California Deer Hunters Face Mandatory CWD Sampling in Four Zones

California’s inland deer seasons are moving into their September openings, and hunters in four zones have an extra obligation after a successful hunt: mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s September 18 update says every deer harvested in D7, X9a, X9b and X9c must be sampled during the 2026 season, including deer taken in specialty hunts within those zones.

Sampling is available through CDFW stations or offices and participating meat processors or taxidermists. Hunters may also collect and submit samples themselves using the agency’s instructions. In other zones, sampling remains voluntary and encouraged. Planning where to take a sample before heading out makes that requirement easier to meet after a harvest.

The September 19 rifle openers included most B zones, all C zones, D6, D7, X9a, X9b and X12. That is not a statewide opening date: California’s general deer seasons vary by zone, and hunters need to check the approved zone map, current regulations and tag availability for the place they intend to hunt. A valid hunting license and the appropriate deer tag are required.

After a harvest, the tag must be completed immediately and attached to the deer, then validated and countersigned by an authorized person. Harvest reporting is a separate step. Successful hunters must report within 30 days of harvest or by January 31, whichever comes first. Unsuccessful hunters and tag holders who never hunted must also report by January 31.

Deer tags support more than the opportunity to hunt. CDFW reports that 2025 sales generated nearly $7 million for work including deer capture and collaring in 31 counties, aerial surveys, habitat improvement and landscape connectivity. The agency is also developing a new statewide deer conservation and management plan; the announcement does not present that plan as completed.

For this season, the practical checklist is straightforward: confirm the zone and dates, carry the right license and tag, arrange required sampling, and finish both validation and reporting. Those steps keep a legal harvest legal and give wildlife managers information they need to track the herd.