California Turkey Season 2025-2026: Latest Guide ! [Dates, Regulation & Licenses]

If you’ve been dreaming about calling in a big Rio Grande gobbler against the backdrop of golden hills or stalking a wary Merriam’s in the pine-studded mountains, you’re in the right place. The Golden State offers some seriously underrated bird hunting opportunities, and the 2025-2026 dates are officially set. Whether you’re a first-timer figuring out which tags to buy or a veteran hunter scouting new territory, this guide breaks down everything from specific dates to licensing fees—without the regulatory jargon that makes your eyes glaze over.

Let’s get into what makes hunting these birds in the Golden State so special, and more importantly, when and where you can legally pursue them.

What This Guide Covers

You’ll find the exact opening and closing dates for both spring and fall hunts during the 2025-2026 cycle, details on the three subspecies roaming the state (Rio Grande, Merriam’s, and Eastern), information about bag limits and legal methods, county-by-county zone breakdowns, complete licensing requirements and current fees, plus answers to the most common questions hunters ask. Think of this as your one-stop resource before you head into the field—or before you even buy your first tag.

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🗓️ Quick Reference: 2025-2026 Turkey Hunting Seasons at a Glance

Here’s the essential information in an easy-to-scan format. Save this table or screenshot it for quick reference when you’re planning your trips.

Season Type	Dates	Bag Limit	Legal Methods	Notes
Fall General	November 8 – December 7, 2025	1 bird per day (either sex)	Shotgun, rifle, archery, crossbow	2 birds max per fall
Spring General	March 28 – May 3, 2026	1 bearded bird per day	Shotgun, rifle, archery, crossbow	3 birds max combined spring seasons
Spring Archery Only	May 4 – May 17, 2026	1 bearded bird per day	Archery equipment only	Counts toward 3-bird spring limit
Additional Junior Hunt	March 21-22, 2026 & May 4-17, 2026	1 bearded bird per day	All legal methods	Must hold Junior Hunting License

Pretty straightforward, right? The spring hunts are where most of the action happens—that’s prime gobbling time when the birds are vocal and responsive to calls. Fall hunting offers a different challenge since you’re often dealing with silent flocks rather than fired-up longbeards.

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📋 All Turkey Seasons Breakdown: Detailed Dates, Tags & Zones

Fall Season: November 8 – December 7, 2025

The fall hunt runs statewide with no zone restrictions. You can hunt anywhere public land access or private permission allows. During this period, both toms and hens are legal game, which opens up different tactics compared to spring. Many hunters target family flocks, using locator calls or fall-specific strategies like flock-busting.

Key Details:

• Hunting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
• Daily Bag: 1 bird (either sex)
• Possession Limit: 2 birds for the entire fall period
• Tag Required: General hunting license + Upland Game Bird Validation

Spring General Season: March 28 – May 3, 2026

This is the main event. March through early May is when gobblers are strutting, drumming, and competing for hens. The hills echo with thunderous gobbles at dawn, and if you’ve never experienced a California sunrise while a bird hammers back at your calls, you’re missing out. Only bearded birds are legal during spring—typically mature toms, though occasionally you’ll encounter a bearded hen (which is also legal to take).

Key Details:

• Hunting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise until 5:00 PM (note the earlier cutoff than fall)
• Daily Bag: 1 bearded bird
• Season Limit: 3 birds total (combined across all spring opportunities)
• Statewide Access: No zone restrictions

Spring Archery-Only Season: May 4 – May 17, 2026

If you love the challenge of getting close—and I mean really close—the archery-only extension gives bowhunters extra days after the general ends. Birds are often henned-up by this point, which can make them tougher to call, but it also means less hunting pressure. Similar to experiences you might find during Nebraska’s spring archery opportunities, patience becomes your best friend.

Key Details:

• Equipment: Longbow, compound, or crossbow
• Same bag limits as general spring: 1 bearded bird per day, 3 per spring total
• Hunting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise until 5:00 PM

Junior Spring Hunts: March 21-22 & May 4-17, 2026

Kids under 16 holding Junior Hunting Licenses get two exclusive opportunities. The early March weekend gives young hunters a head start before the crowds, while the May dates overlap with the archery period, offering mentored hunts when adult hunters can focus on teaching rather than filling their own tags.

Requirements:

• Must hold a valid Junior Hunting License
• Adult supervision required for hunters under 16
• Same bearded-bird rule applies

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🐦 Related Game Birds Worth Pursuing

While you’re out in prime habitat, you might encounter other huntable species. The state manages several upland birds that share similar terrain with turkeys.

Mourning Dove & White-Winged Dove 🕊️

Seasons: September 1-15, 2025 & November 8 – December 22, 2025
Bag Limit: 15 daily (up to 10 can be white-winged)

These fast-flying targets offer action-packed shooting, especially around water sources and agricultural edges where birds feed.

California Quail

Season: October 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (Zone Q1 & Q3)
Bag Limit: 10 daily

The iconic state bird (yes, you can hunt them) coveys up in brushy areas and provides exciting close-range flushing action.

Ring-Necked Pheasant

Season: November 8 – December 21, 2025
Bag Limit: 2-3 males depending on day

While populations are limited compared to Midwest states, certain areas still hold huntable pheasant numbers, particularly in the Central Valley.

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📜 California Turkey Hunting Regulations You Need to Know

Legal Equipment

• Firearms: Shotguns and rifles are legal (nonlead ammunition required statewide)
• Archery: Longbows, recurves, compounds, and crossbows all permitted
• Shot Size: No specific restrictions, though #4 to #6 shot is standard for shotgunners

Nonlead Ammunition Requirement ⚠️

This is huge: California requires nonlead ammunition for ALL hunting statewide. Copper, steel, bismuth, tungsten—all fine. Lead? Not legal. This applies whether you’re on public or private land. Budget accordingly, as premium nonlead shells cost more than traditional lead loads.

Calling & Decoys

Electronic calls are prohibited for migratory birds but legal for turkeys in most areas. However, I’d double-check your specific Wildlife Area regulations, as some locations have additional restrictions. Decoys are generally permitted and highly effective during spring.

Transportation & Tagging

Birds must remain identifiable (one fully feathered wing or head attached) until you reach your final destination. Your Upland Game Bird Validation serves as your tag—fill it out immediately after harvest.

Hunter Orange Requirements

Unlike big game hunting, blaze orange is not required for bird hunting. However, wearing an orange vest or hat is smart safety practice, especially on opening weekends when more hunters hit popular areas.

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🎟️ California Turkey License & Tag Fees (2025-2026)

Here’s what you’ll actually pay at the counter, including the handling fees:

Hunting Licenses (Valid July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

License Type	Cost
Resident Annual Hunting License	$62.90
Nonresident Annual Hunting License	$219.81
Junior Hunting License (Under 18)	$16.46
Two-Day Nonresident License	$62.90

Required Validations

Validation	Resident	Nonresident	Junior
Upland Game Bird Validation	$24.84	$24.84	Exempt
California Duck Validation (if waterfowl hunting)	$39.96	$39.96	Exempt

Total Cost Examples:

• Resident first-year hunter: $62.90 (license) + $24.84 (upland validation) = $87.74
• Nonresident: $219.81 + $24.84 = $244.65
• Junior hunter (under 16): Just $16.46 (no validation required!)

That junior pricing is legitimately one of the best deals in Western hunting. If you’ve got kids interested in the outdoors, this is your chance to get them hooked without breaking the bank.

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📝 License Requirements & How to Get Legal

Who Needs Hunter Education?

Anyone who has never held a previous hunting license in any state must complete a hunter education course before purchasing their first license. If you held an out-of-state license within the past two years, you’re exempt. If you completed hunter ed decades ago in another state, you’re also good—just need proof of certification.

Where to Take the Course

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers several formats:

• Online-only course: Self-paced, takes about 6-8 hours
• Hybrid course: Online study + in-person field day
• Traditional in-person: Full classroom and range day

Online courses through approved providers like Hunter-ed.com work fine and give you a valid certificate. Once completed, your certification never expires.

Buying Your License

Purchase online through the CDFW licensing portal, in person at CDFW offices, or from authorized license agents (most sporting goods stores). You’ll need your CDFW GO ID number—create one free at their website if you don’t have it yet.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About California Turkey Hunting

Q: Can I hunt turkeys on public land, or is it all private?

A: Public opportunities are excellent! The USFS, BLM, and state Wildlife Areas collectively offer millions of accessible acres. Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mendocino, Nevada, San Luis Obispo, Shasta, Tehama, and Yuba counties historically produce the highest harvest numbers.

Q: What turkey species live here?

A: Three subspecies: Rio Grande (most widespread, found throughout foothills and valleys), Merriam’s (higher elevations in pine forests, northeastern regions), and Eastern (limited populations, primarily in northeastern California). Rio Grandes make up the majority of the harvest.

Q: How many birds can I legally take total?

A: You can harvest 2 birds during fall and 3 birds during spring—that’s 5 total for the full year if you hunt both periods.

Q: Do I need a turkey-specific tag like elk or deer?

A: No separate turkey tag exists. Your hunting license + Upland Game Bird Validation covers you for all legal birds (turkeys, quail, pheasants, doves, etc.). Much simpler than big game applications.

Q: Are there any draw hunts or lottery systems?

A: Generally, no. Tags are over-the-counter and unlimited. However, some Wildlife Areas offer limited special hunts that require applications—check the CDFW Special Hunts page for details.

Q: Can nonresidents hunt here?

A: Absolutely. Nonresident licenses cost more, but there are no quota restrictions. You have the same access to public lands as residents. Compare that to states like Alabama, where regulations vary for residents vs. nonresidents.

Q: What’s the best time to hunt spring birds?

A: Peak gobbling typically hits late March through mid-April. Early birds get gobbles, but mid-season hunts (April 10-25) often coincide with peak breeding activity. Late May archery can be tough but rewarding with less competition.

Q: Is nonlead ammo really that different?

A: Modern copper and tungsten loads perform excellently—you might not notice a difference at all. They cost more upfront, but pattern testing shows comparable effectiveness. Budget an extra $10-20 per box compared to lead.

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🎯 Wrapping It Up: Your 2025-2026 Game Plan

The dates are set, the regulations are clear, and the birds are out there waiting. Whether you’re chasing Rio Grandes in the Central Valley oak savannas or glassing for Merriam’s in the ponderosa-covered mountains, this cycle offers nearly seven months of combined hunting opportunity. Spring hunts from late March through mid-May provide classic run-and-gun action, while fall offers a completely different tactical challenge with silent flocks.

Get your license and validation squared away early (you can buy them starting July 1, 2025), scout your chosen areas during late winter to locate roost sites, and don’t overlook the value of those Junior Hunt dates if you’re bringing young hunters. Most importantly, get out there. Some of the West’s most overlooked turkey populations roam the Golden State, and with proper preparation, you could fill all five tags this year.

Good luck, hunt safe, and may your mornings be filled with thunderous double-gobbles echoing off canyon walls.

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⚠️ Official Disclaimer

While this guide provides accurate information based on published 2025-2026 regulations, hunting rules can change. Always verify current dates, bag limits, and legal requirements before heading afield. For official regulatory updates, consult the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Upland Game Bird page or download the current year’s regulations booklet. When in doubt, contact CDFW directly at (916) 445-0411. Seasons, zones, and limits are subject to change by the Fish and Game Commission.

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Ready to explore more regional hunting opportunities? Check out our guides for Arizona turkey seasons and Arkansas hunting regulations to plan multi-state adventures