Throughout the year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers hunt opportunities designed especially for new hunters, youth hunters, women hunters, mobility-impaired hunters and other individuals who have limited experience or opportunity to hunt on their own. Depending on the time of year, CDFW’s Special Hunts may include hunts for upland game birds (pheasant, quail, chuckar and turkey) and, upon occasion, waterfowl, deer or wild pig.

View upcoming special hunt opportunities.

Participants in the Special Hunts are chosen by lottery, but applicants must meet certain qualifications. (See FAQ for more information about the Special Hunt requirements.)

Eligible, licensed hunters may start here to:

• Apply for a hunt
• View drawing results and current hunt information on hunts you have applied for
• View drawing results for all upcoming hunts

Ready to get started? Click “Login” at the bottom of the page.

Effective July 1, 2016, nonlead shot will be required when taking upland game birds with a shotgun, except for dove, quail, snipe, and any game birds taken on licensed game bird clubs.

Effective July 1, 2015, NONLEAD AMMUNITION will be required when hunting on ALL CDFW Lands. Please plan accordingly. For more information see the Department’s Nonlead ammunition page.

Please note: The Automated License Data System (ALDS) is used to verify valid hunting license information for all applicants. This system requires 24 hours for a new license purchase to be processed and to show up in the system. In order to successfully apply for any hunt within 24 hours of its application deadline, you should purchase your hunting license at least 36 hours prior to that deadline.