Are there any restrictions on importing buffalo hides or buffalo art productions into California?
American buffalo, or Bison bison, are considered a domestic breed of bovine like cattle, goats and sheep; thus, no Fish and Game laws regulate them. American buffalo hides are not restricted by DFG, so they may be imported or possessed as long as they were obtained legally. However, the live importation of other species of true buffalo, such as African Cape Buffalo and Asian Water Buffalo or their hides is restricted by law (CCR T-14 Section 671). Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.
