Bear Hunting in California: Ultimate Informational Guide

Bear hunting in California may be the most popular big game species in the Golden State. Every year, thousands of hunters take to the woods in hopes of bagging a big one. While the opportunity to harvest a bear is great, there are a few things that all hunters should know before heading out.

There are only one species of bear found in California, the black bear. Black bears are found throughout the state and in large numbers. Although many of the bears you will see in Califonia are black, many are brown or even cinnamon in color.

Bear season in most of the state runs concurrently with dear hunting season. Before heading out on your bear hunting adventure, be sure to check all of the regulations. These can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. By following all of the rules and regulations, you will ensure a safe and successful hunt.

About the California Black Bear

California’s black bear population has grown in recent years. The statewide figure was estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 bears in 1982. The statewide population is presently thought to be between 30,000 and 40,000 animals.

Unique Black Bear Appearance

Black bears have large, broad heads and tiny ears. Black bears can vary in color from cinnamon to black. Some black bears have small white chest patches. Adult females (sows) weigh 100-200 pounds on average. Adult males (boars) generally weigh 150-400 pounds, with some weighing up to 500 lbs. Both male and female black bears are strong climbers capable of swiftly scaling a tree to avoid unpleasant confrontations with other animals or people.

Bear Habitat

Black bears in California can be found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous and mixed coniferous forests, chaparral, and oak woodlands. They are also known to inhabit wetlands and riparian areas. They are most commonly found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the North Coast Ranges, but can also be found in other areas of the state, such as the Klamath Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains.

Food & Diet

Black bears in California are opportunistic omnivores with a remarkably varied diet that shifts dramatically with the seasons and the availability of food sources in their habitat. Their diet is a dynamic blend of plant matter, insects, small vertebrates, and even human-related foods in some areas. Here’s a full breakdown:

Spring Diet

As winter recedes, black bears emerge with an urgent need to replenish lost energy. In the early spring, when many plants are just beginning to bud, their diet primarily consists of fresh green vegetation. They feed on young shoots, grasses, and forbs, taking advantage of the tender, nutritious growth that appears after the snow melts. Insects, such as ants and beetles, also become an important protein source during this time, as bears forage along forest floors and riverbanks.

During the warmer months, the abundance of fruits and berries becomes the cornerstone of a black bear’s diet. California’s diverse landscapes—ranging from coastal areas to mountain forests—provide a rich array of seasonal fruits like blackberries, huckleberries, and strawberries. In addition to these, bears eat a variety of nuts, acorns, and seeds as they become available. The high sugar content of berries helps to quickly boost their energy reserves. Summer is also a time when bears might exploit less conventional food sources such as riparian vegetation and even aquatic plants near streams and ponds.

Fall (Pre-Hibernation) Diet

As temperatures begin to drop and winter looms, black bears enter a crucial phase of “hyperphagia” – a period of intense feeding to build up fat reserves necessary for hibernation. During the fall, their diet shifts to include more calorie-dense foods. Acorns become particularly important in oak-dominated forests, along with other nuts like walnuts. Bears also take advantage of any remaining fruits and berries, and may even hunt small mammals or scavenge carcasses to supplement their caloric intake. This high-energy diet is essential for ensuring that they accumulate sufficient fat to survive the long winter months in a state of dormancy.

Urban and Edge Habitats

In areas where human activity intersects with natural habitats, black bears may adopt an even more eclectic diet. In suburban or urban edge environments, bears sometimes forage in garbage, bird feeders, or even directly from human-provided food sources. While these opportunistic behaviors can provide easy calories, they also increase the risk of human-bear conflicts and are discouraged by wildlife agencies aiming to keep bears wild and reduce dependency on anthropogenic foods.

Dietary Flexibility and Adaptation

One of the hallmarks of the black bear’s diet is its adaptability. Studies have shown that their food selection can vary not only seasonally but also regionally, based on the local ecology. In coastal areas, for instance, bears may consume marine resources like intertidal invertebrates, while in inland forests, the focus might be more on terrestrial fruits, nuts, and vegetation. This dietary flexibility has allowed black bears to thrive across a variety of ecosystems in California, from dense forests to arid scrublands.

Overall, the black bear’s diet is a sophisticated balance between readily available plant-based foods and occasional animal protein, finely tuned to the seasonal rhythms of California’s diverse environments.

Breeding Seasons

The black bear mating season typically occurs from May through July in California. During this period, male bears roam extensively, drawn by the scent and subtle signals of receptive females. The females, who experience estrus only once a year, engage in delayed implantation—a process that ensures cubs are born during the winter hibernation period (although in California, hibernation isn’t really a thing) when conditions are most favorable for their survival.

Typically, a black bear sow gives birth to about 1–3 cubs per litter, with an average of 2 cubs. Sows generally reproduce every 2 years, balancing the energy demands of raising their young with the challenges of their environment. In California, black bears in the wild tend to live around 20 years, though factors like habitat conditions and human interactions can sometimes shorten their lifespan.

California Bear Hunting Season & Regulations

Bear hunting in California is managed on a regional basis, with specific seasons and regulations varying by zone. According to the latest CDFW updates, many regions now open their bear hunting seasons in early November and extend into January, while select areas may offer special or extended seasons. In most zones, both resident and non-resident hunters are permitted to harvest only one bear per season, though exact bag limits and permit requirements can differ depending on local management objectives and population data.

It is essential to know the most recent guidelines—these include regional season start and end dates, specific zone restrictions, and any changes in licensing requirements that ensure sustainable bear populations and promote safe hunting practices. All hunters must hold a valid bear hunting permit and have completed the required hunter education course if they haven’t already.

For the most accurate, up-to-date information, please refer directly to the official CDFW Hunting Regulations page at California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Hunting or contact your local CDFW office. Always double-check these details each season to stay compliant with any regulatory changes.

Category	Information
Season	Bear hunting season in California generally runs from early November through January, though specific dates vary by region.
Licensing	A valid bear hunting permit is required. Obtain your permit via the CDFW Licensing page.
Fees	Permit and lottery fees apply and vary by residency. Check the official CDFW fee schedule for the most current rates.
Take Limit	Hunters are typically allowed to take one bear per season.
Hunter Education	Completion of a hunter education course is mandatory for new hunters. Verify current requirements on the Hunter Education page.

Except for taking the bear to the nearest CDFW employee authorized to validate the tag, a bear must be tagged and validated by a CDFW employee before being transported. If CDFW offices are closed, the validation of the tag must take place within one business day of moving the bear from its origin. Within ten days after capturing a bear, it must be presented to CDDW in person.

Other Important Regulations

GENERAL: General bear season opens concurrently with general deer seasons in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, and X12. Please see 2022 California Mammal Hunting Regulations for opening dates. For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a, and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season opens on October 8. Bear season will close on December 25, 2022 or EARLIER if the Department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken. This includes bears harvested during the archery season.

State of California – Natural Resources Agency – DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Read the Full Summary of the 2024 Bear Hunting Regulations.

Methods of Taking Balck Bear in California

When black bear hunting in California, firearms and archery, including muzzleloaders and crossbones, are the only legal methods of taking a bear. The majority of hunters use rifles as their weapon of choice. Approximately 80 percent of bears taken in California were done with rifles. Almost 20 percent of tags were filled with archery equipment. The remaining .5% of tags were filled with shotguns, crossbows, or pistols.

Best Rounds for Hunting Black Bear

Choosing the right firearm for bear hunting in California is crucial for both success and safety in the field. With a wide variety of rifles available—each offering distinct advantages for different hunting scenarios—it’s important to know which options provide the perfect balance of power, accuracy, and reliability. Below is a quick list of our favorite firearms for bear hunting.

Typically, when bear hunting in northern California, some hunters prefer shorter distance rounds. This is due to the thicker timbered forest, although after all the northern California wildfires longer more open shots are readily available.

Conversely, when hunting bear in Southern California, many prefer longer, faster rounds. Most forests in the Southern part of the state are not thick with timber, and longer-range shots are more available.

Can You Use Dogs to Hunt Bears?

Since 2013, with the passing of SB 1221, hounds are no longer allowed in the taking of bears in California. This has had a drastic effect on the tags filled each year. October is by far the most successful month for bear hunting across the state, with more than double the number of tags filled compared to the second most successful month of September.

The best places to hunt bears in California

Black bears can be found throughout California. Some good areas to hunt bears include the Sierra Nevada mountains, the coastal mountain ranges, and the Trinity Alps. Many hunters in California obtain a bear tag and carry it with them while blacktail deer hunting. This provides the best odds of a successful hunt.

When hunting bears, it is important to remember that they are large and potentially dangerous animals. Always use caution when approaching or handling a bear. Be sure to follow all regulations and always hunt safely. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and successful hunt.

According to the harvest data collected by CDFW, Northern California has far more successful bear hunts than Southern California. All the top harvest counties are in the northern part of the state.

Counties with the most tags reported include Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, Tuolumne, Plumas, El Dorado, Kern, Placer, Mendocino, and Humbolt.

It’s important to note that over 50% of bears taken were done on average within 2-7 hunting days. Simply put, with minimal effort and a sprinkle of luck, you can find a black bear in California with ease. The real work begins after the kill, as bears are one of the hardest animals to dress and pack out in California.

Bear Hunting in California

While it is legal to hunt black bears in California, you must understand the regulations and restrictions involved before planning a hunt. Familiarize yourself with the hunting zones, seasons, and bag limits for black bears in California so you can plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have all the necessary tas and licenses and be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to black bear hunting in California.

1. Check all regulations before heading out on your hunt. This will ensure a safe and successful hunt.
2. Black bears can be found in various habitats throughout California. Some good areas to hunt bears include the Sierra Nevada mountains, the coastal mountain ranges, and the Trinity Alps.
3. When hunting bears, it is important to remember that they are large and potentially dangerous animals. Always use caution when approaching or handling a bear.
4. Bear hunting can be a fun and exciting experience. With a little preparation, you can have a safe and successful hunt.

Bear hunting in California is needed now more than ever. The population of bears in the state is increasing at a rapid pace. Black bears, if harvested and butchered correctly, can make great table fare. The amount of meat on a bear is tremendous.

Q&A California Bear Hunting