California Free Hunting Day: Bag a Wild Turkey Just in Time for Thanksgiving
California residents have a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the thrill of hunting on Saturday, November 23, during the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Free Hunting Day. This special event allows eligible participants without a hunting license to join licensed hunters in pursuing game, offering an accessible and budget-friendly way to explore the great outdoors.
Timed perfectly for Thanksgiving, Free Hunting Day is a great chance to bring home a wild turkey for your holiday feast.
“It’s a budget-friendly way to get outdoors and share the values of hunting,” said Krista Modlin of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
To participate, individuals must complete a hunter education course, register for the event, and follow all hunting guidelines. Registration is available online or at CDFW offices across the state.
Get all of the information below:
Free Hunting Day Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for a Free Hunting Day Registration?
A: California residents who do not hold a current valid annual hunting license.
Q: How long is a Free Hunting Day Registration valid?
A: The Free Hunt Day Registration is valid for two designated days each year. Free hunting days are published each year in the Hunting Regulations Booklets.
Q: What do I need to do to claim a Free Hunting Day Registration?
A: The participant shall complete the following requirements to register for a Free Hunt Day Registration:
- Complete a hunter education course before registering.
- Be accompanied by a hunter who is 21 years of age or older and possesses a current valid California hunting license.
- The licensed hunter may only accompany one unlicensed hunter in the field at a time.
Q: What does a Free Hunt Day Registrant need to possess to hunt waterfowl on Free Hunting Days?
A: A participant must possess:
- Free Hunt Day Registration
- Federal Duck Stamp
- HIP Validation (no fee)
- Any required entry permits
Q: What does a Free Hunt Day Registrant need to possess to hunt upland game birds on Free Hunting Days?
A: A participant must possess:
- Free Hunt Day Registration
- HIP Validation (no fee)
- Any required entry permits
Q: What does a Free Hunt Day Registrant need to possess to hunt resident small game mammals on Free Hunting Days?
A: A participant must possess Free Hunt Day Registration
Q: Can I hunt wild pig on Free Hunting Days?
A: Participants wishing to hunt wild pig on Free Hunting Days are required to purchase a “Wild Pig Validation – Free Hunt Days” when claiming their Free Hunt Day Registration. To hunt wild pigs, participants must be 12 years of age or older.
Q: How many years can I participate in Free Hunting Days?
A: A resident may only register and participate in free hunting days for one license year.
Q: Where do I register for a Free Hunt Day Registration?
A: The Free Hunt Day Registration is available at CDFW license sales offices, license agents, online license sales and through telephone sales.
Q: What can I hunt for with a Free Hunt Day Registration?
A: The Free Hunt Day Registration allows participants to take only resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, nongame mammals and wild pigs.
A Free Hunt Day participant with a Free Hunt Day Registration must also be in possession of any required tags, report cards, entry permits or required federal entitlements, and must follow restrictions, conditions, statutes, rules and regulations applicable to anyone holding a valid hunting license.
Q: Can I apply for drawings with a Free Hunting Day Registration?
A: No. A Free Hunting Days participant is an unlicensed hunter and shall not apply for any draw or lottery to obtain any tag, reservation, or other hunting opportunity.
Q: Can I use a hunting license from another state to participate in Free Hunting Days?
A: No, a hunting license from another state cannot be used to participate in Free Hunting Days.
Q: Do I need a hunter education certificate?
A: Yes. Free Hunting Days participants must complete and provide a hunter education certificate to claim their Free Hunt Day Registration. CDFW accepts hunter education certificates from any state. Hunter education classes are available in two formats. To view California hunter education options, visit the hunter education page.
Q: Can you use a Free Hunt Day Registration to hunt on state-managed wildlife areas?
A: On Free Hunting Days, participants may hunt on open state-managed wildlife areas. Hunters must purchase a wildlife area pass to hunt on Type A and Type B wildlife areas. Contact the wildlife area you wish to hunt to verify hunting access is available. To find out more information about passes for state-operated hunting areas, visit Hunting Licenses and Tags.
