California Hunting Tags, Stamps & Permits
Species tags, migratory bird stamps, big-game permits, and habitat fees required in California (23 listed).
Before you buy: Most species tags and stamps are add-ons to a base California hunting license. Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older also need a Federal Duck Stamp (required in every state) and state HIP registration where applicable.
| Tag / Stamp / Permit | Residency | Fee | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Duck Validation | Resident & Non-resident | $41.04 | — | Official |
| Upland Game Bird Validation | Resident & Non-resident | $25.41 | — | Official |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Resident & Non-resident | $25.00 | Sold at post offices and some agents; not a CDFW fee | Official |
| Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation | Resident & Non-resident | Free ($0.00) | Free with HIP survey | Official |
| First-Deer Tag (resident) | Resident | $42.38 | Drawing application or tag; max two deer tags per year | Official |
| Second-Deer Tag (resident) | Resident | $52.92 | First-deer tag must be bought first | Official |
| First-Deer Tag (nonresident) | Non-resident | $377.35 | Drawing application or tag | Official |
| Second-Deer Tag (nonresident) | Non-resident | $377.35 | — | Official |
| Bear Tag (resident) | Resident | $62.90 | One per licence year | Official |
| Bear Tag (nonresident) | Non-resident | $397.60 | One per licence year | Official |
| Elk Tag drawing (resident) | Resident | $610.20 | One application per licence year | Official |
| Elk Tag drawing (nonresident) | Non-resident | $1871.80 | One application per licence year | Official |
| Pronghorn Antelope Tag drawing (resident) | Resident | $205.77 | One application per licence year | Official |
| Pronghorn Antelope Tag drawing (nonresident) | Non-resident | $628.85 | One application per licence year | Official |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag drawing (resident) | Resident | $558.50 | — | Official |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag drawing (nonresident) | Non-resident | $2072.75 | — | Official |
| Wild Pig Validation (resident) | Resident | $28.34 | Required from July 1 2024 | Official |
| Wild Pig Validation (nonresident) | Non-resident | $101.26 | Required from July 1 2024 | Official |
| Second Rod Validation (inland) | Resident & Non-resident | $20.26 | Not required in ocean waters | Official |
| Type A One-Day Pass (state wildlife area) | Resident & Non-resident | $29.16 | — | Official |
| Type A Two-Day Pass (state wildlife area) | Resident & Non-resident | $46.70 | — | Official |
| Type A Season Pass (state wildlife area) | Resident & Non-resident | $219.24 | Type A and Type B areas | Official |
| Type B Season Pass (state wildlife area) | Resident & Non-resident | $73.70 | — | Official |