RESOURCES - PERMITS
Hunting Permits
The Catalina Island Conservancy welcomes hunters to help reduce the impact of invasive mule deer on the Island’s ecosystem. This program is in partnership with California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife under a Private Lands Management (PLM) agreement.
Hunting on Catalina Island can be a rewarding experience, although it is important to understand the unique challenges. The Conservancy manages 88% of the Island, but does not operate ferry and boarding services; those must be accessed through a third party. Transportation options are limited due to a limited labor pool and resources, so unless a hunter is using a guide, some hiking will be required. Keep in mind, the mule deer have learned to avoid hunters during the season.
Obtain your hunting permit by following the guidelines below.
Hunting Zone Maps & Timing of Zones
The four hunting zone maps below provide the hunting areas with individual, closeup diagrams of each zone. Please note that each zone is open at different times throughout the hunting season. Guided tours are conducted by Wildlife West.
From July 22 to September 11, each local hunter is allowed to bring up to two non-local hunters as guests. Fore more information, please see permit application.
*Rifle and bow hunting permitted for the entire season
Zone 1 Map Zone 2 Map Zone 3 Map Zone 4 Map
Please note that Catalina Island is extremely rugged with steep elevation. Please be advised that in most cases, hunting will require hauling a harvested deer up steep slopes. To better plan for your hunting experience, see topography maps below.
Requirements, Rules & Resources
Requirements
To participate in the Catalina Island hunting program, hunters must follow a series of steps and meet certain requirements to obtain a hunting tag:
- Obtain a Conservancy membership at the Explorer level or higher. To view member levels, benefits, and purchase your membership click here.
- 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
- 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.
- Comply with all California hunting regulations, as outlined in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
- Wear blaze orange clothing (hat, vest, shirt, or jacket).
- Hunt only within designated hours, zones, and access points. Maps to be provided at tag exchange.
- Use non-lead ammo for rifle hunting.
- All hunters need to check-in on the first day of hunting with our permit supervisor via email or phone, AND only go through Hogsback gate when entering the Interior unless otherwise authorized.
- A MAXIMUM of 20 hunters will be allowed per day, so please adhere to assigned hunting dates.
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.
Hunting Transportation
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.
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.
Rules & Regulations
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:
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.
Hunting Reservations and Notifications: Reservations are required for hunting dates and zones. Hunters must notify the Conservancy of their plans by 3:00 pm the day before hunting.
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.
For any additional information please call 310-510-2595 x310 or email us at [email protected].
Pricing & Permit Application
Catalina Island Resident hunters:
Please note that tag prices and deposits went up slightly due to the increased cost for a state tag and to adjust for inflation.
- The first tag fee is waived for resident hunters. $105 deposit for one PLM tag. The deposit will be refunded if the PLM tag is returned by mail to PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704 within 5 days of successful take. All unused tags must be returned no later than December 26.
Or
- $315 fee for two PLM tags $210 is held as a deposit. The deposit will be refunded if the PLM tag is returned by mail to PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704 within 5 days of successful take. All unused tags must be returned no later than December 26.
Non-Resident hunters:
- $210 fee for one PLM tag $105 will be held as a deposit. The deposit will be refunded if the PLM tag is returned by mail to PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704 within 5 days of successful take. All unused tags must be returned no later than December 26.
Or
- $420 fee for two PLM tags $210 will be held as a deposit. The deposit will be refunded if the PLM tag is returned by mail to PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704 within 5 days of successful take. All unused tags must be returned no later than December 26.
Payment will be collected at the time of hunting permit pickup at the Trailhead Visitor Center at 708 Crescent Ave. Avalon, CA 90704. Please come prepared with the amount provided in your confirmation email. All payments will be accepted via credit card or debit card. Cash and checks are not accepted.
Click the button below to apply for a hunting permit.
*Applications will be processed starting July 8. Please allow 1-3 business days for processing.
For any additional information please call 310-510-2595 x310 or email us at [email protected].
BECOME A CONSERVANCY MEMBER
To obtain a hunting permit proof of Conservancy membership at the Explorer level or above is required.
If you are a full-time Island resident and would like to purchase a resident membership at the discounted rate, please contact the Membership office at 562-437-8555 x1239 (Wendy) or x1224 (Gina).