California Code, Fish and Game Code - FGC § 2011

(a) It is unlawful for any person to take, mutilate, or destroy any bird or mammal lawfully in the possession of another.

(b) For the purpose of this section, a bird or mammal shall be deemed in possession when it is actually reduced to physical possession or when it is wounded or otherwise maimed and the person who wounded or otherwise maimed it is in hot pursuit.