Back when I was stationed in CA (1990-1993) the back pages of the big game regulations listed the rules and regs by counties and had a blurb after each one that stated the county regulated the taking of antlerless deer and whether the taking of them was legal. Plus like I said, I had a game warden also confirm it.Back when I was there, the military bases didn't have to get any approval from any county legislatures which is why they allowed the taking of does.

Admittedly, that was more than 20 years ago. I have no idea what CA does now since I swore my shadow will never fall on that state again when I left there on 03 Dec 1993. But I do know it is still nearly impossible to take a doe and if the Game Dept wanted them taken they could get the regs amended to allow it. Since they either don't or can't my money is on the fact that the Game Dept can't simply allow the taking of does.

You could always send an email to the game dept simply asking why the taking of does isn't allowed. Personally, it doesn't matter to me one way or another since I've shot my last blacktail in CA. If I want another one I'll head to OR, WA or AK. CA has absolutely nothing I need or want.