California Quail with chicks

Upland Bird Hunting in California: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are a bird hunting enthusiast, California is the place to be. With its diverse terrain, climate, and a wide variety of bird species, California offers unique upland bird hunting opportunities unlike anywhere in the United States. If you plan carefully, you can hunt several species at once! There are areas where you can hunt mountain, valley and Gambel’s quail all at once and maybe even some chukar, for example. In this article, we will explore the best locations, seasons, regulations, gear, and techniques for upland bird hunting in California.

Introduction to Upland Bird Hunting in California

California has good numbers of California, Gambel’s and Mountain quaildoves, chukar, pheasant, Sooty and Ruffed grouse, snipe, Band-tailed pigeon, ptarmigan, wild turkey and even some Sage grouse. It is no wonder that bird hunters in this state try to keep it a secret. Like many Western states, California has vast amounts of public land. About 45% of the state is public land.

If you’re an upland bird hunter who likes mixed bags, check out the Golden State.

California’s Best Upland Bird Hunting Locations

California is a large state with a diverse landscape that ranges from deserts to mountains to forests. Each region offers unique opportunities for upland bird hunting.

Central Valley

The Central Valley is a vast agricultural region that stretches from Bakersfield to Redding. It is home to a large population of wild pheasants, as well as valley quail and dove. The best time to hunt in the Central Valley is from November to January.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a picturesque setting for upland bird hunting. The region is home to chukar, mountain quail, and blue grouse. The hunting season in the Sierra Nevada Mountains runs from September to November.

Southern California

Southern California has a warm climate and diverse terrain that provides ample opportunities for bird hunting. The region is home to Gambel’s quail, mountain quail, and mourning dove. The best time to hunt in Southern California is from September to December.

Mountain Quail

Hunting Regulations and Permits

Before you go hunting, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations and obtain the necessary permits. In California, hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and upland game bird stamp. The bag limit for each species varies depending on the location and season.

Essential Gear for Upland Bird Hunting

Upland bird hunting requires a specific set of gear to ensure a safe and successful hunting experience. Some of the essential gear includes:

Upland bird hunting in California offers a unique hunting experience that cannot be found anywhere else. By following the regulations, obtaining the necessary permits, and using the right gear and techniques, you can have a safe and successful hunting trip.

FAQs

  1. What is the best time to go upland bird hunting in California? The best time to go upland bird hunting in California depends on the species and location. Generally, the hunting season runs from September to January.
  1. What is the bag limit for upland game birds in California? The bag limit for each species varies depending on the location and season. It is important to check the regulations before hunting.
  1. Do I need a hunting license to hunt upland game birds in California? Yes, a valid hunting license and upland game bird stamp are required to hunt up
Ask Us About a Hunt Request pricing and availability

Outdoors International

Discover why thousands of people have trusted OI to help plan their hunt.

Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected wingshooting experts to help you book your next bird hunt. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great bird hunt, so you can just show up and shoot.

From Our Bird Hunting Blog:

Grouse Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Grouse hunting is all about habitat...and the habitat depends on the subspecies of grouse you [...]

The Best Bird Dog Breeds

An ideal bird dog may be defined broadly as the one that a certain hunter [...]

The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Upland Bird Hunting

When most people think of Alaska, they think big game hunting or fishing, but Alaska [...]

High Volume Wingshooting

High volume wingshooting is a breathtakingly stimulating and arduous activity that requires diligent practice, unwavering [...]

Expert Advice for a Successful Alaska Duck Hunting Trip

If you're looking for a unique waterfowl hunting experience, then Alaska duck hunting is it!

Travel Insurance for Hunters

Our hunting consultants will do their very best to see that you do not have [...]

Wingshooting Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Upland Bird Hunting

Wingshooting basics are really pretty simple, similar methods are used for all types of upland [...]

Nevada Chukar Hunt Report by Louis Digiovanni

I went on another Nevada chukar hunt with one of your outfitters this October outside [...]

Cast and Blast Trips: The Ultimate Experience for Hunters and Anglers

Are you an avid hunter and angler looking for a unique adventure? Cast and blast [...]

Four Highly Rated, Affordable Trips You’ve Probably Overlooked

In this post, we present to you four of our most highly-rated, affordable trips that [...]

South Dakota Pheasant Hunt Report by Dan Wolfe

We had a lot of fun on this hunt, and the hunting was smoking hot! [...]

Pass It On! Get Your Kids Outdoors

My goal is to fill the my net, and theirs with memories, maybe a few [...]

Top 5 Dream Hunts

We recently completed a survey asking hunters what their top five dream hunts would be. [...]

Mexico Dove Hunt Report by Larry Hoffman

I enjoyed the facilities and the various hunting opportunities twice last year.  I am coming [...]

Mexico Dove Hunt Report

I have visited this place last year and it was my first time in Mexico [...]

Mexico Bird Hunting and Fishing Report

I have hunted and fished in Mexico for many years now, and I can say [...]

author avatar
Outdoors International
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.