DrawFacts · https://drawfacts.com/california/deer-draw-deadline/
California deer draw deadline
California deer tags go through the big game drawing (premium/X zones). CDFW runs the draw: official application page.
Big game drawing (premium/X zones)
2026 deadline (2027 date not yet published)
- Deadline time
- Midnight
- Application window
- Apr 15, 2026 to Jun 2, 2026 (2026 cycle)
- Results
- About Jun 15, 2026 (2026 cycle)
- 2027 status
- Not yet published
- Point system
- Preference + random portion
- Who can apply
- Residents and nonresidents
- Date source
- Official Date seen on the agency’s own site or news release.Source: CDFW big game page; Huntin' Fool
Official application page for Big game drawing (premium/X zones)
Point system
Preference points, with a random portion of tags. One big game drawing for elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and premium deer. Applications open April 15 and close at midnight June 2.
Results typically post in mid-June.
Common questions
- When is the California deer draw deadline for 2027?
- CDFW has not published the 2027 deadline yet. In the 2026 cycle the deadline was Jun 2, 2026 at Midnight.
- What point system does California use for deer?
- Preference + random portion.
- When are California deer draw results posted?
- Results for the 2026 draw: About Jun 15, 2026.
- Where do I apply for a California deer tag?
- Apply on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife official site.
Apply on the official site
CDFW official application page
Always confirm dates on the agency’s official site before you apply. Agencies can change deadlines.
“2026 deadline (2027 date not yet published)” means CDFW hasn't posted next year's date. We update this page when it does.