Catalina Island Deer Hunting Season Set To Open On July 22
With the fallout of a proposed helicopter-based process of eradicating invasive Catalina Island mule deer – the plan was eventually scrapped – there is now a July 22 date set to open an alternative expanded tag-based hunting season on the island off the Southern California coast.
Here’s the press release from the Catalina Island Conservancy:
024 HUNTING SEASON ON CATALINA ISLAND BEGINS JULY 22
Long Beach, CA—July 1, 2024—In response to requests from the public to increase recreational hunting opportunities on Catalina Island, the Catalina Island Conservancy is pleased to announce that the 2024 hunting season will commence on July 22, 2024.
The California Fish and Game Commission has approved up to 1,000 tags for the 2024 season, doubling the number allotted in previous years. The tags will be allocated in phases, with an initial issuance of 500 tags, followed by two phases of 250 tags based on demand.
The season will open exclusively for Island residents on July 22, with hunting opportunities expanding to off-Island residents starting on September 12. Both rifle and bow hunting will be permitted throughout the season, which will conclude on December 26.
Safety remains a top priority. The increased number of tags will be carefully managed through designated hunting zones and limits on the number of hunters permitted on the landscape daily.
Despite the challenges of controlling the non-native mule deer population over the past two decades, any increase in the number of deer taken will benefit the protection of Catalina’s rare native plants and animals.
For more information on permits and regulations, please visit our hunting page.
About the Catalina Island Conservancy
Formed in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California’s oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land and more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline. It provides access to the Island’s wildlands and 50?miles of biking?and nearly 165 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Island is home to 60 species – and counting – that are found only on Catalina. For additional information, please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.
