Legal shooting light in California

In short

In California, legal shooting light for game animals runs from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. At Sacramento today that is 6:56 AM to 6:42 PM PDT.

Updated September 2026

Sun altitude · Mon, Oct 26PDT · Game animals

NightTwilightDayLegal window

Now

—

Legal from6:56 AM

Sunrise7:26 AM

Sunset6:12 PM

Legal until6:42 PM

Civil dawn6:59 AM

Civil dusk6:39 PM

Legal day11h 46m

Daylight10h 46m

Sunrise bearing105°

Sunset bearing254°

The California ruleCommon rule · confirm with agency

Game animals & non-migratory birdsone-half hour before sunrise → one-half hour after sunset

Confirm with: California wildlife agency. Sun times computed with astronomy-engine (USNO convention: upper limb, refraction).

All states·California season dates·California regulations

California shooting hours, answered

What are the legal shooting hours in California?

For game animals, California allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This is the common rule; confirm the exact wording with the state agency.

When does legal light end today at Sacramento?

Today legal light ends at 6:42 PM PDT at Sacramento (6:12 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.