Question: Is it legal to bring along a friend or family member on a hunting trip if they do not have a license or tag? I have found nothing in the regs book. Also, when hunting with an archery-only tag in the general season, is it legal to be hunting with someone who carries a general rifle tag and rifle? (Chris Gaylor)

Answer: No problem bringing an unlicensed friend or family member with you on your hunt, as long as they do not attempt to take wildlife. In fact, a great way to introduce persons who are interested in hunting, or even just the outdoors, is to take them hunting with you. They may gain from the experience of accompanying you on your hunt and it may spark an interest in hunting. If you are successful in your hunt, consider sharing the meal with them.

It is legal to be hunting with someone who carries a rifle and a general rifle deer tag while you are hunting with an archery-only tag. Just be sure that if you take a deer, it’s done with archery equipment only.

Open carry of a firearm?
Question: Is it legal for me to carry a holstered pistol for protection while hiking in our local wilderness areas? This could help to protect my family from any threat of dangerous wildlife – either to scare it away or to defend ourselves, if needed. (Alex P.)

Answer: Neither the Fish and Game Code nor Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations regulate non-hunting related firearm possession. We recommend that you consult the Department of Justice’s Firearms Laws Summary to help determine when and where you may possess loaded firearms of any sort. You must also be aware whether any local rules or ordinances prohibit firearm possession whether it be in a park, unincorporated portion of a county, or some other seemingly wild place. Cities, counties, park districts and other governmental entities may have the authority to prohibit possession of firearms in those places within their jurisdiction. While we understand your safety concerns, understand that attacks from wild animals are extremely uncommon and will hopefully not be the reason you would avoid recreating in nature.