California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on July 9th that this year a limited number of hunters will be allowed to hunt deer in the central region of California.
Spokesperson for the department, Krysten Kellum, stated that since 1945 when the department started regulating hunting activities, certain areas within the Los Baños State Park and North Grasslands wildlife refuge will be open to deer hunting for the first time. This decision was made due to the deer population in the area reaching a level suitable for hunting.
The California Fish and Game Commission approved a proposal to designate deer as a huntable species. The commission, consisting of five members, is responsible for managing the recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational use of California’s jurisdictional lands. Kellum informed Epoch Times via email that this change took effect on July 1.
Hunters interested in participating can apply for permits to hunt deer in the wildlife refuges located about 70 miles north of Fresno, in Los Baños and North Grasslands.
This year’s deer hunting activities will last for a week, from September 16 to September 22. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will randomly select 11 hunting permits. This allocation includes 5 permits for the Los Baños area, 3 for the Salt Slough area, and 3 for the China Island area. The drawing will take place on August 6 at 11 a.m., and selected participants will be notified by mail within five working days after the drawing.
Applicants for hunting must possess a valid hunting license, specific area deer hunting permit, and comply with all hunting regulations. Residents of California over 16 years of age can apply for a hunting license for $62, and an additional $41 for the deer hunting permit. Hunters must also follow parking and driving regulations. Each hunter can bring a non-hunting companion, and during the hunting period, the area will be closed to other visitors.