2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Aug 15, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Oct 1, 2026 Nov 1, 2026 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Sep 1, 2026 Oct 1, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 20 – Nov 3
Peak Rut Nov 4 – Nov 17
Post-Rut Nov 14 – Nov 28
Second Rut Nov 29 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in California 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
/100
2
Peak Rut
/100
3
Pre/Peak Rut
/100

California Deer Hunting FAQ