Ever been out hunting before? If yes, then you need no telling that it is an amazing experience. And regardless of your reason for going hunting, you are already assured of an adventurous time in the forest.
But if you are new to the idea of hunting, or you just recently picked interest in the art, and you are yet to go on a hunting trip, you may not fully grasp the concept of hunting and its gains.
However, getting into the action doesn’t require much from you, as long as you have the necessary equipment and know-how to get a hunting license in your local area of residence.
Hunting is the process of chasing after wildlife to capture or kill them.
The main reason why humans hunt is to get useful products like meat, skin, furs, bone, or horns from these animals.
Other significant reasons for hunting include:
- Sports
- Recreation
- Defense
- Pest control
- Tourism
- Protecting other species
Hunting dates back to the earliest days of man, and it was originally only a means to get a daily meal.
Back then, men used sticks and stones for hunting, and they had the freedom to hunt and kill whatever they wanted.
However, the rules and techniques involved in hunting have changed a lot today. And while the weapons used now are more sophisticated and make the whole process easier, there is now a set of laid down rules you must follow to ensure a healthy hunting session.
The first step involved is to get a hunting license, and this article will teach you how to get a hunting license in California.
How To Get A Hunting License In California
What Is A Hunting License?
A hunting license is a regulation that authorizes the bearer to hunt specific animals within an area at a particular point in time.
This regulation is often written, and it carries the terms and conditions on it.
But while written licenses are the most utilized, regulations could also be issued verbally, and informally with unwritten laws and moral codes.
Hunting Licenses were first used many years ago, and it has since been initiated into the constitution of almost every community.
There are several reasons why people opt to adopt the hunter license policy, all depending on the existing rule in the area.
However, the most significant reasons could be narrowed down to the following.
- Public safety
- Conservation of wild animals (especially endangered species)
- Animal borne disease prevention and control
- Promotion of wildlife resorts.
What Do You Need To Legally Hunt In California?
Well, if you have gotten your hunting equipment ready, and you have also acquired significant knowledge in the art of hunting wildlife, the next thing to do to hunt in California legally is to obtain a hunting permit from the local hunting regulation offices.
Before giving you the license, you will need to first verify your personal information, including your name, age, residence, and other usable personal data.
Next, you may be required to take the hunters training course depending on your age and other criteria. Finally, you will have to pick the license type you need before you are granted access to buy the hunting license, which is often sold online.
Types Of Hunting Licenses
There are different types of hunter licenses, and the one you will get fully depends on the verified personal information you provided.
The types of hunting licenses available in California include:
- Resident license: The resident license is a hunting license only issued to persons who have been present in the state for six months or more. Any active military personnel in the state is also considered a resident.
- Non-resident license: Any non-resident that wants to hunt within the state grounds must obtain this license and carry a tag along.
- Youth hunting license: A youth hunting license can be issued to any young person between the ages of 12 – 18 who is interested in hunting big birds and mammals.
People with disabilities that restrict their movement can also benefit from the disability license that is issued along with a free mobility-impaired persons motor vehicle if they want to hunt too.
Bottom Line
A hunting license permits you to hunt within the grounds of the state that issued you the permit, but there are certain rules and regulations that you must follow to avoid facing a penalty.
Each license is available for sale at different prices, and you can get a California hunting permit online on the California department for fish and wildlife website, or you can walk into any of their sales offices statewide, where an agent will gladly attend to you.
Finally, it is important to note that a hunting license is only valid if it has not exceeded its expiry date. And any attempt to hunt with an expired hunting license will be deemed illegal and punishable by the law.
