Call 650-888-0808 to learn more, or check out the website. We do quite a few hunts for deer each year. Many easterners don’t realize how much quality deer hunting takes place in California. As a matter of fact, yes. skills. But is it legal to use a .223 to hunt deer in the state of California, who does have some very weird gun control laws? While there is no real need for hunters to have intricate knowledge of all of California’s deer species, it is helpful to have some basic knowledge while out scouting and hunting deer. California has no restrictions on the caliber used. Entry permit form for hunting on private property (PDF) Declaration for entry into California with wild-caught game or fish (PDF) Indian Game Transportation Tag Issuance Report Form (PDF) According to the California Department of Fish & Game, deer inhabit 56% of California’s land, creating plenty of opportunity for hunters to hone their deer I.D. So, now you know you can use a .223 to hunt deer. California is home to some stellar deer hunting conditions, but hunters must abide by state laws, which dictate when, where and how they can hunt deer. And despite the claims of some hunter enthusiasts, it can also be used in deer hunting: in certain states, which we’ll discuss later on.