Why It Matters: California’s archery deer hunters deserve the same ability to protect themselves as other sportsmen and women in the field. Assembly Bill 1912 would allow licensed hunters to carry a firearm capable of being concealed on their person while archery hunting for deer, removing an outdated restriction that currently leaves bowhunters uniquely vulnerable.
Highlights:
- AB 1912 repeals the current prohibition on carrying a concealed firearm while taking or attempting to take a deer with a bow and arrow during archery season.
- The bill maintains the integrity of archery-only rules by still requiring that any deer harvested be taken with a bow.
- The California Outdoor Sporting Caucus was heavily involved in the drafting and introduction of this measure.
Archery deer hunting in California‘s rugged backcountry often places sportsmen and women in remote areas where encounters with dangerous wildlife or unexpected threats can occur far from help. Under current law, hunters pursuing deer with a bow during dedicated archery seasons are generally prohibited from carrying any firearm, even for self-defense – a restriction that does not apply to other forms of big game archery hunting.
AB 1912 was coauthored by California Outdoor Sporting Caucus Co-chair Senator Dave Cortese and introduced by Assembly member Heather Hadwick. The bill would authorize any licensed hunter to carry a concealed firearm while archery hunting deer, while explicitly prohibiting the use of that firearm to take deer. The change enhances personal safety without compromising the traditional character of archery seasons.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) strongly supports AB 1912 in accordance with our longstanding policy in favor of allowing handgun carry while archery hunting. Across the country, 37 states already permit this important safety practice . Bowhunters are at a distinct disadvantage when facing threats from large predators such as mountain lions, bears, or other wildlife, and limiting their ability to defend themselves puts lives at risk unnecessarily. The next hearing on AB 1912 will be held in the Senate Public Safety Committee on June 30, 2026, with a comment deadline of June 23, 2026.
CSF submitted a letter of support for this bill and remains committed to working with members of the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus to ensure that California’s sportsmen and women have every legitimate tool at their disposal for safe, responsible, and enjoyable outdoor pursuits.