Updated 6/12/2026 - “Wheel-lock, matchlock, flintlock or percussion type, including “in-line” muzzleloading rifles using black powder or equivalent black powder substitute, excluding pellets, with a single projectile loaded from the muzzle and at least .45 caliber in designation.
a. Only legal muzzleloaders allowed in muzzleloading seasons
b. In-line muzzleloaders are legal
c. Must be single-barrel that fires a single round-ball or conical projectile
d. To hunt deer, pronghorn or bear, they must be minimum of a .45 caliber
e. To hunt elk or moose, they must be minimum of a .50 caliber
f. All bullets/projectiles must be California certified lead free bullets/projectiles
g From a .40 caliber to a .50 caliber, bullets must weigh minimum 170 grains
h. If greater than a .50 caliber, bullets must weigh minimum 210 grains
i. Shotshell primers are legal
j. Pelletized powder systems prohibited in muzzleloading seasons
k. Cannot be loaded from the breech in muzzleloading seasons
l. Only open or iron sights allowed in muzzleloading seasons. Fiber optics and fluorescent paint incorporated into or on open or iron sights are legal. Scopes or any sighting device using artificial light, batteries and electronic gear are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons
m. Sabots are legal in muzzleloading seasons
n. Smokeless powder prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Black powder and black-powder substitutes are legal
o. Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons.
***Muzzleloading projectiles must be certified California legal. This includes Barnes T-EZ & T-MZ, Hornady SST, and Thor bullets***
CALIFORNIA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Hunt Area | Season | Season Dates | Legal Wildlife |
| M-3 | Muzzleloader Only | Nov 21 - Nov 29 | Rifle Buck |
| M-4 | Muzzleloader Only | Oct 24 - Nov 1 | Rifle Buck |
| M-5 | Muzzleloader Only | Oct 24 - Nov 1 | Rifle Buck |
| M-6 | Muzzleloader Only | Dec 19 - Dec 31 | Rifle Either-sex |
| M-7 | Muzzleloader Only | Nov 28 - Dec 13 | Rifle Either-sex |
| M-8 | Muzzleloader Only | Oct 24 - Nov 1 | Rifle Buck |
| M-9 | Muzzleloader Only | Oct 24 - Nov 8 | Rifle Buck |
| M-11 | Muzzleloader Only | Nov 14 - Nov 29 | Rifle Buck |
| MA-1 | Muzzleloader | Nov 28 - Dec 13 | Either-sex |
| MA-3 | Muzzleloader | Nov 28 - Dec 13 | Either-sex |
Muzzleloader Elk Hunts
| Hunt Name | Season | Legal Elk | Season Dates |
| Marble Mountains | Muzzleloader | Either Sex | Oct 31- Nov 08 |
| Independence Period 1 | Muzzleloader | Bull | Sept 12 - Sept 27 |
| Bishop Period 1 | Muzzleloader | Bull | Sept 12 - Sept 27 |
CALIFORNIA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- It is illegal to hunt with pelletized powders or propellants during muzzleloader-only seasons.
- Muzzleloading firearms with revolving actions are prohibited during muzzleloader-only seasons.
- Muzzleloader rifles and muskets must be a minimum of .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf.
- Muzzleloader rifles and muskets be a minimum of .50 caliber for, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear.
- It is legal to use a 209 primer during muzzleloader only seasons.
- Muzzleloaders must be equipped with open or peep sights only during muzzleloader only seasons, fiber optic sights are legal as long as they do not produce their own light.
- Scopes and electronics of any kind are prohibited during muzzleloader only seasons.
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Persons who are visually disabled may apply for a permit to use a non-magnifying scope.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: California Department of Fish & Wildlife
HAVE CALIFORNIA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about California Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
