Minors in Possession of Firearms

August 9, 2012

Question: An issue has come up regarding minors in possession of a firearm, and so we would appreciate some clarification. The question is in regard to teenage hunters who hunt on an adult license (16 years and older) but are still considered minors (less than 18 years). This seems to be a “gray zone” because these teens can drive to shoot or hunt, have a license to hunt with a firearm, but still need parental presence or written permission. Here is the question:

Can a minor (someone less than 18 years old, but holding an adult California hunting license for individuals 16 years or older) be in possession of a firearm and ammunition for that firearm, without the presence of an adult supervisor OR written permission of an adult on their person? (James S.)

Answer: Nothing in the Fish and Game Code or its implementing regulations prohibits a juvenile who has passed a hunter education class and obtained the appropriate license or tag from carrying a gun while hunting. There are specific prohibitions and restrictions regarding the transfer or sale of guns to minors within the Penal Code, but Penal Code section 27505 provides specific exemptions that allow for minors to possess firearms for lawful purposes, such as hunting.

For more information, please contact the California Bureau of Firearms at http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/faq.php just to make certain.