To participate in the Conservancy’s Catalina Island hunting program, hunters must be Catalina Island residents with an Avalon, Middle Ranch or Two Harbors address on a valid government-issued ID or City of Avalon subsidy card. Non-resident hunters are not permitted.

Hunters must follow these steps and meet specific requirements to obtain a hunting tag:

Complete the Catalina Island Conservancy application.

1. Provide the following required documents:
   • Valid California hunting license.
   • Evidence of firearms liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000.
   • Proof of identification with a Catalina Island address on a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport or other government-issued ID) or a valid City of Avalon subsidy card. A P.O. Box address does not qualify without a valid City of Avalon subsidy card.
   • Non-resident hunters are not permitted, and residents may not obtain deer tags for non-residents.
   • A valid California D-15 mule deer tag or A-Zone tag (required before applying). Per state law, residents may apply for up to two deer tags.
2. Obtaining Tags: Once the hunting application is approved, hunters will receive an email to schedule an appointment to pick up their tags in person. Tag pickup will be appointment only at the Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA. All required documents must be presented at the time of pickup. Tags will not be issued without complete documentation.
3. Post-harvest reporting: All hunters must notify the Conservancy no later than two days after harvest and return tags no later than two days after harvest. During the final week of the season, ALL tags must be returned no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA or before the deadline by mail at Recreation Hunting Season, P.O. Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of tag deposit.
4. Comply with all California hunting regulations, as outlined on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
5. Wear at least one article of blaze orange clothing, which can include a hat, vest, shirt or jacket.
6. Hunt only within designated hours, zones and access maps to be provided at tag exchange. If rules are not followed, the Conservancy reserves the right to remove any hunter or party from Conservancy property and can impose no trespassing restrictions.
7. Use non-lead ammunition for rifle.
8. Each hunter must have their active hunting license and Conservancy deer tag with them while actively hunting on Conservancy property.
9. No other wildlife may be hunted. Mule deer are the only animals eligible for hunting on Conservancy property and during the mule deer hunting season.
10. No alcohol or illicit drugs are permitted at any time while actively hunting on Conservancy land. No smoking is allowed at any time on Conservancy property. 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 resident 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 loss of access to Conservancy lands.

Hunting Hours: No hunting is allowed 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, per state regulation. 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 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; closures will be announced on the Conservancy’s website. Hunting zone maps to be provided at tag exchange.

Environmental Protection: The goal of the mule deer hunting season is to provide a hunting opportunity to local Catalina Island residents. Hunters are expected to respect the environment, avoid littering and minimize their impact on the Island’s ecosystem.

Bikes and e-bikes: Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on designated bike paths on Catalina Island with a bike pass. 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. View maps. A Freewheeler Bike Pass is required.

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. Wear appropriate gear, carry sufficient water and plan your route in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Vehicle Restrictions: Only vehicles with approved road permits can access the Island’s interior. Any road behind a locked gate can only be accessed by foot or with a permitted four-wheel-drive vehicle. Be aware of these restrictions when planning your hunting trip to avoid any complications.