A junior hunting license lets kids legally hunt with an adult. It teaches them hunting safety and builds outdoor skills. This license also helps them learn about wildlife and nature. Getting the license is the first step to becoming a responsible hunter. Without it, a child cannot hunt in California.
This guide explains how to get a junior hunting license in California. It shows who needs it, what age is required, and the steps to apply. You’ll also learn where to buy the license and how much it costs. The guide covers rules, safety, and what permits might be needed.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Junior Hunting License
In California, any youth who is under 16 years old as of July 1 of the current license year must get a Junior Hunting License to legally hunt birds or mammals. This rule applies to both residents and nonresidents. Whether they plan to hunt small game like rabbits or big game like deer, young hunters need this license to follow the law.
Before getting the license, the child must complete a Hunter Education Course. This is a must for all new hunters, no matter their age. The course teaches basic safety, hunting laws, and responsible behavior in the wild. Most instructors suggest that kids be at least 10 years old before taking the course since they need to read, understand rules, and pass the test.
While there’s no official minimum age to get a license, big game hunting (like deer hunting) has its own age rule. The young hunter must be at least 12 years old to apply for big game tags. These tags are separate and come with more responsibilities.
Age Requirements for Junior Hunters
In California, anyone who is under 16 years old on July 1 of the current license year qualifies for a Junior Hunting License. This rule applies no matter when you buy the license during the year. If the child is still 15 on July 1, they can hunt as a junior for the whole license year.
There is no strict lower age limit to get a hunting license in the state. However, every first-time hunter must pass a Hunter Education Course before they can buy any license. This course teaches safety, hunting rules, and how to be responsible in the field. Instructors usually recommend that kids be at least 10 years old, since they need to read, understand the lessons, and pass a test.
If a junior wants to hunt big game like deer, bear, or elk, they must be at least 12 years old. That’s a separate rule from getting the regular junior license. Big game hunting comes with more responsibility, so the age requirement is higher.
Steps to Get a Junior Hunting License
1. Finish a Hunter Education Course
Before applying for a junior hunting license, new hunters must complete a Hunter Education Course approved by California. This course teaches important topics like firearm safety, hunting laws, and how to hunt responsibly. Although there’s no official minimum age, it’s recommended that kids be at least 10 years old so they can understand the material and pass the test.
2. Set Up a CDFW Online Account and Get a GO ID
Once the hunter education is done, create an account on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website. When you sign up, you will get a GO ID number. This number is needed whenever you buy hunting licenses or tags.
3. Buy the Junior Hunting License
With your hunter education certificate and GO ID, you can buy the junior hunting license. You can do this online through the CDFW site, at a CDFW office, or from authorized agents like sporting goods stores. Make sure to bring any required documents when purchasing.
4. Get Extra Tags or Permits If Needed
Depending on what you want to hunt, you might need extra permits or tags. For example, hunting big game like deer requires special tags. Hunting migratory birds may need additional validations. Always check the current rules to know what extra permits are necessary.
Where to Purchase the License
You can buy a Junior Hunting License in California in a few easy ways. The quickest option is to buy it online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website. Their online portal lets you purchase licenses, tags, and other permits anytime. You can also register for hunter education courses and apply for special hunting tags there. Just make sure your hunter education certificate is linked to your account before buying the license online.
If you prefer, you can buy the license in person. CDFW has license sales offices spread across the state where you can visit and buy your Junior Hunting License. Many sporting goods stores and other authorized agents also sell hunting licenses. These local agents make it easy to get your license close to home. You can check the CDFW website to find the nearest place that sells licenses.
Cost of a Junior Hunting License in California
The Junior Hunting License in California costs $16.46 for the 2025–2026 season. This fee applies to both residents and nonresidents who are under 16 years old as of July 1 in the license year. The license allows young hunters to hunt birds and mammals legally within the state.
Keep in mind that this price includes a 3% nonrefundable application fee, which can go up to a maximum of $7.50 per license. If you buy the license from an authorized agent instead of online or at a CDFW office, there is an extra 5% handling fee added to the cost.
If you want to hunt big game like deer, you will need a special tag called the First Deer Tag. For juniors, applying for this tag costs $41.30, and hunters must be at least 12 years old to apply.
There may also be other permits or validations required depending on the type of game you plan to hunt. For example, duck or upland game bird hunting normally requires separate validations, but junior hunters using a Junior Hunting License are usually exempt from those extra fees. Always check the current rules to be sure.
What the License Includes
A Junior Hunting License in California lets young hunters legally take part in hunting certain animals. It covers hunting small game like rabbits, squirrels, and various birds. This license also allows juniors to hunt many types of mammals and birds within the state, following all hunting rules and seasons.
The license usually includes permission to use the required hunting equipment safely and responsibly. It shows that the hunter has completed a Hunter Education Course, which is a must before getting the license. This ensures young hunters understand safety, ethics, and hunting laws.
However, the license does not cover all types of hunting. For example, hunting big game like deer often requires extra tags or permits. Also, some special hunting areas or species may need additional permissions. Junior hunters should always check the specific rules before heading out to hunt.
Hunting with Adult Supervision
When hunting with a Junior Hunting License in California, an adult supervisor must always be present. This adult should be at least 18 years old and hold a valid hunting license. Their role is to guide and ensure the young hunter follows all safety rules and legal requirements while hunting.
The adult supervisor helps with important tasks like handling firearms safely, navigating the hunting area, and making sure the junior hunter respects wildlife laws. This supervision is required to protect the young hunter and others in the field.
Having an experienced adult around also teaches good hunting practices. It provides the junior hunter with support and guidance to build confidence and skills. Without adult supervision, juniors are not allowed to hunt, even if they have a license.
Conclusion
Getting a Junior Hunting License in California is easy if you follow the right steps. First, complete the hunter education course. Then create an account with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and buy your license online or in person. Always make sure an adult supervises you while hunting.
This license lets young hunters enjoy hunting safely and legally. Remember to check the rules and get any extra permits you might need. Hunting is a great way to connect with nature when done responsibly.
