Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Contact
- Email: Director@wildlife.ca.gov
- Phone: 916-445-0411
Description
The mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
Services
Find a Hunter Education Course
A Hunter Education Certificate is a requirement for obtaining a California Hunting License. Classes are offered throughout the State by more than 1,000 certified volunteer instructors, all dedicated to keeping hunting safe, ethical, and available to all Californians.
Launch service: Find a Hunter Education CourseGet a Fishing or Hunting License
Buy a fishing or hunting license in person or online. Online customers must be at least 18 years of age and provide a Visa or MasterCard to make a purchase.
Launch service: Get a Fishing or Hunting LicenseFrequently Asked Questions
Can I take a hunter education class online?
Yes and no. Online classes are offered in California, but to obtain a valid hunter education certificate, you will ALSO need to attend a 4-hour home study / online follow-up class with a certified hunter education instructor. The online course will not get you a certificate. The benefit of taking an online class is having the ability to study at your own pace, and that you only have to take a 4-hour follow-up classroom session (versus a 10+ hour class). See more about Online Classes.
How old do you have to be to take a hunter education class?
There is not a minimum age requirement to take the course, but young children may find the course demanding. A Hunter Education Instructor may be able help you decide whether your child is old enough.
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Hunter Education?
Visit the Full FAQ
Who needs hunter education?
In most states, hunters cannot hunt legally unless they have had some type of formal education in the proper handling of firearms. Today, California requires hunter education training for all persons who have not formerly held a California hunting license; who do not have a hunter education certificate of completion; or who do not have a current, valid, hunting license from another state or province.
How can I obtain a Free and Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License?
To qualify for a for Free or Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License, fisherman must meet the criteria described on the Fish and Wildlife Fee webpage.
How long is an annual sport fishing license valid?
Licenses are valid for a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) or for the remainder of the calendar year if purchased after January 1.
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Fishing Licenses?
Visit the Full FAQ
Where can I purchase a sport fishing license?
Fishing licenses may be purchased ONLINE or at any license agent or CDFW license sales office.
Who needs a sport fishing license?
Any person who is 16 years of age or older must possess a valid sport fishing license when taking any fish, shell fish, reptile, or amphibian in California according to Fish and Game Code Section 7145. Fish and Game Code Section 86 defines take as: hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill. Fish and Game Codes can be found at www.leginfo.ca.gov.