California

During the California Muzzleloader Hunting Season – Wheel-lock, matchlock, flintlock or percussion type, including in-line muzzleloading rifles using black powder or equivalent black powder substitute, including pellets, with a single projectile loaded from the muzzle and at least .40 caliber in designation. A projectile is defined as any bullet, ball, sabot, slug, buckshot or other device, which is expelled from a firearm through a barrel by force. Under the provisions of a muzzleloading rifle only tag, hunters may only possess muzzleloading rifles as described in subsection, equipped with open or peep type sights only.

California Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2023-2024

Muzzleloader Deer hunts

Hunt Number	Hunt Title	Hunt Description	Approved Season Dates	Tag Quota
M-3	Doyle	Rifle Buck Hunt	11/18/2023-11/26/2023	20
M-4	Horse Lake	Rifle Buck Hunt	10/28/2023-11/5/2023	10
M-5	East Lassen	Rifle Buck Hunt	10/28/2023-11/5/2023	5
M-6	San Diego	Either-Sex Deer Hunt	12/16/2023-12/31/2023	80
M-7	Ventura	Either-Sex Deer Hunt	11/25/2023-12/10/2023	150
M-8	Bass Hill	Rifle Buck Hunt	10/28/2023-11/5/2023	20
M-9	Devil’s Garden	Rifle Buck Hunt	10/28/2023-11/12/2023	15
M-11	Northwestern California	Rifle Buck Hunt	11/21/2023-11/26/2023	20

For more details please refer to the wildlife.ca.gov website.

Under the provisions of a muzzleloading rifle/archery tag, hunters may only possess muzzleloading rifles with sights as described above. Upon application to the department, the department may issue a Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit, free of any charge or fee, to any person with a physical disability, as defined which prevents him/her from being able to focus on the target utilizing muzzleloading rifles equipped with open or peep sights. The Disabled Muzzleloader Scope Permit authorizes the disabled hunter to use a 1X scope on a muzzleloading rifle.a.

Only legal muzzleloaders allowed in muzzleloading seasons.b. In-line muzzleloaders are legal.c. Must be single-barrel that fires a single round-ball or conical projectile.d. To hunt deer, pronghorn or bear, they must be minimum of a .40 caliber.e. To hunt elk or moose, they must be minimum of a .50 caliber.f. From a .40 caliber to a .50 caliber, bullets must weigh minimum 170 grains.g. If greater than a .50 caliber, bullets must weigh minimum 210 grains.h. Shotshell primers are legal. i. Pelletized powder systems prohibited in muzzleloading seasons.j. Cannot be loaded from the breech in muzzleloading seasons.k.

Only open or iron sights allowed in muzzleloading seasons. Fiber optics and fluorescent paint incorporated into or on open or iron sights are legal. Scopes or any sighting device using artificial light, batteries and electronic gear are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.l. Sabots are prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Cloth patches are not sabots.m. Smokeless powder prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Black powder and black-powder substitutes are legal.n. Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons.

***During California Muzzleloader Hunting Season, Muzzleloading projectiles must be certified California legal. This includes Barnes T-EZ & T-MZ, Hornady SST, and Thor bullets.***

Have California Muzzleloader Hunting Season Questions? View the 2023-2024 regulations.

Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best time to shoot the biggest deer before they are spooked by the regular gun season. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your states muzzleloader hunting regulations make sure to give us a call. Knight Rifles is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all states across the USA and can help you determine when your particular states hunting season starts. If you have questions about California Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please email us at sales@knightrifles.com.

Additional Links

CALIFORNIA MUZZLELOADER Q&A
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMEMT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES
HUNTING DIRECTORY

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