California Turkey & Upland Bird Hunting 2026: Seasons, Tags, Quail, Dove & Best Regions
From spring gobblers in the Sierra foothills to valley quail and mourning dove — California's diverse upland bird hunting opportunities.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- California spring turkey season runs March 28 – May 3 (general) with a 3-bird season limit; fall season is November 14 – December 13.
- Quail season runs October 17 – February 1, 2027 with a generous 10-bird daily bag limit across all three species.
- Dove season is split: September 1–15 and November 14 – December 21, with a 15-bird daily limit.
- An Upland Game Bird Validation ($34.56) is required in addition to your base hunting license.
- Non-lead shot is mandatory statewide — steel, bismuth, or tungsten for all shotgunning.
In This Guide 7 sections
California's Upland Bird Bounty
California may not be the first state that comes to mind for upland bird hunting, but the Golden State offers surprisingly diverse and productive opportunities for turkey, quail, and dove hunters. With three species of quail, both spring and fall turkey seasons, and one of the most generous dove seasons in the West, California rewards the dedicated upland hunter.
Key highlights:
- Wild turkeys: Approximately 250,000–300,000 birds across 54 of 58 counties
- Three quail species: Valley (California) quail, Gambel's quail, and mountain quail — all huntable
- Mourning dove: One of the top 5 dove hunting states by harvest volume
- Year-round opportunity: Between turkey, quail, dove, and other upland species, California offers nearly continuous upland bird seasons from September through May
Turkey Hunting in California
California's wild turkey population has expanded dramatically since Rio Grande turkeys were first introduced in the 1960s. Today, turkeys are found in 54 of the state's 58 counties, with the highest densities in the Sierra Nevada foothills, central coast ranges, and interior valleys.
Season Structure
Turkey Season Dates & Limits
| Season | Dates | Daily Limit | Season Limit | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Junior | Mar 21–22 | 1 bearded | 1 | Bearded only |
| Spring General | Mar 28 – May 3 | 1 bearded | 3 bearded | Bearded only |
| Spring Archery | May 4–17 | 1 bearded | Part of 3 spring total | Bearded only |
| Fall | Nov 14 – Dec 20 | 1 either sex | 2 | Either sex |
License Requirements for Turkey
| Item | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $64.82 | $226.40 | Base requirement |
| Upland Game Bird Validation | $34.56 | $34.56 | Required for turkey |
| Turkey Tag | Included | Included | Part of Upland Validation |
| Total | $99.38 | $260.96 | Turkey hunting minimum |
Note: As of 2026, turkey hunting in California does not require a separate draw or tag purchase — the Upland Game Bird Validation covers turkey.
Best Regions for Turkey
Sierra Nevada Foothills (El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne counties) The oak woodland belt at 1,000–4,000 feet elevation in the central Sierra foothills holds the highest turkey densities in the state. Birds roost in big oaks and ponderosa pines and feed in grassy meadows and small agricultural plots.
Central Coast (San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz counties) The coastal oak woodlands support strong populations of Rio Grande turkeys. Spring mornings in the rolling hills are ideal for calling and stalking.
Sacramento Valley Foothills (Butte, Yuba, Nevada counties) The transition zone between valley floor and Sierra foothills has excellent turkey habitat and easy access to public land.
Quail Hunting in California
California is home to three huntable quail species, making it one of the most diverse quail hunting states in the West.
Three Species of California Quail
| Species | Habitat | Range | Covey Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley (California) Quail | Oak woodland, chaparral, suburban edges | Statewide below 5,000 ft | 20–60+ birds |
| Gambel's Quail | Desert scrub, mesquite washes | Southeastern desert (Imperial, Riverside) | 10–30 birds |
| Mountain Quail | Dense mountain brush, conifer edges | Sierra Nevada, coastal ranges 3,000–9,000 ft | 5–15 birds |
Quail Season Dates & Limits
| Season | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Only | Aug 15 – Sep 4 | 10 (any species combo) | 30 |
| Zone Q1 (Mountain only) | Sep 12 – Oct 16 | 10 | 30 |
| Zone Q2 (All species) | Sep 26 – Jan 31 | 10 | 30 |
| Zone Q3 / General | Oct 17 – Feb 1, 2027 | 10 | 30 |
The 10-bird daily bag limit (any combination of species) is one of the most generous quail limits in the U.S. Combined with a long season extending through January, California offers outstanding quail hunting value.
Best Quail Hunting Regions
- Valley Quail: Sacramento Valley foothills, central coast oak hills, and Sierra Nevada lower elevations. Public land in national forests and BLM tracts is productive.
- Gambel's Quail: Imperial Valley and southeastern desert near the Colorado River. Desert washes, mesquite bosques, and edges of irrigated agriculture.
- Mountain Quail: High-elevation brush in the Sierra Nevada and Cascades. The most challenging and rewarding California quail species — requires steep hiking in dense cover.
Dove Hunting in California
Dove hunting is California's most popular small game pursuit by participation. The state's agricultural valleys and arid climate create ideal conditions for mourning dove concentrations.
Dove Season Structure
| Period | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Half | Sep 1 – Sep 15 | 15 mourning/white-winged | 45 |
| Second Half | Nov 14 – Dec 21 | 15 mourning/white-winged | 45 |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Year-round | No limit | No limit |
| Spotted Dove / Ringed Turtle | Concurrent | No limit | No limit |
Important dove-specific requirements:
- HIP Registration (free) — mandatory for all migratory bird hunters
- Upland Game Bird Validation ($34.56) — required
- Non-lead shot only — steel or bismuth in 12ga or 20ga
- White-winged dove sub-limit: 10 per day within the 15-bird total
Best Dove Hunting Areas
- Imperial Valley — The epicenter of California dove hunting, with massive concentrations around agricultural fields
- Sacramento Valley — Grain fields and sunflower plots attract thousands of doves in early September
- San Joaquin Valley — Cotton, safflower, and grain stubble fields draw birds from wide areas
- Public land options: Numerous CDFW-managed dove hunting areas, often adjacent to agricultural operations
Opening Day Tip: September 1 dove opener is one of the most popular hunting days in California. Arrive early, scout water sources and flight lines in the days before, and expect company on public areas. Weekday hunts during the second week are often more productive and less crowded.
Other Upland Species
California offers additional upland bird hunting opportunities:
| Species | Season | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Sep 19 – Sep 27 | 2 | Must be reported; separate tag |
| Pheasant (wild) | Nov 14 – Dec 27 | 2 roosters | Wild birds, mostly private land |
| Chukar | Oct 17 – Jan 31 | 6 | Eastern Sierra and desert slopes |
| Blue/Sooty Grouse | Sep 12 – Jan 31 | 2 | High-elevation Sierra and Cascades |
Essential Gear for California Upland Hunting
Shotgun Selection
- Turkey: 12ga with full or extra-full turkey choke; non-lead turkey loads (Hevi-Shot, TSS) in #4–#6
- Quail: 20ga or 28ga for more sport; improved cylinder choke; #6–#7.5 non-lead shot
- Dove: 12ga or 20ga; modified choke; steel #6–#7 — expect to shoot more rounds than with lead
Non-Lead Shot Performance Tips
The mandatory non-lead requirement affects upland hunters more than big game hunters because:
- Steel shot is lighter — open your choke one increment from what you'd use with lead
- Larger shot sizes needed — go up one size from your usual lead load (e.g., if you shot #7.5 lead, try #6 steel)
- Bismuth and TSS perform closest to lead — worth the extra cost for turkey hunting
- Pattern test your gun — different non-lead loads can pattern very differently in the same shotgun
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Recommended Resources
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Turkey Hunting Gear
Turkey calls, decoys, blinds, and non-lead turkey loads for California spring and fall seasons.
Bass ProUpland Bird Hunting Vests
Upland hunting vests with game pouches — essential for quail and dove hunting in California's heat.
Cabela'sCalifornia Hunter Education
State-approved online hunter education — required for first-time California hunters.
Hunter-Ed.comFrequently Asked Questions
When is turkey season in California?
Spring general turkey season runs March 28 through May 3 (bearded turkeys only, 3-bird season limit). Spring archery extends through May 17. Fall turkey season is November 14 through December 20 (either sex, 2-bird season limit).
What license do I need for turkey hunting in California?
You need a base hunting license ($64.82 resident) plus an Upland Game Bird Validation ($34.56). No separate turkey tag or draw application is needed — the validation covers turkey, quail, pheasant, and other upland birds.
How many quail can I shoot per day in California?
The daily bag limit is 10 quail of any species combination (valley, Gambel's, and/or mountain quail). The possession limit is 30. The general quail season runs October 17 through February 1, 2027.
When does dove season open in California?
Dove season is split into two halves: September 1–15 and November 14 – December 21. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves combined (max 10 white-winged). HIP registration is also required.
Can I use lead shot for bird hunting in California?
No. California requires non-lead ammunition for ALL hunting, including upland birds. Use steel, bismuth, or tungsten shot. Steel is the most affordable option; bismuth and TSS perform more like lead. Pattern-test your gun with non-lead before hunting.
What are the three species of quail in California?
California has valley (California) quail in lowland oak and chaparral habitat, Gambel's quail in southeastern desert areas, and mountain quail in high-elevation Sierra and coastal range brush. All three can be taken under a single 10-bird daily limit.
Is there pheasant hunting in California?
Yes, but wild pheasant populations are limited. The season runs November 14 through December 28 with a 2-rooster daily limit. Most productive wild pheasant hunting is on private agricultural land in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.
Do I need HIP registration for dove hunting in California?
Yes. The Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required for all migratory bird hunters, including dove, duck, and band-tailed pigeon. Registration is free and can be done online through CDFW's system.