California · Fish and Game Code - FGC

FGC §3005.5: (a) It is unlawful to capture any game mammal, exotic game mammal, game bird, nongame bird, nongame mammal, or furbearer, or to possess or confine any live game mammal, exotic game mammal, game bird,

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to capture, possess, or confine wild game mammals, birds, or furbearers except as permitted by law or regulation. The department may seize animals held in violation.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is unlawful to capture any game mammal, exotic game mammal, game bird, nongame bird, nongame mammal, or furbearer, or to possess or confine any live game mammal, exotic game mammal, game bird, nongame bird, nongame mammal, or furbearer taken from the wild, except as provided by this code or regulations made pursuant to this code. Any bird or mammal possessed or confined in violation of this section shall be seized by the department. (b) The commission may promulgate regulations permitting the temporary confinement of game mammals, exotic game mammals, game birds, nongame birds, nongame mammals, or furbearers for the purpose of treating the animals, if injured or diseased. (c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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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.