California Fish and Game Code

This code shall be known as the Fish and Game Code.

Unless the provisions or the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this chapter govern the construction of this code and all regulations adopted under this code.

The provisions of this code, insofar as they are substantially the same as existing statutory provisions relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof, and not as new enactments. This code shall not impair any privilege granted or right acquired under any of the laws…

Division, part, chapter, article, and section headings do not in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of this code.

Whenever reference is made to any portion of this code or of any other law of this State, the reference applies to all amendments and additions heretofore or hereafter made.

Whenever a power is granted to, or duty is imposed upon, a public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized, pursuant to law, by the officer, unless this code expressly provides otherwise.

Whenever a statement or report is required to be made, it shall be made in the English language. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department from providing an unofficial translation of a statement or report in a language other than English.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present.

The masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter.

“Spouse” includes “registered domestic partner,” as required by Section 297.5 of the Family Code.

The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.

Whenever in this code the doing of an act between certain dates or from one date to another is allowed or prohibited, the period of time thereby indicated includes both dates specified. The first date specified designates the first day of the period, and the second day specified designates the last day of the period. N…

Wherever the term “Fish Commission Fund” or “Game Preservation Fund” appears in any law, it means “Fish and Game Preservation Fund.”

Unless otherwise specified by statute, any notice or other written communication required to be sent to any person by this code or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, is sufficient notice if sent by first-class mail to the last address furnished to the department by that person.

“Adaptive management,” unless otherwise specified in this code, means management that improves the management of biological resources over time by using new information gathered through monitoring, evaluation, and other credible sources as they become available, and adjusts management strategies and practices to assist…

“Anadromous fish” means fish which spawn in fresh water and spend a portion of their lives in the ocean.

“Angling” means the taking of, or attempting to take, fish by hook and line with the line held in the hand, or by hook and line with the line attached to a pole or rod which is closely attended or held in the hand in such a manner that the fish voluntarily takes the bait or lure in its mouth.

“Affix” means physically attached to or imprinting an electronic validation to a license document.

“Aquaculture” means that form of agriculture devoted to the propagation, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of aquatic plants and animals in marine, brackish, and fresh water. “Aquaculture” does not include species of ornamental marine or freshwater plants and animals not utilized for human consumption or bait pu…

“Bag limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians that may lawfully be taken by any one person during a specified period of time.

“Possession limit” means the maximum, in number or amount, of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians that may be lawfully possessed by one person.

“Bird” means a wild bird or part of a wild bird.

“Buy” includes an offer to buy, purchase, barter, exchange, or trade.

“Chumming” means the placing in the water of fish, or other material upon which fish feed, for the purpose of attracting fish to a particular area in order that they may be taken.

“Closed season” means that period of time during which the taking of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, or reptiles is prohibited.