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Contents
- Subdivision 2. Game, Furbearers, Nongame, and Depredators
- Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions
- §250.1.Prohibition on the Use of Lead Projectiles and Ammunition Using Lead Projectiles for the Take of Wildlife.
- §250.5. Shooting Time.
- §251. Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air or Land Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats, Sailboats or Snowmobiles.
- §251.1. Harassment of Animals.
- §251.5. Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic Game Mammals, Furbearers and Nongame Animals, Possession Of.
- §251.7. Possession, Transportation and Importation of Game Birds.
- §251.8. Transportation of Game Birds and Game Mammals off Indian Reservations.
- §251.9. Computer Assisted Remote Hunting
- §252. Bag and Possession Limit Defined.
- §255. Code Definitions Reaffirmed.
- §258. Season Defined.
- §260. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds and Quail in Picacho State Recreation Area.
- §260.1. Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than During September-January on Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.
- §260.2. Hunting Restrictions on Lake Oroville State Recreation Area.
- §260.3. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Migratory Game Birds on San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.
- §260.4. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area.
- §260.5. Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens and Common Snipe Within Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area.
- §262. Prohibition Against Hunting on Portions of Frank's Tract State Recreation Area.
- §263. Prohibition Against Night Hunting.
- §311.6. Prohibition of Rifles and Pistols in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.
- §354. Archery Equipment and Crossbow Regulations.
- Chapter 7 Migratory Game Birds
- Subdivision 3. General Regulations.
- Chapter 3. Miscellaneous.
- Federal Regulations
Subdivision 2. Game, Furbearers, Nongame, and Depredators
Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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 310.5 for shooting hours for upland game birds. See Section 506 for shooting hours for migratory game birds.)
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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 subsection are:
- (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 releaseing 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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
§251.7. 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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
- (d) For the purposes of this section, "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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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 by any one person 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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§258. Season Defined.
"Season" means that period of time during which resident and migratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and fur-bearing 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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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).
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.
§311.6. Prohibition of Rifles and Pistols in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.
The use of rifles and pistols to take any bird or mammal is prohibited in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§354. Archery Equipment and Crossbow Regulations.
- (a) Bow, as used in these regulations, means any device consisting of a flexible material having a string connecting its two ends and used to propel an arrow held in a firing position by hand only. Bow, includes long bow, recurve or compound bow.
- (b) Crossbow, as used in these regulations means any device consisting of a bow or cured latex band or other flexible material (commonly referred to as a linear bow) affixed to a stock, or any bow that utilizes any device attached directly or indirectly to the bow for the purpose of keeping a crossbow bolt, an arrow or the string in a firing position. Except as provided in subsection 354(j), a crossbow is not archery equipment and cannot be used during the archery deer season.
- (c) For the taking of big game, hunting arrows and crossbow bolts with a broad head type blade which will not pass through a hole seven-eighths inch in diameter shall be used. Mechanical/retractable broad heads shall be measured in the open position. For the taking of migratory game birds, resident small game, furbearers and nongame mammals and birds any arrow or crossbow bolt may be used except as prohibited by subsection (d) below. Nothwithstanding the general prohibition of the use of lights in Fish and Game Code section 2005, arrows or crossbow bolts with lighted nocks that do not emit a directional beam of light may be used.
- (d) No arrows or crossbow bolt with an explosive head or with any substance which would tranquilize or poison any animal may be used. No arrows or crossbow bolt without flu-flu fletching may be used for the take of pheasants and migratory game birds, except for provisions of section 507(a)(2).
- (e) No arrow or crossbow bolt may be released from a bow or crossbow upon or across any highway, road or other way open to vehicular traffic.
- (f) It shall be unlawful to use any bow or crossbow without a draw weight of at least 30 pounds for a bow or 125 pounds for a cross bow.
- (g) Except as described in subsection 354(j), crossbows may not be used to take game birds and game mammals during archery seasons.
- (h) Archers may not use or possess a firearm while in the field engaged in archery hunting during an archery season or while hunting during a general season under the provisions of an archery only tag except as provided in subsections (h)(1) and (h)(2).
- (1) An archer may carry a firearm capable of being concealed on his or her person while engaged in the taking of big game other than deer with a bow and arrow in accordance with subdivision (h), but shall not take or attempt to take big game with the firearm.
- (2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the lawful possession of a firearm capable of being concealed on his or her person by an active peace officer listed in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code or a retired peace officer in lawful possession of an identification certificate issued pursuant to Penal Code Section 25455 authorizing the retired peace officer to carry a concealed firearm.
- (i) No person may nock or fit the notch in the end of an arrow to a bowstring or crossbow string in a ready-to-fire position while in or on any vehicle.
- (j) Upon application to the department, the department may issue a Disabled Archer Permit free of any charge or fee, to any person with a physical disability, as defined in 354(k), which prevents him/her from being able to draw and hold a bow in a firing position. The Disabled Archer Permit authorizes the disabled archer to use a crossbow or device which holds a string and arrow in the firing position to assist in the taking of birds and mammals under the conditions of an archery tag or during archery season.
- (1) Applications for a Disabled Archer Permit as specified in Section 702 shall be submitted to the department at the address specified on the application and shall include:
- (A) Applicant’s name
- (B) Applicant’s physical address
- (C) Applicant’s date of birth
- (D) Applicant’s Driver’s License or DMV Number
- (E) Applicant’s telephone number
- (F) Applicant’s signature
- (G) Medical Physician’s name
- (HI) Medical Physician’s business address
- (I) Medical Physician’s business telephone number
- (J) Medical Physician’s State medical license number
- (K) A description of the disabled archer’s disability. The physician shall designate if the disability is permanent or temporary. If the disability is temporary, shall provide date the disability is expected to end.
- (L) Medical Physician’s signature
- (M) Signature of the authorizing department employee and date issued
- (2) Proof of meeting eligibility requirements may be met by providing a previously issued Disabled Archer Permit when the disability is still in effect.
- (3) The valid Disabled Archer Permit shall be in the archer’s immediate possession while hunting and shall be shown on demand to any person authorized to enforce this regulation.
- (4) The Disabled Archer Permit is valid beginning July 1 through June 30 of the following year or if issued after July 1 of the license year, it is valid beginning on the date issued through to the following June 30. For any person with a permanent disability, the permit is valid through the end of the license year. A Disabled Archer Permit for a permit holder with a temporary disability that ends prior to the end of the license year is valid only through the date specified by his/her physician.
- (k) For the purposes of this section a physical disability means, a person having a permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease or disorder, which substantially impairs one or both upper extremities preventing a hunter to draw and hold a bow in a firing position.
Amendment filed 6/26/2019; effective 7/1/2019.
Chapter 7. Migratory Game Birds
§502. Waterfowl, Migratory; American Coot and Common Moorhen (Common Gallinule).
- (a) Definitions.
- (1) Dark geese. Dark geese include Canada geese, cackling geese, Aleutian geese and white-fronted geese ("specklebelly").
- (2) Large Canada geese. Large Canada geese include western Canada geese ("honker") and lesser Canada geese ("lessers").
- (3) Small Canada geese. Small (about the size of a mallard) Canada geese include cackling geese and Aleutian geese. Both are white-cheeked geese nearly identical in appearance to Large Canada geese. Aleutian geese have a thin white neck ring and Cackling geese have dark breasts. Both species have a high-pitched cackle as opposed to the deeper "honking".
- (4) White geese. White geese include Ross' geese, snow geese, and blue phase of both species.
- (b) Waterfowl Hunting Zones.
- (1) Northeastern California Zone: In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon state line; south Interstate 5 to its junction with Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to Main Street in Greenville; north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California-Nevada state line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon state lines west along the California-Oregon state line to the point of origin.
- (2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: All of Kings and Tulare counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern California Zone.
- (3) Southern California Zone: In that portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) lying south and east of a line beginning at the mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway101-166 near the City of Santa Maria; continue north on 101-166; east on Highway 166 to the junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada state line.
- (4) Colorado River Zone: In those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties lying east of the following lines: Beginning at the intersection of Nevada State Highway 95 with the California-Nevada state line; south along Highway 95 through the junction with Highway 40; continue south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside county line on a road known as "Aqueduct Road" also known as Highway 62 in San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of Desert Center; continue east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its intersection with Ogilby Road; south on this road to Highway 8; east seven miles on Highway 8 to its intersection with the Andrade-Algodones Road/Highway 186; south on this paved road to the intersection of the Mexican boundary line at Los Algodones, Mexico.
- (5) Balance of State Zone: That portion of the state not included in Northeastern California, Southern California, Colorado River or the Southern San Joaquin Valley zones.
- (6) Special Management Areas.
- (A) North Coast. All of Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
- (B) Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side). Beginning at the intersection of the north boundary of Table Bluff County Park and the South Jetty Road; north along the South Jetty Road to the South Jetty; west along the South Jetty to the mean low water line of the Pacific Ocean; south along the mean low water line to its intersection with the north boundary of the Table Bluff County Park; east along the north boundary of the Table Bluff County Park to the point of origin.
- (C) Klamath Basin. Beginning at the intersection of Highway 161 and Highway 97; east on Highway 161 to Hill Road; south on Hill Road to N Dike Road West Side; east on N Dike Road West Side until the junction of the Lost River; north on N Dike Road West Side until the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway; east on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway until N Dike Road East Side; south on the N Dike Road East Side; continue east on N Dike Road East Side to Highway 111; south on Highway 111/Great Northern Road to Highway 120/Highway 124; west on Highway 120/Highway 124 to Hill Road; south on Hill Road until Lairds Camp Road; west on Lairds Camp Road until Willow Creek; west and south on Willow Creek to Red Rock Road; west on Red Rock Road until Meiss Lake Road/Old State Highway; north on Meiss Lake Road/Old State Highway to Highway 97; north on Highway 97 to the point of origin.
- (D) Sacramento Valley. Beginning at the town of Willows; south on Interstate 5 to the junction with Hahn Road; east on Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to the town of Grimes; north on Highway 45 to its junction with Highway 162; north on Highway 45-162 to the town of Glenn; west on Highway 162 to the point of beginning.
- (E) Morro Bay. Beginning at a point where the high tide line intersects the State Park boundary west of Cuesta by the Sea; northeasterly to a point 200 yards offshore of the high tide line at the end of Mitchell Drive in Baywood Park; northeasterly to a point 200 yards offshore of the high tide line west of the Morro Bay State Park Boundary, adjacent to Baywood Park; north to a point 300 yards south of the high tide line at the end of White Point; north along a line 400 yards offshore of the south boundary of the Morro Bay City limit to a point adjacent to Fairbanks Point; northwesterly to the high tide line on the sand spit; southerly along the high tide line of the sand spit to the south end of Morro Bay; easterly along the Park boundary at the high tide line to the beginning point.
- (F) Martis Creek Lake. The waters and shoreline of Martis Creek Lake, Placer and Nevada counties.
- (G) Northern Brant. Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties.
- (H) Balance of State Brant. That portion of the state not included in the Northern Brant Special Management Area.
- (I) Imperial County . Beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning.
- (c) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for American Coots, and Common Moorhens.
(1) Statewide Provisions
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
American Coot and Common Moorhen
|
Concurrent with duck season(s).
|
Daily bag limit: 25, either all of one species or a mixture of these species. Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
- (d) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Ducks and Geese by Zone.
(1) Northeastern California Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers)
|
From the first Saturday in October extending for 103 days.
Scaup: from the first Saturday in October extending for a period of 58 days and from the third Thursday in December extending for a period of 28 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 7
Daily bag limit may include:
• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females.
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
Geese
|
Regular Season: Canada Geese: from the first Saturday in October extending for 100 days.
White-fronted and white geese from the first Saturday in October extending for a period of 58 days and from January 3 extending for a period of 13 days.
Late Season: White-fronted and white geese from February 5 extending for 34 days.
During the Late Season, hunting is only permitted on Type C wildlife areas listed in sections 550-552, navigable waters, and private lands with the permission of the landowner under provisions of Section 2016, Fish and Game Code.
Hunting is prohibited on Type A and Type B wildlife areas, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, and any waters which are on, encompassed by, bounded over, flow over, flow through, or are adjacent to any Type A and Type B wildlife areas, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, or the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.
|
Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
• 10 dark geese but not more than 2 Large Canada geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
(2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers)
|
From the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days.
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 7
Daily bag limit may include:
• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females.
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
Geese
|
From the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
• 10 dark geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
(3) Southern California Zone (NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers).
|
From the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days.
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 7
Daily bag limit may include:
• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females.
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
Geese
|
From the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 23
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
• 3 dark geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
(4) Colorado River Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers)
|
From October 23 extending for 101 days.
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 7
Daily bag limit may include:
• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females or Mexican ducks.
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
Geese
|
From October 23 extending for 101 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 25
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
• 5 dark geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
(5) Balance of State Zone (NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers)
|
From the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days.
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 7
Daily bag limit may include:
• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females.
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
Geese
|
Early Season: Large Canada geese only from the Saturday closest to October 1 for a period of 3 days EXCEPT in the North Coast Special Management Area where Large Canada geese are closed during the early season.
Regular Season: Dark and white geese from the fourth Saturday in October extending for 98 days EXCEPT in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area where the white-fronted goose season will close after December 21.
Late Season: Canada geese from the second Saturday in February extending for 2 days. White-fronted and white geese from the second Saturday in February extending for a period of 5 days EXCEPT in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area where the white-fronted goose season is closed. During the Late Season, hunting is not permitted on wildlife areas listed in sections 550 - 552 EXCEPT on Type C wildlife areas in the North Central and Central regions.
|
Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
• 10 dark geese EXCEPT in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area where only 3 may be white-fronted geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
(6) Special Management Areas (see descriptions in 502(b)(6))
|
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
1. North Coast
|
All Canada Geese
|
From October 5 extending for a period of 78 days (Regular Season) and from February 12 extending for a period of 27 days (Late Season). During the Late Season, hunting is only permitted on private lands with the permission of the landowner under provisions of Section 2016, Fish and Game Code.
|
Daily bag limit: 10 Canada Geese of which only 1 may be a Large Canada goose (see definitions: 502(a)), EXCEPT during the Late Season, the bag limit on Large Canada geese is zero.
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
2. Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side)
|
All species
|
Closed during brant season
|
|
3. Klamath Basin
|
Geese
|
Canada Geese from the first Saturday in October extending for 100 days.
White-fronted and white geese from the first Saturday in October extending for 105 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:
• 20 white geese.
•10 dark geese but not more than 2 Large Canada geese (see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
4. Sacramento Valley
|
White-Fronted Geese
|
Open concurrently with the goose season through December 21, and during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
|
Daily bag limit: 3 white-fronted geese.
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
5. Morro Bay
|
All species
|
Open in designated area only from the opening day of brant season through the remainder of waterfowl season.
|
|
6. Martis Creek Lake
|
All species
|
Closed until November 16.
|
|
7. Northern Brant
|
Black Brant
|
From November 18 extending for 27 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 2
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
8. Balance of State Brant
|
Black Brant
|
From November 19 extending for 27 days.
|
Daily bag limit: 2
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
9. Imperial County
|
White Geese
|
From November 4 extending for a period of 89 days (Regular Season) and February 3-9, 2025 and February 12-20, 2025 (Late Season). During the Late Season, hunting is only permitted on private lands with the permission of the landowner under provisions of Section 2016, Fish and Game Code.
|
Daily bag limit: 20
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
|
- (e) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations (NOTE: To participate in these Youth Waterfowl Hunts, youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age or older. Federal regulations require that hunters must be 17 years of age or younger.)
(1) Statewide Provisions.
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers), American Coot, Common Moorhen, Black Brant, Geese
|
1. Northeastern California Zone: The Saturday fourteen days before the opening of waterfowl season extending for 2 days.
2. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: The first Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
3. Southern California Zone: The first Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
4. Colorado River Zone: The second Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
5. Balance of State Zone: The first Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
|
Same as regular season.
|
- (f) Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations NOTE: Veterans (as defined in Section 101 of Title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than training), may participate. Persons participating in this special hunt must possess and present upon demand verification of eligibility to participate in this hunt. Verification includes: Veteran's ID Card, or Military ID Card for active duty, or a State-issued driver's license or Identification Card with Veteran Designation.
(1) Statewide Provisions.
(A) Species
|
(B) Season
|
(C) Daily Bag Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen
|
1. Northeastern California Zone: The Saturday following the closing of the regular duck season extending for 2 days. Goose hunting in this zone is not permitted during these days.
2. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: The second Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
3. Southern California Zone: The second Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
4. Balance of State Zone: The second Saturday in February extending for 2 days.
|
Same as regular season.
|
- (g) Falconry Take of Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coots, and Common Moorhens.
(1) Statewide Provisions
(A) Species
|
(B) Seasons
|
(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits
|
Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coot and Common Moorhen.
|
1. Northeastern California Zone. Open concurrently with duck season through January 15, 2025.
2. Balance of State Zone. Open concurrently with duck season, February 1-2, 2025 and February 15-19, 2025 EXCEPT in the North Coast Special Management Area where the falconry season for geese runs concurrently with the season for Canada geese ( see 502(d)(6)).
3. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone. Open concurrently with duck season, February 1-2, 2025 and February 15-19, 2025. Goose hunting in this zone by means of falconry is not permitted.
4. Southern California Zone. Open concurrently with duck season, February 1-2, 2025 and February 15-19, 2025 EXCEPT in the Imperial County Special Management Area where the falconry season for geese runs concurrently with the season for white geese.
5. Colorado River Zone. Open concurrently with the duck season and February 1-4, 2025. Goose hunting in this zone by means of falconry is not permitted. Federal regulations require that California's hunting regulations conform to those of Arizona, where goose hunting by means of falconry is not permitted.
|
Daily bag limit: 3
Daily bag limit makeup:
Either all of 1 species or a mixture of species allowed for take.
Possession limit: 9
|
Amendment filed 7/3/2024; operative 7/3/2024.
§503. Crop Damage and Nuisance Canada geese.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 355 of the Fish and Game Code and pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Fish and Game Commission does hereby approve the following federal orders and permits:
- (a) all orders and permits by the federal government authorizing the herding or take of migratory game birds to alleviate crop depredation.
- (b) the Airport Control Order (50 CFR 21.49) except trapping and relocation of Canada geese from airports may only occur under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Department.
- (1) Requests for permits to trap and relocate Canada geese from airports shall be submitted to the department at 1812 Ninth Street , Sacramento , CA 95814 in writing and shall include the following information:
- (A) Name and address of applicant
- (B) Location (airport) and number of geese to be trapped and relocated
- (C) Location of, and proof of permission to use, release site
- (c) the Nest and Egg Control Order (50 CFR 21.50) may occur under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Department (note: Registration is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at: https:// epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx).
- (1) Requests for permits to destroy nests and eggs of Canada geese from the counties not listed in subsection (c)(2) shall be submitted to the Department at 1812 Ninth Street , Sacramento , CA 95814 in writing and shall include the following information:
- (A) Name and address of applicant
- (B) Location and number of nests and/or eggs to be destroyed
- (2) Exception: Nests and eggs of Canada geese may be destroyed without a permit issued by the department only in the following counties: Sonoma , Napa , Solano, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda , San Francisco , San Mateo , Santa Clara , Santa Cruz , San Benito , Monterey , San Luis Obispo , Santa Barbara , Ventura , Los Angeles , Orange and San Diego counties.
- (d) the Public Health Order (50 CFR 21.52).
Amendment filed 8-11-08; effective 9-10-08.
§505. Decoys.
The use of live birds as decoys is prohibited.
Amendment filed 10-5-81; effective 11-4-81.
§506. Shooting Hours.
The shooting hours for migratory game birds, including mourning doves, white-winged doves, band-tailed pigeons, American coots, common moorhens, common snipe (jacksnipe), and waterfowl for all of California shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Exception: In areas open to hunting on, over or adjacent to the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, the shooting time shall be from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§507. Provisions Related to the Taking of Migratory Game Birds.
- (a) Authorized Methods. Only the following methods may be used to take migratory game birds:
- (1) Falconry.
- (2) Bow and Arrows or Crossbows. Only arrows or crossbow bolts with flu- flu fletching may be used except that conventionally fletched arrows may be used to take waterfowl sitting on the water from scullboats or similar watercraft.
- (3) Muzzle-loading Shotguns.
- (4) Shotguns 10 Gauge or Smaller. Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using shot shells only and incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined may be used, except no shotgun larger than 12 gauge shall be used in areas open to hunting on, over or adjacent to the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County. If a plug is used to reduce the capacity of a magazine to fulfill the requirements of this section, the plug must be of one-piece construction incapable of removal without disassembling the gun. Shotgun shells may not be used or possessed that contain shot size larger than T shot in steel or other nontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All shot shall be loose in the shell.
- (b) Use of Dogs. Dogs may be used to take and retrieve migratory game birds.
- (c) Prohibition on Electronically or Mechanically-operated Devices. Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take migratory game birds. It is unlawful to use devices that are either electronically-powered, or activated by anything other than natural wind, to directly or indirectly cause rotation of decoy wings or blades that simulate wings, when attempting to take waterfowl between the start of the waterfowl season and November 30.
- (d) Live Decoy Prohibition. The use of live decoys is prohibited when attempting to take migratory game birds.
Amendment filed 6/29/2020; operative 7/1/2020.
§507.1. Nontoxic Shot Requirement for Waterfowl, American Coot and Common Moorhen Hunting.
Only bismuth-tin, steel, copper-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, tin-plated steel, zinc-plated steel, zinc chloride-plated steel, zinc chromate-plated steel, iron-tungsten, iron-tungsten-nickel, tungsten-bronze, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, tungsten-matrix, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-tin-iron, tungsten-tin-bismuth, and tungsten-tin-iron-nickel or other nontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be used or possessed for waterfowl, American coot and common moorhen hunting statewide.
Change without regulatory effect filed 7-12-2006.
§507.5. Scull Boats.
Migratory game birds may not be taken by a scull boat or similar watercraft while under motorized power. The motor shall be removed from its mountings before any take or approach is attempted.
This section shall not prohibit shooting migratory game birds from scull boats or similar watercraft with motor attached if beached or anchored; nor shall it prohibit the use of a motor for the sole purpose of picking up dead or injured birds.
New section filed 8-24-71, effective 8-24-71.
§509. Concurrence with Federal Regulations.
- (a) The regulations adopted by the United States through its Secretary of Interior under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended annually in Part 10, subparts A and B, and Part 20, Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, are hereby adopted and made a part of this Title 14 except where said federal regulations are less restrictive than the provisions of Chapter 7 of this Title 14 (sections 500-509), the provisions of Chapter 7 prevail.
- (b) Any violations of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) are violations of this section.
- (c) It shall be unlawful for any person aged sixteen years or older to take any migratory waterfowl unless at the time of such taking the person carries in his or her immediate possession an unexpired Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp validated by his or her signature written by him or herself in ink across the face of the stamp or an unexpired Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation electronic stamp issued in his or her name prior to any taking of such birds.
Amendment filed 7/30/2019; effective 7/30/2019.
§510. State Duck Stamp.
Any licensed hunter taking ducks, geese, or brant must have a current state duck validation in his or her possession. Any person hunting under the authority of a valid junior hunting license is emempt from this section.
Amendment filed filed 9/16/13; operative 9/20/13.
Subdivision 3 General Regulations
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.
Amendment without regulatory effect 8/8/2019.
§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.