California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on July 9 that this year, a limited number of hunters will be allowed to hunt deer in the central region of California.
According to the department’s spokesperson Krysten Kellum, certain areas within the Los Baños State Park and the North Grasslands Wildlife Management Area will be open to deer hunting for the first time since the department began regulating hunting activities in 1945. This decision was made due to the local deer population reaching a level that can sustain hunting.
The California Fish and Game Commission approved a proposal to classify deer as a huntable species. This commission, consisting of five members, is responsible for overseeing the use of California lands for recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational purposes. Kellum informed The Epoch Times via email that this change took effect on July 1.
Interested hunters can apply for permits to hunt deer in the Los Baños and North Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, located approximately 70 miles north of Fresno.
This year’s deer hunting season will last for a week, from September 16 to September 22. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will issue a total of 11 hunting permits through a lottery system. This includes 5 permits for the Los Baños area, 3 for the Salt Slough area, and 3 for the China Island area. The lottery will take place on August 6 at 11 a.m., and the selected participants will be notified by mail within five working days after the drawing.
Applicants for hunting must possess a valid hunting license, a deer hunting permit for the specific area, and comply with all hunting regulations. Residents of California aged 16 and above can apply for a hunting license, costing $62. The deer hunting permit will require an additional fee of $41. Hunters must also adhere to parking and driving regulations. Each hunter can bring along one non-hunting companion, and the designated areas will be closed to other visitors during the hunting period.