To participate in the Catalina Island Conservancy 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 no longer permitted.

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

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. Non-resident hunters are no longer permitted and residents may not obtain deer tags for non-residents.
• California state deer tag is required before Per state law, residents may apply for up to two deer tags.

RULES

• 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 5 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA or before the deadline by mail at P.O. Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704. 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 on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
• Wear at least one article of blaze orange clothing, which can include a hat, vest, shirt or jacket.
• 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 from Conservancy property and can impose no trespassing restrictions.
• Use non-lead ammo for rifle hunting.
• Each hunter must have their active hunting license and Conservancy deer tag with them while actively hunting on Conservancy property.
• Mule deer are the only animals eligible to be hunted on Conservancy property and during the mule deer hunting season.
• No alcohol or illicit drugs are permitted at any time while actively hunting on Conservancy No smoking 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 suspension from the hunting program or loss of hunting privileges with no refunds.

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, 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; we will announce closures 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.

Catalina Island residents may get up to two deer tags at no cost.

Complete an application for deer hunting on Catalina Island.