California Application Process for Deer hunts with Tag Quotas

[CarWrestler]

I'm new to California (military) and had a couple quick questions about tag applications:
1. For the non premium units (for example D3-D5 or D6) that have tag quotas, do you have to "apply" or is it an over the counter tag that runs out when the quota has been reached?
2. If it is a draw, do you have to wait for the April 15 - June 2nd application window?

(If you have Oregon questions, hit me up)

 

[Rob5589]

Either way. If looking to build up points, apply and put "point only" as first choice then whatever D zone tag as second. If archery hunting, you can get an AO tag (archery only) which covers A, B, most of D, and maybe some others I can't recall. No limit on those. Generally I do one AO and one whatever zone I plan to hunt. Just adds options.

 

[CApighunter]

D3-5 typically sells out a week or two into rifle season. If that’s what you plan on hunting, put your dream zone as your first choice so if you get lucky in the random draw, great. If not then there’s your PP. Put d3-5 as your second choice and you’ll get it for sure. D6 has less tags but I don’t think it sells out during the draw. If you want to hunt both, I’d set it up to put your dream zone as first choice, D6 as second choice, then buy a d3-5 tag OTC after the draw. Good luck.

 

[Azone]

Put in for a point or a premium tag (X zone, late season general weapon's or late archery, etc) first choice if your looking to build points and then the zone you want to hunt second choice.
If your not interested in the points game put what ever zone you want to hunt first choice and you should be good to go as long as you select a hunt that does not require points, like the premium hunts I've already mentioned. D6 can be a restricted tag some years if it sold out early the previous year, so if that's case putting it as your first choice should guarantee it, putting it down as your second choice should gurantee it as long as the number of hunters applying does not exceed the tag quota which is usually 10,000 if memory serves right. If that happens then D6 would be a draw that given year.
California is a modified preference point state that gives 75 percent of the tags to max point holders and the other 25 percent go to a random draw.
If I was in your position I would go find a hell hole somewhere that doesn't get pressured and learn it and not get too worried about points.
Being this late to the points game in this state you our at the mercy of the random draw, which is not good. PM me if you want to talk more about it.

 

[Cant hit em]

You can draw a good archery zone every 2- 4years . If your unfortunate enough to stay here that long and archery hunt , id start building points by putting in for a draw zone first choice and a general zone or archery only tag as second choice.

 

[CarWrestler]

Thanks for the help! Found some good areas backpacking last year and I'm looking forward to going back this year to try my luck.

 

[Cahunter805]

Don’t overlook the military only tags either. Some good hunts there.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

Another direct reply to your question, starting April 15 you can march into wal mart or wherever and buy 1 d6 tag if that’s your first choice and as a second tag you can pick up a d3-5 tag. They will print them out and hand them to you on the spot. Or you can buy 2 d3-5 tags since it’s an unrestricted zone. D6 is restricted which means it’s first come first served but only 1 until July. Then if there are leftovers you could purchase a 2nd.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

Correction, d6 is a premium tag this year since last year it sold out early. You will still get the tag but not until after the draw is over.