Hunting is the Sierra National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can visit their website for the latest information and 2024 regulations.

Tags for deer, bear, pigs, birds and other animals can be obtained from either the local sporting goods stores or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Firearms and ammunition are not generally available from businesses in the Shaver Lake Basin.

Naturally, the local campgrounds are available for hunters as are a wide variety of other accommodations from private cabins to bed and breakfast facilities or motels.

Check the Business Services link for more information on Accommodations, Dining and other businesses.

Common sense is always good when heading into the forest to hunt. Wear something that is easy for other hunters to see so you are not mistaken as a wildlife target. Make sure you tell someone where you to go and when you should be expected to return. If something were to happen to you, it will be much easier to try to find you with this type of information.

The weather can always be a safety factor in the Sierra. Thus it is important to have warm dry clothes, water, food, first aid kit, insect repellent, a flashlight and extra batteries when heading into the woods.

It's imperative to field dress a deer, bear or pig in the woods to lower its body temperature so the meat doesn't spoil. Make sure the animal is dead. If it's not dead, shoot it again; pointing in a safe direction. DO NOT try to approach a wounded animal to cut its throat. They can behave erratically and are very strong. Directions to Field Dress a Deer

In a continued effort to reduce firearm accidents, the State of California requires all first time resident hunters, regardless of age, to complete hunter education training or pass a comprehensive equivalency test before purchasing a hunting license.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts training throughout the state. Each year approximately 30,000 students complete the state’s ten-hour minimum hunter education course. Statistics show hunter education training is a success.

Hunting accidents of all types have declined substantially since the start of the program. The California Hunter Safety Program began on January 1, 1954 with the passage of the Davis-Abshire Hunter Safety Training Law. The initial law required all junior hunters to take a Hunter Safety Class prior to obtaining their first hunting license. Hunter Safety Class