Read from Department of Fish and Wildlife on September 27, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Department of Fish and Wildlife before you hunt.
Open the official California regulationsHunting California this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
California is part of the Pacific Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from September 19 through March 10, 2027, with 66 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Fish and Wildlife within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Upland Game Bird Validation also required for certain areas
Season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for verifying current regulations with your state or provincial wildlife agency before every hunt.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2Northeastern California | Oct 3 – Jan 13 | 7 7 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 10/3/2026-11/29/2026 and 12/17/2026-1/13/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag). | 21 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley3,4Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 7 7 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag). | 21 |
| Southern California Zone3,4Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 7 7 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag). | 21 |
| Balance of State3,4Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 7 7 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag). | 21 |
| Colorado River Zone4,5Colorado River area / Southern California | Oct 23 – Jan 31 | 7 7 mallards (no more than 2 females or Mexican ducks); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag). | 21 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard Colorado River Zone · no more than 2 females or Mexican ducks · 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females or Mexican ducks • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 7 | 21 |
| Mallard Southern San Joaquin Valley · Oct 24–Jan 31 · no more than 2 females · 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 7 | 21 |
| Mallard Northeastern California Zone · Oct 3–Jan 13 · no more than 2 females · 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 7 | 21 |
| Mallard Southern California Zone · Oct 24–Jan 31 · no more than 2 females · 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 7 | 21 |
| Mallard Balance of State · Oct 24–Jan 31 · no more than 2 females · 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 7 | 21 |
| Pintail (Northern) 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 3 | 9 |
| Canvasback 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females • 3 pintail (either sex) • 2 canvasback (either sex) • 2 redheads (either sex) • 2 scaup (either sex) Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit. | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Colorado River Zone · Oct 23–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Greater Scaup Balance of State, Southern California Zone, Southern San Joaquin Valley · Oct 24–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Greater Scaup Northeastern California Zone · Nov 30–Dec 16 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Colorado River Zone · Oct 23–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Balance of State, Southern California Zone, Southern San Joaquin Valley · Oct 24–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Northeastern California Zone · Nov 30–Dec 16 · Scaup season closed on these dates (CA 2026-27 regs); scaup may only be taken during the scaup season. | 0 | 0 |
| Greater Scaup Balance of State, Colorado River Zone, Southern California Zone, Southern San Joaquin Valley · from Nov 7 · combined with Lesser Scaup; scaup may only be taken 11/7/2026-1/31/2027 (duck season opens earlier) | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Northeastern California Zone · combined with Lesser Scaup; scaup may only be taken during the scaup season window | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Northeastern California Zone · from Dec 17 · combined with Lesser Scaup; scaup may only be taken during the scaup season window | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Balance of State, Colorado River Zone, Southern California Zone, Southern San Joaquin Valley · from Nov 7 · combined with Greater Scaup; scaup may only be taken 11/7/2026-1/31/2027 (duck season opens earlier) | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Northeastern California Zone · combined with Greater Scaup; scaup may only be taken during the scaup season window | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Northeastern California Zone · from Dec 17 · combined with Greater Scaup; scaup may only be taken during the scaup season window | 2 | 6 |
17 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 10/3/2026-11/29/2026 and 12/17/2026-1/13/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag).
2Scaup open only 10/3/2026-11/29/2026 (58 days) and 12/17/2026-1/13/2027 (28 days). Includes mergansers in aggregate.
37 mallards (no more than 2 females); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag).
4Scaup open from November 7 for 86 days (11/7/2026-1/31/2027). Includes mergansers.
57 mallards (no more than 2 females or Mexican ducks); 3 pintail (either sex); 2 canvasback (either sex); 2 redheads (either sex); 2 scaup (either sex). Scaup sub-season: 11/7/2026-1/31/2027. Mergansers count toward the duck bag (no separate merganser bag).
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast Special Management Area1,2,3,4North Coast SMA — Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino (geese/brant) | Oct 3 – Dec 19 Regular Season | 10 10 Canada Geese of which only 1 may be a Large Canada goose. All Canada Geese. | 30 |
| Feb 12 – Mar 10 Late Season | 10 10 Canada Geese; bag limit on Large Canada geese is zero during Late Season. Hunting only permitted on private lands with permission of land owner. | 30 | |
| Northeastern California Zone5,6,7,8,9,10Northeastern California | Oct 3 – Jan 10 Regular Season - Canada Geese | 10 20 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese | 30 |
| Oct 3 – Nov 29 Regular Season - White-fronted and White Geese (First Split) | 6 20 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese | 18 | |
| Jan 1 – Jan 13 Regular Season - White-fronted and White Geese (Second Split) | 6 20 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese | 18 | |
| Feb 5 – Mar 10 Late Season – White-fronted and White Geese | 6 20 white geese; 10 dark geese (not more than 6 white-fronted). Hunting only on Type C wildlife areas, navigable waters, and private lands with permission. | 18 | |
| Southern California Zone11,12Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 3 20 white geese; 3 dark geese | 9 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley13,14Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 10 20 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese | 30 |
| Sacramento Valley Special Management Area15,16Sacramento Valley SMA (white-fronted geese sub-limit) | Oct 24 – Dec 21 | 3 White-fronted geese only; 3 per day. Open concurrently with goose season through December 21 and during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. | 9 |
| Colorado River Zone17,18Colorado River area / Southern California | Oct 23 – Jan 31 | 5 20 white geese; 5 dark geese | 15 |
| Balance of State19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 3 – Oct 5 Early Season - Large Canada Geese | 10 Large Canada geese only; 10 dark geese sub-limit applies but only Large Canada geese permitted. North Coast Special Management Area is closed during early season. | 30 |
| Oct 24 – Jan 31 Regular Season | 10 20 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese. In Sacramento Valley Special Management Area only 3 may be white-fronted geese. White-fronted goose season closes after December 21 in Sacramento Valley Special Management Area. | 30 | |
| Feb 20 – Feb 21 Late Season - Canada Geese | 10 Canada geese only. Hunting not permitted on wildlife areas listed in sections 550-552 except on Type C wildlife areas in North Central and Central regions. | 30 | |
| Feb 20 – Feb 24 Late Season – White-fronted and White Geese | 6 White-fronted goose season closed in Sacramento Valley SMA during late season. Hunting not permitted on wildlife areas in sections 550-552 except Type C areas in North Central and Central regions. | 18 | |
| Klamath Basin Special Management Area27,28,29,30Klamath Basin SMA (geese) | Oct 3 – Jan 10 Canada Geese Season | 10 20 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese | 30 |
| Oct 3 – Jan 15 White-fronted and White Geese Season | 6 20 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese. | 18 |
110 Canada Geese of which only 1 may be a Large Canada goose. All Canada Geese.
2Large Canada geese closed during early season in this SMA. Regular season: 78 days from October 3.
310 Canada Geese; bag limit on Large Canada geese is zero during Late Season. Hunting only permitted on private lands with permission of land owner.
4Late Season: 27 days from February 12. Large Canada goose bag limit is zero.
520 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese
6Canada Geese regular season: 100 days from first Saturday in October. Large Canada geese daily bag limit increased to 3 (new for 2026-27).
720 white geese; 10 dark geese (not more than 6 white-fronted). Hunting only on Type C wildlife areas, navigable waters, and private lands with permission.
8During the Late Season, hunting is prohibited on Type A and Type B wildlife areas, Klamath Basin NWR Complex, Modoc NWR.
9White-fronted and white geese first split: 58 days from first Saturday in October.
10White-fronted and white geese second split: 13 days from January 1.
1120 white geese; 3 dark geese
12Covers both dark and white geese. Only 3 dark geese total (no species breakdown for white-fronted vs Canada).
1320 white geese; 10 dark geese, but not more than 6 white-fronted geese
14White-fronted goose daily bag limit decreased to 6 (change for 2026-27). Season covers both dark and white geese.
15White-fronted geese only; 3 per day. Open concurrently with goose season through December 21 and during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
16White-fronted geese in Sacramento Valley SMA close 12/21/2026; separate and more restrictive sub-limit
1720 white geese; 5 dark geese
18Covers both dark and white geese.
19Large Canada geese only; 10 dark geese sub-limit applies but only Large Canada geese permitted. North Coast Special Management Area is closed during early season.
20Saturday closest to October 1 for 3 days. Closed in North Coast Special Management Area.
2120 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese. In Sacramento Valley Special Management Area only 3 may be white-fronted geese. White-fronted goose season closes after December 21 in Sacramento Valley Special Management Area.
22Dark and white geese from fourth Saturday in October for 100 days. White-fronted goose season closes after 12/21 in Sacramento Valley SMA.
23Canada geese only. Hunting not permitted on wildlife areas listed in sections 550-552 except on Type C wildlife areas in North Central and Central regions.
24Canada geese from the third Saturday in February for 2 days.
25White-fronted goose season closed in Sacramento Valley SMA during late season. Hunting not permitted on wildlife areas in sections 550-552 except Type C areas in North Central and Central regions.
265-day late season for white-fronted and white geese. Sacramento Valley SMA white-fronted season is closed.
2720 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese
28Canada Geese from first Saturday in October for 100 days.
2920 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese.
30White-fronted and white geese season 105 days from first Saturday in October.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance of State1,2Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 24 – Dec 21 Sacramento Valley Special Management Area — White-Fronted Geese | 3 White-fronted geese only. Daily bag limit: 3. Open concurrently with goose season through December 21 and during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. | 9 |
1White-fronted geese only. Daily bag limit: 3. Open concurrently with goose season through December 21 and during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
2Sacramento Valley SMA white-fronted goose restriction. Season closes 12/21/2026.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Brant Special Management Area1CDFW 2026-27. Balance of State Brant SMA is defined by exclusion from this area. | Nov 29 – Dec 14 | 2 | 6 |
| Balance of State Brant Special Management Area2,3Balance of State Brant SMA (black brant) | Nov 30 – Dec 15 Balance of State Brant | 2 Black brant only | 6 |
1Black Brant. Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties. 16 days from November 29.
2Black brant only
3Balance of State Brant SMA: all of state not in Northern Brant SMA. From November 30 for 16 days.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2,3,4,5Northeastern California | Oct 3 – Nov 29 Regular Season – White Geese (First Split) | 20 20 white geese within aggregate bag of 30. | 60 |
| Jan 1 – Jan 13 Regular Season – White Geese (Second Split) | 20 20 white geese within aggregate bag of 30. | 60 | |
| Feb 5 – Mar 10 Late Season | 20 20 white geese sub-limit; White-fronted and white geese only. Late Season: hunting only permitted on Type C wildlife areas, navigable waters, and private lands. Prohibited on Type A/B areas, Klamath Basin NWR Complex, Modoc NWR. | 60 | |
| Southern San Joaquin ValleySouthern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Regular Season white geese | 20 | 60 |
| Southern California ZoneSouthern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Regular Season white geese | 20 | 60 |
| Imperial County Special Management Area6,7,8,9,10,11,12Imperial County SMA (light geese) | Nov 4 – Jan 31 Regular Season | 20 White Geese only. | 60 |
| Feb 1 – Feb 5 Late Season | 20 White Geese only. Hunting only permitted on private lands with permission of land owner. | 60 | |
| Feb 8 – Feb 12 Late Season Segment 2 | 20 White geese only. Hunting only on private lands with landowner permission. | 60 | |
| Feb 16 – Feb 21 Late Season Segment 3 | 20 White geese only. Hunting only on private lands with landowner permission. | 60 | |
| Colorado River ZoneColorado River area / Southern California | Oct 23 – Jan 31 Regular Season white geese | 20 | 60 |
| Klamath Basin Special Management Area13,14Klamath Basin SMA (geese) | Oct 3 – Jan 15 White-fronted and White Geese Season | 20 20 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese | 60 |
| Balance of State15,16Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Regular Season white geese (only a Feb late-season light row exists) | 20 | 60 |
| Feb 20 – Feb 24 Late Season — White-fronted and White Geese | 20 White-fronted and white geese. Sacramento Valley SMA: white-fronted goose season is closed during late season. No hunting on wildlife areas (sections 550-552) except Type C in North Central and Central regions. | 60 |
120 white geese within aggregate bag of 30.
2White geese sub-limit is 20 within the combined goose aggregate of 30.
320 white geese sub-limit; White-fronted and white geese only. Late Season: hunting only permitted on Type C wildlife areas, navigable waters, and private lands. Prohibited on Type A/B areas, Klamath Basin NWR Complex, Modoc NWR.
4White-fronted and white geese Late Season: 34 days from February 5.
5White geese second split, concurrent with dark geese second split.
6White Geese only.
7White geese only. From November 4 for 89 days.
8White Geese only. Hunting only permitted on private lands with permission of land owner.
9Corrected 2026-09-14 from CDFW 2026-27 regs: the Imperial County SMA Late Season is THREE windows (Feb 1-5, Feb 8-12, Feb 16-21), not one continuous Feb 1-21. This row was the first window but carried the last window’s close date, spanning the Feb 6-7 and Feb 13-15 closures. Segments 2 and 3 already exist as separate rows.
10White geese only. Hunting only on private lands with landowner permission.
11Late season second split.
12Late season third split.
1320 white geese; 10 dark geese but not more than 6 white-fronted geese or 3 Large Canada geese
14White-fronted and white geese from first Saturday in October for 105 days.
15White-fronted and white geese. Sacramento Valley SMA: white-fronted goose season is closed during late season. No hunting on wildlife areas (sections 550-552) except Type C in North Central and Central regions.
16Third Saturday in February extending 5 days.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2Northeastern California | Oct 3 – Jan 13 | 25 25 daily, either all of one species or a mixture | 75 |
| Southern California Zone1,3Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 25 25 daily, either all of one species or a mixture | 75 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley1,4Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 25 25 daily, either all of one species or a mixture | 75 |
| Colorado River Zone1,5Colorado River area / Southern California | Oct 23 – Jan 31 | 25 25 daily, either all of one species or a mixture | 75 |
| Balance of State1,6Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 24 – Jan 31 | 25 25 daily, either all of one species or a mixture | 75 |
125 daily, either all of one species or a mixture
2Concurrent with duck season(s) per statewide provisions. Dates inherited from Northeastern Zone duck season.
3Concurrent with duck season(s) per statewide provisions. Dates inherited from Southern California Zone duck season.
4Concurrent with duck season(s) per statewide provisions. Dates inherited from Southern San Joaquin Valley duck season.
5Concurrent with duck season(s) per statewide provisions. Dates inherited from Colorado River Zone duck season.
6Concurrent with duck season(s) per statewide provisions. Dates inherited from Balance of State duck season.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2Northeastern California | Sep 19 – Sep 20 | 7 Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18+. | 21 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley1,3Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Feb 13 – Feb 14 | 7 Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18+. | 21 |
| Southern California Zone1,3Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Feb 13 – Feb 14 | 7 Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18+. | 21 |
| Balance of State1,3Balance of State - remainder of California | Feb 13 – Feb 14 | 7 Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18+. | 21 |
| Colorado River Zone4,5Colorado River area / Southern California | Feb 6 – Feb 7 | 7 Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; accompanied by non-hunting adult 18+. | 21 |
1Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18+.
2Saturday fourteen days before the opening of waterfowl season extending for 2 days. Species: Ducks (including Mergansers), American Coot, Common Moorhen, Black Brant, Geese.
3Second Saturday in February for 2 days.
4Same as regular season. Youth must be 17 or younger; accompanied by non-hunting adult 18+.
5First Saturday in February extending 2 days.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2Northeastern California | Jan 16 – Jan 17 | 7 Same as regular season. Goose hunting is not permitted during these days in this zone. | 21 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley3,4Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Feb 6 – Feb 7 | 7 Same as regular season. Species: Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. | 21 |
| Southern California Zone3,4Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Feb 6 – Feb 7 | 7 Same as regular season. Species: Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. | 21 |
| Balance of State5,6Balance of State - remainder of California | Feb 6 – Feb 7 | 7 Same as regular season. Ducks and American Coot, Common Moorhen only; goose hunting NOT permitted in Balance of State Zone during these days. | 21 |
1Same as regular season. Goose hunting is not permitted during these days in this zone.
2Saturday following closing of regular duck season, extending 2 days. Goose hunting not permitted.
3Same as regular season. Species: Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen.
4First Saturday in February for 2 days.
5Same as regular season. Ducks and American Coot, Common Moorhen only; goose hunting NOT permitted in Balance of State Zone during these days.
6First Saturday in February for 2 days. Goose hunting not permitted in Balance of State Zone during veterans days.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern California Zone1,2Northeastern California | Oct 3 – Jan 13 | 3 Either all of 1 species or a mixture of species allowed for take. | 9 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley3,4,5,6Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Concurrent with duck season | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, American Coot, Common Moorhen. Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. | 9 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 7 Extension 1 | 3 Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. | 9 | |
| Feb 13 – Feb 14 Extension 2 | 3 Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. | 9 | |
| Feb 27 – Mar 1 Extension 3 | 3 Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. | 9 | |
| Southern California Zone4,6,7Southern California waterfowl zone (5th core CA duck zone) | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Concurrent with duck season | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. In Imperial County SMA the falconry season for geese runs concurrently with the season for white geese. | 9 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 7 Extension 1 | 3 | 9 | |
| Feb 13 – Feb 14 Extension 2 | 3 | 9 | |
| Feb 27 – Mar 1 Extension 3 | 3 | 9 | |
| Colorado River Zone5,6,8,9Colorado River area / Southern California | Oct 23 – Jan 31 Regular Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. Federal regulations require conformity with Arizona where goose hunting by falconry is not permitted. | 9 |
| Feb 1 – Feb 4 Extension | 3 Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. | 9 | |
| Balance of State10,11,12,13Balance of State - remainder of California | Oct 24 – Jan 31 Concurrent with duck season | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. Except North Coast SMA where geese run concurrently with Canada goose season. | 9 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 7 Post-season extension 1 | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. | 9 | |
| Feb 13 – Feb 14 Post-season extension 2 | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. | 9 | |
| Feb 27 – Mar 1 Post-season extension 3 | 3 Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. | 9 |
1Either all of 1 species or a mixture of species allowed for take.
2Open concurrently with duck season through January 13, 2027. Species: Ducks, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen.
3Ducks, Mergansers, American Coot, Common Moorhen. Goose hunting by falconry not permitted.
4Also open 2/6–2/7/2027, 2/13–2/14/2027, and 2/27–3/1/2027
5Goose hunting by falconry not permitted.
6Extension dates.
7Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. In Imperial County SMA the falconry season for geese runs concurrently with the season for white geese.
8Goose hunting by falconry not permitted. Federal regulations require conformity with Arizona where goose hunting by falconry is not permitted.
9Open concurrently with duck season.
10Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen. Except North Coast SMA where geese run concurrently with Canada goose season.
11Open concurrently with duck season; also open 2/6–2/7/2027, 2/13–2/14/2027, and 2/27–3/1/2027
12Ducks, Mergansers, Geese, American Coot, Common Moorhen.
13Balance of State falconry extension dates.
Spring 2027 turkey season
Checked October 16, 2026.
Official regulations
California Department of Fish and WildlifeZones, tags, bag limits and public-land rules.
Log your turkey hunts free in BlindBook.
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See the turkey hunting appOfficial regulations
California Department of Fish and WildlifeThe state sets the deer seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
Log your deer hunts free in BlindBook.
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See the deer hunting appOfficial regulations
California Department of Fish and WildlifeThe state sets the upland bird seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
Log your upland bird hunts free in BlindBook.
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See the upland bird hunting appOfficial regulations
Hunting allowedper California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
California Dept. of Fish and WildlifeThe state sets the feral hog seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
Log your feral hog hunts free in BlindBook.
Pin spots on the map, log every hunt and see your season add up.
See the feral hog hunting appSeason dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2026-2027 season. This data was verified on September 27, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.