Hunting Permits

To participate in the Catalina Island hunting program, hunters must follow a series of steps and meet certain requirements to obtain a hunting tag:

1. Obtain a Conservancy membership at the Explorer level or higher.  To view member levels, benefits, and purchase your membership click here.
2. Provide the following required documents:
   • Valid California hunting license 
   • Evidence of firearms liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000 
   • Proof of identification: driver’s license, passport, or other government issued ID
   • Catalina Island residents must have an Avalon address on their driver’s license as proof of residency to receive resident discounts and resident tag exchanges 
   • California state deer tag is required before applying 
3. Post-harvest reporting: all hunters must notify the Conservancy no later than two days after harvest and return tags no later than five days after harvest. During the final week of the season, ALL tags must be returned no later than close of business on December 26 for transfer of information to the CDFW by the PLM deadline. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of tag deposit and potential temporary or permanent placement on the no-hunt list. 
4. Comply with all California hunting regulations, as outlined in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
5. Wear blaze orange clothing (hat, vest, shirt, or jacket).
6. Hunt only within designated hours, zones, and access points. Maps to be provided at tag exchange. If rules are not followed, the Conservancy reserves the right to remove any hunter or party involved from Conservancy property and can impose restricted measures.
7. Use non-lead ammo for rifle hunting.

8. Each hunter must have their active hunting license and Conservancy PLM tag with them while actively hunting on Conservancy property.

9. No other wildlife may be hunted except for Mule Deer. Mule Deer are the only animals eligible to be hunted on Conservancy property during the PLM Mule Deer hunting season.

10. No alcohol or illicit drugs are permitted at any time while actively hunting on Conservancy property. No smoking unless in designated areas. Permit holders must exercise constant vigilance to avoid brush and grass fires. If a fire is spotted, call 911 immediately and notify Conservancy representatives.

Non-hunters accompanying hunters must sign a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk document and may not carry weapons or hunt without their own completed application and tag exchange. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension from the hunting program or loss of hunting privileges with no refunds. 

Download the Hunting Rules and Regulations

Transportation to and around Catalina Island for hunting requires careful planning and adherence to specific rules and regulations:  

Travel to Catalina Island: The primary mode of transportation to Catalina Island is via ferry services that operate from the mainland. Two companies offer regular trips from various locations, such as Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. For more information on transport services to the island click here and/or here.

Catalina Express, the ferry that travels to and from Catalina Island, wishes to remind hunters about its guidelines for travel. To ensure a pleasant experience for all passengers, the company is requesting that you follow these requirements:

• Please ensure there is no visible blood on clothing or equipment.

• All remains, including antlers, must be securely bagged and fully obscured from view. Catalina Express can provide trash bags as needed.

• Make sure all hunting equipment is properly secured.

Bikes and e-bikes: Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on designated bike paths on Catalina Island. However, they are not permitted off approved bike paths or behind locked gates. When hunting, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the approved bike routes and avoid biking in restricted areas. For more information on biking click here. Bike permit will be verified at hunting tag exchange. 

Hiking: Hiking is a popular way to access hunting zones on the Island. Be sure to check the specific rules and regulations for each hunting area, as some may require a permit or have other restrictions. Wear appropriate gear, carry sufficient water, and plan your route in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For more information on hiking click here. Hiking permits will be verified at hunting tag exchange. 

Vehicle Restrictions: Only vehicles with approved road permits can access the island’s Interior, and any road behind a locked gate can only be accessed by foot or with a 4×4 vehicle. Be aware of these restrictions when planning your hunting trip to avoid any complications. For off-Island visitors, to go behind locked gates you will need a guiding service. For more information click here.  To hire a transportation vehicle click here. 

Given the multiple transportation options available for hunting on Catalina Island, it is crucial to plan your trip carefully, adhere to Island-specific rules and regulations, and make reservations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable hunting experience.  

Hunting on Catalina Island involves strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of hunters, residents, and visitors, and to protect the environment and wildlife. The following is a clear explanation of the key rules and regulations when hunting on Catalina Island:  

Collared Deer: A small group of deer have been fitted with collars. Please avoid taking shots or harvesting these collared deer. The collars are highly visible, making them easy to distinguish. If a collared deer is accidentally shot, please report it to the Conservancy immediately.

Hunting Hours: No hunting is allowed 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Be aware of the legal hunting hours and plan your activities accordingly.  

Firearm Restrictions: Firearms must not be loaded inside vehicles, and no firearms or weapons are allowed in Interior campsites or public buildings. All firearms being transported must be stored in the appropriate firearm cases and unloaded. It is illegal to hunt from a moving or parked vehicle.  

Hunting Zones: Be aware of the open and approved hunting zones based on zone maps and hunt only in those areas. Possible zones are subject to closure; we will announce closures on the Conservancy’s website. Hunting zone maps to be provided at tag exchange.  

Vehicle and Road Restrictions: Hunters must comply with road and vehicle restrictions on Catalina Island. Access to the Interior is limited to approved vehicles with road permits, and bicycles (including e-bikes) are not permitted off approved bike paths.  

Tag Returns and Reporting: Hunters must report their harvest within two days and return tags to the authorized Conservancy staff within five days of a successful harvest. During the final week of the season, all tags must be returned no later than the specified deadline.  

Environmental Protection: The goal of the PLM season is to manage and protect Catalina Island’s natural resources while allowing for sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters are expected to respect the environment, avoid littering, and minimize their impact on the Island’s ecosystem.  

By adhering to these rules and regulations, hunters contribute to the sustainable management of Catalina Island’s natural resources and help protect the environment for future generations.  

Download the Hunting Rules and Regulations

For any additional information please call 310-510-2595 x310 or email us at [email protected].  

More information will be available closer to the 2025 hunting season.

For any additional information please call 310-510-2595 x310 or email us at [email protected].