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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1§ 2000 Wildlife Taking And Possession

§ 2000 Wildlife Taking And Possession

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2000 Wildlife Taking And Possession

This law says you can't take any bird, mammal, fish, reptile, or amphibian unless the law specifically lets you, and if you have one of those animals (or a part) while you're in state woods, fields, or waters, it’s taken as proof you took it.

Key Takeaways

  • •You may not take wildlife unless the law or a regulation says you can.
  • •Having wildlife or parts of it while in state natural areas, or coming back with hunting/fishing gear, is taken as evidence you took it.
  • •You can avoid trouble by having the right permits or following the allowed exceptions.

Example

A person goes fishing in a state lake, catches a trout, and brings it home without a fishing license.

Because they have a fish while leaving the lake, the law assumes they took the fish illegally unless they can show they had a proper permit.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2000 Wildlife Taking And Possession

(a) It is unlawful to take a bird, mammal, fish, reptile, or amphibian except as provided in this code or in a regulation adopted pursuant to this code. (b) Possession of a bird, mammal, fish, reptile, amphibian, or part of any of those animals, in or on the fields, forests, or waters of this state, or while returning therefrom with fishing or hunting equipment, is prima facie evidence the possessor took the bird, mammal, fish, reptile, or amphibian, or part of that animal. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 41. (AB 1527) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

unlawfultakebirdmammalfishreptileamphibianprima facie evidence

Related Statutes

  • § 2002 Possession Of Illegally Taken Wildlife
  • § 10513 Wildlife Taking In Refuges
  • § 1054.2 Hunting License Possession Rules
  • § 3803 Predatory Bird Removal Authority
  • § 3503 Bird Nest Protection Law

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 2000.
View Official Source