California Antelope

California has six antelope units – Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley, and Surprise Valley, which are all located in the northeast corner of the state. All of these units, except Big Valley, have plenty of public land for a good hunt. Likely Tables is a good hunt and can produce high quality bucks, but the population has been dwindling the last few years. Data from aerial surveys indicate that antelope populations in zone 3 were severely impacted by 2023 winter conditions. Likely Tables showed the most significant declines and will be severely impacted as far as the number of tags allocated for 2025. We’re showing no permits for Apprentice, Archery and Period 2 hunts for this fall. The Lassen unit is one of the best options, but know that a big buck can still come out of Likely Tables. Remember, only one antelope permit is available to non-residents. With only one permit, there is no reason to worry about the draw odds, so you may as well apply for the best unit in the state.

As a whole, antelope in California will be a good hunt with mid-70s bucks available with the potential for an 80”+ buck. At the end of the day, it’s in the same boat as Oregon where you can build points for years for a good hunt or you can go on good hunts in other states and hunt the same caliber of antelope on a more regular basis. If you are already buying the license, you might as well spend the $8.13 and apply for antelope.

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