Hunting With a Companion Dog

August 7, 2018

Question: I have a deer tag for X3B for 2018 season. My wife will come along with me, and since we have nobody to stay home to take care of the dog, we will need to bring the dog along for several days for our hunting trip too. We don’t use the dog for deer hunting. Is it legal to have a non-hunting dog with me on a deer hunting trip? (Minh)

Answer: Congratulations on drawing a tag for X3B! That’s a beautiful part of California. Yes, this is legal. Per the California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 265(c)(1), you are limited to one dog per licensed hunter during the general season only (sorry, no dogs are allowed during archery season!). Be aware, if you happen to have a bear or bobcat tag in your possession as well, Fish and Game Code, section 3960 prohibits you from having a dog at all. Good luck with your hunt.