Are deers illegal in California as pets?

Answer 1

Yup, the legal system says: "The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state."

Deer fall under this category: "Those species listed because they pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state or to public health or safety."

This is all about maintaining possession of the animal, which includes having it as a pet.

However by getting a permit for breeding, importing, and slaughtering deer, you would technically be able to have one as a pet, so long as the rest are being used for commercial purposes. But good luck with that ;)

Link: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1518.pdf