Week of June 1, 2026
Your weekly roundup of the latest hunting news, season updates, wildlife reports, and regulation changes across Northern California.
🦌 Big Game
Time is running out! CDFW's application window for the 2026 Deer Tag Controlled Hunt draw closes sharply tomorrow, June 2, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. PST. If you haven't submitted your choices yet, log into the CDFW License and Revenue Branch portal immediately.
This year's quota adjustments include reduced tags in several high-pressure Sierra zones due to population surveys showing softer buck ratios. Zones A5, X9a, and X1 remain among the most competitive premium draws. First-time applicants or those who miss tomorrow's draw deadline are encouraged to target over-the-counter (OTC) D-zone tags as a reliable backup. Remember, paper applications are no longer accepted—all submissions must be completed online.
🦆 Waterfowl
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service released the 2026–27 waterfowl season framework this week, offering states two regulatory alternatives. The California Fish and Game Commission is expected to officially select our state's specific dates during their July meetings.
Early teal season looks to remain in the traditional September 5–20 window, bolstered by strong Great Plains breeding surveys showing above-average blue-wing production. However, mallard and pintail allocations remain under close review due to continued prairie drought pressure in several key nesting regions. Northern California duck hunters should keep an eye out for CDFW's official season announcement in mid-July and start planning their scouting trips to the Sacramento Valley accordingly.
🐗 Wild Pig
With early summer heat starting to push wild pigs toward reliable water sources and shaded creek bottoms, June is prime time for spot-and-stalk hunting in Tehama, Colusa, and Lake counties. For the best chance at success, focus on oak-lined drainages and stock ponds during the peak movement windows at dawn and dusk.
No draw is required for wild pigs—a valid 2026 California hunting license and an over-the-counter wild pig tag are all you need to head out. Thermal optics and suppressor-equipped rifles continue to grow in popularity for low-light evening hunts. As always, securing private land permission remains the biggest hurdle for hog hunters; reach out to local ranchers now before summer access windows fill up.
🦃 Turkey
California's 2026 spring wild turkey season is officially in the rearview mirror, having wrapped up its final archery and junior extensions on May 17th. While the woods are quiet now, hunters in the Shasta, Trinity, and Butte county foothills can look forward to the fall season to get back after them.
The Fall 2026 turkey season is expected to kick off in early November. Unlike the spring season, which targets bearded birds only, the fall season allows hunters to take one turkey of either sex per day (with a two-bird season limit). Keep an eye on the CDFW turkey page later this summer; the official fall regulation booklet is scheduled to drop with exact dates and updated bag limits.
📋 Regulations
As you head out for summer wild pigs or begin dialing in your rifles for the upcoming deer seasons, remember that California's strict non-lead ammunition mandate remains fully in effect statewide. Originally implemented in 2019, the law requires lead-free projectiles (such as solid copper or polymer-tipped copper) for taking any wildlife with a firearm, anywhere in California—covering both public and private lands.
CDFW wardens will be actively checking compliance in the field. Popular certified non-lead options like Federal Trophy Copper, Barnes TTSX, and Hornady GMX are widely available at NorCal retailers like Sportsman's Warehouse. Be sure to buy your boxes early and hit the range to re-zero your rifle, as non-lead copper rounds often fly differently than traditional lead ammo.