Bears: hunting: use of dogs.

Firearms

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Hadwick
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact dates and areas for hunting with dogs are not specified in the official text.

Bears: Hunting with Dogs

This law allows hunters to use dogs to chase bears during specific hunting seasons, provided they do not harm or kill the bear.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Fish and Game Commission to establish hunting seasons where dogs can be used to pursue bears without injuring or killing them.
Authorizes the commission to set rules for bear hunting seasons after updating the Bear Management Plan.

Who It Names or Affects

Hunters who want to use dogs to chase bears
The Fish and Game Commission responsible for setting hunting regulations

Terms To Know

Bear tag: A special permit needed to hunt a bear during certain seasons.

Limits and Unknowns

The exact dates and areas for hunting with dogs will be determined after the Bear Management Plan is updated.
It is unclear how this law interacts with existing rules about using dogs under depredation permits.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-04-29 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted.
2025-04-22 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W.
2025-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on W. P., & W. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-10 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on W. P., & W.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
2025-02-20 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1038, as amended, Hadwick.
Bears: hunting: use of dogs.
Existing law delegates to the Fish and Game Commission the power to regulate the taking or possession of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles in accordance with prescribed laws. Existing law authorizes the commission to establish, extend, shorten, or abolish open seasons and closed seasons for the taking of game mammals, including bears. Existing law makes it unlawful to take any bear with a firearm, trap, or bow and arrow without first procuring a tag authorizing the taking of that bear, as specified.
Existing law makes it unlawful to permit or allow a dog to pursue a bear at any time. Existing law establishes various exceptions to that prohibition including the use of dogs to pursue a bear pursuant to a depredation permit if certain conditions are met.
This bill would require the
commission to establish seasons during which a person would be authorized to allow dogs to pursue a bear if the person does not injure or kill the bear or allow the bear to be injured or killed while engaging in the activity, as specified.
The bill, after the Department of Fish and Wildlife finalizes the update to its 1998 Bear Management Plan, would authorize the commission to establish a bear hunting season during which a person, pursuant to a bear tag, would be authorized to allow dogs to pursue a bear in any area determined by the commission.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF