California has six antelope units: Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley, and Surprise Valley, which are all located in the northeast corner of the state. All of these units except Big Valley have plenty of public land for a good hunt. Likely Tables is a good hunt and can produce high quality bucks, but the population has been dwindling the last few years. Data from aerial surveys indicate that antelope populations in zone 3 were severely impacted by 2022/2023 winter conditions. Likely Tables showed the most significant population declines and was hit with the worst of the winter conditions. Hunters can expect that will stay the same going into 2026. Once again, we’re showing no permits for Apprentice, Archery, and Period 2 hunts heading into this fall. The Lassen unit is one of the best options, but a big buck can still come out of Likely Tables. Remember, only one antelope permit is available to non-residents. With only one permit, there is no reason to worry about the draw odds, so you may as well apply for the best unit in the state.

As a whole, California will offer a good antelope hunt with bucks in the mid-70s and the potential for an 80”+ buck. At the end of the day, non-resident applicants in California are in the same boat as those looking to apply in Oregon: you can build points for years for a good hunt or you can go on good hunts in other states and hunt the same caliber of antelope on a more regular basis. That said, if you are already buying the license, you might as well spend the $8.38 and apply for antelope.

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