When Is It OK to Borrow a Shotgun?

November 5, 2020

Question: I’d like to know if I can borrow my dad’s shotgun to go hunt dove. My dad is not going this year since he is busy. I have my hunting license and a Firearm Safety Certificate, too. (Ricky)

Answer: California’s second hunt period for mourning dove, white-winged dove, spotted dove and ringed turtle dove runs from Saturday, Nov. 14 through Monday, Dec. 28 this year – and yes, you can borrow your dad’s shotgun, under California Penal Code, section 27880!

Penal Code, section 27545 requires that in most situations, the sale, loan or transfer shall be completed through a licensed firearms dealer. But according to section 27950, “section 27545 does not apply to the loan of a firearm, other than a handgun, to a licensed hunter for use by that hunter for a period of time not to exceed the duration of the hunting season for which the firearm is to be used.”

We hope you have great success!