Do Native Americans Need a Fishing or Hunting License?

March 12, 2020

Question: I am a registered member of a Native American tribe in California. Do I still need to purchase a hunting and fishing license? (Aaron)

Answer: You do need a state fishing license to fish outside of tribal lands, but fishing licenses are free for any Native American or lineal descendant who is a California resident and whose total annual income does not exceed $12,490 for the head of the household, plus $4,420 for each additional family member living with them. Certification by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or proof of being on a tribal registry is required and must be verified annually. These licenses must be purchased from a CDFW License Sales Office and are not available online or through license sales agents. Additional report cards and validations must be purchased at the regular price.

There is no equivalent free license for Native American hunters. Tribal members who are hunting within their own reservation generally do not require a state hunting license and are subject to federal and tribal fish and wildlife laws, rather than state laws.