Who Can Sign a Deer Tag?

August 29, 2019

Question: I am currently employed by the Superior Court as a Deputy Clerk of the Court. I have the authority to administer oaths and sign fix-it tickets under California Code of Civil Procedure, section 2093(a). Can I also countersign a deer tag in California? For example, if I am out hunting with my dad or close friends, would I be able to countersign their deer tag? I’m aware that I cannot sign my own tag. (Frank O.)

Answer: The California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 708.6 states that any person legally killing a deer (or elk) in the state shall have the license tag countersigned by “a person authorized by the Commission” before transporting the animal (unless they are taking the deer or elk to the nearest person who is authorized to countersign the license tag).

This is followed by a long list of state, federal and “miscellaneous” classifications that are authorized to sign the tag. The “miscellaneous” category includes firefighters employed on a full-time basis (only if the elk or deer carcass is brought to the fire station), judges and justices of all state and federal courts, notaries public, peace officers, officers authorized to administer oaths, and “owners, corporate officers, managers or operators of lockers or cold storage plants for deer or elk” (again, if the animal is brought to their place of business). Only individuals in the categories listed in section 708.6 are authorized to sign a deer tag.

As a deputy clerk of the Superior Court, you are considered an “officer authorized to administer oaths.” So yes, you may countersign a deer tag. It does not matter if you are related to the hunter, but you are correct that you cannot countersign your own tag!