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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 4Pt. 3Ch. 4Art. 1§ 4304 Deer Waste Prevention Rules

§ 4304 Deer Waste Prevention Rules

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4304 Deer Waste Prevention Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't kill a deer and take only its head, skin, or antlers—you must use the meat too.
  • •If you have a hunted animal, you can't let its meat go to waste by being careless.
  • •This rule starts on July 1, 2024.

Example

You shoot a deer while hunting and decide to take only its antlers as a trophy, leaving the rest of the body in the woods.

This is against the law because you must use the meat and not waste it. You could get in trouble for leaving the rest of the deer behind.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4304 Deer Waste Prevention Rules

(a) No person shall capture or destroy any deer and detach or remove from the carcass only the head, hide, antlers, or horns. (b) No person shall through carelessness or neglect leave any game mammal, exotic game mammal, or game bird that is in that person’s possession, or any of the flesh of that animal usually eaten by humans, to go needlessly to waste. (c) The provisions of this section do not apply to game mammals taken pursuant to Section 4152. (d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024. (Amended (as added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 469, Sec. 21) by Stats. 2023, Ch. 132, Sec. 92. (AB 1760) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

deergame mammalexotic game mammalgame birdSection 4152

Related Statutes

  • § 2350 Deer And Game Bird Transport
  • § 3005.5 Wildlife Capture And Possession
  • § 4302 Deer Head Retention Requirement
  • § 1300 Wildlife Conservation Law
  • § 1301 Wildlife And Recreation Lands

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 4304.
View Official Source