• additional either-sex junior hunts in many deer zones statewide;
• additional archery elk and buck deer hunts;
• a new preference drawing system for big game drawing applicants;
• an increase in the season closure quota for bear hunting;
• a longer season for some goose hunting zones;
• a longer pheasant hunting season;
• expansion of the fall turkey hunting area to include San Diego County;
• an increase in the season and/or bag limit for turkeys in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties.

Public meeting dates and locations are as follows:

• Monterey: November 29, 7 p.m., DFG Marine Region office, 20 Lower Ragsdale, Drive
• Bishop: November 29 7 p.m., City Council Chambers, 377 W. Line S
• Sacramento: December 13 at 1:30 p.m., Resources Building, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1270

Changing hunting regulations is a multi-step process that begins with public input on informal proposals being considered by the DFG. Public comments are used to help shape and finalize formal proposals which are then presented to the Fish and Game Commission for consideration. The Commission, an independent body of members appointed by the governor, ultimately decides whether to adopt the proposed changes after considering public comments at a series of public meetings.

Major changes to California's hunting regulations are only considered bi-annually (except for emergency purposals). The regulations adopted for the 2002/2003 hunting seasons will remain in effect for the 2003/2004 seasons before major changes will again be considered.