California · Fish and Game Code - FGC

FGC §2001: (a) It is unlawful to take a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian outside of an established season or to exceed a bag limit or possession limit established in this code or by a regulation adopted

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to hunt or fish outside established seasons or to exceed legal bag or possession limits for wildlife. Possession of game animals and fish is restricted to open seasons and specific timeframes.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is unlawful to take a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian outside of an established season or to exceed a bag limit or possession limit established in this code or by a regulation adopted by the commission. Violation of an established season, bag limit, or possession limit may be charged as a violation of this section or of the specific code section or regulation that establishes the season or limit. (b) Unless otherwise provided, it is unlawful to possess a fish, reptile, or amphibian, except during the open season where the fish, reptile, or amphibian was taken or during the 10-day period immediately following that open season. A possession limit applicable during the open season applies during that 10-day period. (c) Except as provided in Section 3080, it is unlawful to possess a game bird or mammal except during the open season where taken.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.