A “disabled license holder” is defined as any person who has been issued a hunting license for the hunting license year pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 3033.
    • (C) New Hunter Status: The department may offer hunting opportunities that are limited to new hunters, or parties that include at least one new hunter. For purposes of this section, an individual is considered a new hunter beginning on the date of issuance of their first 1-day, 2-day or annual California hunting license, and for a period extending through the remainder of the license year from the date of issuance and for the following four consecutive subsequent license years.
    • (D) Veteran Status: The department may offer opportunities that are limited to applicants based on veteran status. Veterans must provide their DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, upon request.
  • (3) For the purpose of this section only, a “hunting party” is one or more hunters who apply together for a special hunt permit on a single application.
  • (4) A “hunt group” is a designated grouping of one or more special hunt opportunities from which applicants may select and apply for a special hunt. The department shall establish hunt groups based on common hunt parameters. Each hunt shall be assigned into a hunt group. The department will establish the permit issuance method specified in subsections (c) through (e) for each hunt group.
  • (5) The department shall announce the availability of special hunt opportunities and the parameters of the hunts at least 30 calendar days prior to the earliest hunt date by posting information on the department website (https://wildlife.ca.gov/) concurrent with the availability of special hunt permit applications in the department's Automated License Data System (ALDS).
• (b) General Application Eligibility and Procedures:
  
  • (1) Applicants must apply through the department's ALDS terminals at department license agents, department license sales offices or on the department's website.
  • (2) An applicant may be a resident or nonresident and must possess an annual hunting license valid for the hunting season for which the applicant is applying.
• (c) Issued Upon Request Issuance Method
  
  • (1) The issued upon request issuance method is used when the demand for the opportunity is not expected to exceed the number of available permits. Permits will be issued upon department receipt of a complete application in ALDS.
  • (2) Procedures
    
    • (A) Permits for the hunt group will be made available at least 10 days prior to the hunt season start date.
    • (B) Eligible applicants are limited to one permit per hunt group and may claim a permit until all available permits are issued.
    • (C) The applicant shall submit a non-refundable fee as specified in Section 702 of these regulations for each issued upon request permit.
• (d) Draw-By-Choice Issuance Method
  
  • (1) The draw-by-choice issuance method is used when demand for the opportunity exceeds the number of available permits. These hunts may have assigned hunting areas that can support multiple hunters and may allow party applications. A party application is an application with multiple hunters on the application with the party leader. Applicants may submit one application for one or more hunt opportunities within a hunt group. Applicants prioritize their selections in their order of preference, up to the maximum number of hunt choices allowable from among the hunts in the hunt group pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(E). Applicants will be awarded a maximum of one permit from among all the hunts in the hunt group. The hunt group parameters will specify the maximum number of hunters that may apply as a hunting party on an application. When applying as a hunting party, either all party members are successful, or all are unsuccessful.
  • (2) Procedures
    
    • (A) Drawing applications must be submitted in ALDS at least 21 days prior to the first hunt date for each hunt group.
    • (B) The applicant shall submit a non-refundable fee as specified in Section 702 of these regulations for each application submitted.
    • (C) For drawings that allow party applications, each applicant shall specify if the applicant is applying as a party leader or joining an existing hunting party.
    • (D) Each applicant applying as a party leader shall be assigned a unique party identification number from ALDS.
      
      • 1. To apply as a hunting party, the party leader shall apply first and provide the assigned party identification number to the other party members.
      • 2. An applicant joining an existing hunting party shall provide the party identification number of the party leader. An applicant joining a hunting party shall be assigned the same application choice(s) as the party leader.
    • (E) The department will set the maximum hunt choices based on the parameters of the hunt group and the number of permits available within that hunt group.
    • (F) Each application shall be assigned a computer-generated random number. Party applications will be assigned one number for the entire hunting party.
    • (G) The department will conduct drawings at least 10 business days prior to the earliest hunt date.
    • (H) Permits are awarded to applications based on hunt choice and random number (lowest to highest) until the permit quota has been met. When a party application is processed in the drawing and the available permit quota is greater than or equal to number of party members, all party members will be awarded a permit. If the remaining quota is less than the total number of party members, all party members will be unsuccessful.
• (e) Draw-By-Hunt Issuance Method
  
  • (1) The draw-by-hunt issuance method is used when the demand for the opportunity exceeds the number of available permits. Applicants in these drawings are applying for a single hunt opportunity. These hunts allow for applications of only one hunter. The hunt parameters will state whether the permit holder is allowed to bring one or more hunter(s) or nonhunter(s) to the hunt. Additional hunters or nonhunters cannot participate in the hunt if unaccompanied by the named permit holder. The draw-by-hunt permit is non-transferable. This issuance method is used to award permits for a hunt group where multiple similar special hunt opportunities occur over the course of a hunting season. Drawings occur separately for each hunt.
  • (2) Procedures
    
    • (A) Drawing applications must be submitted in ALDS at least 21 days prior to the hunt date.
    • (B) The applicant shall submit a non-refundable fee as specified in Section 702 of these regulations for each hunt for which they apply.
    • (C) Each applicant may apply only once for each hunt.
    • (D) Each application shall be assigned a computer-generated random number.
    • (E) Permits are awarded to applications based on hunt selection and random number (lowest to highest) until the permit quota has been met.
    • (F) The department will conduct drawings at least 10 business days prior to the hunt date.
• (f) Drawing Results. Successful applicants will be notified via email, telephone, or U.S. postal mail. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified. Drawing results will be available by logging in to the applicant's profile in the department's Online License Sales and Services website.

Amendment filed 7/1/2024; effective 7/1/2024.

§730. Camping Near or Occupying Wildlife Watering Places.

• (a) Camping/Occupying Defined. For purposes of this Section, camping/occupying is defined as establishing or inhabiting a camp; resting; picnicking; sleeping; parking or inhabiting any motor vehicle or trailer; hunting; or engaging in any other recreational activity for a period of more than thirty (30) minutes at a given location.
• (b) Wildlife Watering Places Defined. For purposes of this Section, wildlife watering places are defined as waterholes, springs, seeps and man-made watering devices for wildlife such as guzzlers (self-filling, in-the-ground water storage tanks), horizontal wells and small impoundments of less than one surface acre in size.
• (c) Prohibitions.
  • (1) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within 200 yards of the following:
    • (A) Any guzzler or horizontal well for wildlife on public land within the State of California.
    • (B) Any of the wildlife watering places on public land within the boundary of the California Desert Conservation Area as depicted on the Bureau of Land Management maps of "Calif. Federal Public Lands Responsibility," "Calif. Desert Conservation Area” and the new “Desert District, B.L.M."
  • (2) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within one-quarter mile of the following wildlife watering places:
    • (A) Butte Well--T31N, R14E, Section 28, NE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
    • (B) Schaffer Well--T31N R14E, Section 25, Center, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
    • (C) Tableland Well--T31N, R14E, Section 17, SE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
    • (D) Table Mountain Well--T31N, R14E, Section 32, SE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
    • (E) Timber Mountain Well--T44N, R6E, Section 33, M.D.B.M., Modoc National Forest, Modoc County.
    • (F) Belfast Well--T31N, R14E, Section 31, NE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

Amendment of section heading and repealer and new section filed 8-31-98; operative 8-31-98.