Tools/Legal light/California

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 6:13 AM to 7:51 PM PDT.

Updated September 2026
Sun altitude · Thu, Sep 10PDT · Game animals
HORIZON30°60°12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AMNOON3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AMLEGAL 6:13 AMENDS 7:51 PMSUNRISE 6:43 AMSUNSET 7:21 PM
NightTwilightDayLegal window
Now
—
 
Legal from6:13 AM
Sunrise6:43 AM
Sunset7:21 PM
Legal until7:51 PM
Civil dawn6:16 AM
Civil dusk7:48 PM
Legal day13h 38m
Daylight12h 38m
NESW
Sunrise bearing83°
Sunset bearing277°
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 7:51 PM PDT at Sacramento (7:21 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.