The fall hunting season is just around the corner, and if you've already started looking for cabins for rent, the next step is finding the right animal. California provides a rich diversity of wildlife spread across thousands of acres of public lands. Use the guide below for three animals you can hunt for this autumn.

3 Animals to Hunt in California

1. Elk

Elk hunting in California begins as early as August in some areas. The state provides numerous short seasons, lasting two to three days, depending on the zone or the type of elk.

Three species of elk can be hunted, including Rocky Mountain, Roosevelt, and Tule. Most elk hunting in California is done on private land through conservation programs. When hunting any bird or mammal, you will need a valid California hunters license. However, big game tags for larger mammals—like elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep—are appointed through an annual drawing. Each resident and nonresident over 12-years-old may submit one Elk Tag Drawing Application per license year.

2. Deer

California's rolling hills and robust deer populations make it a hunters paradise. Deer season typically runs from August to November, aside from the archery hunting season, which runs from August to September in area-specific zones.

During the general deer season, you're free to hunt mule, whitetail, sika, fallow, axis, sambar, and blacktail. A valid California hunting license and applicable deer tags are required to ensure hunter safety and maintain a healthy deer population.

3. Wild Turkey

California is home to three species of wild turkey: the Rio Grande, Merriam's, and Easterns. Because wild turkeys occupy nearly 18% of the state, hunting is a beneficial way to control growing populations.

The hunting season begins mid-November and lasts for 30 days, with most hunting taking place in Northern California, between Modesto and the Oregon border. Hunters are required to carry a hunting license and an upland game bird validation and are restricted to two birds total, of either sex, for the season. 

Start planning your fall hunting getaway now by contacting Heritage Land Co. in Susanville, CA. With a variety of cabins for rent situated on beautiful Eagle Lake, you can partake in Northern California's finest hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. Their cabins for rent are fully-furnished, and they also offer vacation home rentals and lake houses for sale. Call (530) 825-2131 to make a reservation, or visit them online to learn more about their accommodations.