2024-2025
CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL,UPLAND GAME, AND PUBLICUSE OF DEPARTMENT LANDSREGULATIONSFOR ALL WATERFOWL HUNTING IN CALIFORNIAUPDATED 7/1/2024

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATE OF CALIFORNIA
Gavin Newsom, Governor
NATURAL RESOURCESAGENCY
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
WILDLIFE
Charlton H. Bonham, Director
FISH AND GAMECOMMISSION
Samantha Murray, President

Contents
General Information
CDFW Contact Information..................................................................................3
Participating in the Regulatory Process............................................................4
What’s New...........................................................................................................5
Foreword...............................................................................................................6
License and Tag Fees..........................................................................................7
Unlawful Activities................................................................................................8
Hunting Licenses..................................................................................................9Free Hunting Days................................................................................................12
Hunter Education..................................................................................................13
General Provisions and Definitions....................................................................14
Federal Regulations Related to
Hunting Migratory Game Birds...........................................................................21
Shoot Time Tables................................................................................................24
Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl Zones Map...........................................................................................26

La JollaStatewide and Zone Waterfowl Regulations......................................................27

Erika Zavaleta, Vice President

Waterfowl Health Consumption Warnings.........................................................31

Santa Cruz
Jacque Hostler-Carmesin,
Member
McKinleyville
Eric Sklar, Member
St. Helena
Darius W. Anderson, Member
Kenwood
Melissa Miller-Henson,
Executive Director
P.O. Box 944209,
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090(916) 653-4899
Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov
Website: fgc.ca.gov
On the Cover: 2024 Duck Stamp
Winner: Cynthia Fisher from
Hamilton, Montana

Seasons and Limits..............................................................................................29
Youth and Junior Waterfowl Hunts.....................................................................38
Special Goose Area Maps....................................................................................39
Upland Game Bird, Resident Small Game, and Crow Hunting
Resident Small Game and Crow Regulations....................................................42
Upland Game Bird, Resident Small Game,and Crow Seasons...............................................................................................43
Upland Hunt Zone Maps......................................................................................45
Hunting and Other Uses on State and Federal Lands
Lands Pass Program............................................................................................48
Reservation System.............................................................................................49
General Regulations for Public Useon State and Federal Lands................................................................................50
Reservations, Entry Permits, Fees, Passes,
and Special Use Permits......................................................................................57
Wildlife Area Regulations....................................................................................61
Property Specific Regulations for Wildlife Areas..............................................64
Wildlife Areas Requiring a Lands Pass..............................................................80
Regulations for National Wildlife Refuges that are also designatedas Wildlife Areas...................................................................................................83
Additional Regulations for Ecological Reserves..............................................87
Ecological Reserves Requiring a Lands Pass...................................................89
Other Public Hunting Areas and FWS, State Parks...........................................97
Other Hunting Regulations
Special Closures..................................................................................................99
Northern San Joaquin Valley Hunt Areas and Grizzly Island Maps.................1002

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE REGIONAL OFFICES
1 - Northern Region

4 - Central Region

Serving Del Norte, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino,Serving Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa,

Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity

Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo,

counties

Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties

601 Locust Street, Redding 96001

1234 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno 93710(530) 225-2300(559) 243-4005

AskRegion1@wildlife.ca.gov
No public license sales counter. Customer

Reg4Assistant@wildlife.ca.gov

service representatives are available in person

5 - South Coast Region

to validate hunting tags, answer questions, andServing Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa

provide and receive applications that will be

Barbara and Ventura counties

fulfilled by mail.

3883 Ruffin Road, San Diego 92123

Eureka Field Office(858) 467-4201

619 Second Street, Eureka 95501

AskR5@wildlife.ca.gov(707) 445-6493

Seal Beach Field Office3030 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 400

2 - North Central Region

Seal Beach 90740

Serving Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa,
El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Nevada, Placer, Plumas,
Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and6 - Inland Deserts Region

Yuba counties

Serving Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Riverside and San

1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova 95670

Bernardino counties(916) 358-2900

3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste. C-220

R2info@wildlife.ca.gov

Ontario 91764(909) 484-0167

3 - Bay Delta Region

AskRegion6@wildlife.ca.gov

Serving Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa,

Licenses are not sold at this office.

Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz,
San Francisco, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma and7 - Marine Region

Yolo counties

Serving the entire California coast, from border to2825 Cordelia Road, Ste. 100, Fairfield 94534

border and three nautical miles out to sea.

(707) 428-2002

20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Ste. 100, Monterey 93940

AskBDR@wildlife.ca.gov(831) 649-2870

Stockton Field Office

AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov

2109 Arch Airport Road, Suite 100, Stockton 95206

Office is closed to the public. Licenses are not(209) 234-3420

sold at this office.

3

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNONDISCRIMINATION
Any person excluded from participation in,denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected
to discrimination under any program of the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, on
the grounds of age, race, national origin, disability, religious or political affiliation, color, sex,
ancestry, marital status, or sexual orientations,should contact the nearest regional office of the
Department or its headquarters located at 715 P
Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 445-0411.
In addition, you may contact the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C. 20506 or a local EEOC office listed
in your phone directory under U.S. Government.
Alternate communication format available uponrequest, call (916) 322-8911. Call the California Relay (telephone) Service for the deaf orhearing-impaired from TDD phones at 800-7352929 or 711.

PARTICIPATING IN THE
REGULATORY PROCESSThe Fish and Game Commission is composedof five members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The
Commission establishes hunting and sport fishing regulations including seasons, bag and possession limits, methods of take, area descriptions and any special conditions. In addition, theCommission formulates general policies for the
Department of Fish and Wildlife. Monthly topicalmeetings are held to hear regulation change
proposals. The public may make recommendations in writing before a Commission meetingor present its proposals verbally at the meeting.
The Commission’s meeting schedule, including
specific topics, dates and locations, is posted on
their web site fgc.ca.gov.
Written comments can be directed to the Fish
and Game Commission at P.O. Box 944209,
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090, or by e-mail to
fgc@fgc.ca.gov. Comments sent by e-mailshould include a full name and mailing address.
The Commission also has established a list
server for information distribution available on
their web site fgc.ca.gov.

READY TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE?

NOW HIRINGWILDLIFE OFFICERS!

wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement42024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONS
WHAT’S NEW IN 2024-2025
Free Hunting Days

Regulatory changes and hunt updates from the previous year
are provided in red text.

The California Free Hunting Days for the 2024-25 hunting season are Saturday, November 23, 2024, and Saturday, April
12, 2025. To hunt on the free hunting days, participants mustmeet requirements established in FGC 3040, including the possession of a valid Free Hunt Days Registration. The Free Hunt
Days Registration item will be available to claim beginning on
October 11, 2024. For more information and requirements toparticipate in California’s free hunting days, please visit https://
wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Hunting/Free-Hunting-Days.

Duck and Goose Seasons

Duck and goose season lengths decreased to 98 days in theSouthern San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, and Balanceof State zones.

Late Goose Season

Late goose season in the Balance of State Zone moved to coincide with the Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl
Hunting Days.

Special Hunt Applications Are Now
Online!

Out of State Hunters and Anglers

CDFW is pleased to announce the availability of Special Huntapplications in the Automated License Data System (ALDS).

Declaration of Importation of Dead Fish andWildlife (Form DFW 901)

It is unlawful to import any dead birds, mammals, fish, reptiles,
or amphibians into this state, or to possess the same, unlessaccompanied by a completed form DFW 901. A copy of thedeclaration may be submitted to the department online or mail.
Two convenient methods for completing the form are available:

Smartphone Form DFW 901

Fill and submit online at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/QR/DeclarationForm or scan the following QR code:

Print Form DFW 901•

Special Hunts are specially managed opportunities given toqualified new hunters, apprentice hunters, mobility impaired/disabled hunters and veterans.

•

Qualified hunters may apply for Special Hunts online, atselect CDFW license sales offices, license sales agents, orby calling telephone sales at (800) 565-1458.

•

For more information on participant qualifications and available hunting opportunities, please visit the Special Hunts
page.

CDFW License Application

Fill, print, sign, and submit to: http://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting

Display your sport fishing and hunting licenses, view yourbig game preference points and drawing applications/results,
download and view CDFW published regulation booklets, andaccess CDFW websites to purchase licenses, submit harvest
reports, and view fish stocking activities on your mobile device
by downloading the CDFW License App today!
Getting started video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW_
q1pP-HSs
Download from App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cdfwlicense/id6450827501
Download from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.aspiraconnect.hf.ca&pcampaignid=web_share

Or fill, print, sign, and mail to:

Updates to Southern California ShootTime Tables

Department of Fish and Wildlife
Law Enforcement Division
PO Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Southern California Shoot Times on page 25 for November 3
were updated in this booklet on 9/11/2024.

5

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSFOREWORD
This booklet contains information from both the California Fish
and Game Code (FGC) and Title 14 of the California Code ofRegulations (CCR). For detailed information, refer to the appropriate code or contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife(Department).

Department of Fish and Wildlife

These excerpts are provided as a courtesy and are not to be
used as legal documents. Since the regulation and FGC sections
may be amended at any time, it is the reader’s responsibility to
be knowledgeable of, and abide by, all laws and regulations ineffect at the time he/she participates in any commercial fishingactivity. Any discrepancies between this document and the regulation and FGC sections from which they were prepared will be
enforced and adjudicated according to the official code sections
and regulations in effect on the date the activity takes place.

The Department is charged with the administration and enforcement of the FGC and Title 14. The Department is organized with the Director and headquarters staff in Sacramento,and seven regional managers coordinating the operations intheir respective portions of the state. The Director is the appointing power of all Department employees, who are responsible to the Director for the proper performance of their duties
and responsibilities.

The mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, andthe habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values
and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

Most of the revenue for the Department comes from the Fish
and Wildlife Preservation Fund, with a limited amount fromother sources (General Fund, Sport Fish Restoration Act,
Environmental License Plate Fund, and grants). The Fish andWildlife Preservation Fund is supported by the sale of sport
fishing and hunting licenses, commercial licenses, fish landing
taxes, and fines and penalties assessed for violation of Fish
and Wildlife laws.

The official California Code of Regulations may be accessed
through Thompson Reuters Westlaw at https://govt.westlaw.
com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations. The official Fish and Game Code may be accessed
through California Legislative Information at https://leginfo.
legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml

California Fish and Game Commission

All laws or regulations hereunder are either reproduced verbatim from the Fish and Game Code or from Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, as adopted by the Fish and Game
Commission under authority of the Fish and Game Code.

The Mission of the California Fish and Game Commission is,on behalf of California citizens, to ensure the long term sustainability of California’s fish and wildlife resources by:• Guiding the ongoing scientific evaluation and assessmentof California’s fish and wildlife resources;•

Setting California’s fish and wildlife resource management
policies and ensuring these are implemented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife;•

Establishing appropriate fish and wildlife resource management rules and regulations; and•Building active fish and wildlife resource management partnerships with individual landowners, the public and interest
groups, and federal, state, and local resource management
agencies

All references to state highway, interstate highway and U.S.
highway numbers appearing in regulations are as designatedon the current California State Highway map issued by theBusiness, Transportation and Housing Agency at the time such
regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission.

Accessing Hunting Regulations•

Mammal Hunting Booklet
includes regulations for: hunting small and big game mammals; exotic game mammals; trapping furbearers (fox, badger,
beaver and raccoon, etc.); hunting nongame animals (bobcat, coyote, weasel, etc.)•

Big Game Hunting Digest
includes hunt seasons, tag quotas and drawing for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep; bear and wild pig
hunting; other related hunting regulations•

Mammal Hunting Regulations HTML•

Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations Booklet (this booklet)•

Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations HTML•

Waterfowl Hunting Regulations HTML•2024-2025 Upland Game Birds Regulations Summary6

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSJULY 1,LICENSE,
2023 - JUNE
VALIDATION,
30, 2024 LICENSE,
RESERVATION,
VALIDATION,
AND PASS
RESERVATION,FEES(JULY 1,
AND
2024
PASS
- JUNE
FEES
30, 2025)
Includes 5% license agent handling fee and 3% Automated License Data System (ALDS) nonrefundable application fee. Yourlicense, validation, reservation, and permit/pass purchases support conservation and management of California’s wildlife.

Hunting Licenses
Resident$61.82

Nonresident$216.00

Junior

$16.20Age 15 and under on July 1.

Disabled Veteran & Recovering Service Member$9.98

Initial qualification must be done at a CDFW license sales office, see page 9 for more information.

Duplicate Hunting License$13.782-Day Nonresident Hunting License$61.82

Valid only for taking resident and migratory game birds, resident small game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, wild pigs, and non-game mammals.

Lifetime Hunting Licenses
Ages 0-9$679.75

Ages 10-39$1,112.00

Ages 40-61$1,001.75

Ages 62+$679.75

Lifetime Bird Hunting Privilege Package$394.50

Includes Lifetime California Duck Validation and Lifetime Upland Game Bird Validation

Validations
California Duck$39.14

Not required for junior license holders.

Federal Duck$25.00Required for hunters 16 and older. Available from the US Postal Service and some license agents.

Upland Game Bird

$24.33

Not required for junior license holders.

Harvest Information Program

FREE

Drawing Applications
Upland Game Bird Special Hunt

$2.98

Per Draw Entry

Waterfowl Reservation$1.34

Per Choice

Hunter Education
Hunter Education Equivalency Exam

$68.50Available at regional CDFW license sales offices only by appointment. NOTE: Not recognized as proof of Hunter Education in other states.

Duplicate Hunter Education Certificate$8.64

Customers with CDFW verified Hunter Education Certificates in their ALDS customer record may purchase duplicate hunter education certificates at license agents or online.

72024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSLICENSE, VALIDATION, RESERVATION, AND PASS FEES
Hunting Pass (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025)
Type-A Season Pass

$210.09Type-B Season Pass

$70.46Type-A One-Day Pass

$27.82Type-A Two-Day Pass

$44.85

Annual and Daily Lands Pass FeesA Lands Pass is currently required for visitors without a fishing or hunting license at twenty CDFW properties.

Jan 1-Dec 31, 2024
Annual CDFW Lands Pass

$32.14

Daily CDFW Lands Pass (One-Day)$5.66

Special Use Permits
Jan 1-Dec 31, 2024

Jan 1-Dec 31, 2025

Type-1$152.50$161.00

Type-2$576.75$608.75

Type-3$668.50$705.50

It is unlawful to:•

Trespass while hunting. (FGC 2016)•

Litter in or within 150 feet of state waters or place thelitter where it can pass into state waters. (FGC 5652)•

Hunt or discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a dwelling (safety zone) without permission of the owner or the
person in control of the property. (FGC 3004)•

Take waterfowl or resident small game with a shotgun
capable of holding more than 3 shells. (CCR T14-311,
507)•

Shoot unauthorized nongame birds. (FGC 3800)•

Use any mammal (except a dog) or an imitation of a
mammal as a blind in approaching or taking gamebirds. (FGC 3502)•

Use or possess any license, tag, stamp, permit, application or reservation that was not lawfully issued to theuser; or alter, mutilate deface, duplicate or counterfeit
any license, tag, stamp, permit, application or reservation. (FGC 1052)•

Fail to exhibit upon demand to any peace officer, all licenses, tags, and wildlife and devices capable of being
used to take wildlife. (FGC 2012)•

Prohibit a Warden from inspecting any boat, market, or
receptacle where fish or wildlife may be found. (FGC
1006)

•

Hunt without your hunting license in possession. (CCR
T14-700)•

Transport game birds without fully feathered head orwing attached. (CCR T14-251.7)•

Waste of carcass of any game bird, game mammal, or
exotic game mammal. (FGC 4304)•

Hunt over bait. (CCR T14-257.5, 509)•

Hunt on a state or federal wildlife area without theproper permit when required. (CCR T14-550, 551)•

Use a fishing or hunting license that is not completely
filled out.

•

Use an electronic calling device when taking waterfowl.
(CCR T14-507)•

Possess fish or wildlife taken unlawfully. (FGC 2002)•

Use live decoys when hunting waterfowl. (CCR T14507)•

Take fish or wildlife in violation of any section of law.
(FGC 2000)•

Import into the state any dead animal taken in hunting
or fishing without completing Form DFW 901 Declaration of Importation (CCR T14-712.5)•

Transfer any license, tag, stamp, permit, application orreservation to another person. (FGC 1052)

8

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSHUNTING LICENSES
Hunting License Requirements

Applicants who are less than 18 years of age may provide
any form of identification previously described or a guardian’s
identification (parent or legal guardian identification listed).

First-time applicants applying for a hunting license through the
CDFW’s ALDS must present one of the following as evidence of
hunter education when applying for a California hunting license:•

An annual California hunting license issued in any prior year;•

A Two-Day Nonresident California Hunting License issued
after the 1999/2000 license year;•

A California certificate of hunter education completionor equivalency with a unique number imprinted on it ex:(AA00000) or a California hunter education certificate withno unique number imprinted and a California hunter education validation stamp affixed;•

A certificate of successful completion of a California-approved
hunter education course from any state or province; or•A current hunting license or a hunting license issued ineither of the two previous years from any state, province,
European Union country or South Africa.

License Provisions

A valid California hunting license is required to take any bird or
mammal. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show
them upon request to any peace officer. Guns and other equipment used in hunting must be shown upon request.
A 2-Day Nonresident California Hunting License is valid only fortaking resident and migratory game birds, resident small gamemammals, fur-bearing mammals wild pigs, and non-gamemammals. A 2-Day Nonresident California Hunting License is
not valid to hunt bighorn sheep, bear, deer, elk, or pronghorn.

Junior Hunting License Eligibility

To qualify for a junior hunting license, a hunter must be lessthan 16 years of age as of July 1, of the license year for which
they are applying.

Applicants that have previously purchased a hunting license
through CDFW’s ALDS will already have the required proof of
hunter education evidence in their customer profile. To ensure
the appropriate customer profile is retrieved at a license agent,
the CDFW recommends hunters provide the license agent witha previously issued ALDS license.

Disabled Veteran and Recovering Service
Member Hunting Licenses
CDFW offers reduced fee hunting licenses for Disabled Veterans and Recovering Service Members.

Validation of License

Honorably discharged disabled veterans (resident or nonresident) with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability
are eligible for a reduced fee hunting license. Applicants must
submit a letter from the Veterans’ Administration documenting that you were honorably discharged from the US militaryand have a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or
greater.

To be valid, every California hunting license shall be signed by
the licensee. Proof of identification must be presented at thetime of initial purchase. In addition, the license must contain thefollowing information about the licensee: true name, residence
address, date of birth, height, weight, color of eyes, color of
hair, and sex.

Acceptable Proof of Identification•

Any license document or GO ID number previously issued
via ALDS•

A valid driver’s license or identification card issued to him or
her by the Department of Motor Vehicles or by the entity issuing driver’s licenses from the licensee’s state of domicile•

US Birth Certificate•

US Certificate or Report of Birth Abroad•

Tribal Identification Card, as defined by each sovereign
tribal nation•

Birth Certificate or passport issued from a US Territory•

US Passport•

US Military Identification Cards (Active or reserve duty, dependent, retired member, discharged from service, medical/
religious personnel)•

Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship•

A foreign government-issued photo identification

Recovering service members are eligible for a reduced fee
hunting license while undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, and are in an outpatient status while recoveringfrom a serious injury or illness related to the member’s military
service. Applicants must submit a letter from your commanding officer or military medical doctor verifying your eligibility as
a recovering service member, including the expected recovery
date in your verification letter.

9

To prequalify, applicants must submit the document of eligibility along with a photocopy of your personal identification and
GO ID by fax to (916) 419-7585 or by secure document upload.
To upload your documentation, please email your request to
LRB@wildlife.ca.gov and follow the link provided in the response. You may also apply by mail or in person at any CDFW
license sales office. For more information please contact yournearest CDFW license sales offices or visit our web site at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/hunting. Hunting tags and validations mustbe purchased at full price.

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSHUNTING LICENSES
Duplicate Licenses

Disabled Archer PermitYour customer record contains a history of all your license purchases. If you lose your license or additional validations, you cango to any CDFW license sales office, license agent, online or bytelephone sales and purchase a duplicate license and validations.

No Sales at Check Stations
Check stations do not sell any items. Hunters must purchaseany needed passes and validations in advance from CDFW
license sales offices, license agents, or online. To find a license
agent near you or to purchase items online visit the CDFW
website at: wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales.

Telephone Sales
Most hunting and sport fishing license items, including valida-

Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor
Vehicle Hunting License

tions, drawing applications, and tags, may be purchased via
telephone from Aspira’s telephone license sales line at (800)A Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting
License is available for any mobility impaired disabled hunter
who must use a motor vehicle to pursue game. The Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License allows
a hunter to discharge a firearm from a vehicle that is stopped
and its engine turned off. To qualify a person must be either
permanently or fully confined to a wheelchair, a single or double
amputee above the knee or double amputee below the knee, or
depend upon the aid of a walker, crutches, etc. to walk. Certification from a licensed physician is required. The license is only
available from the CDFW’s License and Revenue Branch.

565-1458. To purchase hunting items via telephone, you musthave hunter education on file in the ALDS. Items purchasedby telephone sales will be delivered by mail within 15 days ofpurchase.

Get Outdoors Identification (GO ID)
All licenses are imprinted with your permanent GO ID number.
Your GO ID can be used to retrieve your customer informationin the future.

Protect Your License From Heat

Validations to Hunt Waterfowl and Upland
Game Birds

License documents subjected to extreme or prolonged heatmay darken and become difficult to read. To protect your license, keep it away from heat sources.

Refunds
California resident and nonresident hunting licenses are nonrefundable.

Disabled Entitlements
The CDFW offers the following free disabled entitlements toany resident or nonresident hunter that meets the qualifications.
These entitlements must be certified by a licensed physician
and submitted to the CDFW’s License and Revenue Branch.
Hunters that qualify for these entitlements must also have avalid California hunting license in possession while hunting.

A disabled archer permit is available to any hunter who has
permanent loss, significant limitation, or diagnosed disease ordisorder, which substantially impairs one or both upper extremities preventing the hunter from drawing and holding of a bow ina firing position. The Disabled Archer Permit authorizes the disabled archer to use a crossbow or device which holds a string
and arrow in the firing position, to assist in the taking of birds
and mammals under the conditions of an archery tag or during archery season. Certification from a licensed physician isrequired. If the physician indicates on the initial application thatthe disability is permanent, hunters may renew the permit every
year at any CDFW license sales office, license agent, online orby telephone sales. If the disability is temporary, the physician
is required to enter the end date of the disability on the application. Temporary permits may be renewed at any CDFW’s
license sales office, license agent, online or by telephone sales
every year until the temporary disability end date; once the end
date has passed, re-certification is required.

Any person, except a person hunting under the authority of ajunior hunting license, who takes ducks, geese, or brant musthave a California Duck Validation (FGC 3700.1) in possession.
Any hunter who is age 16 or older must possess a Federal
Duck Stamp to take ducks, geese or brant. The Federal Duck
Stamp must be signed across the face to be valid and may be
affixed anywhere on the back of your hunting license or carried
separately from your California hunting license. Any person,
except a person hunting under the authority of a junior hunting
license, who takes upland game birds must have a California
Upland Game Bird Validation (FGC 3682.1) in possession. Any
person who purchases a California Duck Validation is eligible toclaim a free collectible California Duck Stamp. Any person whopurchases an Upland game Bird Validation is eligible to claim afree collectible Upland Game Bird Stamp. Visit wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Collector-Stamps for more information on how to claim
your collectible stamps.

102024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSHUNTING LICENSESHIP Validation Required

If you plan to hunt migratory game birds (ducks, geese, coots,
dove, band-tailed pigeon, snipe, gallinules or black brant), youmust complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey andpossess a free HIP validation. HIP surveys and validations areavailable at license agents. Hunters may be cited for hunting
migratory game birds without a HIP validation in possession.

Hunting Area Permits and Passes

Except for persons hunting on most Type C wildlife areas or
hunting under the authority of a junior hunting license, all hunters using State-operated hunting areas during the waterfowl
season are required to obtain an entry permit from the hunterchecking station. To obtain a permit, hunters must pre-purchaseone of the following passes from any CDFW license agent,license sales office or online and present it at the check station:•

Type A One-Day Pass: valid for one hunter entry on one
Type A area•

Type A Two-Day Pass: may be used by one hunter for two
entries or two hunters for one entry each;•Type A Season Pass: this nontransferable pass may be
used for any available hunt day on any Type A or Type Barea; or•Type B Season Pass: this nontransferable pass may be
used for any available hunt day on Type B areas only.

No hunting pass is required for hunting on Type C wildlife
areas.

Reservations for Hunting on StateOperated Areas

Hunters can apply for waterfowl hunting reservations on Type A
wildlife areas and federal refuges using a season-long application or a multiple-choice application online, at a CDFW license
sales office, or at any license agent. Applications, hunt choices,and drawing results are available online at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales

2024

WARDENSTAMP

wildlife.ca.gov/wardenstamp11Just $5!

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSFREE HUNTING DAYS
California Free Hunting Days (T14 CCR§700.1)(e) Authorized unlicensed hunters participating in free hunting
days shall take only upland and migratory game birds as definedin sections 300 and 502; resident small game as defined in Section 257; furbearing mammals as defined in Fish and Game Code
Section 4000; nongame mammals as defined in Section 472; andwild pigs as defined in Fish and Game Code Section 4650.

(a) Definitions:(1) “Free Hunting Day Registration” is a no-fee license available only to an authorized unlicensed hunter for use on the two
designated free hunting days of the license year for which theregistration is issued.

(f) Authorized unlicensed hunters hunting pursuant to this section are subject to all requirements, limitations, restrictions, conditions, statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to the holder
of a valid hunting license, except as described in subdivision (g)of Fish and Game Code Section 3040.

(2) “Authorized Unlicensed Hunter” is a California resident who
holds a free hunting day registration.
(3) “Licensed Supervising Hunter” is a hunter accompanying an
authorized unlicensed hunter who holds a valid California hunting license and is at least 21 years old.
(b) An authorized unlicensed hunter shall be eligible to participate in free hunting days for only one license year and shall not
be eligible to obtain a free hunting day registration for any otherlicense year.
(c) The department shall issue a free hunting day registration
to hunt on free hunting days to any California resident who
submits to the department all information required to obtain anannual California hunting license pursuant to sections 700.3
and 700.4 and provides evidence of completing a course inhunter education as required in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a)of Fish and Game Code Section 3050.
(d) Authorized unlicensed hunters must have in their possession while hunting: a free hunting day registration for the current license year, any required tags, validations, report cards,
federal entitlements and any required entry permits, with the
exception of upland game bird hunting validations and state
duck hunting validations.

(g) A free hunting day registration, as used by an authorized
unlicensed hunter participating in free hunting days, does not
authorize the possessor to apply for any drawing for any tag,reservation, or other hunting opportunity where an annual hunting license is required to apply.
(h) An authorized unlicensed hunter must be accompanied by alicensed supervising hunter, with the following conditions:(1) A licensed supervising hunter must only accompany one
authorized unlicensed hunter.
(2) While engaged in hunting activities, the authorized unlicensed hunter and the licensed supervising hunter shall remain
in close visual and verbal contact with each other at all times.
The licensed supervising hunter must be able to provide adequate direction and immediately assume control of a firearmor other legal method of take used by the authorized unlicensed
hunter, to ensure safety and compliance with laws and regulations at all times, as specified in Fish and Game Code 3040.
(i) Annual free hunting dates will be designated by the director
and published in annual publications of the department regarding current hunting regulations, as specified in Fish and Game
Code 3040.

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PURCHASE HUNTING LICENSES AND
APPLY FOR DRAWINGS ONLINE!
wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales
122024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSHUNTER EDUCATION
Hunter Education Class Options

Pass on the Tradition: Be A Hunter
Education Instructor!

Hunter education classes include instruction in firearms safety
and handling, sportsmanship and ethics, wildlife management
and conservation, archery, black powder, wildlife identification,
game care, first aid, and survival. For more information or toregister for a class, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education.

Hunter Education Equivalency Exams

Hunter education equivalency exams are given by appointment
only at CDFW regional offices for a fee. In some states, theCalifornia equivalency certificate may not be accepted as evidence of hunter education. For more information on the hunter
education equivalency exam, contact your nearest CDFW
regional office.

Duplicate Hunter Education Certificates

Duplicate hunter education certificates can be issued to any
person who completed and passed a hunter education class.
If the class was completed prior to 1989, CDFW does not haverecords before this date; the hunter should contact the original
instructor, club, or organization where the course was taught toobtain a duplicate. If the hunter is unable to obtain a duplicate
through these means, they will have to repeat the course. Visit
the hunter education web page at wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education for more information.

Bowhunter Education Class

Although bowhunter education training is not required in California, many states do require it for all bowhunters. CDFW’s
bowhunter education program meets the requirements of allstates. For more information or to register for a class, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education.

Volunteer to be a hunter education instructor and help pass on
California’s hunting tradition to the next generation. As an instructor, you will be eligible for the Instructor Incentive Program.
This program is for instructors only and consists of numerous
hunting opportunities including wild pig hunts, X Zone deertags, and the chance at an open zone deer tag. For more information on becoming a hunter education instructor, visit wildlife.
ca.gov/Hunter-Education/Become-an-Instructor.
Sea un instructor de la Educación del Cazador. El California
Department of Fish and Wildlifesolicitas instructores de caceria
responsible. Éres aficionado a la cacería? Desea pasarle a lasiguientegeneración la tradición de la cacería? Para más informacion, vista wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education/Become-an-Instructor.

Hunter Education Instructor Incentive
Program (CCR 14 §709)

Eligible certified hunter education instructors may participate
in the Incentive Program drawings for highly desirable hunting
opportunities. CDFW awards incentives, which may include
big game tags provided voluntarily by licensed private lands
management areas, cooperative elk or deer hunting areas, orother hunts designated by CDFW. Instructors who accept a tag
are required to pay the applicable tag fee(s) set forth in the Fish
and Game Code or California Code of Regulation Title 14.

Advanced Hunter Education

Advanced Hunting Clinics focus on the how-to’s of hunting andare designed for both the novice and experienced hunter. You
will learn more about biology, habitat needs, hunting regulations, game care and safety, blackpowder hunting, wilderness
navigation, and more. For additional information about theAdvanced Hunter Education Program as well as clinic dates
and locations, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Education/Advanced
or Contact Lieutenant Erick Elliott at erick.elliott@wildlife.ca.gov.

13

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONSDefinition of “Take” (FGC §86)

used to take or assist in the take of wildlife.

To hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill.

(For the latest information please check the Department’s web
page at wildlife.ca.gov.

General Prohibition Against Taking
Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals,
Exotic Game Mammals and Furbearing
Mammals (T14 CCR §250)

Shooting Time (T14 CCR §250.5)

In these orders whenever a specific clock time is mentioned,such time is meant to be legal California time for the date specified: i.e., during the days when California is on Pacific Daylight
Saving Time, Pacific Daylight Saving Time is intended; when
California is legally on Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Standard
Time is intended. When reference is made to sunrise or sunset
time, such reference is to the sunrise or sunset time at the location of the hunter.

Except as otherwise provided in this Title 14, and in the Fish
and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals, exotic
game mammals, and furbearing mammals may not be taken at
any time.

Prohibition on the Use of Lead Projectiles
and Ammunition Using Lead Projectiles
for the Take of Wildlife (T14 CCR §250.1)

Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds
and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air orLand Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats,
Sailboats or Snowmobiles (T14 CCR §251)(a) Purpose

This regulation phases in the requirements of Fish and Game
Code Section 3004.5, which prohibits the use of any lead projectiles or ammunition containing lead projectiles when taking
any wildlife with a firearm on or after July 1, 2019.

(a) General Prohibition(b) Definitions(1) A projectile is any bullet, ball, sabot, slug, buckshot, shot,pellet or other device that is expelled from a firearm through abarrel by force.
(2) Nonlead ammunition is any centerfire, shotgun, muzzleloading, or rimfire ammunition containing projectiles certified pursuant to subsection (b)(3) or subsection (f).
(3) Shotgun ammunition containing pellets composed of materials approved as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
as identified in Section 507.1 of these regulations, is considered certified.
(4) A nonlead projectile shall contain no more than one percent
lead by weight, as certified pursuant to subsection (b)(3) or
subsection (f).

(c) General Provisions(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful topossess any projectile containing lead in excess of the amountallowed in subsection (b)(4) and a firearm capable of firing the
projectile while taking or attempting to take wildlife.

No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person
shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or otherdevice capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device tolocate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48
hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big gamehunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any
time or place, without Department approval, any computer,telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mammal to which a tracking device is attached. For purposes of thissubsection “use” includes but is not limited to personal use orintent by another to obtain information from such personal use.
Evidence of an act constituting a violation of this section includes but is not limited to flying slowly at low attitudes, hovering, circling or repeatedly flying over any area where big game
may be found. Exceptions to this subsection are:(1) When the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or sailboat has
been shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress therefrom
has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or is being propelled by paddle, oar or pole.
(2) When used by the landowner or tenant of private property
to drive or herd game mammals for the purpose of preventing
damage to private property.
(3) Pursuant to a license from the department issued undersuch regulations as the commission may prescribe (see subsection 251(b) below).

(2) The possession of a projectile containing lead in excess of
the amount allowed in subsection (b)(4) without possessing afirearm capable of firing the projectile is not a violation of thissection.
(3) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the possessionof concealable firearms containing lead ammunition, provided
that the firearm is possessed for personal protection and is not(b) Mobility Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle
License(1) Applications

14

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONSApplications for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License for mobility
disabled persons shall be on a form supplied by the Department (Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License Application, FG1460-10/95). The application shall
include the applicant’s name, address, physical description, adescription of the qualifying disability, and a certified statementfrom a licensed physician describing the applicant’s permanent
disability. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify an application for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License.

Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd or drive any
game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For
the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentionalact which disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which
includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering. This section does not apply to a landowner or tenant who
drives or herds birds or mammals for the purpose of preventing
damage to private or public property, including aquaculture andagriculture crops.

(2) Terms of the License
The Motor Vehicle Hunting License shall specify conditions
under which said license shall be used and shall include but not
be limited to the following provisions:Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic
Game Mammals, Furbearers andNongame Animals, Possession Of (T14
CCR §251.5)(A) The licensee shall be accompanied by an able bodied assistant who shall immediately retrieve, and tag if necessary, allgame taken. (Possession of the licensee’s tag, required in thissubsection, shall not be considered an unlawful possession of atag or license issued to another person).
(B) The assistant shall not possess a firearm, crossbow orarchery equipment unless he/she is a licensed hunter andpossesses any necessary license or tag for the area being
hunted. The assistant shall not discharge a firearm or release abolt or an arrow from the vehicle. If licensed, the assistant may
dispatch wounded game which has moved out of range of thelicensee.
(C) The vehicle must be stopped and the engine must be shut
off prior to the licensee discharging firearm or releasing a bolt
from a crossbow or an arrow from archery equipment.
(D) The licensee shall notify the Department, at the regional
office having responsibility for the area where the licensee
intends to hunt, at least 48 hours prior to hunting or contact the
department’s 24-hour dispatcher at the number indicated on thelicense. The licensee shall specify the locality, vehicle description, and the approximate time frame during which such huntshall take place.
(E) The licensee or assistant shall not pursue any animal or
drive or herd animals to any other hunters with a motor vehicle.
(F) This license does not grant permission to trespass on private property or permission to use a motor vehicle while in any
area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.
(G) This license does not grant permission to discharge afirearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city,
county or state law.
(H) The licensee shall have the license in possession while
hunting from a motor vehicle.

Harassment of Animals (T14 CCR §251.1)
Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the(a) Migratory game birds may not be held beyond the period
provided by the federal regulations and in accordance with thedaily bag and possession limits prescribed by these regulations. (see sections 257 and 502).
(b) Live mountain lions may be possessed only under terms ofa permit issued by the Department pursuant to section 2150 of
the Fish and Game Code or if the owner can demonstrate thatthe mountain lion was in his/ her possession on or before June6, 1990 under a permit issued pursuant to section 3200 of saidcode.
(c) Every game bird, game mammal, exotic game mammal,
furbearer or nongame animal taken under the authority of ahunting or trapping license and reduced to possession by thehunter or trapper shall be immediately killed and become a partof the daily bag limit.

Possession, Transportation, andImportation of Game Birds (T14 CCR§251.7)(a) No person may possess any birds taken in this state inexcess of the daily bag and possession limits. The exception
to this is for the purpose of transportation, cleaning, storage(including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services,where an individual may possess game birds taken by anotherhunter provided that they are tagged by the hunter who has
lawfully taken them. The tag must contain the hunter’s name,address, hunting license number, kinds and numbers of gamebirds taken, date and location of kill, and signature.
(b) All birds, including migratory game birds, possessed ortransported within California must have a fully feathered wing orhead attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial
preservation facility or being prepared for immediate consumption. Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached.
(c) Migratory game birds imported into California shall be accompanied by a declaration of entry as prescribed in Section
2353 of the Fish and Game Code.

15

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Season Defined (T14 CCR §258)(d) Only one possession limit of migratory game birds may bepossessed per individual after the close of the season for thatspecies.

“Season” means that period of time during which resident andmigratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals,
and fur-bearing mammals may be taken. All dates are inclusive.

Bag and Possession Limit Defined (T14
CCR §252)

Prohibition Against Taking Other than
Migratory Game Birds and Quail in
Picacho State Recreation Area (T14 CCR§260)“Bag and possession limit” means the daily bag limit of eachkind of resident and migratory game birds, game mammals,
exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals which may
be taken and possessed by any one person unless otherwise
authorized.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in
Picacho State Recreation Area only migratory game birds andquail may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Sections
301, 500, 501 and 502 of these regulations.

Prohibition Against Taking Resident
Game Birds, Game Mammals, and Exotic
Game Mammals by the Aid of Bait (T14
CCR §257.5)

Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish
and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals, andexotic game mammals, may not be taken within 400 yards ofany baited area.

Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than
During September-January on Providence
Mountains State Recreation Area (T14
CCR §260.1)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, inProvidence Mountains State Recreation Area hunting is permitted only during the period September 1 to January 31.

(a) Definition of Baited Area

As used in this regulation, “baited area” shall mean any area
where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or othergrains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly
placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and sucharea shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete
removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or otherfeed.

Hunting Restrictions on Lake OrovilleState Recreation Area (T14 CCR §260.2)

Game species may be taken on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area only as follows:(b) Exceptions(1) The taking of domestically reared and released game birds
on licensed pheasant clubs and other licensed game bird clubs;(2) The taking of resident game birds, game mammals, and exotic game mammals on or over standing crops, flooded standing crops (including aquatics), flooded harvested croplands,
grain crops properly shocked on the field where grown, or
grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural
planting or harvesting;(3) The taking of resident game birds and mammals on or overany lands where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat orother grain, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feedon the land where grown for wildlife management purposes:
provided that manipulation for wildlife management purposesdoes not include the distributing or scattering of grain or otherfeed once it has been removed from or stored on the field
where grown.

(a) No hunting of any type is permitted between February 1 and
September 14 except for wild turkeys only, during the spring
turkey hunting season as provided in Section 306 of theseregulations.
(b) No waterfowl or deer hunting is permitted at any time.
(c) Game species may be taken only during their respective
open seasons or portions thereof falling within the period September 15 through January 31; and as provided in (a) above;
and as otherwise provided by state Parks and Recreation area
regulations (see area regulations).

Prohibition Against Taking Other than
Migratory Birds on San Luis Reservoir
State Recreations Area (T14 CCR §260.3)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, only migratorywaterfowl may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section
502 of these regulations.

16

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Prohibition Against Taking Other Than
Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on
Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area
(T14 CCR §260.4)(b) Zone 1. (Portions of Butte, Colusa, Glenn,Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo andYuba counties.)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, inPerris Reservoir State Recreation Area only waterfowl andresident small game may be taken or possessed as prescribedin Section 551 of these regulations.

Prohibition Against Taking Other than
Waterfowl, American Coots, Common
Moorhens, and Common Snipe within
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area (T14
CCR §260.5)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, inHarry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, only waterfowl, Americancoots, common moorhens and common snipe may be taken or
possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations

Prohibition Against Hunting on Portionsof Frank’s Tract State Recreation Area
(T14 CCR §262)

Area: Within the boundary beginning at the junction of Interstate
880 and Interstate 5 near Sacramento; east on Interstate 880 toits junction with Interstate 80; north and east on Interstate 80 toits junction with Highway 65 near Roseville, along Highway 65
to its junction with Highway 20 at Marysville; west on Highway
20 to its junction with Highway 45; north on Highway 45 to its
junction with Highway 162; east on Highway 162 to its junction
with Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to South Avenue near
the town of Corning; west on South Avenue to Interstate 5 inCorning; north on Interstate 5 to Corning Road; west on Corning Road to Paskenta Road; west on the Paskenta Road tothe town of Paskenta; southwest on the Round Valley Road to
the Garland Road; south on the Garland Road to the town ofNewville; south on the Newville-Elk Creek Road to the town of
Elk Creek; south on the Elk Creek-Stonyford Road to the townof Stonyford; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the townof Ladoga; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the townof Leesville; south from Leesville on the Bear Valley Road to its
intersection with Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to its intersection with Highway 16; south and east on Highway 16 to its
intersection with Interstate 5; east on Interstate 5 to Interstate
880 and the point of beginning.

(c) Zone 2. (Portions of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles,
Mono and San Bernardino counties and all ofImperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.)

That portion of Frank’s Tract State Recreation Area lying
southwest of the following line is closed to hunting: Beginningat a point on Little Frank’s Tract 2,000 feet north of the Piper
Slough; southeast 2,000 feet east of the Piper Slough levee tothe junction of the Holland Island levee.

Prohibition Against Night Hunting (T14
CCR §263)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations,hunting wildlife from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour
before sunrise is prohibited in Monterey and San Benito counties east of Highway 101.

Use of Lights While Hunting—Specific
Areas (T14 CCR §264)(a) Lights of any size or voltage may be used to take furbearing
or nongame mammals only in the areas described in subsections (b) and (c) below, and only under the following conditions:(1) The use of lights for night hunting is prohibited in any area
where the general deer season is open.
(2) Furbearing mammals and nongame mammals may be takenwith the aid of a spotlight or other artificial light operated from avehicle provided such vehicle is stopped and standing with the
motor off. No spotlight may be used from a vehicle which is ona public road or highway.

Area: Inyo, Mono and Kern counties south and east of a line
beginning at the junction of Highway 182 and the California-Nevada state line; south on Highway 182 to its junction with Highway 395; south on Highway 395 to its intersection with Highway
168 at Bishop; west on Highway 168 to its intersection with
the Inyo National Forest boundary; south on the Inyo National
Forest boundary to its junction with County Highway J41; southand east on County Highway J41 to its junction with Highway
395; south on Highway 395 to its junction with Highway 14 near
Inyokern; south on Highway 14 to its junction with Highway
178 at Freeman; west on Highway 178 to its junction with theBodfish-Caliente Road at Isabella; south on the Bodfish-Caliente Road to its junction with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 toits junction with the Los Angeles Aqueduct; south and west on
the Los Angeles Aqueduct Road to its junction with 265th Street
West near Neenach; south on 265th Street West to its junction
with the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road at Three Points;
east along the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road to its junction with Highway 14 at Palmdale; south on Highway 14 to its
intersection with the Angeles Forest Highway; south on the Angeles Forest Highway to the Mill Creek Summit Road; east andsouth on the Mill Creek Summit Road to its intersection with theAngeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) at Upper Chilao Campground; east on the Angeles Crest Highway to its intersection
with the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line; north on the17

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Los Angeles-Kern-San Bernardino county line to its intersection
with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to its intersection with therange line between R3W and R4W; south along the range line
between R3W and R4W to the southeast corner of T8N, R4W;
east along T8N to its intersection with the west boundary of
the U.S. Marine Corps Training Center; south and east on thatboundary to its intersection with Giant Rock Road; east along
Giant Rock Road to a point where it turns southeast and corresponding with a projected north extension of Sunfair Road;
south on Sunfair Road and its projected extension to the San
Bernardino-Riverside county line; and all of Imperial, Orange,
Riverside and San Diego counties..

Use of Lights While Hunting: Remainderof State (T14 CCR §264.5)(2) An optical device, including, but not limited to, binoculars ora scope, that uses electrical or battery powered light amplifying
circuits.
(d) This section does not apply to any of the following:(1) Sport fishing in ocean waters, or other waters where nightfishing is permitted, if an artificial light is not used on or as partof the fishing tackle.

(3) The taking of mammals governed by Article 2 (commencing
with Section 4180) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 4.
(4) The use of a hand-held flashlight that is no larger and emits
no more light than a two-cell, three-volt flashlight, and is notaffixed to a weapon.

(a) Only 9 volt lights or smaller, hand-held or worn on the headare permitted.
(b) Persons using such lights must be on foot.

(5) The use of a lamp or lantern that does not cast a directional
beam of light.

(c) Lights may not be used in or from a vehicle and may not be
attached or powered from any source other than self-contained
batteries.
(d) A landowner or tenant suffering damage to livestock or otherproperty by furbearing mammals or nongame mammals may
designate, in writing, persons allowed by such landowner or
tenant to use artificial lights in excess of 9 volts to assist in taking the depredating mammals. The landowner or tenants shallnotify the closest fish and game office whenever furbearing or
nongame mammals are taken under this authority.
No furbearing or nongame mammals including any threatened,
endangered or fully protected species may be taken contrary to
any other prohibition set forth in these regulations.

(a) Except as otherwise authorized by this section, it is unlawful to use an artificial light to assist in the taking of a game bird,
game mammal, or game fish.(b) It is unlawful for one or more
persons to throw or cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, orother artificial light on a highway or in a field, woodland, or forest where game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, or nongame
mammals are commonly found, or upon a game mammal, furbearing mammal, or nongame mammal, while having in his or
her possession or under his or her control a firearm or weapon
with which that mammal could be killed, even though the mammal is not killed, injured, shot at, or otherwise pursued.(c) It isunlawful to use or possess night vision equipment to assist in
the taking of a bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, or fish. For
purposes of this subdivision, “night vision equipment” includes,(1) An infrared or similar light, used in connection with an electronic viewing device.

(2) Commercial fishing.

Lights may be used, in those portions of the state not listed in
Section 264, to take furbearers and nongame mammals under
the following conditions only:

Fish and Game Code Laws Related to the
Use of Lights (FGC §2005)

but is not limited to, the following:(6) Headlights of a motor vehicle that are operated in a usual
manner and without attempt or intent to locate a game mammal, fur-bearing mammal, or nongame mammal.
(7) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or theowner’s employee, while on that land.
(8) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or theowner’s employee, while on land controlled by the owner inconnection with the agricultural industry.
(9) Other uses as the commission may authorize by regulation.
(e) A person shall not be arrested for violation of this section
except by a peace officer.

SHARE (SHARED HABITAT ALLIANCE
FOR RECREATIONAL ENHANCEMENT)The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s SHARE
program provides public access for hunting, fishing, andother recreational activities on private land.
For property and hunt information please visit the SHARE
web page at: wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/SHARE

SHARE

Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement
California Depar tment of Fish and Wildlife182024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Picacho and Providence Mountains State
Recreation Areas (T14 CCR §311.6)(commonly called rock dove), European starling, Eurasiancollared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which areprotected by state laws).

The use of rifles and pistols to take any bird or mammal is prohibited in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation
Areas.

What terms do I need to understand? (T50
CFR §20.11)

Humboldt Bay (FGC §3681)(a) Migratory game birds

means those migratory birds included in the terms of conventions between the United States and any foreign country forthe protection of migratory birds, for which open seasons areprescribed in this part and belong to the following families:(1) Anatidae (ducks, geese [including brant] and swans);(2) Columbidae (doves and pigeons);(3) Gruidae (cranes);(4) Rallidae (rails, coots and gallinules); and(5) Scolopacidae (woodcock and snipe).

This section applies the Humboldt Bay area on Mondays,
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. See game warden before
shooting on these days:“In Districts 8 and 9, it is unlawful to take ducks orgeese in any manner below the incoming or outgoing tidewater’s edge or from any blind, boat, floating
device, island, islet, or exposed tidal flat except on
Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, holidays and theopening and closing days during the prescribed open
season except that the use of boats is permitted toretrieve crippled or dead birds.”(b) Seasons(1) Open season means the days on which migratory gamebirds may lawfully be taken. Each period prescribed as an open
season shall be construed to include the first and last days
thereof.
(2) Closed season means the days on which migratory gamebirds shall not be taken.

In addition, hunters should be aware that there is a special
waterfowl closure for south Humboldt Bay.

Fish and Game District 8 (FGC §11016)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 8: The waters
and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying north ofa straight line running east from the center of apron at the approach of the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay to theeast shore line of the bay including the entrance of Humboldt
Bay not included in District 7, and excluding all rivers, streams
and sloughs emptying into the bay.

Fish and Game District 9 (FGC §11017)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 9: The waters
and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying southof a straight line running east from the center of apron at theapproach to the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay
to the east shore line of the bay, excluding all rivers, streams
and sloughs emptying into the bay. The following is a synopsis
of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory
game birds. Persons requiring more information should go tohttps://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting, where they willfind a complete version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law isdifferent from the following Federal law the hunter must comply
with the most restrictive law.

Federal Regulations Related to Hunting
Migratory Game Birds

Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a resultof treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory
birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the UnitedStates with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon(c) Bag limits(1) Aggregate bag limit means a condition of taking in which
two or more usually similar species may be bagged (reduced
to possession) by the hunter in predetermined or unpredetermined quantities to satisfy a maximum take limit.
(2) Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory
game birds of single species or combination (aggregate) of
species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day
during the open season in any one specified geographic area
for which a daily bag limit is prescribed.
(3) Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum numberof migratory game birds permitted to be taken by one person
in any one day during the open season when such person
hunts in more than one specified geographic area and/or for
more than one species for which a combined daily bag limit isprescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but shallnot exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one
species or for any one specified geographic area in which taking occurs.
(4) Possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or a combination of species
permitted to be possessed by any one person when lawfully
taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area
for which a possession limit is prescribed.
(5) Aggregate possession limit means the maximum numberof migratory game birds of a single species or combination of
species taken in the United States permitted to be possessedby any one person when taking and possession occurs in morethan one specified geographic area for which a possession limit
is prescribed. The aggregate possession limit is equal to, but

192024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed for any
one of the species or specified geographic areas in which taking and possession occurs.
(d) Personal abode means one’s principal or ordinary home or
dwelling place, as distinguished from one’s temporary or transient place of abode or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any
club house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunting club,or any hotel, motel or rooming house used during a hunting,pleasure or business trip.

area for ten days following the complete removal of all suchsalt, grain, or other feed.

(e) Migratory bird preservation facility(l) Manipulation

means(1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business andfor hire or other consideration; or(2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which,for hire or other consideration; or(3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations;
receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory gamebirds belonging to another person for purposes of picking,cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.

(f) Paraplegicmeans an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half ofthe body with involvement of both legs, usually due to diseaseof or injury to the spinal cord.

(h) Normal agricultural operationmeans a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest
manipulation, or agricultural practice, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension
Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.

(m) Rice ratooning

means the agricultural practice of harvesting rice by cutting the
majority of the aboveground portion of the rice plant but leaving
the roots and growing shoot apices intact to allow the plant torecover and produce a second crop yield.

(o) Natural vegetationmeans a planting for agricultural soil erosion control or postmining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official
recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
for agricultural soil erosion control.

means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has beenplaced, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if thatsalt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for
migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters areattempting to take them. Any such area will remain a baitedmeans the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops
by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or
herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include
the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after
removal from or storage on the field where grown.

means the destruction of a crop through flooding in accordancewith practices required by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for agricultural producers to obtain crop insurance under
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) on landon which a crop was not harvestable due to a natural disaster(including any hurricane, storm, tornado, flood, high water,
wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic
eruption, landslide, mudslide, drought, fire, snowstorm, or othercatastrophe that is declared a major disaster by the President
in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170)) in
the crop year
(1) In which the natural disaster occurred; or(2) Immediately preceding the crop year in which the natural
disaster occurred.

means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purposeof producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such
harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordancewith official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of
the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department ofAgriculture.

(j) Baited areameans the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing,
distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could
serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, orover any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

(n) Post-disaster flooding(g) Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or
post-harvest manipulation(i) Normal soil stabilization practice(k) Baiting

means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized plant species that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing
seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does
not include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on
its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural vegetation.

(p) Resident Canada geesemeans Canada geese that nest within the lower 48 States andthe District of Columbia or that reside within the lower 48 States
and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, June,
July, or August.

202024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Migratory Bird Harvest Information
Program (T50 CFR §20.20)

What hunting methods are illegal? (T50
CFR §20.21)(a) Information collection requirements.

The collections of information contained in § 20.20 have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned clearance number 10180015. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number. The information
will be used to provide a sampling frame for the national Migratory Bird Harvest Survey. Response is required from licensed
hunters to obtain the benefit of hunting migratory game birds.
Public reporting burden for this information is estimated toaverage 2 minutes per response for 3,300,000 respondents,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existingdata sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, andcompleting and reviewing the collection of information. Thus thetotal annual reporting and record-keeping burden for this collection is estimated to be 112,000 hours. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collectionof information, including suggestions for reducing the burden,
to the Service’s Information Collection Clearance Officer at theaddress provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).

(b) General provisions.

Each person hunting migratory game birds in any State except
Hawaii must have identified himself or herself as a migratory
bird hunter and given his or her name, address, and date ofbirth to the respective State hunting licensing authority andmust have on his or her person evidence, provided by that
State, of compliance with this requirement.

No persons shall take migratory game birds:(a) With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun
larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fish
hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance;(b) With a shotgun of any description capable of holding morethan three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler,
incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total
capacity does not exceed three shells.
(c) From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other typeof low floating device, having a depression affording the huntera means of concealment beneath the surface of the water;(d) From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motordriven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except thatparaplegics and persons missing one or both legs may takefrom any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven
land conveyance;(e) From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having
a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been
completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress
therefrom has ceased: Provided, That a craft under power may
be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds; however, crippledbirds may not be shot from such craft under power except in
the seaduck area as permitted in subpart K of this part;(f) By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited
to, it shall be a violation of this paragraph for any person totake migratory waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live
ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and havebeen for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to such taking,confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the
audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from thesight of wild migratory waterfowl;(c) Tribal exemptions.

Nothing in paragraph (b) of this section shall apply to tribal
members on Federal Indian Reservations or to tribal members
hunting on ceded lands.

(d) State exemptions.

(g) By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird
calls or sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitationsof bird calls or sounds.

Nothing in paragraph (b) of this section shall apply to thosehunters who are exempt from State-licensing requirements in
the State in which they are hunting.

(e) State responsibilities.

Migratory birds on which open seasons are prescribed in thispart may be taken by any method except those prohibited inthis section.

The State hunting licensing authority will ask each licensed
migratory bird hunter in the respective State to report approximately how many ducks, geese, doves, and woodcock he or
she bagged the previous year, whether he or she hunted coots,
snipe, rails, and/or gallinules the previous year, and, in Statesthat have band-tailed pigeon hunting seasons, whether he or
she intends to hunt band-tailed pigeons during the current year.

(h) By means or aid of any motordriven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in
the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird;(i) By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, wherea person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or
has been baited. However, nothing in this paragraph prohibits:(1) the taking of any migratory game bird, including waterfowl,
coots, and cranes, on or over the following lands or areas that21

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Opening Day of a Season

are not otherwise baited areas—(i) Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics); standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation;
flooded harvested croplands; or lands or areas where seeds
or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal
agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, riceratooning, post-disaster flooding, or normal soil stabilization
practice;(ii) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged
with natural vegetation;(iii) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged
with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing
or scattering of grain or other feed; or(iv) Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain
is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering
or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downedbirds.

(j)(1) While possessing loose shot for muzzle loading or shotshells containing other than the following approved shot types.
(2) Each approved shot type must contain less than 1 percent
residual lead (see § 20.134).
(3) This shot type restriction applies to the taking of ducks,
geese (including brant), swans, coots (Fulica americana), andany other species that make up aggregate bag limits with thesemigratory game birds during concurrent seasons in areas described in § 20.108 as nontoxic shot zones.

No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and retain
it in his actual custody, at the place where taken or between
that place and either (a) his automobile or principal means ofland transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary ortransient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation
facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.

Non-toxic Shot

No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while
possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved
non-toxic shot, see FWS Approved Shot Types.

Field Possession Limit

No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport morethan the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever
applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or
between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile
or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal
abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.

Tagging Requirement

No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any
place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody ofanother person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping,transportation, or storage (including temporary storage), or forthe purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unlesssuch birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter, stating
his address, the total number and species of birds, and the datesuch birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported
in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shallnot be considered as being in storage or temporary storage.

(2) The taking of any migratory game bird, except waterfowl,
coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been
distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation ofan agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or
solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.

Wanton Waste of Migratory Game Birds(T50 CFR §20.25)

No person on the opening day of the season shall possess any
freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the daily bag
limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.

Custody of Birds of AnotherNo person shall receive or have in custody any migratory gamebirds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.

Termination of Possession

Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possessionof birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased
when such birds have been delivered by him to another person
as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier
to some person other than the hunter.

Gift of Migratory Game Birds

No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly
killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal
abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag
attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such
hunter’s address, the total number and species of birds and thedate such birds were taken.

Transportation of Birds of AnotherNo person shall transport migratory game birds belonging toanother person unless such birds are properly tagged.

222024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSGENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONSSpecies Identification Requirement

No person shall transport within the United States any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, unlessthe head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to eachsuch bird at all times while being transported from the place
where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of
the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.

Marking Package or Container

No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a common
carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container
in which such birds are transported has the name and addressof the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement of
the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearlyand conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation
Stamp

The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age
and older must carry on his person a Migratory Bird Hunting
and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face ofthe stamp.

boundary of the California Desert Conservation Area as depicted on the Bureau of Land Management maps of “Calif. Federal
Public Lands Responsibility,” “Calif. Desert Conservation Area”
and the new “Desert District, B.L.M.”(2) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within one-quartermile of the following wildlife watering places:(A) Butte Well--T31N, R14E, Section 28, NE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
(B) Schaffer Well--T31N R14E, Section 25, Center, M.D.B.M.,
Lassen County.
(C) Tableland Well--T31N, R14E, Section 17, SE1/4, M.D.B.M.,
Lassen County.
(D) Table Mountain Well--T31N, R14E, Section 32, SE1/4,
M.D.B.M., Lassen County.
(E) Timber Mountain Well--T44N, R6E, Section 33, M.D.B.M.,
Modoc National Forest, Modoc County.
(F) Belfast Well--T31N, R14E, Section 31, NE1/4, M.D.B.M.,
Lassen County.

STAY CONNECTED TO CDFW

More restrictive regulations may apply to
National Wildlife Refuges opened to public
hunting.

Having your e-mail address and mobile number

For additional information on refuge specific regulations see
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/

will enable the CDFW to send you informa-

Camping Near or Occupying Wildlife
Watering Places (T14 CCR §730)

tion you can use, such as license renewal andcourtesy report card deadline reminders, and(a) Camping/Occupying Defined.

For purposes of this Section, camping/occupying is defined as
establishing or inhabiting a camp; resting; picnicking; sleeping;parking or inhabiting any motor vehicle or trailer; hunting; orengaging in any other recreational activity for a period of morethan thirty (30) minutes at a given location.

California fishing information. When purchas-(b) Wildlife Watering Places Defined.

update your communication preferences anding a license from a license agent or when you
log in to the Online License Sales and Services,

For purposes of this Section, wildlife watering places are defined as waterholes, springs, seeps and man-made watering
devices for wildlife such as guzzlers (self-filling, in-the-groundwater storage tanks), horizontal wells and small impoundmentsof less than one surface acre in size.

provide your e-mail address and mobile number.
Fish and Game Code, Section 1050.6, and(c) Prohibitions.

California Government Code, Section 11015.5,(1) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within 200 yards ofthe following:(A) Any guzzler or horizontal well for wildlife on public land
within the State of California.
(B) Any of the wildlife watering places on public land within theprohibit the CDFW from selling or sharing yourpersonal information with any third party.

23

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNORTHERN CALIFORNIA SHOOTING HOURS
Date

EurekaSeptember 1

AM
6:14

PM
7:48

Tulelake Klamath Basin
AM
PM
6:02
7:38

ColusaSeptember 7

6:20

7:38

6:08

7:28

6:13

7:28

6:15

7:29

6:11

7:26

6:10

7:22

September 14

6:27

7:26

6:16

7:16

6:19

7:17

6:21

7:18

6:17

7:15

6:15

7:11

September 21

6:34

7:14

6:23

7:04

6:25

7:06

6:27

7:07

6:23

7:03

6:21

7:01

September 28

6:41

7:02

6:30

6:52

6:32

6:54

6:33

6:56

6:30

6:52

6:27

6:50

October 5

6:48

6:51

6:38

6:40

6:39

6:43

6:39

6:46

6:36

6:42

6:33

6:40

October 12

6:55

6:40

6:46

6:28

6:45

6:33

6:46

6:35

6:43

6:31

6:39

6:30

October 19

7:03

6:29

6:54

6:17

6:53

6:23

6:53

6:26

6:50

6:21

6:45

6:20

October 26

7:11

6:19

7:02

6:07

7:00

6:13

7:00

6:17

6:57

6:12

6:52

6:12

November 2

7:19

6:11

7:11

5:58

7:08

6:05

7:07

6:09

7:04

6:04

6:59

6:04

November 3*

6:20

5:10

6:12

4:57

6:09

5:04

6:08

5:08

6:06

5:03

6:00

5:03

November 9

6:27

5:03

6:19

4:50

6:16

4:58

6:14

5:03

6:12

4:57

6:07

4:58

November 16

6:36

4:57

6:28

4:44

6:23

4:52

6:22

4:57

6:20

4:52

6:14

4:52

November 23

6:44

4:53

6:36

4:39

6:31

4:48

6:29

4:53

6:27

4:48

6:21

4:49

November 30

6:51

4:50

6:44

4:36

6:38

4:46

6:36

4:51

6:34

4:45

6:28

4:47

December 7

6:58

4:49

6:51

4:34

6:45

4:45

6:42

4:51

6:41

4:45

6:34

4:46

December 14

7:03

4:50

6:56

4:35

6:50

4:46

6:48

4:52

6:46

4:46

6:39

4:47

December 21

7:08

4:53

7:01

4:38

6:54

4:49

6:52

4:55

6:50

4:49

6:43

4:50

December 28

7:10

4:57

7:03

4:43

6:57

4:53

6:54

4:59

6:53

4:53

6:46

4:55

January 4

7:11

5:03

7:04

4:49

6:58

4:59

6:55

5:05

6:54

4:59

6:47

5:00

January 11

7:10

5:10

7:03

4:56

6:57

5:06

6:55

5:11

6:53

5:05

6:47

5:07

January 18

7:07

5:18

6:59

5:04

6:54

5:13

6:52

5:18

6:51

5:13

6:45

5:14

January 25

7:02

5:26

6:55

5:13

6:50

5:21

6:49

5:26

6:47

5:21

6:41

5:21

AM
6:07

PM
7:38

San Francisco
Bay Area
AM
PM
6:10
7:38

Sacramento
AM
6:06

PM
7:35

AM
6:05

PM
7:31

*Daylight saving time changes to standard time. Hours indicated on and after this date are in standard time.

24

Los Banos

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SHOOTING HOURS
Date

Atascadero

Kern County Bishop - Owens
Los Angeles
San Diego
Bakersfield
Valley
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
September 1
6:05
7:29
5:59
7:22
5:55
7:21
5:57
7:18
5:54
7:12
September 7
6:10
7:20
6:03
7:14
6:00
7:12
6:01
7:10
5:58
7:05
September 14
6:15
7:10
6:09
7:04
6:05
7:02
6:06
7:00
6:02
6:55
September 21
6:20
7:00
6:14
6:53
6:11
6:51
6:11
6:50
6:07
6:46
September 28
6:26
6:50
6:19
6:43
6:17
6:40
6:16
6:40
6:11
6:36
October 5
6:31
6:40
6:25
6:33
6:23
6:30
6:21
6:31
6:16
6:27
October 12
6:37
6:30
6:30
6:24
6:29
6:20
6:26
6:22
6:21
6:18
October 19
6:43
6:21
6:36
6:15
6:36
6:10
6:32
6:13
6:26
6:10
October 26
6:49
6:13
6:43
6:07
6:43
6:02
6:38
6:05
6:32
6:03
November 2
6:56
6:06
6:49
6:00
6:50
5:54
6:44
5:59
6:38
5:56
November 3*
5:57
5:05
5:50
4:59
5:51
4:53
5:45
4:58
5:39
4:55
November 9
6:03
5:00
5:56
4:53
5:57
4:47
5:50
4:53
5:44
4:51
November 16
6:10
4:55
6:03
4:49
6:05
4:42
5:57
4:48
5:50
4:47
November 23
6:17
4:52
6:10
4:45
6:12
4:38
6:04
4:45
5:56
4:44
November 30
6:23
4:50
6:16
4:44
6:19
4:36
6:10
4:44
6:03
4:42
December 7
6:29
4:50
6:22
4:43
6:25
4:36
6:16
4:44
6:08
4:42
December 14
6:34
4:51
6:27
4:45
6:30
4:37
6:21
4:45
6:13
4:44
December 21
6:38
4:54
6:31
4:48
6:34
4:40
6:25
4:48
6:17
4:47
December 28
6:41
4:58
6:34
4:52
6:37
4:44
6:28
4:52
6:20
4:51
January 4
6:42
5:04
6:35
4:57
6:38
4:50
6:29
4:57
6:21
4:56
January 11
6:42
5:10
6:35
5:03
6:38
4:56
6:29
5:03
6:22
5:02
January 18
6:40
5:17
6:33
5:10
6:35
5:03
6:27
5:10
6:20
5:09
January 25
6:37
5:24
6:30
5:17
6:32
5:11
6:24
5:17
6:17
5:15
*Daylight saving time changes to standard time. Hours indicated on and after this date are in standard time.

25

Calipatria
AM
5:47
5:51
5:55
6:00
6:05
6:10
6:15
6:20
6:26
6:32
5:33
5:38
5:44
5:51
5:57
6:03
6:08
6:12
6:14
6:16
6:16
6:14
6:11

PM
7:06
6:58
6:49
6:39
6:30
6:20
6:12
6:03
5:56
5:49
4:48
4:44
4:39
4:36
4:35
4:35
4:37
4:39
4:44
4:49
4:55
5:01
5:08

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSWATERFOWL ZONES

DEL
NORTE
SISKIYOUMODOC

SHASTA

TRINITY

LASSENHUMBOLDT

Waterfowl Zones

TEHAMA

Northeastern California
Southern San Joaquin Valley

PLUMASMENDOCINO

BUTTE

GLENN
COLUSASUTTER

LAKE

SONOMA

Colorado River

PLACER

Balance of StateEL DORADONAPA

SACRAMENTOSOLANOADAM

SAN
CONTRAJOAQUINCOSTA

SAN ALAMEDA
MATEO

SANTA
CLARA

SANTA
CRUZ

Southern California

NEVADA

YUBA

YOLO

MARIN
SAN
FRANCISCOSIERRA

CA

A
SL
NI
A
ST

OR

RA
VE
LA

S

ALPINETUOLUMNEUSMONOMARIPOSA

MERCED

MADERAFRESNOSAN
BENITOINYOTULAREMONTEREYKINGS

SAN LUISOBISPOKERN

SANTA BARBARASAN BERNARDINO
VENTURAThis map should serve only as a
guide to the general locationsof waterfowl zones. It is yourresponsibility to become familiar
with the exact boundaries.
Detailed legal descriptions ofwaterfowl zones and special
management areas are provided
in Section 502 in this regulation
booklet.

LOS ANGELES

OR
A

NG

RIVERSIDEE

SAN DIEGO

26

IMPERIAL

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
Waterfowl, Migratory; American Coot andCommon Moorhen (Common Gallinule)(T14 CCR §502)(a) Definitions.

(1) Dark geese. Dark geese include Canada geese, cacklinggeese, Aleutian geese and white-fronted geese (“specklebelly”).
(2) Large Canada geese. Large Canada geese include western
Canada geese (“honker”) and lesser Canada geese (“lessers”).
(3) Small Canada geese. Small (about the size of a mallard)
Canada geese include cackling geese and Aleutian geese.
Both are white-cheeked geese nearly identical in appearance
to Large Canada geese. Aleutian geese have a thin white neckring and Cackling geese have dark breasts. Both species havea high-pitched cackle as opposed to the deeper “honking”.
(4) White geese. White geese include Ross’ geese, snow
geese and blue phase of both species.

(b) Waterfowl Hunting Zones.
(1) Northeastern California Zone:
In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the CaliforniaOregon state line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters
Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to
the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99
to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town ofWeed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89;
east and south along Highway 89 to Main Street in Greenville;
north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south toits junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its
junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junctionof North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road
(A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to
the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway
395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection
with the California-Nevada state line; north along the CaliforniaNevada state line to the junction of the California- NevadaOregon state lines west along the California-Oregon state line
to the point of origin.
(2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:
All of Kings and Tulare counties and that portion of Kern County
north of the Southern California Zone.
(3) Southern California Zone:
In that portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River zone) lying south and east of a line beginning at
the mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east
along the Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101166 near the City of Santa Maria; continue north on 101- 166;
east on Highway 166 to the junction with Highway 99; south on
Highway 99 to the junction of Interstate 5; south on Interstate
5 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; eastand north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to where

it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; east on Highway 178
to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on
Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on Highway
58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to thejunction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point ofintersection with the California-Nevada state line.
(4) Colorado River Zone:
In those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties lying east of the following lines: Beginning at theintersection of Nevada State Highway 95 with the CaliforniaNevada state line; south along Highway 95 through the junction with Highway 40; continue south on Highway 95 to Vidal
Junction; south through the town of Rice to the San BernardinoRiverside county line on a road known as “Aqueduct Road” also
known as Highway 62 in San Bernardino County; southwest
on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice Road; south on Desert
Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of Desert Center;
continue east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with
the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley,
Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe Ogilby Road also
known as County Highway 34 to its intersection with Ogilby
Road; south on this road to Highway 8; east seven miles on
Highway 8 to its intersection with the Andrade-Algodones Road/
Highway 186; south on this paved road to the intersection of
the Mexican boundary line at Los Algodones, Mexico.
(5) Balance of State Zone
That portion of the state not included in Northeastern California, Southern California, Colorado River or the Southern San
Joaquin Valley zones.
(6) Special Management Areas(A) North Coast. All of Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
(B) Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side). Beginning at theintersection of the north boundary of Table Bluff County Parkand the South Jetty Road; north along the South Jetty Road
to the South Jetty; west along the South Jetty to the mean low
water line of the Pacific Ocean; south along the mean low waterline to its intersection with the north boundary of the Table Bluff
County Park; east along the north boundary of the Table Bluff
County Park to the point of origin.
(C) Klamath Basin. Beginning at the intersection of Highway
161 and Highway 97; east on Highway 161 to Hill Road; south
on Hill Road to N Dike Road West Side; east on N Dike RoadWest Side until the junction of the Lost River; north on N Dike
Road West Side until the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway; east
on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway until N Dike Road East Side;
south on the N Dike Road East Side; continue east on N Dike
Road East Side to Highway 111; south on Highway 111/Great
Northern Road to Highway 120/Highway 124; west on Highway
120/Highway 124 to Hill Road; south on Hill Road until Lairds
Camp Road; west on Lairds Camp Road until Willow Creek;
west and south on Willow Creek to Red Rock Road; west on
Red Rock Road until Meiss Lake Road/ Old State Highway;27

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(G) Northern Brant. Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino coun-north on Meiss Lake Road/Old State Highway to Highway 97;
north on Highway 97 to the point of origin.

ties.

(D) Sacramento Valley. Beginning at the town of Willows; southon Interstate 5 to the junction with Hahn Road; east on Hahn
Road and the Grimes- Arbuckle Road to the town of Grimes;
north on Highway 45 to its junction with Highway 162; north on
Highway 45-162 to the town of Glenn; west on Highway 162 to
the point of beginning.

(H) Balance of State Brant. That portion of the state not included in the Northern Brant Special Management Area.
(I) Imperial County. Beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test
Base Road; south on Highway 86 to the town of Westmoreland;(E) Morro Bay. Beginning at a point where the high tide line
intersects the State Park boundary west of Cuesta by the Sea;
northeasterly to a point 200 yards offshore of the high tide line
at the end of Mitchell Drive in Baywood Park; northeasterly to apoint 200 yards offshore of the high tide line west of the Morro
Bay State Park Boundary, adjacent to Baywood Park; north toa point 300 yards south of the high tide line at the end of White
Point; north along a line 400 yards offshore of the south boundary of the Morro Bay City limit to a point adjacent to Fairbanks
Point; northwesterly to the high tide line on the sand spit; southerly along the high tide line of the sand spit to the south end ofMorro Bay; easterly along the Park boundary at the high tideline to the beginning point.(F) Martis Creek Lake. The waters
and shoreline of Martis Creek Lake, Placer and Nevada counties.

continue through the town of Westmoreland to Route S26;
east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to
Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; northeast
on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on
the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to
Frink Rd.; south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd.
to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water line of the
Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a straight line
across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test
Base Road to the point of beginning.

Summary of Waterfowl Regulation Changes•

Most duck and goose season lengths reduced to 98 days•

The Late Season for geese in the Balance of State Zone now overlaps the Veteran and Active Military
Personnel Waterfowl Hunting (VAMP) Days.

•

Geese are allowed during VAMP Days in the Balance of State Zone EXCEPT in the Sacramento Valley
Special Management Area where white-fronted geese remain closed.

Call: 1 (888) 334-CALTIP
Text: 847411
Download: Free App
Californians turn in poachers & polluters28

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(c) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for American Coots, and Common Moorhens.
(1) Statewide Provisions(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

American Coot and Common
MoorhenConcurrent with duck season(s)Daily bag limit: 25, either all of one species ora mixture of these species.
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.

(d) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Ducks and Geese by Zone.
(1) Northeastern California Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Ducks (including Mergansers)

From the first Saturday in October extendingfor 103 days (Oct 5-Jan 15).

Daily bag limit: 7

Scaup: from the first Saturday in Octoberextending for a period of 58 days (Oct 5-Dec
1) and from the third Thursday in December
extending for a period of 28 days (Dec 19-Jan
15).

Daily bag limit may include:
•
•
•
•
•

7 mallards, but not more than 2 females
1 pintail (either sex)
2 canvasback (either sex)
2 redheads (either sex)
2 scaup (either sex)

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
Geese

Regular Season: Small and Large Canada
Geese: from the first Saturday in Octoberextending for 100 days (Oct 5-Jan 12).

Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:• 20 white geese.
White-fronted and white geese from the first• 10 dark geese but not more than 2 Large
Saturday in October extending for a period
Canada geeseof 58 days (Oct 5-Dec 1) and from January 4
extending for a period of 13 days (Jan 3-Jan 15). (see definitions: 502(a)).
Late Season: White-fronted and white geesefrom February 5 extending for 34 days (Feb
5-Mar 10).

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.

During the Late Season, hunting is only permitted on Type C wildlife areas listed in Section
550-552, navigable waters, and private lands with the permission of the land owner underprovisions of Section 2016, Fish and Game Code. Hunting is prohibited on Type A and Type B
wildlife areas, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Modoc National Wildlife
Refuge, and any waters which are on, encompassed by, bounded over, flow over, flow through,or are adjacent to any Type A and Type B wildlife areas, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife
Refuge Complex, or the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.

292024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)(A) Species(B) Season

Ducks (including Mergansers)

From the fourth Saturday in October extending Daily bag limit: 7
for 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31).
Daily bag limit may include:
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females.
days (Nov 7-Jan 31).
• 1 pintail (either sex).
• 2 canvasback (either sex).
• 2 redheads (either sex).
• 2 scaup (either sex).

(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
Geese

From the fourth Saturday in October extending Daily bag limit: 30
for 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31).
Daily bag limit may include:••

20 white geese.
10 dark geese(see definitions: 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
(3) Southern California Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)(A) Species(B) Season

Ducks (including Mergansers)

From the fourth Saturday in October extending Daily bag limit: 7
for 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31).
Daily bag limit may include:
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females
days (Nov 7-Jan 31).
• 1 pintail (either sex)
• 2 canvasback (either sex)
• 2 redheads (either sex)
• 2 scaup (either sex)(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
Geese

From the fourth Saturday in October extending Daily bag limit: 23
for 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31).
Daily bag limit may include:••

20 white geese.
3 dark geese(see definitions 502(a)).
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit302024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(4) Colorado River Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Ducks (including Mergansers)

From October 23 extending for 101 days (Oct23-Jan 31).

Daily bag limit: 7

Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86
days (Nov 7-Jan 31).

Daily bag limit may include:
•
•
•
•
•

7 mallards, but not more than 2 females or
Mexican ducks
1 pintail (either sex)
2 canvasback (either sex)
2 redheads (either sex)
2 scaup (either sex)

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
Geese

From October 23 extending for 101 days (Oct23-Jan 31).

Daily bag limit: 25
Daily bag limit may include:••

20 white geese
5 dark geese (see definitions: 502(a))

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit

Waterfowl Consumption Health Warnings
The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
determines whether a public health hazard may exist from consumption of waterfowl taken from certain locations in California based on laboratory testing data. The following advisories have been issued. The guidelines
are based on risk estimates that assume long-term consumption; thus, occasional intake of duck meat slightly
above the recommended quantitative limits is not expected to produce a health hazard.

GRASSLANDS AREA
(Western Merced County)
Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than 4 oz. of duck meat from the Grasslands
area in any two-week period. No one should eat livers of duck from the area.

SUISUN BAY(Contra Costa and Solano counties)
Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than 4 oz. per week of (greater and lesser)
scaup meat or scoter meat in any two-week period. No one should eat livers of duck from the area.

SAN PABLO BAY(Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Sonoma counties)
Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than 4 oz. per week of greater scaup or scotermeat in any two-week period from the bay. No one should eat livers of duck from the area.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY(Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara counties)
Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than 4 oz. per week of greater scaup meat fromthe central bay, or more than 4 oz. per week of greater scaup meat from the south bay in any two-week period. No one should eat livers of duck from the area.

312024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(5) Balance of State Zone
(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)(A) Species(B) Season

Ducks (including Mergansers)

From the fourth Saturday in October extending Daily bag limit: 7
for 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31).
Daily bag limit may include:
Scaup: from November 7 extending for 86• 7 mallards, but not more than 2 females
days (Nov 7-Jan 31).
• 1 pintail (either sex)
• 2 canvasback (either sex)
• 2 redheads (either sex)
• 2 scaup (either sex)(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
Geese

Early Season: Large Canada geese only fromthe Saturday closest to October 1 for a periodof 3 days (Sept 28-Sept 30) EXCEPT in the
North Coast Special Management Area where
Large Canada geese are closed during theearly season.
Regular Season: Dark and white geese fromthe fourth Saturday in October extendingfor 98 days (Oct 26-Jan 31) EXCEPT in the
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area
where the white-fronted goose season willclose after December 21 (Oct 26-Dec 21).

Daily bag limit: 30
Daily bag limit may include:•

20 white geese.

• 10 dark geese EXCEPT in the Sacramento
Valley Special Management Area where
Late Season: Canada geese from the second
only 3 may be white-fronted geese (seeSaturday in February extending for 2 days. (Febdefinitions: 502(a)).
8-9), White-fronted and white geese from thesecond Saturday in February extending for a
Possession limit: triple the daily bag limit.
period of 5 days (Feb 8-12) EXCEPT in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area where
the white-fronted goose season is closed.
During the Late Season, hunting is not permitted on wildlife areas listed in Sections 550-552
EXCEPT on Type C wildlife areas in the North
Central and Central regions.

Report Bird Mortality
CDFW documents disease outbreaks in waterfowl and other game birds in California.
If you observe greater than five sick, dead, or dying birds in the same location, you
can report your findings to the CDFW Wildlife Investigations Lab at (916) 358-2790 or
online: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health32

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(6) Special Management Areas (see descriptions in 502(b)(6))Area(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

1. North Coast

All Canada Geese

From October 5 extending for a periodof 78 days (Oct 5-Dec 21) (Regular
Season) and from February 12
extending for a period of 27 days (Feb
12-Mar 10) (Late Season). During theLate Season, hunting is only permitted
on private lands with the permissionof the land owner under provisions
Section 2016, Fish and Game Code.

Daily bag limit: 10

N/A

Canada Geese of which only 1 may
be a Large Canada goose (seedefinitions: 502(a)), EXCEPT during
the Late Season the bag limit on Large
Canada geese is zero.
Possession limit: triple the daily baglimit

2. Humboldt Bay
South Spit (WestSide)

All Species

Closed during brant season.

3. Klamath Basin

Geese

Canada Geese from the first Saturday Daily bag limit: 30
in October extending for 100 days (Oct
Daily bag limit may include:
5-Jan 12).
•White-fronted and white geese fromthe first Saturday in October extending •for 105 days (Oct 5-Jan 17).

20 white geese.
10 dark geese but not more than
2 Large Canada geese (seedefinitions: 502(a)).

Possession limit: triple the daily bag
limit.
4. Sacramento Valley

White-Fronted Geese

Open concurrently with the gooseseason through December 21, andduring Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
(Oct 26-Dec 21, Feb 1-2)

Daily bag limit: 3 white-fronted geese.
Possession limit: triple the daily bag
limit.

5. Morro Bay

All species

Open in designated area only from the N/A
opening day of brant season throughthe remainder of waterfowl season.

6. Martis Creek LakeAll species

Closed until November 16.

N/A

7. Northern Brant

Black Brant

From November 18 extending for 27
days (Nov 18-Dec 14).

Daily bag limit: 2

From November 19 extending for 27
days (Nov 19-Dec 15).

Daily bag limit: 2
Possession limit: triple the daily bag
limit.

8. Balance of State
Brant

Black Brant

Possession limit: triple the daily bag
limit.

Report Bird Bands
www.ReportBand.gov
You will need to provide the band number and how, when, and where it wasrecovered. You will receive a certificate of appreciation via email about the bird.
The band is yours to keep.
Image from “Did I see a banded bird!?” (original name in portuguese is“Eu vi uma ave usando pulseiras!?”33

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONSArea(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

9. Imperial County

White Geese

From November 4 extending for aperiod of 89 days (Nov 4-Jan 31)(Regular Season) and February 3-9,2025 and February 12-20, 2025 (Feb3-9)(Feb 12-20)(Late Season). During
the Late Season, hunting is only
permitted on private lands with thepermission of the land owner underprovisions of Section 2016, Fish andGame Code.

Daily bag limit: 20
Possession limit: triple the daily bag
limit.

(e)Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations(NOTE: To participate in these Youth Waterfowl Hunts, youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age orolder. Federal regulations require that hunters must be 17 years of age or younger.)(1) Statewide Provisions.
(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Ducks (including Mergansers), 1. Northeastern California Zone: The Saturday
American Coot, Common
fourteen days before the opening ofMoorhen, Black Brant, Geesewaterfowl season extending for 2 days
(Sept 21-22).

Same as regular season.

2. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: The first
Saturday in February extending for 2 days
(Feb 1-2).
3. Southern California Zone: The first Saturday
in February extending for 2 days (Feb 1-2).
4. Colorado River Zone: The second Saturday
in February extending for 2 days (Feb 8-9).
5. Balance of State Zone: The first Saturday in
February extending for 2 days (Feb 1-2).

The Department may inspect the following:
All boats, markets, stores and other buildings, except dwellings, and all receptacles, except theclothing actually worn by a person at the time of inspection, where birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, oramphibia may be stored, placed, or held for sale or storage. FGC 1006.
All licenses, tags, and the birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians taken or otherwise dealt with
under this code, and any device or apparatus designed to be, and capable of being, used to takebirds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians shall be exhibited upon demand to any game warden.
FGC 2012.

34

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(f) Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations

NOTE: Veterans (as defined in Section 101 of Title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including
members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than training), may participate. Persons participating in this special
hunt must possess and present upon demand verification of eligibility to participate in this hunt. Verification includes: Veteran’s ID Card
and/or Military ID Card for active duty, or a State issued driver’s license or Identification Card with Veteran Designation.
(1) Statewide Provisions(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Ducks (including Mergansers), 1. Northeastern California Zone: The
Same as regular season.
Geese, American Coot,
Saturday following the closing of theCommon Moorhen
regular duck season extending for 2 days.
Goose hunting in this zone is not permitted
during these days (Jan 18-19).
2. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone: The
second Saturday in February extending for
2 days (Feb 8-9).
3. Southern California Zone: The second
Saturday in February extending for 2 days
(Feb 8-9).
4. Balance of State Zone: The second
Saturday in February extending for 2 days
(Feb 8-9).

352024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS(g) Falconry Take of Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coots, and Common Moorhens.
(1) Statewide Provisions(A) Species(B) Season(C) Daily Bag and Possession Limits

Ducks (including Mergansers), 1. Northeastern California Zone. Open
Geese, American Coot,
concurrently with duck season throughCommon Moorhen
January 15, 2025 (Oct 5-Jan 15).

Daily bag limit: 3
Daily bag limit makeup:

2. Balance of State Zone. Open concurrently • Either all of 1 species or a mixture ofwith duck season, February 1-2, 2025,
species allowed for take.
February 15-19, 2025 EXCEPT in the
Possession limit: 9North Coast Special Management Area
where the falconry season for geese runs
concurrently with the season for Canada
geese (see 502(d)(6)) (Oct 26-Jan 31)(Feb
1-2)(Feb 15-19).
3. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone. Openconcurrently with duck season, February
1-2, 2025, and February 15-19, 2025.
Goose hunting in this zone by means offalconry is not permitted (Oct 26-Jan 31)(Feb 1-2)(Feb 15-19).
4. Southern California Zone. Openconcurrently with duck season, February
1-2, 2025 and February 17-18, 2024
EXCEPT in the Imperial County Special
Management Area where the falconry
season for geese runs concurrently withthe season for white geese (Oct 26-Jan
31)(Feb 1-2)(Feb 15-19).
5. Colorado River Zone. Open concurrently
with duck season and February 1-4, 2025.
Goose hunting in this zone by meansof falconry is not permitted. Federal
regulations require that California’s hunting
regulations conform to those of Arizona,
where goose hunting by means of falconry
is not permitted (Oct 23-Feb 4).

36

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSTATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
Decoys (T14 CCR §505)

between the start of the season and November 30th.

The use of live birds as decoys is prohibited.

(d) Live Decoy Prohibition.

Shooting Hours (T14 CCR §506)

NOTE: Shooting hours are found in the tables on pages 23 and24. Shooting hours for migratory game birds, including mourning doves, white-winged doves, band-tailed pigeons, Americancoots, common moorhens, common snipe (jacksnipe), andwaterfowl for all of California shall be from one-half hour before
sunrise to sunset.
EXCEPTION: In areas open to hunting on, over or adjacent to
the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, the shooting
time shall be from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

Provisions Related to the Taking of
Migratory Game Birds (T14 CCR §507)[as defined in Section 502 but also includes mourning doves,white-winged doves, band-tailed pigeons, and snipe.](a) Authorized Methods

Only the following methods may be used to take migratory
game birds:(1) Falconry.
(2) Bow and Arrows or Crossbows.
Only arrows or crossbow bolts with flu-flu fletching may be used
except that conventionally fletched arrows may be used to takewaterfowl sitting on the water from scull boats or similar watercraft.
(3) Muzzle-loading Shotguns.
(4) Shotguns 10 Gauge or Smaller.
Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using shot shells only andincapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine
and chamber combined may be used, except no shotgun larger
than 12 gauge shall be used in areas open to hunting on,over or adjacent to the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo
County. If a plug is used to reduce the capacity of a magazine
to fulfill the requirements of this section, the plug must be of
one-piece construction incapable of removal without disassembling the gun. Shotgun shells may not be used or possessedthat contain shot size larger than T shot in steel or other nontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All
shot shall be loose in the shell.

(b) Use of Dogs.

The use of live decoys is prohibited when attempting to takemigratory game birds.

Nontoxic Shot Requirement for Waterfowl,
American Coot, and Common Moorhen
Hunting (T14 CCR §507.1)
Only bismuth-tin, steel, copper-plated steel, nickel-plated steel,
tin-plated steel, zinc-plated steel, zinc chloride-plated steel,zinc chromate plated steel, iron-tungsten, iron-tungsten-nickel,
tungsten- bronze, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, tungsten- matrix, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-tin-iron, tungsten-tin-bismuth,
tungsten-tin-iron-nickel, and tungsten-iron-polymer or othernontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
may be used or possessed for waterfowl, American coot andcommon moorhen hunting statewide.
NOTE: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviews and may
approve applications for other types of non-toxic shot throughout the year. Other non-toxic shot types that may have been
approved after the publication of this booklet may be found at:https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-04/nontoxic-shot-regulationshunting-waterfowl-and-coots-us

Scull Boats (T14 CCR §507.5)

Migratory game birds may not be taken by a scull boat orsimilar watercraft while under motorized power. The motor shallbe removed from its mountings before any take or approach is
attempted.
This section shall not prohibit shooting migratory game birds
from scull boats or similar watercraft with motor attached if
beached or anchored; nor shall it prohibit the use of a motor forthe sole purpose of picking up dead or injured birds.

Concurrence with Federal Regulations(T14 CCR §509)(a) The regulations adopted by the United States through its
Secretary of Interior under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as
amended annually in Part 10, subparts A and B, and Part 20,
Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, are hereby adopted andmade a part of this Title 14 except where said federal regulations are less restrictive than the provisions of Chapter 7 of thisTitle 14 (sections 500-509), the provisions of Chapter 7 prevail.

Dogs may be used to take and retrieve migratory game birds.

(b) Any violations of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) are violations of this section.

(c) Prohibition on Electronically operated
Devices.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person aged sixteen years orolder to take any migratory waterfowl unless at the time of suchtaking the person carries in his or her immediate possession
an unexpired Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation
stamp validated by his or her signature written by him or herself
in ink across the face of the stamp or an unexpired Federal
migratory-bird hunting and conservation electronic stamp, issued in his or her name prior to any taking of such birds.

Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take migratory
game birds. It is unlawful to use devices that are either electronically-powered, or activated by anything other than naturalwind, to directly or indirectly cause rotation of decoy wings or
blades that simulate wings, when attempting to take waterfowl

37

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSYOUTH AND JUNIOR HUNTS
Youth Hunts are for those age 17 or under. Special Junior Hunts are for those thatpossess a valid Junior Hunting License.
Hunt

Dates

Details

How to Apply

Northeastern Zone

9/21/2024

Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days

9/22/2024

Open to waterfowl huntersage 17 or under. Federal
refuges and State wildlife
areas (except Willow Creek)
are open for youth hunters.

Contact the wildlife area you
wish to hunt for details.

Sacramento NWR Special
Junior Hunt

12/14/2024

All blinds are reserved forjunior hunters. Hunters musthave a valid junior hunting
license to apply.

Use a post card to apply
directly to the USFWS.

All blinds are reserved forjunior hunters. Hunters musthave a valid junior hunting
license to apply.

Use a post card to apply
directly to the USFWS.

Open to waterfowl huntersage 17 or under. Most federal
refuges and state wildlife
areas are open for youth
hunters.

Submit a season-longapplication or a multiplechoice reservation application
for these dates online, at alicense agent or a CDFW
license sales office.

Delevan NWR Special Junior
HuntSouthern San Joaquin Valley,
Southern California, andBalance of State zones

12/7/2024

2/1/2025
2/2/2025

Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days

For information visit: FWS
Special Junior Hunts

For information visit: FWS
Special Junior Hunts

SHARE

Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement
California Depar tment of Fish and Wildlife

SHARE PROGRAM HUNTING OPPORTUNITIESWaterfowl and Upland Game Properties•

Hurner Ranch: quail, turkey•

River Ridge Ranch: quail, turkey•

Merced WWTP: waterfowl, dove, pheasant•Harrington Farms: dove, turkey•

Jones Ranch: dove, quail•

Reed Ranch: dove, quail•

Sleepy Creek Ranch: dove, quail•

McArthur Swamp: goose•

Hart Ranch: dove, quail, turkey•

Boden Canyon Ranch: dove, quail, turkey

For more information about these hunts or the SHARE Program, please visit the website at: wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/SHARE

38

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSKLAMATH BASIN GOOSE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

$
0

1.25

Klamath Basin Goose Special Management Area

2.5

Æ
Ã
39

5 Miles

OREGON

Stat elin e Rd

CALIFORNIA

Hatfield OREGON
Hill Rd

BLM

Special Management Area,
See pages 25 & 30 for regulations.

DorrisLower Klamath
NWR

e

97

BLM

«
¬
« ¬

Modoc
NF

L airds Camp Rd

124

Hill Rd

Rd

Wi
llo
Re Cree wkdR
Rd ockck

Mount Hebron

BLM

Ro

39

Copic

Æ
Ã
139

KandraCanby Cross

Lava Beds
NM

Klamath
NF

120

Rd

Macdoeldrn
R Great N orthe

Tule Lake
NWR

BLM

Re
d

BLM

ik
D

£
¤

Butte
ValleyWA
KlamathNF

Tulelake

N Dike RdN

KlamathNF

CALIFORNIA

Cornell

Modoc
NF

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSACRAMENTO VALLEY GOOSE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Ã
Æ

32
Sacramento
Valley Goose Special Management Area

and Associated Public Hunt Areas

Special Management Area,
See pages 33 & 34 for regulations.

ÃÆ

Glenn County

45

Sacramento
NWR

Cr
ee
k
Dr
y
Lit
tle

Upper Butte
Basin WA

Ã
Æ
162

k

Willows

Cree

162

S ac ra me nto Riv er

5Upper Butte
Basin WA
(Llano Seco Unit)

Princeton(Howard Slough
Unit)

Butte

¦
¥
Ã
Æ

Butte County

Upper Butte
Basin WA
(Little Dry Creek Unit)

Delevan
NWR

¦
¥

45

ColusaColusa CountyÃÆ
20

Williams

2.5

5

Sutter County

ColusaNWR$
0Gray Lodge
WA

Ã
Æ

5

Hahn/Grimes Arbuckle Rd.

¦¥
5

10 Miles

40

Ã
Æ
45

SutterNWR

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSIMPERIAL COUNTY GOOSE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Imperial County Goose Special Management Area
and Associated Public Hunt Areas

Special Management Area,
See pages 26 & 30 for regulations.

an
al

Ã
Æ

M Ni
ar la
in nd
a
R
d.

111

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ch

Imperial WA(Wister Unit)

el
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an
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W. Rutherford Rd.

ÃÆ

Brawley

Ã
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86

10 Miles

41

Ã
Æ
115

78

111

er
o Riv

2.5

Westmorland

ImperialWA(Finney Ramer
Unit)

Alam

0

Flowing
Wells Rd.

Calipatria

Sony Bono
Salton Sea
NWR

$

d.

Imperial
WA(Hazard
Unit)

Sony Bono
Salton Sea
NWR

Ã
Æ

R

Wiest Rd.

ac

lla C

Fr in
k

Co

he

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESIDENT SMALL GAME AND CROW REGULATIONSGreater sage-grouse hunting is closed for the 2024-2025 season. In 2017, the Fish and Game Commission adopted quotas ofzero for all sage grouse hunting zones due to declining population estimates conducted by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife and this closure remains in effect.

Drawing Process for Special Upland
Game Wild Bird Hunts

Drawing application for the specially managed wild uplandgame bird hunt may be purchased online, at license agents, at
CDFW license sales offices or by calling (800) 565-1458. To apply hunters must have a valid California hunting license. Adult
hunters must also purchase an Upland Game Bird Validation
to hunt upland game birds. Hunters may select their top threechoices and may only apply once for each available hunt datefor each area. Hunters must be successfully drawn through thisrandom drawing application to participate in pheasant, chukar,
quail, wild turkey and dove special hunts. For additional information and hunting opportunities go to http://wildlife.ca.gov/
Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds/Hunts.
The Apprentice Pheasant Hunts for beginning hunters will continue to be applied at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/ApprenticeHunts/
Default.aspx.

doves, band-tailed pigeon, and snipe.] The take or attempted
take of any resident small game with a firearm shall be in accordance with the use of nonlead projectiles and ammunition
pursuant to Section 250.1. Only the following may be used totake resident small game:(a) Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using shot shells only andincapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine
and chamber combined. If a plug is used to reduce the capacityof a magazine to fulfill the requirements of this section, the plugmust be of one piece construction incapable of removal without
disassembling the gun;(b) Shotgun shells may not be used or possessed that containshot size larger than No. BB, except that shot size larger thanNo. 2 may not be used or possessed when taking wild turkey.
All shot shall be loose in the shell.
(c) Muzzle-loading shotguns;(d) Falconry;

Resident Small Game Defined (T14 CCR§257)“Resident small game” means the following resident gamebirds: Chinese spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringed
turtle-doves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel’s or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, sooty (blue) grouse, ruffed grouse, sage grouse,
white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged
partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-neckedpheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying
hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pygmy
rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurusand Tamiasciurus).

(e) Bow and arrow (see Section 354 for archery equipment
regulations);(1) It shall be unlawful to take wild turkey by use of hunting arrows and crossbow bolts unless fitted with a broad head typeblade which will not pass through a hole seven-eighths inch indiameter. Mechanical/ retractable broad heads shall be measured in the open position.
(f) Air rifles powered by compressed air or gas and used withany caliber of pellet, except that wild turkey may only be takenwith a pellet that is at least 0.177 caliber;(g) In addition to the methods listed in (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), andShooting Hours for Upland Game Birds(T14 CCR §310.5)(f) above, firearm rifles and pistols may be used for taking rabbits and squirrels only; except in Los Angeles County where
rifles and pistols may not be used;

The shooting hours for all upland game birds, except for pheasants and the spring wild turkey season, shall be from one-halfhour before sunrise to sunset. The shooting hours for pheasants shall be from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The shooting hours forthe spring wild turkey season shall be from one-half hour before
sunrise to 5:00 p.m.

(h) In San Diego and Orange counties only, rabbits may betaken at any time during the open season by means of box
traps. Such traps shall not exceed 24 inches in any dimension,
shall be tended at least once every 24 hours, and shall show
the name and address of the trap owner. All rabbits taken under
this section shall be immediately killed and become a part ofthe daily bag limit;

Methods Authorized for Taking Resident
Small Game (T14 CCR §311)(i) Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take resident
game birds;

NOTE: Shooting times are on pages 21-22.

[Refer to Section 507, page 32, for authorized methods of takefor migratory game birds, i.e. mourning doves, white-winged(j) Coursing dogs may be used to take rabbits;

422024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESIDENT SMALL GAME AND CROW REGULATIONS(k) Archers hunting during any archery season may not use or possess a firearm while in the field engaged in archery hunting during an archery season except as provided in subsection (1).
(1) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm by an active peace officer listed in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code or a retired peace officer in lawful possession of an
identification certificate issued pursuant to Penal Code Section 25455 authorizing the retired officer to carry a concealed firearm.
Nor shall this section prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm pursuant to a concealed carry permit issued pursuant
to Penal Code Section 26150 or 26155.
(l) The use of live decoys is prohibited when attempting to take resident game birds;(m) Pistols and revolvers may be used to take sooty and ruffed grouse in those counties only and for the season described in Section 300(a)(1)(E).
(n) Crossbows, except for provisions of Section 354(d) and (g).
(o) Dogs may be used to take and retrieve resident small game.
Species

Season Dates (Area)

Daily Bag Limit

Pheasant

Nov 9-Dec 22

2 males per day for first twodays of the season; 3 males
per day after the first two daysof the season

Pheasant: Archery only

Oct 12-Nov 3

2 pheasants per day for firsttwo days of the season; 3pheasants per day after the
first two days of the season.
The daily archery bag may
contain not more than 1
female pheasant.

Dec 23-Jan 19

Pheasant: Falconry

Aug 17-Feb 28

Quail: Zone Q1(Mountain Quail Only)

Sep 14-Oct 18

Quail: Zone Q1(All Quail)Oct 19-Jan 26

Quail: Zone Q2(All Quail)Sep 28-Jan 26

Quail: Zone Q3(All Quail)Oct 19-Jan 26

Quail: Early Season for
Hunters with Junior Hunting
Licenses in Mojave National
Preserve

Oct 5-6

Quail: Archery only

Aug 17-Sep 6

Quail: Falconry

Aug 17-Feb 28

Possession Limit

Triple the daily bag

2 pheasants per day for firsttwo days of the season; 3pheasants per day after the
first two days of the season.
The daily falconry bag may
contain birds of either sex.
Hawking hours are Sunrise to
Sunset.

10

Triple the daily bag

10

Triple the daily bag

10

Triple the daily bag

432024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSUPLAND GAME BIRD SEASONS AND LIMITSSpecies

Season Dates (Area)

ChukarOct 19-Jan 26

Chukar: Archery only

Aug 17-Sep 6

Chukar: Falconry

Aug 17-Feb 28

Sage Grouse

ClosedSage Grouse: Falconry

ClosedSooty (Blue)/Ruffled Grouse

Sep 14-Oct 14

Sooty (Blue)/Ruffled Grouse:
Archery only

Aug 17-Sep 6

Sooty (Blue)/Ruffled Grouse:
Falconry

Aug 17-Feb 28

Ptarmigan

Sep 14-22

Ptarmigan: Falconry

Aug 17-Feb 28

Wild Turkey (Fall)

Nov 9-Dec 8

Wild Turkey (Spring)Mar 29-May 4

Wild Turkey (Spring): Archeryonly

May 5-May 18

Wild Turkey (Spring):
Additional Junior

Mar 22-23

Mourning Dove and Whitewinged DoveSep 1-15
Nov 9-Dec 23

All Year(Statewide)

Band-tailed Pigeon

Possession Limit

6

Triple the daily bag

0 permits adopted for all fourzones

Closed for 2024-2025 season

2; All of one species or mixed

Triple the daily bag

2 per day or season
1 either sex

2 per season

1 bearded

3 per season, combined

May 5-18

Spotted Dove and Ringed
Turtle Dove
Eurasian Collared Dove

Daily Bag Limit

Sep 21-29 (North)Dec 21-29 (South)

15 doves per day in aggregateof which no more than 10 may Triple the daily bag
be white-winged doves
No Limit

No Limit

No Limit

No Limit2

Triple the daily bag

Snipe

Oct 19-Feb 2

8

Triple the daily bag

American Crow

Dec 7-Apr 924

48

Tree Squirrel

Sep 14-Jan 26

Tree Squirrel: Falconry/
Archery only

Aug 3-Sep 13

4

4

Rabbits and Varying Hare

Jul 1-Jan 26

Rabbits and Varying Hare:
Falconry

Jan 27-Mar 16

5

10

Jackrabbit

Open all year

No limit

No limit

44

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSQUAIL AND SOOTY (BLUE) RUFFED GROUSE HUNT ZONE
DN T

DN T
SIS

SIS

MO D

MO D
HU M

TR I

¬

HU M

Q1

QUAIL HUNT ZONE

TEH
GLE

¬
Q2

CO L

LAK

SON

NAP

SFO

CC A

SMT ALA
SCR

ME R

CO L

NAP

MR N

TU O

STA

SCL

SON

CAL

SJQ

BUT

SUT

ALP

AMA

PLU

GLE
LAK

Q3

ELD
SAC

ME N

Q2

PLA

MN O
MPA

YOL
SOL

SFO

CC A

SMT

ALA

SCR

SIE

YUB NEV

Closed to Hunting

PLA

General

ELD
SAC

CAL

SJQ

TU O

STA

SCL

ALP

AMA

MPA

MN O

ME R
MA D

MA D
SBT

SOOTY (BLUE) AND
RUFFED GROUSEHUNT ZONE

TEH

Q1
SIE

YOL
SOL

MR N

PLU
BUT
YUB
NEV
SUT

SHA
LAS

LAS

ME N

TR I

SHA

SBT

FR E

FR E

MN T

MN T
KNG

SLO

IN Y

TU L

¬
«
Q3

IN Y

TU L

KNG

SLO
KRN

KRN
SBA

SBA

SBD

VEN

SBD

VEN

LAX

LAX

OR A

OR A

RIV

SDG

RIV

SDG

IMP

45

IMP

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSBAND-TAILED PIGEON AND AMERICAN CROW HUNT ZONES

Del
Norte

Del
Norte
Siskiyou

Trinity

Humboldt

ShastaTehamaLake
SonomaMarin
SanFrancisco
San
Mateo
Santa
Cruz

Trinity

Humboldt

Napa

Yolo

Mendocino

Glenn

Butte
Lake

Yuba Nevada
PlacerSutterSonomaEl Dorado
Sacramento
AmadorSolanoAlpineContra San Calaveras
Costa Joaquin
Tuolumne
AlamedaStanislaus
Santa
Mariposa
Clara
MercedMarin
SanFrancisco
San
Mateo

Mono

Butte
SierraColusaNapa

Yolo

Yuba Nevada
PlacerSutterEl Dorado
Sacramento
AmadorSolanoAlpineSan Calaveras
ContraCosta Joaquin
Alameda
Santa
Clara

Tuolumne

FresnoMariposa
MercedMaderaFresnoMonterey

Inyo

TulareMono

Stanislaus

San
BenitoMonterey
Kings

Closed to Hunting
PlumasSanta
Cruz

MaderaSan
BenitoGeneralTehamaSouthern
SierraColusaShastaLassenPlumasGlenn

AMERICAN CROW
HUNT ZONE

Modoc

Northern

LassenMendocino

Siskiyou

BAND-TAILED PIGEON
HUNT ZONE

Modoc

Kings

Inyo

TulareSan LuisObispo

San LuisObispoKern

Kern

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara
San Bernardino

VenturaSan Bernardino

VenturaLos Angeles

Los Angeles

OrangeOrangeRiverside

San Diego

Riverside

San Diego

Imperial

46

Imperial2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSTREE SQUIRREL HUNT ZONES

47

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSPUBLIC USES ON STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS
Find a full description of all lands at http://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands

abled License Plate”; “Permanent Parking Placard Identification
Card”; “Disabled Veteran License Plate”; or valid “Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License” (DFW1460). The blue plastic “Disabled Parking Placard” may not be
substituted for the required “Identification Card” which bears thename of the mobility impaired person. Disabled hunters must
provide the registration certificate for DMV issued disabledlicense plates.

Lands Pass Program

Since the 1990s, a lands pass has been required on certain
CDFW lands for each visitor, 16 years or older, who is not carrying a valid hunting or fishing license.
Currently lands passes are required on
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Ash Creek Wildlife Area
Bass Hill Wildlife Area
Battle Creek Wildlife Area
Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve
Butte Valley Wildlife Area
Canebrake Ecological Reserve
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
Hope Valley Wildlife Area
Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area
Los Banos Wildlife Area
Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Shasta Valley Wildlife Area
Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
Volta Wildlife Area
Willow Creek Wildlife Area
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Protect California’s wildlife resources with the

NATURAL RESOURCEVOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Building Community Within Our Natural Resources
The mission of the Natural Resource Volunteer Programis to provide conservation and enforcement education in
public service, through community outreach, State lands
monitoring, habitat and pollution awareness, animal
welfare and CDFW administrative assistance.

In the future, additional properties listed in subsections 551(w)and 630(c) may be added to the lands pass requirement. An
up-to-date list of properties that require a lands pass is maintained at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass. Lands passes
can be obtained on-line at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lands-Pass and printed at home, by phone at (800) 565-1458,
or in-person (sales agent and CDFW sales office locations atwildlife.ca.gov/Licensing).

wildlife.ca.gov/Explore/Volunteering/NRVPDisabled Accessible Blind Sites Exist at
the Following Areas

Purchase lands passes in advance of your visit as they are notsold on-site and cell/wifi may be unavailable.

Plan Ahead Before Visiting a Wildlife Area

National Wildlife Refuges:

Sacramento (4), Colusa (2), Sutter (1) , Delevan (3), Merced(1), Kesterson (2), Sonny Bono Salton Sea (2), Kern (2)IMPORTANT: Check stations do not sell any license items, permits
or passes. Be sure to purchase any needed licenses, passes andvalidations from a CDFW license sales office, a license agent or
online at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales.

Mobility Impaired Hunter Requirements
and Information

A number of State Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges
have hunting blinds designated for use by mobility impaired
hunters. A “mobility impaired hunter” is defined as any person
who has been issued a Department of Motor Vehicles ‘‘Dis-

State Wildlife Areas:

Gray Lodge (5), Grizzly Island (2), Imperial (4), North Grasslands (2), Mendota (7), Los Banos (2), San Jacinto (2), Upper
Butte Basin (7), Yolo Bypass (2).
Additional areas with Disabled access to assigned ponds:
Colusa and Sutter.
Area with disabled access to an island (no blind):
Yolo Bypass.

48

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSPUBLIC USES ON STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS
Details regarding facilities at each location can be obtained byphoning the information number listed in this booklet for eacharea. Disabled accessible blind sites not filled through thereservation draw conducted by the department’s License andRevenue Branch, will be filled through an on-site lottery draw
or by a disabled only first-come, first-served waiting list or line.
Disabled hunters, who enter the first-come,first-served waiting
list or line, may not enter any other first-come, first-served list orline, on the wildlife area or refuge for that hunt day.

How to Apply

Waterfowl Reservation System

Disabled hunters may apply for a drawing to hunt at disabled
accessible hunting sites by entering the hunt code for thedesired disabled accessible hunting site on their reservation application. To apply, hunters must meet the requirements to hunt
at a disabled accessible hunting site (see page 10). Hunters
who apply for a disabled accessible hunting site at a given area
may not apply for any other reservation draw for that area onthat date.

Reservations to hunt on specified State-controlled hunting areas during the waterfowl and pheasant seasons are issued bydrawing. Resident, junior and nonresident hunters with annual
hunting licenses may apply. Hunters may apply as many times
per season as desired but no more than once for each area foreach shoot day. Season-long and multiple choice reservation
applications may be submitted through the Automated License
Data System online, at CDFW license sales offices and license
agents. Each reservation assures entry to the area selected
for the date issued. Reservations may not be transferred toanother person. Refunds will not be issued for emergency
area closures due to unforeseen weather or other conditions.
Reservations for areas that are closed due to flooding will not
be accepted at other areas. Numbered reservations will behonored in numerical order, at the time the check station starts
issuing permits for the hunt day, except for Grizzly Island andMendota Wildlife Area, where reservations are processed inorder of vehicle position. Reservation holders must be present
at the time their reservation number is called.

Starting on September 1st, hunters may purchase season-long,multiple choice, active military, and veteran reservation applications through the Automated License Data System online,
at department license sales offices, license agents, or on theInternet for any or every available Saturday, Sunday and/or
Wednesday. The fee is $1.34 per hunt choice. To be included in
the drawing, completed applications must be submitted at least
17 days before the hunt date requested.

TAKE YOUR SHOT!
Interested in the chance to be featured in
CDFW outreach or publication materials?
Submit your photos by scanning this codeor clicking here!

Only photos following CDFW’s
photo submission guidelines
can be considered for use.

49

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
General Regulations for Public Use on
All Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands(T14 CCR §550)

values with the primary purpose of improving the understandingof the natural environment.

(a) All department land, except for fishing access and publicaccess lands, is closed to visitor access and use until and unless the land is opened for a use or uses through regulations
adopted by the commission in sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552,
630, and 702 of these regulations. The commission determines
whether proposed designations and uses are consistent withthe authorizing and reference statutes listed at the end of thissection and the purposes for which the lands were acquired.
Each proposed designation or use is subject to review pursuant to state and federal regulatory requirements prior to being
authorized.

(b) Definitions.
(1) “Department land” is defined as:(A) any state-owned real property over which the department
has jurisdiction and management authority;(B) real property over which the department has management
authority through a current lease, memorandum of understanding, management agreement, or similar document;(C) real property designated by the commission as a wildlife
area (Section 551 of these regulations);(D) real property designated by the commission as an ecological reserve (Section 630 of these regulations);(E) real property held or administered by the department as afishing access;(F) real property held or administered by the department as apublic access;(G) real property designated by the commission as a public
shooting area.
(2) “Compatible uses” is defined as:
uses that are consistent with the purposes and management of
a particular department land. Predominant compatible uses on
department lands are hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, wildlife
photography, environmental education and/or environmental
research.
(3) “Environmental education” is defined as:(A) department administered or sponsored interpretive programs offered to the public; or(B) activities to increase the understanding and appreciation of
wildlife and the natural environment conducted by organizedyouth or school groups.
(4) “Environmental research” is defined as:
the field study of biological, physical, or cultural processes or(5) “Visitor” is defined as:
any person, other than a department employee or designee
performing official duties, who enters department land.
(6) “Entry permit” is defined as:a permit which allows entry to specified department land for
department-authorized activities where general access is restricted per subsection 550(c)(2)(D). Entry permits may require
payment of a fee to the department.
(7) “Hunting Pass” is defined as:
a proof of payment of a fee that must be presented by a visitor
in order to obtain an entry permit to hunt on specified department lands.
(8) “Lands Pass” is defined as:
a proof of payment of a fee for entry for authorized uses otherthan hunting that is required of visitors who are not carrying avalid hunting, fishing or trapping license on department lands
listed in subsections 551(w) and 630(c).
(9) “Special use” is defined as:
an activity, use, event or gathering on department land that is
not authorized in sections 550, 551 or 630 of these regulations
but which may be allowed with written authorization from thedepartment; typically in the form of a Special Use Permit. When
allowed, special uses occur on a limited basis as defined in theSpecial Use Permit or other authorizing document. An authorized special use on department land shall not conflict with thenormal uses, purposes or management of the department land.
(10) “Reservation” is defined as:a randomly drawn application that assures entry onto a wildlife
area, when presented with the appropriate entry pass as specified in Section 550.5(c), if applicable.
(11) “Non-shooter” is defined as:
a visitor who accompanies a hunter in the field or remains at adesignated parking area.
(12) “Fishing” for the purposes of department land isdefined as:
angling as defined in Section 1.05 of these regulations, or as
taking fish on department wildlife areas using bow and arrowfishing tackle as defined in Section 1.23 of these regulations.
(13) “Hunting” for the purposes of department land isdefined as:
the legal take (as take is defined in Fish and Game Code Section 86) of wildlife species pursuant to sections 550, 550.5, 551,
552, and 630 of these regulations, in addition to the general
hunting regulations for seasons and method of take. The provisions of sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 shall have50

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
precedence over general hunting regulations on department
land where there may be differences between them.

of any department employee. Visitors shall return all entry
permits to the checking station or point of entry upon leaving
department land.

(14) “Camping”for the purposes of department land isdefined as:
an overnight or after- hours visitor stay which may include avehicle, trailer, motor home, boat, tent, or any other type of
vehicle or shelter.

(C) Visitor entry is authorized only from sunrise to sunset
except during department-authorized hunting or fishing opportunities when access to hunting and fishing sites at other times
may be permitted.

(15) “Wildlife viewing” for the purposes of department landis defined as:pedestrian use of roads or designated trails when and where
authorized by the department.
(16) “Dog training” for the purposes of department land isdefined as:
the noncommercial act of training a hunting dog to improve the
dog’s performance in hunting migratory or upland game birds
and retrieval of downed game, and to enhance the hunting
experience.

(D) The department may close all or portions of department
land to visitors entirely, seasonally, or to specific activities oruses, and may limit the number of visitors entering an area
for safety reasons, to reduce crowding, to avoid or reduce
environmental disturbance, to limit the take of species, or toprotect natural or cultural resources. Designated closures anduse restrictions for specific properties are provided in sections
551(for wildlife areas) and 630 (for ecological reserves) ofthese regulations.
1. The department may close any department land, or portion
thereof, to any or all visitor use or access, without notice, byposting closed signs.

(17) “Dog trial” for the purposes of department land isdefined as:
an organized competitive or scored event for testing hunting
dog performance.

2. No visitor(s), other than those possessing written authorization from the department, shall enter or access any department
land or portion thereof which is closed to visitors, including
areas posted with closed signs and seasonally closed areas.
This restriction does not apply to department employees ordesignees in the performance of official duties.

(18) “Upland game birds” for the purpose of department
land is defined as:
the upland game bird species listed in Fish and Game Code
Section 3683.

3. On all Type A and Type B wildlife areas during the waterfowl
and pheasant seasons, no entry permits will be issued after
3:00 p.m.

(c) Visitor Entry and Responsibilities.

(E) On department land where entry and exit sites are designated by the department, no visitor shall enter or leave the land
except at those designated sites.

(1) Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying withall regulations pertaining to fishing, hunting, and use of
department land.
These regulations are incorporated by reference into and become a condition of all visitor entry, passes, entry permits, andspecial use permits. Failure to comply with any such regulations is a violation of this section.

(F) It shall be unlawful for a visitor to enter any department landor portion thereof where the department has restricted visitor
entry without a valid entry permit or pass. Subsection 550.5(c)specifies how to obtain an entry permit or pass.
1. Where a fee is required for entry, a pass must be purchasedin advance through the department’s Automated License Data
System. Passes are sold by license agents, department license
sales offices, or online at wildlife.ca.gov.

(2) Visitor entry onto department land is at the discretion of thedepartment, which may limit entry as it deems appropriate, tomanage and protect fish, wildlife, native plants, habitats andother natural resources.
Entry may require payment of a fee, a pass and/or an entry
permit as provided in subsection 550.5(c).
(A) Visitor entry, where authorized or designated, is for activities
authorized according to sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, or 630
of these regulations. It shall be unlawful to enter or use department land without complying with the applicable sections ofthese regulations.
(B) All visitors shall present and show valid entry permits; dayseason or annual passes, licenses; and all fish and game taken
on department land at the checking station or upon the request

2. Where an entry permit is required for hunting, a hunting passmust be presented with photo identification at the time of entry
for issuance of an entry permit. Entry permits are available andissued by the department only at the area checking station,
point of entry, or by mail for successful special drawing applicants.
3. Rules regarding entry and reservation fees required for
hunting on certain wildlife areas are in subsection 550.5(c) andSection 702 of these regulations.
4. Where a fee is required for entry for authorized uses other51

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
than hunting, a Lands Pass must be purchased in advance.
Additional rules for Lands Passes are in subsection 550.5(c) of
these regulations.

which the special use is proposed, the department may issue a
special use permit.

(3) Daily Entry Permit Revocations, Refusals, andEjections.
Employees of the department are authorized to refuse entry or
issuance of entry permits, revoke permits and/or eject any visitor from department land for violation of any regulations, drugor alcohol intoxication, disorderly conduct, or for any reason
when it appears that the general safety or welfare of the property or persons thereon is threatened. The decision and duration of revocation, in such respect, of any department employee
assigned management or enforcement responsibilities for thearea shall be final.
(A) Visitors found to violate any such refusal, revocation orejection may be cited and fined.

(1) The department will charge fees to recover the department’s
reasonable costs to review and issue Special Use Permits.
(2) Conditions of issuance of the Special Use Permit may
include a requirement to reimburse the department for any staff
time or other costs related to the special use.
(3) All permittees shall observe and comply with all local, stateand federal laws, regulations, requirements, terms, and conditions applicable to the special use.
(4) The Special Use Permit must be approved in writing by thedepartment and in possession of the permittee prior to entering,and during the use of, department land.

(e) Environmental Education.

(B) Visitors affected by this subsection may appeal such actions
to the commission.

Environmental education activities on department land shall be
conducted only under written authorization from the regional
manager or designee and coordinated with the area manager.

(4)
Electric bicycles and motorized transportation devices (including but not limited to motorized bicycles, scooters, and carts)
are prohibited on all department lands except where posted asallowed.

(1) If a purpose of the environmental education activity is togenerate revenue for a person, entity or organization, the written authorization shall be in the form of a Special Use Permit.

(5) Penalties.

Environmental research on department land shall be conducted
only under written authorization from the regional manager ordesignee. Authorization may be given if the department determines that the environmental research and associated activities
are compatible with current uses, management and purposesof the property. Conditions of approval may include, but are notlimited to:(f) Research.

(A) A visitor’s failure to comply with sections 550, 551, 552 or
630 of these regulations may result in any or all of the following:
1. denial of permission to enter department lands;
2. revocation of any pass and/or permit already issued;
3. ejection from department lands for up to one calendar year
from the date of discovery; and4. citation or arrest under applicable provisions of the Fish andGame Code or these regulations.

(1) proof of all necessary collecting permits;(2) submission of written progress reports to the department;(3) a schedule of activities and deliverables;(B) proceeding under any of the above provisions shall notpreclude the exercise of any other remedy.

(4) provision of electronic copies of geospatial and all other fielddata and reports in a digital format specified by the department;and(d) Special Use Permits.

(5) submission of copies of Natural Diversity Database fielddata forms for species tracked by the department.

Any person, group, organization, agency or company wishing
to request approval of a special use, as defined in subsection
550(b)(9), on any department land shall submit a Permit Application for Special Use of Department Lands and the permit fee
as specified in Section 702 of these regulations to the department. Additional regulations that apply to Special Use Permits
are located in Section 550.5 of these regulations. Department
review and issuance is dependent upon staffing availability. If
the department determines that the requested special use canbe conducted in a manner that is not in conflict with current
uses, management, or purposes of the department land on(g) Protection of Resources.
Except for the take of fish and/or wildlife in compliance withgeneral and site-specific hunting and fishing regulations, orunder written authorization from the department to conduct
environmental research or environmental education, no visitor
shall:(1) mine or disturb geological formations, archeological, culturalor anthropological artifacts, structures, or resources;52

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS(k) Introduction of Species.

(2) take or disturb any bird nest, or eggs thereof;(3) cut, saw, trim, remove, or disturb any plant, mammal, fish,
mollusk, crustacean, amphibian, reptile, soil, sand, gravel, rock,mineral, or any other form of plant or animal life on department
land, except that non-woody vegetation may be cut and used
for temporary hunting blinds; orVisitors are prohibited from releasing, introducing, or transplanting animal or plant species, including domestic or domesticatedspecies, onto or within department land or waters without avalid permit issued by the department or except as authorized
for dog training in a designated area.

(4) construct or build any type of structure, including thosemade of vegetation (except as provided in subsection 550(g)(3)) or any other type of material, on department land except as
may be specifically authorized by a Special Use Permit.

(l) Feeding of Wildlife.

(h) Fishing.

(m) Pets.

Visitors are prohibited from feeding fish or wildlife except as
part of an otherwise legal activity, such as fishing in compliancewith general fishing regulations, and Section 550(h).

Visitors are prohibited from bringing pets, including but not limited to dogs and cats, onto department land except on a leashof less than ten feet or inside a motor vehicle, unless otherwise
prohibited or restricted in subsections 551(o) or 630(h) of theseregulations, or by prohibitions posted on the department land.
Visitors may use dogs for hunting during an open season for an
authorized species pursuant to subsection (n) of this section,
unless otherwise prohibited.

Fishing (as defined in subsection 550(b) (11)) on department
land shall be allowed except as otherwise stated in subsections 551(o), 551(y) or 630(e) of these regulations, or when thearea is closed according to these regulations or posted by thedepartment with signs that prohibit entry or fishing.
(1) Fishing shall be conducted in accordance with general fishing regulations, except that it shall be limited to fishing from theshore unless boating facilities and/or areas for boats or otherfloating devices are designated or as allowed in subsections
551(o), 551(y) or 630(e) of these regulations.
(2) No visitor shall take fish (as defined in Fish and Game Code
Section 45) from department land for commercial purposes.

(i) Regional Manager’s Authority.

(1) The regional manager or their designee shall have theauthority to place temporary restrictions on visitor use of department land for the purposes of protecting public health andsafety or natural resources when circumstances warrant additional restrictions, and where such restrictions are not provided
in sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 of these regulations.
(2) On state wildlife areas, the regional manager may authorize
junior pheasant hunts during or outside the general pheasantseason and may authorize junior turkey hunts during the regular season.
(3) For Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area only, the Regional
Manager may determine whether decoys may be left in thefield.

(n) Use of Dogs for Hunting, Training and Dog
Trials.

The department may prohibit or restrict dog training, dog trials, or the use of dogs for any purpose on any department
land. While in parking lots or checking stations, dogs must be
leashed. While engaged in authorized hunting, training or dog
trials, dogs may be off leash. On wildlife areas, while in transit
between parking lots or check stations and the areas where
authorized hunting, training or dog trials take place, dogs may
be off leash but must be kept within ten feet of their owner orhandler. On ecological reserves, when not engaged in authorized hunting, training or dog trials, dogs must be controlled per
subsection (m) of this section.
(1) Dog training is allowed only on department lands with designated dog training areas as identified in subsections 551(i) and630(i) of these regulations and, pursuant to those subsections,
may require written authorization.
(2) Dog trials are authorized on department land identified insubsection 551(i) of these regulations and require a Special
Use Permit pursuant to subsection 550.5(d) of these regulations.

(j) Wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography are allowed on
department land except when the property or portion of theproperty is specifically closed.
(1) Photography, videography, or filming of any type for commercial (profit or sale) purposes on or of department land requires a Special Use Permit from the department and a permit
from the California Film Commission, pursuant to Government
Code section 14998.8, et seq . The department shall not authorize or issue a Special Use Permit for any commercial photography, videography, or filming of any type without a valid permit
from the California Film Commission.

(3) The use of dogs for hunting mammals or training or trialing to prepare for or simulate hunting mammals on department
land is subject to the provisions of Section 265 of these regulations.
(4) Additional site-specific regulations pertaining to dogs apply
as specified in subsection 551(o) of these regulations.

(o) Horses, Pack Stock, and Horseback Riding.
Recreational use of horses is allowed on department lands

532024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
designated as wildlife areas except when the area is specificallyclosed or as specified in subsection 551(l) of these regulations.
The recreational use of horses is prohibited on all other department lands except lands with department-designated horse trails
or areas identified in subsection 630(g) of these regulations.

(1) No visitor shall camp, including on a boat, on any department
land except on those wildlife areas where the department has
designated campsites or camping areas, as provided in subsection 551(m) and Section 552 of these regulations. Within thesewildlife areas, camping shall occur only in the department-designated campsites or areas. Camping, where authorized, may be
conducted for up to seven consecutive nights and for a total ofno more than fourteen nights per calendar year.
(2) The department may provide written authorization to campoutside of designated camping areas for authorized research,monitoring or management purposes. Such written authorization shall be in the immediate possession of the authorized
person(s) at all times while on department land.

No visitor shall apply, leave, dump, bury, release or dispose ofany pesticide, herbicide, or hazardous substance, material or
waste in, on, or from department land.

(s) Farming or Grazing.

Unauthorized farming or grazing (including but not limited tocattle, horses, sheep, goats, and hogs) and associated activities on department land are prohibited.

(t) Vandalism.

No visitor shall tamper with, deface, damage, destroy or remove any property not their own when such property is locatedwithin any department land.

(3) Campers, camp trailers and motorhomes are prohibitedon department lands except on those lands with departmentdesignated camp trailer or motorhome accessible camping or
parking areas.

(u) Signs and Markers.

(A) Visitors who wish to camp must register their camper, camptrailer or motorhome at the checking station or appropriate office and are limited to one camper, camp trailer or motorhome
per registrant in the parking area. Utility trailers and cargo
trailers are prohibited in designated camper, camp trailer andmotorhome accessible camping and parking areas unless specifically authorized under a Special Use Permit.
(B) Parking areas are for visitor use only. The visitor responsible for the registered camper, camp trailer or motorhome
shall show proof of use of the area within the previous sevendays upon request. Failure to do so may result in citation andremoval of the truck and camper, camp trailer or motorhome at
the owner’s expense.

No visitor shall tamper with, deface, damage, destroy or remove any barrier, sign, signpost, trail marker, or signboard on
any department land. No visitor shall place any sign, flagging,or marking of any kind on any department land without priorwritten authorization from the department.

(v) Litter.

It shall be unlawful to leave, deposit, drop, dump, bury, or scatter any bottles, cans, glass (including broken glass), feathers,
hides, carcasses, targets, shells, casings, vegetation, earth,rock, waste, sewage, cigarettes, cigars, or other debris or trash(“refuse”) on any department land except in a receptacle or area
designated for that purpose. Where no designated receptacles
are provided, visitors must remove all refuse from the area.
(1) Visitors shall remove all of their personal equipment and belongings from department land daily. Failure to do so may resultin unremoved items being deemed litter and disposed of.

(C) Campers , camp trailers and motorhomes over 30 feet inlength are prohibited on all department lands.
(D) Tow vehicles for camp trailers must be stowed in designated vehicle parking lots.

(w) Fireworks/Explosives.

No visitor shall import, possess or use fireworks, explosives or
incendiary devices of any type on any department land unlessauthorized under permit by the department for management
purposes.

(4) Camping is prohibited on all department lands designatedas ecological reserves.

(1) Except as further restricted in subsection 551(n) of theseregulations, fires are restricted to portable gas stoves, charcoal
briquette barbecues, or fireplaces or pits developed by the department for visitor use, within department-designated campsites
or camping areas on those lands designated as wildlife areas.
(2) Visitors are prohibited from using any form of fire on otherdepartment lands, including but not limited to wildlife areas that

(3) No fire shall be left unattended and all fires shall be completely extinguished by the visitor before leaving the site.

(r) Hazardous Substances.

(p) Camping, Motorhomes, and Camp Trailers.

(q) Fires.

do not include designated campsites or camping areas andthose lands designated as ecological reserves.

(x) Possession and Use of Alcohol, Marijuana,
and Controlled Substances.

(1) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence ofalcohol while in the field hunting. For the purpose of this section, “in the field” is defined as all areas of department land
except designated parking and camping areas. Visitors under
the influence of alcohol to a level determined to be unsafe may

542024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
be cited and ejected per section 550(c)(3).
(2) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence ofmarijuana on any department land. Visitors in possession of
medical marijuana cards and/or other legal authorization topossess marijuana for medical purposes (per Health and Safety
Code sections 11362.7 through 11362.83) may only possess
marijuana in that visitor’s transport vehicle. Visitors with authorization to possess marijuana may not use it or be under
its influence on department land. Visitors using or determined
to be under the influence of marijuana on department land, orin possession of marijuana in violation of this section, may becited and ejected per section 550(c)(3).
(3) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence of
any illicit controlled substance on any department land. Visitors
possessing, using or under the influence of any illicit controlled
substance on any department land may be cited and ejected
per section 550(c)(3). Illicit controlled substances for purposesof this regulation are those substances where no medical authorization exists and no legal authorization allows possession
for legitimate use of the substance.

(2) Boats and floating devices are generally allowed on wildlife
areas, except as restricted or prohibited in subsection 551(l)and Section 552 of these regulations. Boats are generally prohibited on ecological reserves except as provided in subsection
630(f) of these regulations. Where boats and/or floating devices
are allowed on department land, they shall be used subject tothe following regulations:(A) no visitor shall operate a vessel carelessly in willful disregard of the rights or safety of others, or without due caution,
or at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger any person,
property, or wildlife;(y) Motor Vehicles.

(1) Visitors are prohibited from driving or operating any motor vehicle or trailer on department lands except on designated roads.

(B) where launch sites are designated by the department, allboats must be launched and removed from those sites;(C) any boat trailer shall remain attached to the tow vehicle andbe stowed in a designated parking area;(2) Visitors are prohibited from stopping any motor vehicle
between designated parking areas to drop off passengers or
hunting equipment.
(3) On department lands where auto tour routes are provided,
visitors shall use any pullouts or wide spots along the route tostop and view wildlife rather than block the road for other visitors.
(4) Designated parking areas are for visitor use only. Parking
motor vehicles and trailers outside of designated parking areas
is prohibited except for special use or research permittees who
may be authorized otherwise. Utility, flatbed, cargo, or similar
trailers are prohibited on department lands except as authorized under a Special Use Permit.

(D) all visitors shall remove their boats or floating devices fromthe water or beach when instructed to do so by an employee ofthe department. Any peace officer may remove the boat or floating device of any visitor who has been instructed to remove itfrom the water or beach and fails to comply with that instruction;(E) the use of boats or other floating devices may be restricted
to certain zones designated by the department;(F) boat speed shall not exceed five miles per hour unless otherwise posted; and(5) No visitor shall operate a motor vehicle carelessly in willful
disregard of the rights or safety of others, or without due caution,
or at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger any person, property, natural resources, or wildlife on department lands.
(6) Operators of motor vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph, unless otherwise posted, and shall comply with traffic and othersigns posted on department lands.

(G) any peace officer may remove any boat or floating device
that is left unattended on department land or in the water inexcess of 72 hours.
(3) Swimming is prohibited on department lands except
where designated and authorized in subsection 630(f) ofthese regulations.

(aa) Aircraft.

No visitor shall operate any aircraft, drone, or other unmanned
aircraft system (UAS), hovercraft, or hot air balloon within
department lands except as authorized by a Special Use Permit
issued by the department.

(7) The use of off highway vehicles (OHVs), all-terrain vehicles(ATVs), motorcycles, and snowmobiles is prohibited on all
department land, except where authorized and designated insubsection 551(k) of these regulations.

(z) Boats and Swimming.

boat motors, and floating devices (“boating”) on department
lands to protect natural resources or provide for the orderly
operation of compatible uses on these areas. Boating restrictions may include but are not limited to, prohibitions on use andoperation or, if boating is allowed, limiting boat speeds and/or motor size and type. During the times waterfowl are present, the provisions of Section 251 of these regulations, which
prohibits pursuit or shooting of birds or mammals from a motor
driven vehicle (including but not limited to motorboats, airboats,or sailboats) also apply.

(1) The department may restrict the use and operation of boats,(bb) Bicycles and bike riding

are prohibited on department lands except where authorized55

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE LANDS
and designated in subsection 551(j), Section 552, and subsection 630(g) of these regulations.
(1) On department lands where trails or roads have been designated for bicycles, no visitor shall ride, operate, leave, or park abicycle except on those designated areas.

(cc) Firearms, Archery, and Other Propulsive
Equipment.

(1) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the lawful possession ofa concealed firearm by an active peace officer listed in Chapter
4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of thePenal Code or a retired peace officer in lawful possession of an
identification certificate issued pursuant to Penal Code Section 25455 authorizing the retired officer to carry a concealed
firearm. Nor shall this section prohibit the lawful possession of aconcealed firearm pursuant to a concealed carry permit issued
pursuant to Penal Code Section 26150 or 26155.
(2) Possession, discharge, and use of firearms or archeryequipment is prohibited on department lands except within
department-designated hunting areas or shooting sites, or witha permit issued by the department, or as authorized for dog
training in a designated area, or when fishing with bow andarrow tackle as defined in subsection 550(b)(11) and allowed insubsection 550(h). This prohibition includes air or gas operated
devices or guns and all other propulsive devices.
(3) General (Non Hunting) Uses
(A) The use of glass or porcelain targets is prohibited on all
department lands. Clay targets shall be used only at designatedshooting sites where their use is allowed.
(B) Designated shooting sites are open daily from sunrise tosunset unless otherwise listed in subsections 551(v) or 630(j) of
these regulations.
(C) Except as otherwise provided, an adult supervised youth
may possess and discharge a BB gun on any wildlife area. A
BB gun is not an authorized method of take and may not be
used to take wildlife on any wildlife area. A BB gun is defined as
an air and/or spring-actuated rifle similar to Daisy BB gun models 96 (Timberwolf), 105 (Buck), or 1938 (Red Ryder), firing a
spherical BB no larger than 0.177 inches in diameter (4.5 mm)
at a muzzle velocity no greater than 350 feet per second. For
the purpose of this section a youth is defined as a visitor under
the age of 16.
(4) Hunting Method of Take.
Where hunting is allowed, it shall be conducted in accordancewith general hunting regulations and subject to sections 550,
550.5, 551, 552, and 630 of these regulations.
(A) Possession or discharge of shotguns larger than twelve
gauge is prohibited on all department lands designated as TypeA or Type B wildlife areas.
(B) Except for bow and arrow tackle as defined subsection

550(b)(11) and allowed in subsection 550(h), or as otherwise
provided, no rifles, pellet or BB guns, combination rifle- shotguns, pistols, archery equipment, or revolvers shall be possessed in the field or discharged on any Type A or Type B
wildlife areas. All legal firearms and archery equipment may be
used on Type C wildlife areas unless prohibited in subsection
551(r) of these regulations. Firearms and archery equipment
may be used on ecological reserves where hunting is authorized in subsection 630(d) of these regulations, subject to any
restrictions therein.
(C) The use or possession of shot size larger than T in steel or
BB in non-toxic (other than steel) shot is prohibited on all department lands and national wildlife refuges. On those department lands where big game species may be hunted, shotguns
with slugs may be used.
(D) A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells whilein the field on Type A wildlife areas during the waterfowl season
unless otherwise provided for in subsection 551(o) of theseregulations. Subsection 551(o) also specifies additional wildlife areas where a hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot
shells in the field during the waterfowl season. Only those visitors possessing a valid hunting permit for that day may possess
ammunition in the field.
(E) It shall be unlawful to take wildlife except in compliance with
the non- toxic shot and certified nonlead projectile requirementsof Section 250.1 of these regulations.
(F) Except for bow and arrow tackle defined in subsection
550(b)(11) and allowed in subsection 550(h), archery equipment shall not be used during the waterfowl and pheasantseasons on Type A or Type B wildlife areas, unless provided insubsection 551(u) of these regulations.
(G) Loaded firearms, as defined in Fish and Game Code Section 2006 or Section 25850 of the Penal Code, are prohibitedin parking lots, visitor areas, checking stations, and any otherfacility on department lands.

(dd) Falconry.

(1) On ecological reserves, falconry is prohibited.
(2) On Type C wildlife areas, raptors may be used to take legal
game in accordance with general hunting and falconry regulations.
(3) On Type A and Type B wildlife areas, raptors may be used
to take legal game only from the first Saturday following the endof the waterfowl season through the end of the falconry pheasant season. Raptors may be used only on Saturdays, Sundays,
and Wednesdays.

(ee) Woodcutting.

Woodcutting is prohibited on all department lands.

562024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESERVATIONS, ENTRY PERMITS, FEES, PASSES,AND SPECIAL USE PERMITS
Reservations, Entry Permits, Fees,
Passes, and Special Use Permits (T14
CCR §550.5)(a) Reservations for Hunting Activities.

(1) Reservations for waterfowl and pheasant hunting are available for Type A wildlife areas for all authorized shoot days of theseason. On Type B wildlife areas, reservations are required forthe opening weekend of waterfowl season and may be required
for the opening of pheasant season.
(A) Reservations shall be issued by random drawing. Applications are available through the Automated License Data System
at license agents, department license offices and online. To findthe locations of department license agents, department license
offices or to apply for a reservation on- line, go to the department’s website at wildlife.ca.gov. Applicants must possess anannual or lifetime hunting license valid for the hunting season
for which they are applying. Two- day nonresident hunting
licenses shall not be used to apply for reservation drawings. To
be included in a reservation drawing, applications must be received by the department through the Automated License Data
System at least 17 days prior to the hunt date. Late, incomplete, or incorrect applications will not be included in the drawing. The fee to apply for a reservation is specified in Section
702 of these regulations. The application fee is non-refundable.
(B) Unless other wise provided in Section 551 of these regulations, the reservation system only serves to assure entry onto
a wildlife area and does not necessarily constitute a method forprioritization over other users.
(C) Multiple Applications.
1. An applicant is limited to one application for each wildlife
area for each authorized shoot day. Shoot days are specified
under subsections 551(e), 551(o), 551(p), 551(q), 551(s), and552(a) of these regulations.

cessful applicant/reservation holder shall require identification
per subsection 700.4(c) of these regulations. Unless otherwise
provided, the reservation will expire one and one-half hours before shoot time for the date stated on the reservation. For somewildlife areas, the department will number reservations in theorder in which they are drawn. These reservations will be accepted at checking stations in numerical order. The reservation
holder must be present at the time the number is called in orderto have priority over other, lower-priority reservations.
(E) Except as provided in subsection 550.5(a)(1)(F) or subsection 551(x) of these regulations, a reservation shall be valid forentry for up to six visitors who must hunt as a party. No morethan two visitors in a hunting party may be adult hunters (18years of age or older as of July 1 of the licensing year). Each
adult may be accompanied by up to two hunters holding juniorhunting licenses or two non-shooters irrespective of age, or oneof each. All hunters must be in possession of a valid hunting
license. Non-shooters (as defined in subsection 550(b)(11))
shall not discharge or possess ammunition or a firearm on the
wildlife area.
(F) When hunting a designated hunting zone, assigned pond,or blind area, a reservation will assure entry only for the number of visitors (adult hunters, junior hunters, and/or non-shooters) that does not exceed the capacity of the designated zone,
assigned pond or blind area.

(b) Reservations for Wildlife Viewing.

Reservations for wildlife viewing may be available for certain
department lands during peak viewing periods or when guided
tours are offered. The department may limit the number of reservations available for each of these opportunities.

(c) Entry Permits, Fees, and Passes.

(1) Where the department has determined that entry permits
are required per subsection 550(c)(2) of these regulations and/or that fees are necessary to offset the department’s costs ofproviding public recreational opportunities, an appropriate passmust first be purchased for a fee through the department’s Automated License Data System at a license agent, department
license office or on the department’s website at wildlife.ca.gov.
An entry permit will be issued only when an appropriate hunting
pass is presented at the checking station or point of entry.

2. The department may eliminate applications that are not incompliance with these regulations from any reservation drawing. Persons who submit more than one application for thesame shoot day for the same wildlife area may be barred fromhunting on department-operated areas for a period of one year
following the date the department discovers the violation. Any
reservation issued as a result of such improper submission, orto any person currently barred from the department-operated
areas, shall be void (not valid).

(2) Passes for hunting during the waterfowl season are sold as
one day, two day, or Type A or Type B season hunting passes. Applicable fees are listed in subsection 702(b) of these regulations.

(D) Unless otherwise stated on the hunting reservation or on
information mailed with the reservation, each successful reservation applicant shall be granted a one-day entry permit during
the waterfowl or pheasant season. The entry permit shall be
issued to the successful applicant for the date and wildlife area
stated on the hunting reservation upon the applicant presenting
a one-day, two-day, or season pass. Verification of the suc-(3) Entry permits and hunting passes are required for waterfowl
hunting on all Type A wildlife areas.
(4) Entry permits and proof of either a Type A or Type B season
hunting pass are required for waterfowl hunting on all Type B
wildlife areas. One or two day passes are not accepted at TypeB wildlife areas.

57

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESERVATIONS, ENTRY PERMITS, FEES, PASSES,AND SPECIAL USE PERMITS(5) Entry permits and/or passes or special drawings may berequired for hunting on Type C wildlife areas where the department has determined that restricted access is necessary persubsection 550(c) of these regulations (see subsection 551(q)of these regulations).

(12) In addition to the sources listed for purchasing passes insubsection 550.5(c) (1), Lands Passes may be purchased at
the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve Visitor Center at thetime of entry during business hours.

(6) Each visitor must have a valid entry permit in their immediate
possession while on department lands that require an entry permit.
(7) Any visitor with a valid junior hunting license in their own
name is exempt from purchasing a daily or annual hunting
pass. A visitor who is under the age of 16 will only be issued anentry permit and allowed to hunt when carrying a valid hunting license in their own name and is accompanied by an adult.
An adult is defined as a person 18 years old or older. An adulthunter or non-shooter may accompany up to two junior hunterson department lands.

(d) Special Use Permits.

Special uses, as defined in subsection 550(b)(9) of these regulations, on department lands require written authorization fromthe department. Such authorization will typically be in the formof a Special Use Permit (per subsections 550(d) and 550(n)(2)of these regulations). The department shall not issue Special
Use Permits for activities or uses that conflict with the current
uses, management or purposes of a department land, would
have a significant environmental effect, or would constitute an
unlawful use of state resources under Government Code Section 8314.

(8) Any visitor 16 or 17 years of age, in possession of a valid
hunting license in that visitor’s own name and an valid entry
permit, may hunt independently. Hunters 16 or 17 years of age
who hunt without an adult shall not be accompanied by any
visitor under the age of 16.

(1) Types of Special Use.
(A) Type 1 Special Use. A Type 1 special use is an activity thatmeets all of the following criteria:(9) Any required entry permits will be issued on a first-come,first served basis and/or by a reservation drawing to be held at
a designated department office. The department shall informthe commission in writing and the public via the news media
when limits imposed under this section differ substantially for a
specific area from the prior year. Such notification shall include:
the land affected; the time period; the reason for the limitation
or closure; the number of entry permits to be issued; and themethod of issuance.

2. involves ten or fewer (0-10) animals (such as dogs or horses)
or bicycles (or other pedaled vehicles) in total;

1. involves 30 or fewer visitors on site;(10) Entry permits are non-transferable. Forgery, duplication,
alteration or fraudulent use of entry permits, passes, or processes for obtaining them, is prohibited. Any person who violates these regulations may be barred from department lands
for one calendar year from the date the department discovers
the violation.

(B) Participants in school or organized youth group field trips,
or visitors who are under 16 years of age are not required toobtain a Lands Pass.

4. does not require use of the site for more than one calendar
day during normal operating hours of the department land.
(B) Type 2 Special Use. A Type 2 special use is a hunting dog
trial or testing event or activity.
(C) Type 3 Special Use. A Type 3 special use is an activity thatmeets any one of the following criteria:
1. involves more than 30 visitors on site;
2. involves more than ten animals or bicycles in total;(11) A Daily or Annual Lands Pass for Authorized Uses Other
than Hunting (Lands Pass) is required for visitor entry on department lands listed in subsections 551(w) and 630(c) of theseregulations. A Lands Pass must be purchased in advance andcarried by each visitor, on their person, while on the subject
property. Information about how to purchase a Lands Pass is
explained in 550.5(c)(1) of these regulations. Exceptions to theLands Pass requirements are as follows:(A) Visitors carrying a valid California sport fishing, hunting,or trapping license issued in the visitor’s own name are notrequired to purchase a Lands Pass.

3. does not require the use of animals, bicycles, vehicles, orlarge equipment outside of designated parking areas,
roads, trails, or other areas authorized for visitor use; and3. requires the use of animals, bicycles, vehicles, or large
equipment outside of designated parking areas, roads,
trails, or other areas authorized for visitor use; or
4. requires use of the site for more than one calendar day oroutside of normal operating hours of the department land.
(2) Application Process for Special Use Permits.
(A) Application for a Special Use Permit shall be made on
the“Permit Application for Special Use of Department Lands”,
as specified in Section 702 of these regulations. Failure to disclose fund- raising or commercial activities or other information
per the instructions on the application may result in a citationand fine.
(B) Applications and Special Use Permit fees shall be submitted at least 45 days prior to the date of the requested activity

58

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESERVATIONS, ENTRY PERMITS, FEES, PASSES,AND SPECIAL USE PERMITS
or event to the appropriate regional office. The permit fees forType 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Special Uses are specified in Section 702 of these regulations. Applications will not be processed
unless they are complete, and the entire permit fee is paid.
1. After a Special Use Permit is approved, the permit fees arerefundable only if none of the permitted activities have takenplace and all of the activities and dates covered by the permit
are cancelled in writing, in an email or hardcopy, submitted tothe area manager or their designee.
2. Type 3 permit fees are only refundable until 10 calendar days
prior to the scheduled start of any of the permitted activities, after which the permit fee will be forfeited if the permittee cancels
the special use. Cancellations prior to 10 calendar days before
the start of a Type 3 special use must be provided to the area
manager or designee in writing as an email or hardcopy.
3. All Special Use Permit fees are refundable if the department
does not approve a special use permit application or does nothave adequate staff available to review an application.
(3) Special Use Permit Application Review Process(A) Evaluation Criteria. Criteria used to evaluate Special Use Permit applications shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Will the proposed special use create a greater potential
hazard or liability to the State, resources, or the public thantypical operations within the department land on which thespecial use is proposed?;
2. Is the special use a compatible use as defined in subsection
550(b)(2)?;
3. Can the use be conducted so as not to conflict with the current uses, management or purposes of the property?;
4. Will the special use require the exclusive use of part or all ofa property?;
5. Will the special use interfere with other visitors’ use of theproperty?;
6. Will additional department staffing or staff time be required
to prepare for, monitor or assist with, or return department
land to its previous condition following the special use?;
7. Will the permittee charge any fees and, if so, will the proposed fees exceed those the department charges forlicenses, day use fees, or passes?;
8. Will any items, products, or services be sold?; and,9. Has the applicant complied with the terms and conditions ofany prior Special Use Permit issued by the department?.
(B) Notification of Approval of Special Use Permit. If the department intends to issue a Special Use Permit, it will provide
written notification to the applicant. The notification will provide
an itemized explanation of any fees, charges or deposits thatneed to be paid, as well as terms and conditions that need tobe accepted by the applicant/permittee, in order for a Special
Use Permit to be finalized and valid. Payment instructions will

be included with the notification.
(C) Notification of Denial of Special Use Permit. If the department intends to deny issuance of a Special Use Permit, it shallprovide written notification to the applicant that the application
for a Special Use Permit is denied and include the reason(s) for
the denial in the notification.
(4) Possible Costs In Addition to the Special Use Permit Fee.
(A) For department lands that normally require a fee for a
Lands Pass or entry permit, the Lands Pass or entry fee will
be required in addition to the Special Use Permit fee. Whether
the Lands Pass or entry fee for each special use participant will
be paid directly to the department by the participants or by thepermittee will be determined as part of the development of theSpecial Use Permit(B) Additional Anticipated Costs. If the regional manager or his
designee determines in advance that department staff will needto conduct work outside of normal duties or hours to prepare
for the special use, monitor or assist with the special use, or
return department land to its previous condition following thespecial use, payment of the additional anticipated cost to thedepartment will be added to the Special Use Permit fee specified in Section 702 of these regulations and required to be paid
as a condition of the department issuing a Special Use Permit.
The additional cost shall be based on the estimated numberof hours, the job classification of state personnel required to
conduct the work, and the department’s costs for employee
benefits, overhead, mileage, and use of department equipment
and supplies.
(C) Cleaning or Damage Deposit. Depending on the anticipatedneed for cleaning or repair to department property, including land, infrastructure and/or equipment, the department
may charge the applicant a cleaning or damage deposit in an
amount determined by the regional manager or his designee.
Costs to return department property to its previous condition
following the special use shall be deducted from this deposit.
The regional manager or his designee shall determine whether
all, a portion or none of the deposit is refunded based on department costs to clean up or repair damage.
(D) For-Profit or Fund Raising Activities. Any person, entity, ororganization is prohibited from holding, sponsoring, leading, orotherwise conducting a recreational, educational, or other activity occurring wholly or partially within or on any department land
for the purpose of generating revenue or fund raising without
adequate compensation for the use of State resources. Applications for such events or activities are incomplete and will not
be processed unless Attachment C of Form 730 (incorporated
by reference in subsection 702) is complete and included withthe application. Unless an event is sponsored or co-sponsoredby the department, payment to the department of a guaranteed
minimum fee or percentage of the gross revenue of the event
shall be a condition of any Special Use Permit that authorizes
activities on department land that are intended to generate rev-

59

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSRESERVATIONS, ENTRY PERMITS, FEES, PASSES,AND SPECIAL USE PERMITS
enue or raise funds. The rate or amount of compensation shallbe specified in the draft Special Use Permit. The criteria used
to determine the rate or amount of compensation shall include,
without limitation:
1. the extent of the department land to be used;
2. the duration, size and scope of the event;3. the anticipated impact on department resources and facilities;
4. prevailing fees for comparable facilities in the locality;
5. amount and type of permittee’s equipment and materials to
be used on the department land;
6. the number of people, vehicles, bicycles, and/or domestic
animals on the department land because of the special use;
7. the amount of gross revenue the permittee expects to generate from the event;8. the cost of services or time required of or by the department;
9. whether the applicant is a non- profit organization with taxexempt status under section 501(c), Subtitle A of the U.S.
Internal Revenue Code; and10. any other considerations as appropriate.
(5) Terms and Conditions of Special Use Permits.
(A) To protect human health and safety, natural or cultural
resources, or department facilities, the regional manager or his
designee may impose special conditions in addition to the standard terms and conditions included in the Permit Application forSpecial Use of Department Lands as specified in Section 702.
The department must provide notice of any special conditions
as part of the notification of approval referenced in subsection
550.5(d)(3)(B) of these regulations.
(6) Acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of Special Use
Permits and Payment of Fees.
(A) Type 1 or Type 2 Special Use Permit. The notification of
approval for a Type 1 or Type 2 Special Use Permit will include
a Special Use Permit signed by the wildlife area or ecologicalreserve manager and the regional manager or his designee.
The Special Use Permit will include an attachment titled: Attachment B: Applicant Acceptance of Terms, Conditions andCosts as specified in Section 702. The Special Use Permit is
not valid unless the permittee accepts the terms and conditionsof the Special Use Permit by signing and submitting the signed
original of Attachment B and the full payment of any additionalcosts or deposits indicated on the permit to the appropriate
regional office at least five calendar days before the beginningof the event or activity. The permittee should make and keep a
copy of the signed Attachment B with the Special Use Permit.
Conducting a special use event or activity without a valid permit
is a violation of subsections 550(c)(2)(A) and 550.5(d)(8) of
these regulations.
(B) Type 3 Special Use Permit. The notification of approval for a
Type 3 Special Use Permit will include a draft permit (not valid).
The draft Special Use Permit will include an attachment titled:
Attachment B: Applicant Acceptance of Terms, Conditions andCosts as specified in Section 702. In order to receive a final,

valid Special Use Permit, the applicant must accept the terms
and conditions of the Special Use Permit by signing Attachment
B, and sending the signed original draft permit and the full payment of any additional costs or deposits indicated on the permit
to the appropriate regional office at least ten calendar days
before the beginning of the event or activity. After the Special
Use Permit is signed by the wildlife area or ecological reserve
manager and the regional manager or his designee, it will bemailed back to the permittee as the valid permit. Conducting a
special use event or activity without a valid permit is a violation ofsubsections 550(c)(2)(A) and 550.5(d)(8) of these regulations.
(7) Valid Special Use Permit.
A valid Special Use Permit includes the completed application,
including the permit section of the form signed by the wildlife
area or ecological reserve manager and the regional manager
or his designee, and any and all attachments referenced in theSpecial Use Permit. In order for a Special Use Permit to bevalid, all costs that are required to be paid in advance, as indicated on the permit, must be paid-in-full by the permittee.
(8) Possession of Special Use Permit.
The permittee or their representative shall have the valid Special Use Permit in his immediate possession and on-site during
the special use and shall present it to any department employee upon request.
(9) Authorized Activities.
Only the activities or uses specifically authorized in the Special
Use Permit are permitted. Issuance of a Special Use Permit
does not grant visitors any right to conduct activities not covered by the Special Use Permit. Conducting activities or uses
not covered by the Special Use Permit shall result in revocationof the Special Use Permit, and may result in a citation and fine.
(10) Termination of Special Use Permit.
The regional manager or his designee may terminate any
Special Use Permit when the department deems terminationnecessary for human health and safety, protection of natural orcultural resources or department facilities. In addition, any Special Use Permit may be cancelled without notice in the event of
a disaster or unforeseen emergency.
(11) Revocation of Special Use Permit.
The regional manager or his designee may revoke a Special
Use Permit and deny future Special Use Permit applications forviolation of any rules or regulations of the department or conditions of a Special Use Permit.

602024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Additional Visitor Use Regulations on
Department Lands Designated as Wildlife
Areas (T14 CCR §551)(a) The areas listed in Section 551 have been designated by
the commission as wildlife areas. All wildlife areas are maintained for the primary purposes of developing a statewide program of ecological conservation, restoration, preservation, development and management of wildlife and wildlife habitat andhunting. A legal description of the boundaries of each wildlife
area is on file at the department’s headquarters, and may beobtained by contacting Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lands
Program, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. Visitor use is subject to the regulations below and in sections 550
and 550.5, as well as any other sections of Title 14, CCR, andthe Fish and Game Code that may apply. These regulations
are incorporated by reference into and become a condition ofentry and/or permits. Visitors are responsible for knowing andunderstanding these regulations prior to entry.

(b) Wildlife areas owned and operated by thedepartment

21. Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area (Merced County), including
the Upper Cottonwood and Lower Cottonwood management units (Type C);
22. Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area (Del Norte County) (TypeC);
23. Crocker Meadow Wildlife Area (Plumas County) (Type C);
24. Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area (Yuba County) (Type C);
25. Decker Island Wildlife Area (Solano County) (Type C);
26. Doyle Wildlife Area (Lassen County) (Type C);
27. Dutch Flat Wildlife Area (Modoc County) (Type C);
28. East Walker River Wildlife Area (Mono County) (Type C);
29. Eel River Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);
30. El Dorado Wildlife Area (El Dorado County), including theErvin Ranch Management Unit (Type C);
31. Elk Creek Wetlands Wildlife Area (Del Norte County) (Type C);
32. Elk River Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);
33. Fay Canyon Wildlife Area (Alpine County) (Type C);
34. Fay Slough Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);

1. Antelope Valley Wildlife Area (Sierra County) (Type C);

35. Feather River Wildlife Area (Sutter and Yuba counties),
including the Abbott Lake, Lake of the Woods, Marysville,
Morse Road, Nelson Slough, O’Connor Lakes, Shanghai
Bend, and Star Bend management units (Type C);

2. Ash Creek Wildlife Area (Lassen and Modoc counties) (Type B);

36. Fitzhugh Creek Wildlife Area (Modoc County) (Type C);

3. Bass Hill Wildlife Area (Lassen County), including the Egan
Management Unit (Type C);

37. Fremont Weir Wildlife Area (Sutter and Yolo counties) (Type C);

4. Battle Creek Wildlife Area (Shasta and Tehama counties)(Type C);

39. Grass Lake Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type C);(Types A, B and C as defined in Section 551(e)) are as follows:

5. Big Lagoon Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);
6. Big Sandy Wildlife Area (Monterey and San Luis Obispo
counties) (Type C);
7. Biscar Wildlife Area (Lassen County) (Type C);
8. Burcham and Wheeler Flats Wildlife Area (Mono County)(Type C);
9. Butte Valley Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type B);
10. Buttermilk Country Wildlife Area (Inyo County) (Type C);
11. Cache Creek Wildlife Area (Lake County), including theNorth Fork Cache Creek and Harley Gulch management
units (Type C);
12. Camp Cady Wildlife Area (San Bernardino County) (Type C);
13. Cantara/Ney Springs Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type C);
14. Cartago Wildlife Area (Inyo County) (Type C);
15. Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area (Napa County) (Type C);
16. Cinder Flats Wildlife Area (Shasta County) (Type C);
17. Clear Lake Wildlife Area (Lake County), including the Rodman Slough Unit (Type C);
18. Collins Eddy Wildlife Area (Sutter and Yolo counties) (Type C);

38. French Valley Wildlife Area (Riverside County) (Type C);
40. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (Butte and Sutter counties) (Type A);
41. Green Creek Wildlife Area (Mono County) (Type C);
42. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Solano County), including theCrescent (Type A), Crescent Family (Type A), Goodyear
Slough (Type B), Grey Goose (Type C), Grizzly Island(Type A), Island Slough (Type B), Joice Island (Type A),
West Family (Type B) management units;
43. Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area (Lassen and Sierra counties) (Type C);
44. Heenan Lake Wildlife Area (Alpine County) (Type C);
45. Hill Slough Wildlife Area (Solano County) (Type C);
46. Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (San Diego County) (Type C);
47. Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Lassen County) (Type B);
48. Hope Valley Wildlife Area (Alpine County) (Type C);
49. Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type C);
50. Imperial Wildlife Area (Imperial County), including the
Wister (Type A) and Finney-Ramer (Type C) management
units;
51. Indian Valley Wildlife Area (Lake County) (Type C);

19. Colusa Bypass Wildlife Area (Colusa County) (Type C);

52. Kelso Peak and Old Dad Mountains Wildlife Area (San Bernardino County) (Type C);

20. Coon Hollow Wildlife Area (Butte County) (Type C);

53. Kinsman Flat Wildlife Area (Madera County) (Type C);61

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
54. Knoxville Wildlife Area (Napa and Yolo counties) (Type C);
55. Laguna Wildlife Area (Sonoma County) (Type C);
56. Lake Earl Wildlife Area (Del Norte County) (Type C);
57. Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area (Fresno County)(Type C);
58. Los Banos Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type A);
59. Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area (Sacramento County)(Type C);
60. Mad River Slough Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);
61. Marble Mountains Wildlife Area (San Bernardino County)(Type C);
62. Mendota Wildlife Area (Fresno County) (Type A);
63. Merrill’s Landing Wildlife Area (Tehama County) (Type C);
64. Miner Slough Wildlife Area (Solano County) (Type C);
65. Monache Meadows Wildlife Area (Tulare County) (Type C);
66. Morro Bay Wildlife Area (San Luis Obispo County) (Type C);
67. Moss Landing Wildlife Area (Monterey County) (Type C);
68. Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area (Shasta andTehama counties) (Type C);
69. Mud Lake Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type C);
70. Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area (Solano, Napa, andSonoma counties), including the American Canyon, Dutchman Slough, Huichica Creek, Napa River, Ringstrom Bay,
Sonoma Creek, Tolay Creek, Wingo, Green Island, Southern Crossing, and White Slough management units;
71. North Grasslands Wildlife Area (Merced and Stanislaus
counties), including the China Island, Gadwall, and Salt
Slough management units (Type A);

87. San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area (San Luis Obispo County)(Type C);
88. San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type C);
89. San Pablo Bay Wildlife Area (Marin and Sonoma counties)(Type C);
90. Santa Rosa Wildlife Area (Riverside County) (Type C);
91. Shasta Valley Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type B);
92. Sheepy Ridge Wildlife Area (Siskiyou County) (Type C);
93. Silver Creek Wildlife Area (Lassen County) (Type C);
94. Slinkard-Little Antelope Wildlife Area (Mono County) (Type C);
95. Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area (Sierra County) (Type C);
96. South Spit Wildlife Area (Humboldt County) (Type C);
97. Spenceville Wildlife Area (Yuba and Nevada counties)(Type C);
98. Surprise Valley Wildlife Area (Modoc County) (Type C);
99. Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area (Sutter County) (Type C);100. Tehama Wildlife Area (Tehama County) (Type C);
101. Truckee River Wildlife Area (Nevada, Placer and Sierracounties), including the Boca, Canyon, Grey Creek Canyon, Polaris, and Union Ice and West River management
units (Type C);
102. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area (Butte and Glenn counties), including the Howard Slough, Little Dry Creek, andLlano Seco management units (Type A);
103. Volta Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type A);
104. Warner Valley Wildlife Area (Plumas County) (Type C);
105. Waukell Creek Wildlife Area (Del Norte County) (Type C);

72. O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type C);

106. West Hilmar Wildlife Area (Merced and Stanislaus counties) (Type C);

73. Oroville Wildlife Area (Butte County), including the Thermalito Afterbay Management Unit (Type C);

107. West Walker River Wildlife Area (Mono County) (Type C);

74. Petaluma Marsh Wildlife Area (Marin and Sonoma counties),
including the Black John Slough, Burdell, and Petaluma
River, Bahia, Day Island, Green Point, Novato Creek, Point
Sonoma, and Rush Creek management units (Type C);

108. Willow Creek Wildlife Area (Lassen County) (Type B); and109. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (Yolo County) (Type A).

75. Pickel Meadow Wildlife Area (Mono County) (Type C);
76. Pine Creek Wildlife Area (Modoc County) (Type C);
77. Point Edith Wildlife Area (Contra Costa County) (Type C);(c) Areas owned and operated by federal
agencies where public hunting opportunities areadministered by the department are listed in thissubsection.

78. Putah Creek Wildlife Area (Solano County) (Type C);

Additional regulations for the areas listed in this subsection are
in Section 552 of these regulations.

79. Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area (Napa County) (Type C);

1. Baldwin Lake (San Bernardino County) (Type C);

80. Red Lake Wildlife Area (Alpine County) (Type C);
81. Rhode Island Wildlife Area (Contra Costa County) (Type C);
82. Round Valley Wildlife Area (Inyo and Mono counties) (Type C);
83. Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area (Yolo County) (Type C);
84. Sacramento River Wildlife Area (Butte, Colusa, Glenn, andTehama counties) (Type C);
85. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area (San Diego County) (Type C);
86. San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Riverside County), including theDavis Road Unit and the Potrero Unit (Type A);

2. Colusa National Wildlife Refuge (Colusa County) (Type A);
3. Delevan National Wildlife Refuge (Colusa County) (Type A);
4. Kern National Wildlife Refuge (Kern County) (Type A);
5. Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area (Sonoma County) (Type C);
6. Merced National Wildlife Refuge (Merced County) (Type A);
7. Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (Glenn and Colusa
counties) (Type A);
8. San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Merced County) (Type62

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREASA), including the San Luis, Kesterson, West Bear Creek,
Freitas, and Blue Goose Units;chased in advance and presented for an entry permit at the
wildlife area, per subsection 550.5(c) and Section 702 of theseregulations. Reservations are required for opening weekend
per subsection 550.5(a) of these regulations. Species open
for hunting include waterfowl, coots, moorhens, snipe, pheasant, and dove, unless otherwise specified in subsection 551(s).
Except as provided in subsection 551(p), shoot days are Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during waterfowl season
and daily during the September dove season only. All Type B
wildlife areas are closed to hunting on Christmas Day, except
as provided in subsection 551(o).

9. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (Imperial
County) ( Type A) (operated with the Imperial Wildlife Area);and10. Sutter National Wildlife Refuge (Sutter County) (Type A).

(d) Areas operated by the department incooperation with other state or federal agencies
are:
1. Clifton Court Forebay (Contra Costa County) (Type C);(3) “Type C” wildlife areas are defined as wildlife areas that,except as provided in subsections 551(q) and 551(t), are open
daily for hunting all legal species and do not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry.

2. Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area (Fresno County) (Type C);
3. O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type C);
4. Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area, area day use fee(Riverside County);
5. Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area (Napa County) (Type C);
6. Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, including the La
Barranca Unit, Blackberry Island Unit, Mooney Unit, Ohm
Unit, Flynn Unit, Heron Island Unit, and Rio Vista Unit (Tehama County); Pine Creek Unit, Dead Man’s Reach Unit,
North Llano Seco Island 1 & 2 Units, and Llano Seco Riparian Sanctuary Unit (Butte County); and McIntosh Landing
North and South Units, Capay Unit, Phelan Island Unit, Jacinto Unit, Ord Unit, Ord Bend Unit, South Ord Unit, Hartley
Island Unit, Sul Norte Unit, Codora Unit, Packer Unit, Afton
Unit, North Drumheller Slough Unit, and Drumheller Slough
Unit (Glenn County); Bogg’s Bend Unit (Colusa County)(Type C).

(4) For Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area, the fee to obtain an entry permit for hunting shall be the day-use fee determined by the California Department of Parks and Recreation(parks.ca.gov).

(f) Shooting Hours:(1) Water fowl: Except as provided in subsections 551(p) and551(q), waterfowl shooting hours on all wildlife areas shall befrom one half-hour before sunrise to sunset (pursuant to Section 506 of these regulations).

(A) Additional regulations for the Sacramento River National
Wildlife Refuge are in Section 552 of these regulations.

(2) Other Species: Except as provided in subsections 551(p),551(q), and 551(s), species other than waterfowl may be taken
where authorized only during the legal shooting hours for thetaking of each species as specified in sections 250.5, 310,
310.5, 352, and 474 of these regulations.

7. San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area (Merced and Santa Claracounties) (Type C); and(g) Deferred Openings:

When the department considers such deferral desirable to protect
agricultural crops from waterfowl, it may defer opening a wildlife
area to visitor access until, in the opinion of the department, thedanger of crop damage in the immediate region is abated.

8. Volta Wildlife Area (Merced County) (Type A), US Bureau of
Reclamation(e) Types of Wildlife Areas:(1) “Type A” wildlife areas are defined as wildlife areas whichhave restricted hunter access during waterfowl season, and require a hunting pass to be purchased in advance and exchanged
for an entry permit at the wildlife area, per subsections 550.5(c)and 702(b) of these regulations. Reservations are available persubsection 550.5(a) of these regulations during waterfowl season. Species open for hunting are waterfowl, coots, moorhens,snipe, pheasant, and dove, unless otherwise specified in subsection 551(s). Except as provided in subsection 551(p) and Section
552 of these regulations, shoot days are Saturdays, Sundays,
and Wednesdays during waterfowl season, youth waterfowl huntdays authorized in Section 502 of these regulations, and daily
during the September dove season only. All Type A wildlife areas
are closed to hunting on Christmas Day.
(2) “Type B” wildlife areas are defined as wildlife areas whichhave restricted hunter access during waterfowl season andrequire a Type A or Type B season hunting pass to be pur-(h) Assigned Hunting Zones:

In order to assure proper hunter dispersal and promote safety,
the department may subdivide the open hunting portion of any
wildlife area into zones, assign hunters to zones and/or designate where hunters shall park.
NOTE: The remainder of Section 551 includes regulations forwildlife areas organized by type of public use. To see the same
regulations organized by wildlife area, go to: wildlife.ca.gov/
Lands/Regulations.

632024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS(i) Wildlife Areas Authorized for Dog Training and/or Dog Trials:
Dog training and/or dog trials are authorized as specified below. Dog trials require a Special Use Permit. Site-specific dog training
and/ or trial prohibitions are identified in subsection 551(o). General rules regarding the use of dogs for hunting, training or trials
are located in subsection 550(n) of these regulations.
Area

Dog Training

Dog Trials(1) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Allowed with written authorization fromthe area manager.

Allowed.

(2) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Allowed on the area but prohibited fromMarch 1 through June 30, August 1
through the end of the tule elk season in
September, and October 1 through theend of waterfowl season.

Allowed on the area but prohibited fromMarch 1 through June 30, August 1
through the end of the tule elk season in
September, and October 1 through theend of waterfowl season.

(3) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portionof the area from September 1 throughFebruary. Only male ring-necked pheasants, male bobwhite quail, either sex
feral pigeons, and male mallard ducks
may be used for dog training purposes.
Release or possession of female ringnecked pheasant, female bobwhite quail,female mallard, or any other bird species
is prohibited. It is unlawful to release orpossess a male mallard duck without atleast one wing clipped.

Not authorized.

(4) Imperial Wildlife Area

Allowed with written authorization fromthe area manager.

Allowed only in designated areas on the
Finney-Ramer Unit.

(5) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area Prohibited.

Allowed.

(6) Los Banos Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portionof the area from the end of waterfowl
season to March 31 and July 1 throughSeptember 15.

Allowed only in the designated portionof the area from the end of waterfowl
season to March 31.

(7) Mendota Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portionof the area from the end of waterfowl
season to March 31.

Allowed.

(8) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from July 1 through September
30 and from the end of waterfowl season
to the last day in February.

Not authorized.

(9) North Grasslands Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portionof the area from the end of waterfowl
season to March 31 and July 1 throughSeptember 15.

Allowed only in the designated area fromthe end of waterfowl season to March 31.

(10) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Allowed from October 1 through June 15. Allowed from October 1 through June 15.

(11) Oroville Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from July 1 through March 15.

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from July 1 through March 15.

(12) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from September 1 through theend of February.

Not authorized.

(13) San Jacinto Wildlife Area

Allowed only on the Davis Road Unit andrequires written authorization from thearea manager.

Allowed only on the Davis Road Unit.

64

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Dog Training

Dog Trials(14) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from July 1 through March 15.

Allowed only in the designated portion of
the area from July 1 through March 15.

(15) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Allowed with written authorization fromthe area manager.

Not authorized.

(j) Bicycles

Except for their use on roads or levees for transportation between parking lots and hunting areas during the waterfowl season on
Type A or B wildlife areas, or as provided in this subsection, the use of bicycles by visitors is prohibited on wildlife areas (also see
subsection 550(bb) of these regulations). Except where posted as allowed, electric bicycles are prohibited on all wildlife areas andecological reserves per subsection 555(c)(4).
Area

Bicycles(1) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only on roads open to vehicles.

(2) Cache Creek Wildlife Area

Allowed only on the Harley Gulch Unit from the third Saturday in April through thethird Saturday in November.

(3) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails and roads from May 10 through September 15.

(4) El Dorado Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails and roads. No organized events and group size
Closedshould not exceed
8 bicycles.

(5) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails or routes.

(6) Honey Lake Wildlife Area

Allowed only on roads open to vehicles.

(7) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area

Allowed only on the designated Bay Trail (designated trail and road) on the Green
Island Unit, and the posted public access easement on the Southern Crossing Unit.

(8) Oroville Wildlife Area

Allowed only on roads open to vehicles.

(9) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails or routes.

(10) San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Potrero Unit)

Allowed only on designated trails.

(11) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only on roads open to vehicles.

(12) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails and roads.

(13) Tehama Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails and roads.

(14) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Allowed only from one week after the end of waterfowl season until two weeks prior
to opening of waterfowl season.

(15) Willow Creek Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails and roads.

(16) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Allowed only in designated areas.

(k) Off-Highway Vehicles:

Except as provided in this subsection, off-highway vehicles are prohibited on wildlife areas.
(1) Eel River Wildlife Area. Off-highway vehicles are allowed only for commercially licensed anglers who are utilizing the waveslope for fishing access.
(A) Within the Ocean Ranch Unit, motorized vehicles are only permitted on the sand road and within designated parking areas.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the wave-slope during snowy plover nesting season March 1 through September 15 without
written permission from the department. Off-leash dogs are prohibited on the wave-slope and/or in signed exclusion zones within
the Ocean Ranch Unit during the snowy plover nesting season March 1 through September 15.
(2) South Spit Wildlife Area. Off-highway vehicles are allowed only on the west side of South Jetty on designated access corridors
and wave-slope.
(3) Tehama Wildlife Area. Off-highway vehicles are allowed only on roads open to vehicles.

(l) Wildlife Areas with Boat and/or Horse and Pack Stock Restrictions:

Per subsections 550(z) and 550(o), the use of boats or horses is allowed on wildlife areas except as restricted in this subsection.
See subsection 550(z) of these regulations for additional regulations about the use of boats.

65

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Boats

Horses and Pack Stock(1) Battle Creek Wildlife Area

Prohibited.

(2) Big Lagoon Wildlife Area

Speed restricted to 5 mph for motorized
vessels.

(3) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Prohibited from March 1 through September 1. Motors are prohibited.

(4) Cache Creek Wildlife Area

Allowed only on the Harley Gulch Unit
from the third Saturday in April throughthe third Saturday in November.

(5) Clifton Court Forebay

No gas-powered motors; electric trollingtype motors may be used.

(6) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area.

Prohibited.

(7) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails May 10
through September 15.

(8) El Dorado Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails androads. No organized events and groupsize shall not exceed 8 horses.
Horse trailer parking is permitted within
the designated parking area when space
is available.

Closed(9) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
(10) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Allowed only on the east side from July 1
through August 31.
The use of boats is prohibited on all man- Allowed only during department-authoagement units, except the Grey Goose
rized dog trials.
Unit and the portion of the Goodyear
Slough Unit to the south of Lake Herman
Road and east of the eastern-most railroad tracks. Access to those two areas
is by boat only. There is no foot access.
Launching of boats at the Montezuma
Slough unit for access to Montezuma
Slough is allowed. Boats less than eightfeet in length may be used to transport
decoys and/or blind materials.

(11) Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area
(12) Heenan Lake Wildlife Area

Prohibited.
Prohibited except during controlled entry
fishing events (see subsection 551(y)).

(13) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails orroutes. Horse trailers are permitted within
the designated parking area if space isavailable.

(14) Imperial Wildlife Area (Finney-Ramer Required for waterfowl hunting. Only
Unit)
non-motor driven boats or boats withelectric motors may be used.
(15) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

Only hand-portable boats that are nonmotorized or use an electric motor areallowed.

(16) Laguna Wildlife Area

Prohibited.

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Boats

Horses and Pack Stock(17) Lake Earl Wildlife Area

Only non-motorized boats or boats withelectric motors may be used during waterfowl season.
Recreational boarding activities, including
but not limited to windsurfing, sailboarding, paddle boarding, and kiteboarding,are prohibited year-round.

(18) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife
Area

Only non-motorized boats or boats withelectric motors may be used.

(19) Los Banos Wildlife Area
(20) Mendota Wildlife Area

Allowed only during department- authorized dog trials.
Prohibited.

Boats with motors allowed in Mendota Pool Prohibited.
year-round subject to 5 mph speed limit.
During waterfowl season, only nonmotorized boats allowed in flooded fields
outside of Mendota Pool.

(21) Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife
Area

Prohibited.

(22) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife
Area

Prohibited.

(23) North Grasslands Wildlife Area

No boat trailer parking within wildlife area Prohibited.
parking lots.

(24) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Allowed only during department- authorized dog trials.

(25) Oroville Wildlife Area

Motorized boats are subject to 5 mph
speed limit except on the southern
portion of the Thermalito Afterbay Unit
(those portions of the water surface southof Highway 162), where motorized boat
speeds may exceed 5 mph.

Allowed only on roads open to vehicles
or within 25 feet of the exterior boundary
fences. Horse drawn carriages are only
allowed on roads open to vehicles.

(26) Perris Reservoir State Recreation
Area

Only motorized boats may be used.

.

(27) Petaluma Marsh Wildlife Area
(28) Sacramento River Wildlife Area

Prohibited.
Boat-in Only Access Units: Colusa South, Prohibited.
Colusa North, Moulton South, Moulton
North, Stegeman, Princeton South, Beehive Bend, Oxbow, Jacinto, Ord Bend,
Shannon Slough, Pine Creek North, Wilson Landing, Dicus Slough, and Merrills
Landing. Walk-In or Boat-In Access Units:
Princeton Southeast, Princeton East,
Princeton North, Site 21, Pine Creek
West, Pine Creek East.

(29) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails orroutes.

(30) San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area

Prohibited.

67

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Boats

Horses and Pack Stock(31) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Only non-motorized boats or boats withelectric motors are allowed on Bass
Lake.
Motorized boats are allowed on Trout
Lake from October 1 to January 31.
Non-motorized boats or boats withelectric motors are allowed on Trout Lakefrom the last Saturday in April throughSeptember 30 on Saturdays, Sundays,
and Wednesdays only.

(32) South Spit Wildlife Area

Allowed only on west side of South Jetty
Road.

(33) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Allowed only on designated trails androads.

(34) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Prohibited.

(35) Volta Wildlife Area (US Bureau of
Reclamation Lands)

Boat trailers allowed beyond the checking station only to launch boats. Vehicles
may be driven past Parking Lot 1 tolaunch boats.

(36) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

No boats or flotation devices allowed.

Prohibited.

(m) Wildlife Areas with Camping
Camp Trailers and Motorhomes as a Designated Use: Unless permitted in this subsection, camping and the use of camp trailers
and motorhomes are prohibited on wildlife areas. For additional rules about camping on department lands, see subsection 550(p)of these regulations.
Area

Camping(1) Antelope Valley Wildlife Area

No motorhomes or camp trailers permitted. Camping allowed only from May 1
through October 31.

(2) Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Allowed.

(3) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed.

(4) Cache Creek Wildlife Area

No motorhomes or camp trailers permitted. No camping within 1/4 mile of designatedparking areas.

(5) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the Upper Cottonwood Creek Unit parking lot.

(6) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

No tent camping. Overnight parking with camp trailers allowed only in designatedparking lots.

(6) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Allowed only during waterfowl season. Camp trailers or motorhomes may be placedin the designated camp trailer area no sooner than one week before the openingof waterfowl season and must be removed from the wildlife area no later than one
week after the end of the regular waterfowl season. All campers, defined as a shellor shelter made to be mounted on a pickup truck must remain attached to a registered vehicle when on the area. All camp trailers and motorhomes must be registered at the checking station within one week of placement.

(7) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Not allowed except with prior written authorization from the area manager during thetule elk season.

(8) Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Flemingand Dakin Units)

Allowed.

(9) Hope Valley Wildlife Area

Backpack camping allowed east of Highway 89 only.

(10) Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area

Allowed.

68

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
AreaCamping(11) Imperial Wildlife Area (Finney-Ramer Allowed only in designated area at Finney Lake.
Unit)(12) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

Allowed only in designated area. Campers must obtain an entry permit pursuant tosubsection 551(w)(3). No unattached trailers or tents allowed in the checking station
parking lot.

(13) Indian Valley Wildlife Area

Camping allowed, but camp trailers and motorhomes are prohibited.

(14) Knoxville Wildlife Area

Primitive camping is allowed beyond 1/4 mile from Berryessa- Knoxville Road.

(15) Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area

Allowed only in Army Corps of Engineers-designated campgrounds.

(16) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife
Area

Allowed only in parking lot, except during authorized dog trials when participants
must adhere to conditions of Special Use Permit issued per subsection 550(n)(2) ofthese regulations.

(17) Los Banos Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the main office parking area, and only during waterfowl season.

(18) Mendota Wildlife Area

Allowed only in checking station parking lot, and only during waterfowl season.

(19) North Grasslands Wildlife Area

Allowed only in checking station parking lot, and only during waterfowl season.

(20) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Allowed only in parking lot, except during authorized dog trials when participants
must adhere to conditions of Special Use Permit issued per subsection 550(n)(2) ofthese regulations.

(21) Oroville Wildlife Area

Allowed only in designated camping sites by permit issued from the Oroville CHP
office at (530) 538-2700.

(22) San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the parking lot and no more than 30 vehicles are allowed without aSpecial Use Permit (see subsection 550(d) of these regulations).

(23) San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area

Allowed only in parking lot.

(24) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only in checking station parking lot.

(25) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Allowed in designated campsites from September 1 through the end of spring turkey
season.

(26) Surprise Valley Wildlife Area

Allowed only in south parking area, except from April 1 through August 15 when
camping is prohibited.

(27) Tehama Wildlife Area

Allowed.

(28) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Allowed only in the checking station parking lots on the night before a shoot day during the waterfowl season.

(29) Volta Wildlife Area (U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation Lands)

Allowed only in checking station parking lot.

(n) Additional Fire Restrictions on Wildlife Areas:

The fire restrictions included below are in addition to the regulations regarding fire on department lands included in subsection
550(q) of these regulations.
1. Clifton Court Forebay. Fires are prohibited except for the use of portable gas stoves.
2. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. Fires are prohibited except for the use of portable gas stoves in designated parking areas and sites.
3. Hope Valley Wildlife Area. Fires are prohibited except for the use of portable gas stoves.
4. Knoxville Wildlife Area. Fires are prohibited except for the use of portable gas stoves.
5. Oroville Wildlife Area. Fires are prohibited except for the use of portable gas stoves within designated campsites.
6. Spenceville Wildlife Area. Fires are prohibited except for portable gas stoves within designated campsites.

(o) Designated Closures and Restrictions on Wildlife Areas:

Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm as provided in subsection 550(cc)(1) of theseregulations.
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(1) Antelope Valley Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting from February 1 through June 30.

692024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(2) Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season,
except for access to angling from Bassett Road through September 30. During thewaterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use
with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.

(3) Baldwin Lake Wildlife Area

A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field.

(4) Battle Creek Wildlife Area

No hunting or possession of firearms or archery equipment. Dog training and trials
are prohibited.

(5) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Closed to boating and water-related activity from March 1 through September 1.

(6) Cache Creek Wildlife Area

The use of dogs for wild pig hunting is prohibited.

(7) Clifton Court Forebay

No hunting from shore. No hunting within 150 yards of the water control grates or
public fishing areas/pier.

(8) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting after the last Sunday in January to the opening of Zone A archerydeer season. Dog training and trials are prohibited. The use of dogs for wild pig hunting is prohibited.

(9) Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area

No hunting or possession of firearms or archery equipment.

(10) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through June 30 except for the spring turkey season
when only turkeys may be hunted. Closed to all visitor entry during the first nine daysof the spring turkey season except for special turkey permit holders.
The Black Swan area of the Yuba Narrows Unit is closed to hunting.

(11) Eel River Wildlife Area

Portions of the area are closed to vehicle entry from March 1 through September 15.
Cannibal Island Unit is closed to all visitor use from the Monday following the end ofyouth hunting day (subsection 502(e)(1)(B)(5) of these regulations) through April 1.
No dogs off leash on the wave-slope and/or in signed exclusion zones within the
Ocean Ranch Unit during the snowy plover nesting season March 1 through September 15.

(12) Elk Creek Wetlands Wildlife Area

No hunting or possession of firearms or archery equipment.

(13) Elk River Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from the Monday following the end of youth hunting day(subsection 502(e)(1)(B)(5) of these regulations) through April 1.

(14) Fay Slough Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from the Monday following the end of youth hunting day(subsection 502(e)(1)(B)(5) of these regulations) through April 1.
Entry to the wildlife area is only from the designated parking area, located off Highway 101. Boating access is prohibited.
No dogs allowed except with hunters during the designated hunting season.
Hunting from designated ponds only.

(15) Feather River Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through June 30 except for the spring turkey season
when only turkeys may be hunted. The Shanghai Bend Unit is closed to hunting. No
person shall enter that portion of the O’Connor Lakes Management Unit marked as
closed to entry from March 1 through June 30.

(16) Fremont Weir Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through June 30 except for the spring turkey season
when only turkeys may be hunted.

(17) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season
through one week after end of waterfowl season except those areas designated forwildlife viewing purposes. The west side of the area is closed to falconry. Dove hunting allowed only in designated areas. Pheasant and quail hunting only allowed during the pheasant opening weekend and subsequent waterfowl shoot days occurring
during the general pheasant season.

702024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(18) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area
(Goodyear Slough, Island Slough, West
Family and Grey Goose units)

A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field during waterfowl season. Closed to all public use from the end of waterfowl season to September
30. Access to the Grey Goose Unit and the Goodyear Slough Unit to the south ofLake Herman Road and east of the eastern most railroad tracks is by boat only. The
Island Slough Unit is open to hunting on Christmas Day when Christmas falls on a
Saturday, Sunday, or Wednesday.

(19) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Joice
Island Unit)

Closed to public use except when permits are issued for waterfowl hunting, special
wild pig hunts, and during the special season open to fishing from mid-May to midAugust (contact area headquarters for details).
Joice Island Unit is open to waterfowl hunting on Sundays only, starting on the first
Sunday in December for the remainder of the waterfowl season, by permit only.

(20) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Grizzly
Island Unit)

Dogs are prohibited from March 1 to June 30, all of August, and during the tule elk hunting season in September. Dogs may be used to assist in the take of game which is inseason, authorized by area regulations and in portions of the area open to such take.
Dogs are otherwise prohibited during October and through the end of waterfowl season.
Closed to uses other than hunting from the last Monday in July to the end of the Grizzly
Island tule elk season and from October 1 through the end of waterfowl season.

(21) Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from February 1 through June 30. Ranch house area closed
to all visitor use. Dogs are prohibited except for hunting.

(22) Hill Slough Wildlife Area

No hunting or possession of firearms or archery equipment.

(23) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Hunting is allowed in designated areas only. Closed to hunting February 1 throughAugust 31, except for crow hunting, which is allowed after January 31 until the endof the crow season in designated area(s) only.

(24) Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Flemingand Dakin Units)

Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season.
During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.

(25) Hope Valley Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting from February 1 until the opening of archery deer season.

(26) Imperial Wildlife Area (Finney-Ramer A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field during waterUnit)
fowl season. Waterfowl hunting allowed only from boats and islands. Closed to hunting from February 1 through June 30.
(27) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

Closed to all non-hunting public uses from one week before the opening of waterfowl
season through the end of waterfowl season, except for designated wildlife viewing
sites and designated fishing areas.

(28) Laguna Wildlife Area

The Timber Hill, Blucher Creek, and Cooper Road units are closed to hunting. Only
the wetland portions of the Occidental Road Unit associated with the Laguna deSanta Rosa are open to hunting, and hunting is allowed only when the Laguna deSanta Rosa is navigable and the wetlands are accessible by boat. Foot or terrestrial
access to the Occidental Road Unit is prohibited because there is no visitor right-ofway. Dogs are prohibited from March 2 through June 30.

(29) Lake Earl Wildlife Area

No dogs off leash on the wave-slope and/or in signed exclusion zones during thesnowy plover nesting season March 1 through September 15.

(30) Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting except through special drawings. The portion of the area posted
as “Critical Habitat” is closed to all visitor use and entry from February 1 throughAugust 1. Dogs are prohibited.

(31) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area The use of dogs for wild pig hunting is prohibited.

712024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(32) Los Banos Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from September 15 until the opening of waterfowl season.
Closed to non-hunting uses during the waterfowl season on Saturdays, Sundays,
and Wednesdays. A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in
the field during waterfowl season, except on days when only upland game may betaken, and on special “youth only” waterfowl hunt days when there shall be no restrictions on the number of shot shells taken into the field. Dogs are prohibited in theinterpretive viewing area.
Closed to deer hunting except with a department-issued entry permit. Deer may betaken with shotgun and slug only (see subsection 353(d)).

(33) Mad River Slough Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from the Monday following the end of youth hunting days
(subsection 502(e)(1)(B)(5) of these regulations) through April 1. Dogs are prohibited
except for hunting.

(34) Mendota Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season
except for the designated tour route and fishing site. Closed to non-hunting uses
during the waterfowl season.

(35) Morro Bay Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting from the day after the end of waterfowl season until the opening dayof brant season. A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field.

(36) Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting on New Year’s Day. The Salt Ponds are closed to hunting.

(37) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife
Area

The following units are closed to all hunting, firearms and archery use: The White
Slough Unit, the Green Island Unit, the Southern Crossing Unit and the portion of theAmerican Canyon Unit south of the PG&E lines. Dogs are prohibited from March 2
through June 30.

(38) North Grasslands Wildlife Area

A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field during waterfowl season, except on days when only upland game may be taken and on special“youth only” waterfowl hunt days when there shall be no restrictions on the numberof shot shells taken into the field.
Closed to deer hunting except with a department-issued entry permit. Deer may betaken with shotgun and slug only (see subsection 353(d)).

(39) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor use the day of and day after designated special apprenticepheasant hunts except for special apprentice pheasant hunt permit holders.
Closed to deer hunting except with a department-issued entry permit. Deer may betaken with shotgun and slug only (see subsection 353(d)).

(40) Oroville Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31 except during the spring turkey season when only turkeys may be hunted through a special drawing. Dogs are prohibited from March 2 through June 30.

(41) Perris Reservoir State Recreation
Area

Shore hunting for waterfowl, coots, and moorhens is prohibited.
Upland game may be taken only in designated areas. Fishing is permitted in thedesignated waterfowl hunting area only on non-shoot days.

(42) Petaluma Marsh Wildlife Area

The Bahia, Day Island, Green Point, Novato Creek, Point Sonoma, and Rush Creek
units are closed to hunting, firearms, and archery use. Dogs are prohibited on allunits from March 2 through June 30.

(43) Putah Creek Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 until the opening weekend of Zone A deer archeryseason which is defined in Section 360 of these regulations.

(44) Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting from the day after spring turkey season closes to the opening ofarchery deer season.

(45) Red Lake Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31 except during archery deer season.

(46) Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31.

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(47) Sacramento River Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31 except during the spring turkey season when only turkeys may be hunted and during archery deer season when only
deer may be hunted.
Boat-in Only Access Units: Colusa South, Colusa North, Moulton South, Moulton
North, Stegeman, Princeton South, Beehive Bend, Oxbow, Jacinto, Ord Bend, Shannon Slough, Pine Creek North, Wilson Landing, Dicus Slough, Merrills Landing.

(48) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31 except during the spring turkey
season when only turkeys may be hunted. D-16 general deer zone tags may not be
used west of Highway S-2.

(49) San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Davis
Road Unit)

Upland game (doves, pheasants, quail, snipe, and rabbits) may be taken only in designated areas. A self-issued permit, acquired on-site, is required to enter the uplandgame hunting area.

(50) San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Potrero Unit)

Only upland game birds and resident small game within designated areas may betaken, unless otherwise restricted or limited within the unit.

(51) San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area

Closed to all visitor uses except for the shooting area/range.

(52) San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area

The use of dogs for wild pig hunting is prohibited. Motor vehicles are allowed in theparking lot only.

(53) Santa Rosa Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting on the portion of the area that lies within Fish and Game Refuge
4D (see Fish and Game Code Section 10837).

(54) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Only individuals possessing a Type A or Type B season pass and their guests (nonhunting guests or junior hunters) may enter the wildlife area on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the waterfowl season.

(55) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Closed to hunting February 1 through August 31 except during the spring turkey
season when only turkeys may be hunted.
Closed to all visitor entry during the first nine days of the spring turkey season except for special turkey permit holders. The posted area around the Spenceville Mineis closed to visitor entry.

(56) Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area

Those portions of the east and west levees of the area adjacent to the Sutter National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are closed to hunting. The west levee of the area isclosed to hunting from the northern boundary of the SNWR south to Oswald/HughesRoad. The east levee of the area is closed to hunting from the northern boundary of
the SNWR south to the SNWR checking station parking lot. The remaining portionof the east levee from the SNWR parking lot south to the southern boundary of the
SNWR is closed to hunting pursuant to Section 625 of these regulations.

(57) Tehama Wildlife Area

The portion of the area south of Antelope Creek is closed to all visitor use and entry
from the first Monday in December through the last Friday in March. The use of dogs
for wild pig hunting is prohibited.

(58) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season throughone week after the end of waterfowl season. Dogs are prohibited except for hunting.

(59) Volta Wildlife Area (U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation Lands)

Closed to all visitor uses from August 15 until the opening of waterfowl season
except that fishing in the Volta Wasteway Channel is allowed. Fishing is restricted to
the Volta Wasteway Channel for a distance of one mile downstream from the Ingomar Grade from September 15 until the end of waterfowl season.
Closed to non-hunting uses during the waterfowl season. A hunter shall not possess
more than 25 shot shells while in the field during waterfowl season, except on days
when only upland game may be taken and on special “youth only” waterfowl hunt days
when there shall be no restrictions on the number of shot shells taken into the field.

(60) Willow Creek Wildlife Area

Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season.
During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(61) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season
through one week after the end of waterfowl season except those areas designated
for wildlife viewing purposes. Pheasant hunting is prohibited in assigned blind areas.

(p) Type A or Type B Wildlife Areas with Shoot Day or Shooting Hours Restrictions During theWaterfowl Season:
Area

Description of Restriction(1) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Sundays during pheasant season. Dove may
be taken daily during the September dove season, and only on waterfowl hunt days
during the late dove season.

(2) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Joice
Island Unit)

Open to waterfowl hunting Sundays only, starting on the first Sunday in December forthe remainder of the waterfowl season by permit only, and for special drawing pig hunts.

(3) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

Pheasant, quail and rabbit hunting is allowed only on Mondays and Thursdays. Dove
may be taken daily during the September dove season. After the September doveseason, dove may be taken only on pheasant hunt days. Snipe may be taken only
on waterfowl and pheasant hunt days.

(4) Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting of waterfowl, coot, moorhen, and pheasant is allowed only on Saturdays
and Wednesdays. Pheasant hunting is only allowed during the pheasant season.
Snipe hunting is prohibited.

(5) Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting for waterfowl, coot, and moorhen is allowed only on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

(6) San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Davis Road Hunting for waterfowl, coot and moorhen is allowed only on Saturdays and WednesUnit)
days. Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Mondays during pheasant season. Allother upland game hunting is allowed only in designated areas from July 1 throughJanuary 31. A self-issued permit, acquired on-site, is required to enter the uplandgame hunting area.
(7) San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Potrero
Unit)

Unless otherwise restricted by the department, hunting is allowed daily only for upland game birds and resident small game in designated areas. A self-issued permit,
acquired on-site, is required to enter the designated hunting area.

(8) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Bear Creek Unit)

Entry permits must be returned to the checking station by 3:00 p.m. Hunting on theWest Bear Creek portion is prohibited until the third Saturday in November.

(9) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Sundays during the pheasant season. Quailand snipe may be taken only on waterfowl hunt days. Dove may be taken daily during the September dove season, and only on waterfowl hunt days during the latedove season.

(q) Type C Wildlife Areas with Shoot Day Restrictions and/or Special Drawing Requirements:

Unless identified with specific shoot days, seasonal closures or special drawing requirements below, or with closures identified insubsection 551(o), Type C wildlife areas are open daily. Information about special drawings is available at wildlife.ca.gov.
Area

Description of Restriction or Requirement(1) Baldwin Lake

Hunting is allowed only during waterfowl season and only on Saturdays andWednesdays. Hunting is allowed only from a boat. Special draw entry permits are
required for the first seven hunt days of waterfowl season.

(2) Clifton Court Forebay

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays and only during
waterfowl season. Self-registration is required.

(3) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for all visitor entry during the opening weekendof the Zone A general deer season. Self- registration required all other times of year.

(4) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for the first nine days of the spring turkey season.

(5) El Dorado Wildlife Area

Special draw entryClosed
permits are required for the first nine days of the spring turkey season.

742024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Restriction or Requirement(6) Fay Slough Wildlife Area

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays and only during
waterfowl season.

(7) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Gray
Goose Unit)

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays and only during
waterfowl season.

(8) Imperial Wildlife Area (Finney Ramer
Unit)

A daily entry permit and self-registration are required. Entry permits are available atself-registration booths at Finney and Ramer lakes on a first-come, first-served basis.

(9) Knoxville Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for all visitor entry during the first week of
the A-Zone deer season.

(10) Laguna Wildlife Area (Occidental
Road Unit)

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays and only during
waterfowl season.

(11) Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area

Hunting is only allowed during department-authorized special hunts for deer, turkey
and wild pigs. Deer hunting is only allowed with a J-1 or A-25 deer tag available
through the big game drawing.

(12) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area Self-registration is required on site.
(13) Morro Bay Wildlife Area

Shooting hours are from 7:00 a.m. until sunset.

(14) Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays and only during
waterfowl season. Closed to hunting on New Year’s Day.

(15) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife
Area

Hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during open season for authorized species except that dove and rabbits may be hunted daily during
the September dove season.

(16) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Closed to deer hunting except with a department-issued entry permit. Deer may betaken with shotgun and slog only (see subsection 353(d)).
Self-registration is required at the parking lot at all times except for junior pheasanthunts, the day following junior pheasant hunts, and deer hunts when entry is controlled through special drawings.

(17) Oroville Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for the spring turkey season.

(18) Perris Reservoir

Hunting for waterfowl is allowed until noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Hunting is allowed daily for upland game from the first Saturday after Labor Day throughJanuary 31.

(19) San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for all visitor entry during the opening weekend of the Zone A deer season. Self-registration is required at the parking lot on
Dinosaur Point Road at all other times of year.

(20) San Pablo Bay Wildlife Area

Blinds shall be available on a first come-first served basis.

(21) Spenceville Wildlife Area

Special draw entry permits are required for the first nine days of the spring turkey season.

(r) Firearm Restrictions on Type C Wildlife Areas:

The regulations in this subsection are in addition to the regulations regarding firearms in subsection 550(cc) of these regulations. The
restrictions in this subsection do not prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm as provided in subsection 550(cc)(1) ofthese regulations.
Area

Description of Restriction(1) Baldwin Lake

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(2) Bass Hill Wildlife Area

Only shotguns, archery equipment, or muzzle loaders may be used on the Egan
Management Unit.

(3) Battle Creek Wildlife Area

All firearms and archery equipment are prohibited.

(4) Big Sandy Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(5) Clifton Court Forebay

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(6) Collins Eddy Wildlife Area

Rifles, pistols, and archery equipment are prohibited.

(7) Colusa Bypass Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Restriction(8) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area
(Lower Cottonwood Creek Unit)

Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used. Only archery equipment may
be used from the start of the Zone A archery deer season until the start of Zone A
general deer season.

(9) Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area (Upper Cottonwood Creek Unit)

Firearms may be used or possessed only from the opening of the Zone A generaldeer season through the last Sunday in January. Only archery equipment may be
used from the start of the Zone A archery deer season until the start of the Zone A
general deer season.

(10) Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area

All firearms and archery equipment are prohibited.

(11) Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

During spring turkey season, only shotguns, archery equipment, and air rifles firing pellets of a minimum 0.177 caliber and powered by compressed air or gas may be used.

(12) Decker Island Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(13) Eel River Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(14) Elk Creek Wetlands Wildlife Area

All firearms and archery equipment are prohibited.

(15) Elk River Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(16) Fay Slough Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(17) Feather River Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(18) Fremont Weir Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(19) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Grey
Goose Unit)

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(20) Hill Slough Wildlife Area

All firearms and archery equipment are prohibited.

(21) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(22) Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area

During spring turkey season only shotguns and archery equipment may be used.

(23) Imperial Wildlife Area (Finney-Ramer Rifles and pistols are prohibited.
Unit)(24) Kinsman Flat Wildlife Area

During spring turkey season only shotguns and archery equipment may be used.

(25) Laguna Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(26) Lake Earl Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited. Possession of firearms or archery equipment for waterfowl hunting is permitted only during waterfowl season and only within the first 100
feet inland from the shoreline and on the water surface of Lake Earl and Lake Tolowa.

(27) Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area

Firearms are allowed only for special hunts.

(28) Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area Rifles and pistols are prohibited.
(29) Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(30) Mad River Slough Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(31) Miner Slough Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(32) Morro Bay Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(33) Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(34) Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(35) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife
Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited. All firearms and archery equipment are prohibitedon the White Slough Unit, the Southern Crossing Unit, the Green Island Unit and the
portion of the American Canyon Unit that is south of the PG&E lines.

(36) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited. Shotgun slugs are prohibited except for take of deer.

(37) Oroville Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited except at the portion of the area designated as ashooting range.

(38) Perris Reservoir

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Description of Restriction(39) Petaluma Marsh Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited. All firearms and archery equipment are prohibitedon the Bahia, Day Island, Green Point, Novato Creek, Point Sonoma, and Rush
Creek units.

(40) Point Edith Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(41) Rhode Island Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(42) Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area

Rifles, pistols, and archery equipment are prohibited. Buckshot and slugs are prohibited.

(43) Sacramento River Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(44) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited in designated areas.

(45) San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(46) San Pablo Bay Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(47) Santa Rosa Wildlife Area

All firearms, archery equipment, air and gas guns, spear guns, and other propulsive
devices are prohibited on the portion of the area that lies within Fish and Game Refuge 4D (see Fish and Game Code Section 10837).

(48) South Spit Wildlife Area

Rifles, pistols, and archery equipment are prohibited.

(49) Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(50) Truckee River Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited. All firearms and archery equipment are prohibitedon the Boca, Polaris and West River units.

(51) West Hilmar Wildlife Area

Rifles and pistols are prohibited.

(s) Additional Hunter Opportunities on Type A and Type B Wildlife Areas:

Information about the special drawings and big game drawings referred to in this subsection is available at wildlife.ca.gov.
Area

Species

Hunt Requirements(1) Ash Creek Wildlife Area

Pronghorn antelope

Allowed only with an Apprentice Zone 5 - Big Valley
tag available through the big game drawing.

(2) Butte Valley Wildlife Area

Pronghorn antelope

Allowed only with an apprentice tag available
through the big game drawing.

(3) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Deer

Allowed only with a G-12 deer tag available throughthe big game drawing.

(4) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Quail and rabbit

Allowed only on waterfowl shoot days during thepheasant season.

(5) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

TurkeyAllowed only through a special drawing during thespring season.

(6) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Tule elk

Allowed only with an elk tag available through the
big game drawing. Methods of take for big gameare authorized per Section 353 of these regulations.

(7) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Crescentand Grizzly Island units)

RabbitAllowed daily in July and on waterfowl shoot days
during the pheasant season.

(8) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Wild pig

Allowed only with an entry permit obtained througha special drawing. Only shotguns with slugs andarchery equipment are authorized. Rifles and pistols
are prohibited.

(9) Honey Lake Wildlife Area

Quail and rabbit

Allowed only on waterfowl shoot days that occur
during the pheasant season.

(10) Imperial Wildlife Area

Quail

Allowed only on pheasant hunt days.

(11) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

RabbitAllowed daily during the rabbit season except during the waterfowl season, when rabbits may betaken only on pheasant hunt days.

772024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
AreaSpecies

Hunt Requirements(12) Imperial Wildlife Area(Wister Unit)

RaccoonAllowed daily from August 1 through one week before opening of waterfowl season.

(13) Los Banos Wildlife Area

Raccoon, rabbit, deer, andquail

Self-registration is required for raccoon and rabbit
hunting. Raccoon may not be taken during waterfowl season.
A department-issued entry permit is required to hunt
deer.
Eurasian collared dove hunting allowed duringmourning dove open season.
Snipe hunting allowed only on waterfowl shoot days
during the general waterfowl season.

(14) Mendota Wildlife Area

Raccoon, rabbit, crow, andquail

Self-registration is required.
Raccoon may not be taken during waterfowl season.
Eurasian collared dove hunting allowed duringmourning dove open season.
Snipe hunting allowed only on waterfowl shoot days
during the general waterfowl season.

(15) North Grasslands Wildlife Area

Raccoon, rabbit, deer, andquail

Self-registration required for raccoons and rabbits.
Raccoon may not be taken during waterfowl season.
Rabbit may be hunted daily from July 1 throughSeptember 15 and from the day after the end ofwaterfowl season until the end of the rabbit season.
During the waterfowl season, rabbit hunting is allowed only on waterfowl and pheasant hunt days.
A department-issued entry permit is required to hunt
deer.
Eurasian collared dove hunting allowed duringmourning dove open season.
Snipe hunting allowed only on waterfowl shoot days
during the general waterfowl season.

(16) Shasta Valley Wildlife Area

Quail

Self-register at area. Quail shoot days are limited towaterfowl shoot days only.

(17) Tehama Wildlife Area

Deer

During the G-1 deer season, only persons withdepartment issued entry permits may enter.

(18) Tehama Wildlife Area

See (t)(26)
for Tehama hunt Allowed
restrictions
Deer
only with a J-3 apprentice tag available
through the big game drawing(19) Tehama Wildlife Area

Wild Pigs

Allowed only with a tag obtained through a special
drawing. No dogs permitted.

(17) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area

Rabbit, turkey, and quail

Rabbit allowed only during the September doveseason, and on waterfowl hunt days during the latedove season.
Turkey allowed by draw during the spring turkey
season and during the fall turkey season concurrent
with the pheasant season.
Quail allowed during the general season concurrent
with pheasant season.

(18) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
(Little Dry Creek Unit)

Deer

Allowed only with a J-9 apprentice tag available
through the big game drawing(19) Volta Wildlife Area

RabbitAllowed except during waterfowl season. Self- registration required.

78

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS(t) Species Restrictions for Hunting on Type C Wildlife Areas:

Only the species listed for each of the wildlife areas in the table below may be hunted on those areas.
Area

Species(1) Baldwin Lake

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(2) Clifton Court Forebay

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(3) Collins Eddy Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, moorhen, and upland game only.

(4) Eel River Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coots, snipe, and pheasant only.

(5) Elk River Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and snipe only.

(6) Fay Slough Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and snipe only.

(7) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Grey
Goose Unit)

Waterfowl, snipe, coot, moorhen, and pheasant only on Saturdays, Sundays andWednesdays and only during open seasons.

(8) Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

Crow, coyote, upland game birds, and resident small game only.

(9) Laguna Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(10) Lake Earl Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, snipe, and moorhen only.

(11) Lake Sonoma Wildlife Area

Deer, wild pig, and turkey only. May require a permit from the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers.

(12) Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, moorhen, pheasant, dove, and rabbit only.

(13) Mad River Slough Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and snipe only.

(14) Miner Slough Wildlife Area

Waterfowl only.

(15) Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(16) Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coots, moorhen, snipe, rabbit, quail, pheasant, and dove only.

(17) O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, pheasant, quail, dove, rabbit, and crow only.
Closed to deer hunting except with a department-issued entry permit.

(18) Perris Reservoir

Waterfowl, coot, moorhen, dove, pheasant, quail, and rabbit only.

(19) Petaluma Marsh Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, moorhen, and rabbit only.

(20) Point Edith Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(21) Rhode Island Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(22) Sacramento Bypass Wildlife Area

All legal species except big game.

(23) San Pablo Bay Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and moorhen only.

(24) Santa Rosa Wildlife Area

Deer, rabbit, and quail only.

(25) South Spit Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, coot, and snipe only.

(26) Tehama Wildlife Area

All legal species, except:(A) During the G-1 deer season, only persons with a department-issued entry permit
and a G-1 deer tag may enter the wildlife area. Only deer and wild pig may be taken
during the G-1 deer season.
(B) During the J-3 deer season, deer may only be taken with a J-3 apprentice hunt
tag available through the big game drawing. All legal species, except wild pig, may
be taken during the J-3 deer season.
(C) Wild pig only during the G-1 deer season when only persons with a G-1 deer tag
and a department-issued entry permit may enter the wildlife area. No dogs permitted.

(26) West Hilmar Wildlife Area

Waterfowl, quail, dove, pheasant, and rabbit only.

792024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS(u) Type A Wildlife Areas Which Allow Archery
Equipment During Waterfowl per subsection
550(cc)(4):

Lands Pass or a valid hunting or fishing license on their person.
A Lands Pass must be purchased in advance. Information on
how to purchase a Lands Pass and exceptions to this requirement are provided in subsection 550.5(c).

(1) Los Banos Wildlife Area

NOTE: The wildlife areas without an asterisk require a lands
pass. The wildlife areas marked with an asterisk (*) and graytext do NOT require a Lands Pass at this time.

(v) Shooting Areas.

This subsection identifies wildlife areas, pursuant to subsection
550(cc) of these regulations, with designated shooting areas(i.e., ranges) and additional regulations for each designatedshooting area:(1) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm as provided in subsection 550(cc)(1) of these regulations.
(2) Oroville Wildlife Area
(A) All legal firearms and archery equipment may be possessedand discharged at the target practice area, which is open yearround. Only paper and clay targets may be used and must be
removed by the user when leaving the area.
(3) San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area
(A) No person shall enter the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area
except that portion of the area designated as a public shooting
facility under supervision of the authorized rangemaster or withwritten authorization from the department.
(B) No firearms or other propulsive devices of any kind may
be possessed or discharged except at the designated public
shooting facility under the direction and control of the authorized rangemaster.
(C) The public shooting facility is open Wednesday throughMonday, from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, except for the lighted ranges which are open fromone-half hour before sunrise until 10:00 p.m.
(D) Daily range fees are required and to be paid at the facility.
(E) Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed on
any part of the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area by any authorized
rangemaster, or by any person who discharges or attempts todischarge a firearm or propulsive device, or shoot an arrow.
(F) Full metal jacket bullets are not allowed.
(4) Spenceville Wildlife Area
(A) All legal firearms and archery equipment may be possessedand discharged at the target practice area, which is open yearround. Only paper and clay targets may be used and must be
removed by the user when leaving the area.

7. Ash Creek Wildlife Area
8. Bass Hill Wildlife Area
9. Battle Creek Wildlife Area
10. Butte Valley Wildlife Area
11. Cache Creek Wildlife Area*
12. Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area*
13. Eel River Wildlife Area*
14. Elk Creek Wetlands Wildlife Area*
15. Elk River Wildlife Area*
16. Fay Slough Wildlife Area*
17. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
18. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area*
19. Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
20. Honey Lake Wildlife Area*
21. Hope Valley Wildlife Area
22. Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area
23. Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister and Finney-Ramer units)*
24. Lake Earl Wildlife Area*
25. Los Banos Wildlife Area
26. Mad River Slough Wildlife Area*
27. Mendota Wildlife Area*
28. Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area
29. Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area (Green Island Unit)*
30. North Grasslands Wildlife Area*
31. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area
32. San Jacinto Wildlife Area
33. Shasta Valley Wildlife Area
34. South Spit Wildlife Area*
35. Tehama Wildlife Area*
36. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
37. Volta Wildlife Area
38. Willow Creek Wildlife Area
39. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area*(w) Wildlife Areas That Require a Daily or Annual
Lands Pass for Authorized Uses Other than
Hunting (Lands Pass):
Pursuant to subsection 550(c) and 550.5(c) of these regulations, it shall be unlawful for a visitor to enter any wildlife area,or portion thereof listed in this section, without carrying a valid

802024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS(x) Additional Waterfowl Reservation Regulations:
Area

Number of Hunters Per Reservation

Reservation Expires(1) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

Four persons, but not more than two
junior hunters or non-shooters.

One hour before shoot time.

(2) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

Four persons, but not more than two
junior hunters or non-shooters.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(3) Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(4) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each. Reservation
numbers are not used at Grizzly Island
to determine the order in which entry
permits are issued.

One hour before shoot time.

(5) Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Joice
Island Unit)

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each

One hour before shoot time.

(6) Imperial Wildlife Area (Wister Unit)

Six persons, but no more than four adults.
Blinds at the Union Tract and Hazard Unit
are limited to four individuals. Waterfowl
hunters must hunt from within 100 yardsof assigned blind sites.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(7) Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each but may notexceed capacity of spaced blinds.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(8) Los Banos Wildlife Area

Blinds - Two persons. Free roam - Twoadults; each adult hunter may bring up to
two junior hunters or two non-shooters or
one of each.

One hour before shoot time.

(9) Mendota Wildlife Area

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each.

One hour before shoot time.

(10) Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Two persons in the two-person blinds,
One and one-half hours before shoot time.
three persons in the three-person blinds(from 1 to 3 three-person blinds available).

(11) North Grasslands Wildlife Area
(China Island Unit)

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each. Check in at the
Kesterson Unit.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(12) North Grasslands Wildlife Area
(Gadwall Unit)

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each. Check in at theSalt Slough Unit.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(13) North Grasslands Wildlife Area (Salt
Slough Unit)

Free roam - two adults; each adult may
bring up to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each. Zone 13 - Four
blinds; up to four persons per blind. Field
50 - One disabled access blind; up to
three persons. One general blind - up to
three persons.

One hour before shoot time.

81

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSDEPARTMENT LANDS: WILDLIFE AREAS
Area

Number of Hunters Per Reservation

Reservation Expires(14) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Four persons, but not more than two
junior hunters or non-shooters.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(15) San Jacinto Wildlife Area

Two adults and two junior hunters.

3:00 a.m. or until last reservation is called.

(16) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Bear Creek Unit)

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each. For East Bear
Creek, three persons per reservation.
Check in at the Salt Slough Unit

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(17) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Blue Goose Unit)

Three persons in the three-person blinds. One and one-half hours before shoot time.
Two persons in the two-person blinds.

(18) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Freitas North Unit)

One boat with up to four people. Check in 3:00 a.m.
at Kesterson Unit.

(19) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Freitas South Unit)

One boat with up to four people. Check in 3:00 a.m.
at Salt Slough Unit.

(20) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(Kesterson Unit)

Three persons in the three-person blinds(16 blinds). Two persons in the twoperson blinds (15 blinds).

(21) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge(San Luis Unit)

Blinds - Two persons in the two person
One hour before shoot time.
blinds, three persons in the three person
blinds. Free roam - two adults; each adulthunter may bring up two junior hunters or
two non-shooters or one of each.

(22) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Four persons, but not more than two
junior hunters or non-shooters.

One hour before shoot time.

(23) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
(Howard Slough Unit)

Up to three persons.

One hour before shoot time.

(24) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
(Little Dry Creek Unit)

Up to three persons.

One hour before shoot time.

(25) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
(Llano Seco Unit)

Up to three persons.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(26) Volta Wildlife Area

Two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each.

One hour before shoot time.

(27) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Blinds - up to four hunters. Free roam two adults; each adult hunter may bringup to two junior hunters or two nonshooters or one of each.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

One and one-half hours before shoot time.

(y) Fishing Regulations on Wildlife Areas pursuant to subsections 550(c)(2)(C) and 550(h) of theseregulations:
The property-specific fishing regulations in this subsection are in addition to the general regulations regarding fishing and thehours of operation of department lands located in Section 550 of these regulations.

1. Clifton Court Forebay: Fishing from shore only. No wading into water. No fishing from boats.
2. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Montezuma Slough Unit): Fishing access along Montezuma Slough is open all year, no hour restrictions.
3. Heenan Lake Wildlife Area: Only boats propelled by oars or electric motors may be used.

822024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES: WILDLIFE AREAS
Public Use Regulations for National
Wildlife Refuges that are also Designatedas Wildlife Areas by the Commission (T14
CCR §552)(E) Camping is prohibited, except on the night before eachwaterfowl shoot day, when camping in a vehicle, motorhomeor trailer within the check station parking area is allowed. Tents
are prohibited. No person may build or maintain fires, except in
portable gas stoves.

NOTE: Please check the web page for each refuge and the signage on each refuge to be sure you have the most up-to-date
information on refuge regulations. The website for the National
Wildlife Refuges is: www.fws.gov/refuges(a)The power to control entry on the National Wildlife Refuges
that are also designated as wildlife areas in subsections 551(c)and (d) is at the discretion of the Director of the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service. The hunting programs for the“Type A”areas
listed below are administered by the department.
(1) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield. It shall be unlawful to possess a loaded firearm, defined
as a firearm with an unexpended shell in the firing chamber until hunters are in designated free roam or assigned pond areas.
(B) Hunt Days: Water fowl, coots, moorhens, and snipe: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during open seasons. Pheasant: First Monday of pheasant season and on waterfowl huntdays during the pheasant season. Turkey: Waterfowl hunt days
during the fall turkey season.
(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, moorhens, snipe, turkey, and pheasants.
(D) It shall be unlawful to retain an entry permit or remain on
the wildlife refuge later than one and one half hours after sunset, unless participating in overnight stay in accordance withsubsection (a)(1)(E).

(F) Bicycles: Allowed from May 15 through August 15 on thedesignated auto tour road.
(G) Special Restrictions: When hunting from assigned hunting
sites, it shall be unlawful to hunt outside the assigned pondboundary or to hunt from levee roads. Pheasant, turkey andsnipe hunting are not permitted in the assigned pond areawith the exception of pheasant hunting on the first Monday ofpheasant season.
(H) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from one hour before
sunrise to one hour after sunset, except for those participating
in authorized hunting and camping opportunities.
(I) Fishing: Prohibited.
(2) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
NOTE: On the second Saturday in December, all hunting sites
are reserved for junior hunters. Adult hunters may use the freeroam areas. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (530)934-2801 for additional information.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield. It shall be unlawful to possess a loaded firearm, defined
as a firearm with an unexpended shell in the firing chamber,
until hunters are in designated free roam or assigned pond/
spaced blind areas.
(B) Hunt Days: Water fowl, coots, moorhens, and snipe: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during open seasons. Pheas-

832024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES: WILDLIFE AREAS
ant: First Monday of pheasant season and on waterfowl huntdays during the pheasant season. Turkey: Waterfowl hunt days
during the fall turkey season.
(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, moorhens, snipe, turkey, and pheasants.

(F) Special Restrictions: Hunters must hunt from assigned
blinds, except to retrieve downed birds, place decoys, andtraveling to and from the parking area. Shooting from outside of
the blind is prohibited.
(G) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from one-half hour
before sunrise to one- half hour after sunset, except for thoseparticipating in authorized hunting opportunities.

(D) It shall be unlawful to retain an entry permit or remain on
the wildlife refuge later than one and one half hours after sunset, unless participating in overnight stay in accordance withsubsection (a)(2)(E).

(H) Fishing: Prohibited.
(5) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
NOTE: On the third Saturday in December, all hunting sites
are reserved for junior hunters. Adult hunters may use the freeroam areas. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at(E) Camping is prohibited, except on the night before eachwaterfowl shoot day, when camping in a vehicle, motorhomeor trailer within the check station parking area is allowed. Tents
are prohibited. No person may build or maintain fires, except in
portable gas stoves.

(530) 934-2801 for additional information.

(F) Special Restrictions: When assigned hunting sites, huntersshall hunt only within 100 feet of their assigned sites, except
to retrieve downed birds. Pheasant and snipe hunting are notpermitted in the assigned blind area except on the first Mondayof pheasant season.

(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield. It shall be unlawful to possess a loaded firearm, defined
as a firearm with an unexpended shell in the firing chamber,
until hunters are in designated free roam or assigned pond/
spaced blind areas.

(G) Fishing: Prohibited.

(B) Hunt Days: Water fowl, coots, moorhens, and snipe: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during open seasons. Pheasants: The first Monday of pheasant season and on waterfowl
hunt days during the pheasant season. Turkey: Waterfowl huntdays during the fall turkey season.

(3) Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield.
(B) Hunt Days: Waterfowl, coots, and moorhens: Saturdays andWednesdays during open seasons. Pheasant: Waterfowl huntdays during the regular pheasant season.
(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, moorhens, and pheasants.
(D) Special Restrictions: Hunters assigned to the spaced blind
unit must remain within 100 feet of the numbered steel post
(blind site) except when pursuing crippled birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the parking area. Pheasant hunting is only permitted in the free roam unit.

(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, moorhens, snipe, turkey, and pheasants.
(D) It shall be unlawful to retain an entry permit or remain on
the wildlife refuge later than one and one half hours after sunset, unless participating in overnight stay in accordance withsubsection (a)(5)(E).
(E) Camping is prohibited, except on the night before eachwaterfowl shoot day, when camping in a vehicle, motorhomeor trailer within the check station parking area is allowed. Tents
are prohibited. No person may build or maintain fires, except in
portable gas stoves.

(4) Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield.

(F) Bicycles: Allowed May 15 through August 15 on the designated auto tour road.

(B) Hunt Days: Saturdays and Wednesdays during waterfowl
season.
(C) Shooting Hours: Waterfowl shooting hours will be from onehalf hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon.

(G) Special Restrictions: When assigned hunting sites, huntersshall hunt only within 100 feet of their assigned sites, except
to retrieve downed birds. Pheasant, turkey and snipe hunting
are not permitted in the assigned blind area except on the firstMonday of pheasant season.

(D) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, andmoorhens.

(H) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from one hour before
sunrise to one hour after sunset, except for those participating
in authorized hunting and camping opportunities.

(E) Bicycles: Allowed.

(I) Fishing: Prohibited.

842024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES: WILDLIFE AREAS(6) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, Type C.
(A) Units: The refuge includes the La Barranca Unit, Blackberry Island Unit, Todd Island Unit, Mooney Unit, Ohm Unit,
Flynn Unit, Heron Island Unit, Rio Vista Unit, Foster Island Unit
(Tehama Co.); Pine Creek Unit, Dead Man’s Reach Unit, Llano
Seco Island 1 & 2 Units, and Llano Seco Riparian Sanctuary
Unit, (Butte Co.); and McIntosh Landing North and South Units,
Capay Unit, Phelan Island Unit, Jacinto Unit, North Ord Unit,
Ord Bend Unit, South Ord Unit, Hartley Island Unit, Sul Norte
Unit, Codora Unit, Packer Unit, Afton Unit, Drumheller North
Unit, Drumheller Slough Unit (Glenn Co.), and Bogg’s Bend
Unit (Colusa Co.).
(B) Area Firearm Restrictions:

Mobility-impaired hunters should contact the refuge manager
for allowed conveyances.
(F) Dogs: Dogs are prohibited for the take and pursuit of wild
pigs and deer.
(G) Camping: Camping is allowed only on gravel bars up to 7
days during a 30 day period. Individuals camping on the refugemust remain on the gravel bars from one and one half hours
after sunset to 2 hours before sunrise.
(H) Fires are prohibited except for portable gas stoves on
gravel bars.
(I) Falconry is prohibited.

1. Only shotguns and archery equipment are allowed. No rifles,
crossbows, air guns, paintball guns or pistols may be used orpossessed.
2. Target shooting is prohibited.
3. No firearms or archery equipment are allowed in areas
closed to hunting.
4. Firearms must be unloaded before transporting them between parking areas and hunting areas. “Unloaded” means thatno unexpended cartridge or shell is in the chamber of the firearm. This is in addition to the requirement in subsection 550(cc)of these regulations that requires firearms to be unloaded inparking lots, check-in stations and other facilities.

(J) Areas Open for Hunting In Accordance with State and Federal Regulations:
1. Units open to hunting of authorized species are: La Barranca, Todd Island, Mooney, Ohm, Heron Island, Flynn, Rio
Vista, Foster Island, Pine Creek, Capay, Phelan Island, Jacinto,
Dead Man’s Reach, South Ord, Llano Seco Island 1 & 2, Sul
Norte, Codora, Afton, Drumheller North, Drumheller Slough,and Bogg’s Bend.
2. The Mooney Unit is open to hunting for authorized species
except that waterfowl hunting is prohibited.

(C) Public Access:3. The Ohm Unit is closed to hunting except for the designatedarea in the northern portion of the unit where all authorized species except for waterfowl may be taken.

1. The following units are closed to public access: Ohm, McIntosh Landing North and South, North Ord, Llano Seco Riparian
Sanctuary, and Hartley Island.

4. The Codora Unit is open for hunting only for hunters holdinga junior hunting license who are accompanied by a non-hunting
adult and only on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. Access is allowed by boat only on the following units: La Barranca, Blackberry Island, Todd Island, Mooney, Flynn, Heron Island, Foster Island, Phelan Island, Jacinto, Dead Man’s Reach,
South Ord, Lano Seco Island 1 & 2, and Afton.

a. Waterfowl hunting is prohibited on the Codora Unit

3. Access is allowed on foot or by boat only on the following
units: Rio Vista, Pine Creek, Capay, Ord Bend, Sul Norte, Codora, Packer, Drumheller North, Drumheller Slough and Bogg’s
Bend.
a. On Packer and Drumheller North, only boats up to 14 feet inlength are allowed.
4. All units that are open to public hunting may only be accessed by boat, except for Sul Norte, Codora, Drumheller
North, Drumheller Slough, Capay and Bogg’s Bend, which may
be accessed only on foot or by boat.
(D) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from 2 hours before
sunrise to one and one half hours after sunset.
(E) Bicycles: Bicycles are allowed May 15 through August
15 on designated routes. Other conveyances are prohibited.

5. All other units are closed to hunting.
6. Hunting is prohibited within 50 feet of any landward boundary
adjacent to private property.
7. Hunting is allowed from August 15 to May 31.
(K) Authorized Species to be Hunted: (unless otherwise statedin subsection (J) or restricted in this subsection): goose, duck,coot, moorhen, dove, snipe, turkey, pheasant, quail, deer, andwild pig.
1. Wild Pigs may be hunted only from September 1 throughMarch 15.
(L) Commercial Guiding: Commercial guiding is prohibited.
(M) Personal Property: Permanent blinds, ladders and screw-infoot pegs are prohibited. All personal property, including tree
stands, decoys and boats must be removed by one and onehalf hours after sunset.

852024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES: WILDLIFE AREAS(7) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield.

(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, andmoorhens.
(D) Special Restrictions: Hunters in the Hazard Unit shallhunt only from within 100 feet of their assigned blind sites or
stakes, except to retrieve downed birds. Hunters in the Union
Tract shall hunt only from within their blinds, except to retrieve
downed birds.

(B) Hunt Days: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during
waterfowl season. Waterfowl hunting is prohibited on the West
Bear Creek Unit prior to the third Saturday in November. Hunting is allowed on the Freitas Unit 7 days per week; however, adepartment- issued permit is required on Saturdays, Sundays,
and Wednesdays.

(E) Blind Limitation: Not more than four individuals may occupy
a blind site.

(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, andmoorhens. Hunting for pheasants will be allowed with an entry
permit and only in a special zone on the Kesterson Unit on
the first Saturday and Sunday of pheasant season and in the
San Luis Unit free roam area on waterfowl shoot days for theduration of pheasant season. Pheasant hunting may also beallowed on the first Monday of pheasant season, but only within
the spaced blind area of the Kesterson Unit. Snipe hunting isallowed only within the San Luis Unit free roam area, and only
on waterfowl shoot days when the area is open to hunting by
adult license holders.
(D) Camping and Trailers: Prohibited on the San Luis, Blue
Goose, and the West Bear Creek Units.

1. Fishing from boats is permitted from April 1 to September 30.
2. Fishing from the bank is prohibited year round.
(9) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted. A
hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in thefield. It shall be unlawful to possess a loaded firearm, defined
as a firearm with an unexpended shell in the firing chamber, until hunters are in designated free roam or assigned pond areas.
(B) Hunt Days: Water fowl, coots, moorhens, and snipe: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during open seasons. Pheasant: Waterfowl hunt days during the pheasant season. Turkey:
Waterfowl hunt days during the fall turkey season.

(E) Bicycles: Allowed.
(F) Special Restrictions: Hunters in the Kesterson and Blue
Goose units must hunt from assigned blinds, except to retrieve
downed birds. Hunters in free roam areas are not restricted toblinds. Access to the Freitas units is by boat only after 2 a.m.,the unit and its parking lot is closed between the hours of 8
p.m. and 2 a.m. Maximum boat speed may not exceed 5 mph.
Inboard water thrust and air-thrust boats are prohibited. Construction of permanent blinds is prohibited. Cutting or breakingof woody vegetation is prohibited. All blinds and equipment
must be removed following each day’s hunt.

(C) Authorized Species to be Hunted: Waterfowl, coots, moorhens, snipe, and pheasants.
(D) It shall be unlawful to retain an entry permit or remain on
the wildlife refuge later than one and one half hours after sunset, unless participating in overnight stay in accordance withsubsection (a)(9)(E).

(G) Fishing:(E) Camping is prohibited, except on the night before eachwaterfowl shoot day, when camping in a vehicle, motorhomeor trailer within the check station parking area is allowed. Tents
are prohibited. No person may build or maintain fires, except in
portable gas stoves.

1. Fishing is permitted in designated areas.
2. Fish may only be taken by rod and reel.
(H) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from one-half hour
before sunrise to one- half hour after sunset, except for thoseparticipating in authorized hunting and camping opportunities.
(8) Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Type A.
(A) Area Firearms Restrictions: Only shotguns are permitted.
A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in
the field. Firearms must be unloaded when being transported
between parking areas and blind sites.
(B) Hunt days: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during
open seasons.

(F) Fishing:(F) Special Restrictions: When hunting from assigned hunting
sites, it shall be unlawful to hunt outside the assigned pondboundary or to hunt from levee roads. Pheasant, turkey, andsnipe hunting are not permitted in the assigned pond area.
(G) Day Use Hours: Day use hours are from one hour before
sunrise to one hour after sunset, except for those participating
in authorized hunting and camping opportunities.
(H) Fishing: Prohibited.

862024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
Additional Visitor Use Regulations
on Department Lands Designated as
Ecological Reserves (T14 CCR §630)

11. Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego County*;
12. Big Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Fresno County;
13. Blue Ridge Ecological Reserve, Tulare County;
14. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;(a) The areas listed in this section have been
designated by the commission as ecologicalreserves.

15. Bobelaine Ecological Reserve, Sutter County;
16. Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;

A legal description of the boundaries of each ecological reserve is on file at the department’s headquarters. All ecologicalreserves are maintained for the primary purpose of developing a statewide program for protection of rare, threatened, orendangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organisms, andspecialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types. Visitor uses are
dependent upon the provisions of applicable laws and upon adetermination by the commission that opening an area to such
visitor use is compatible with the purposes of the property.
Visitor use is subject to the regulations below, in sections 550
and 550.5 of these regulations, as well as any other commission regulations that may apply. These regulations are incorporated by reference into and become a condition of entry,
passes, and/ or permits. It is the responsibility of all visitors toknow and understand these regulations prior to entry. Ecological reserves that are marked with an asterisk (*) in subsection
630(b) are adjacent to or share sensitive marine environmentswith Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Marine Managed Areas(MMAs), and/or Special Closures that are defined in Section
632 of these regulations. The general regulations for MPAs,
MMAs, and Special Closures are in subsection 632(a) of theseregulations, and site-specific regulations for each area are in
subsection 632(b) of these regulations. The designated namesof the MPAs in subsection 632(b) of these regulations generally
correspond with the names of adjacent or overlapping ecological reserves. For example, Fagan Marsh Ecological Reserve
shares marine waters with the Fagan Marsh State Marine Parkand Moro Cojo Ecological Reserve is adjacent to the Moro Cojo
State Marine Reserve.

17. Boggs Lake Ecological Reserve, Lake County;(b) Ecological Reserves owned and operated by
the department:

35. Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

2. Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve, Alameda County*;

37. China Point Ecological Reserve, Siskiyou County;

18. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Orange County*;
19. Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, Santa Cruz County;
20. Boulder Creek/Rutherford Ranch Ecological Reserve, San
Diego County;
21. Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
22. Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego
County*;23. Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, Santa Barbara County;
24. Butler Slough Ecological Reserve, Tehama County;
25. Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, Butte County;
26. Butte Creek House Ecological Reserve, Butte County;
27. Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve, Kern County;
28. By-Day Creek Ecological Reserve, Mono County;
29. Calhoun Cut Ecological Reserve, Solano County;
30. Cambria Pines Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo
County;31. Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve, Santa ClaraCounty;32. Cañada de San Vicente Ecological Reserve, San Diego
County;33. Canebrake Ecological Reserve, Kern County;
34. Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
36. Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo County, including the American, Panorama, Elkhorn Plain, North
Chimineas, and South Chimineas Units;

1. Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego
County*;38. Chorro Creek Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo County;

3. Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve, Fresno County;

39. Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve,Ventura County

4. Allensworth Ecological Reserve, Kern and Tulare counties;
5. Apricum Hill Ecological Reserve, Amador County;

40. Clover Creek Ecological Reserve, Shasta County;

6. Atascadero Creek Marsh Ecological Reserve, Sonoma
County;41. Coachella Valley Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;
42. Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve, Orange County;

7. Bair Island Ecological Reserve, San Mateo County*;

43. Coldwater Canyon Ecological Reserve, Ventura County;

8. Bakersfield Cactus Ecological Reserve, Kern County;

44. Corral Hollow Ecological Reserve, San Joaquin County;

9. Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve, San Bernardino County;

45. Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve, Marin County*;

10. Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, Los Angeles County;

46. Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve, Sacramento County;

872024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
47. Crestridge Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
48. Dales Lake Ecological Reserve, Tehama County;
49. Deep Springs Lake Ecological Reserve, Inyo County;
50. Del Mar Mesa/Lopez Ridge Ecological Reserve, San Diego
County;51. Del Monte Dunes Ecological Reserve, Monterey County;

86. Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve, including the Bayview
and Pecho units, San Luis Obispo County;
87. Morro Rock Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo County;
88. Napa River Ecological Reserve, Napa County;
89. North Carrizo Ecological Reserve, San Luis Obispo
County;52. Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Alameda County;

90. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Butte County;

53. Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve (National Estuarine
Research Reserve), Monterey County*;

92. Offshore Rocks and Pinnacles, coastal counties;

91. Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

54. Estelle Mountain Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

93. Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;

55. Fagan Marsh Ecological Reserve, Napa County*;

94. Owl Creek Ecological Reserve, Humboldt County;

56. Fall River Mills Ecological Reserve, Shasta County;

95. Palo Verde Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

57. Fish Slough Ecological Reserve, Inyo and Mono counties;

96. Panoche Hills Ecological Reserve, Fresno County;

58. Fremont Valley Ecological Reserve, Kern County;

97. Peace Valley Ecological Reserve, Los Angeles County;

59. Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve, Santa Barbara County*;

98. Peninsular Ranges Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

60. Harrison Grade Ecological Reserve, Sonoma County;

99. Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve, Solano County;

61. Headwaters Forest Ecological Reserve, Humboldt County;

100. Phoenix Field Ecological Reserve, Sacramento County;

62. Hidden Palms Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

101. Pilgrim Creek Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;

63. Indian Joe Springs Ecological Reserve, Inyo County;

102. Pine Hill Ecological Reserve, including the Pine Hill andSalmon Falls units, El Dorado County;

64. Indian Wells Valley Ecological Reserve, Kern County;
65. Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve, Monterey County;
66. Kaweah Ecological Reserve, Tulare County;
67. Kerman Ecological Reserve, Fresno County;
68. King Clone Ecological Reserve, San Bernardino County;
69. Laguna Laurel Ecological Reserve, Orange County;
70. Lake Hodges Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
71. Lake Mathews Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;
72. Leek Springs Ecological Reserve, El Dorado County;
73. Liberty Island Ecological Reserve, Solano County;
74. Limestone Salamander Ecological Reserve, Mariposa
County;75. Little Butte Ecological Reserve, Mendocino County;
76. Little Red Mountain Ecological Reserve, Mendocino County;
77. Loch Lomond Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve, Lake County;
78. Lokern Ecological Reserve, Kern County;
79. Macklin Creek Ecological Reserve, Nevada County;
80. Magnesia Spring Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;
81. Marin Islands Ecological Reserve, Marin County*;
82. Mattole River Ecological Reserve, Mendocino County;
83. McGinty Mountain Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;

103. Piute Creek Ecological Reserve, San Bernardino County;
104. Plaisted Creek Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
105. Pleasant Valley Ecological Reserve, Fresno County;
106. Quail Hollow Ecological Reserve, Santa Cruz County;
107. Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve, Napa County;
108. Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve, including the Headquarters Unit, San Diego County;
109. Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve, San Mateo County;
110. River Springs Lakes Ecological Reserve, Mono County
111. Saline Valley Ecological Reserve, Inyo County;
112. San Antonio Valley Ecological Reserve, Santa Clara County;
113. San Bruno Mountain Ecological Reserve, San Mateo County;
114. San Diego River Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
115. San Dieguito Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego County*;
116. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego County*;
117. San Felipe Creek Ecological Reserve, Imperial County;
118. San Joaquin River Ecological Reserve, Fresno andMadera counties;
119. San Luis Rey River Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
120. Sands Meadow Ecological Reserve, Tuolumne County;

84. Meadowbrook Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;

121. Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander Ecological Reserve,
Santa Cruz County;

85. Moro Cojo Ecological Reserve, Monterey County*;

122. Santa Margarita River Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;

882024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
123. Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve, including the Hall Road, Todd Road, Wikiup and Yuba Drive units,
Sonoma County;(2) Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve124. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, Riverside
County;(4) Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve*(3) Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve*(5) Canebrake Ecological Reserve125. Semitropic Ecological Reserve, Kern County;
126. Sky Valley Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;(6) Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve*127. Springville Ecological Reserve, Tulare County;(7) North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve128. Stone Corral Ecological Reserve, Tulare County;(8) San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve*129. Stone Ridge Ecological Reserve, Butte County;(9) Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve*130. Sycamore Canyon Ecological Reserve, Riverside County;(10) Woodbridge Ecological Reserve131. Sycuan Peak Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
132. Table Bluff Ecological Reserve, Humboldt County;
133. Tecopa Ecological Reserve, Inyo County
134. Theiller Sebastopol Meadowfoam Ecological Reserve,
Sonoma County;
135. Thomes Creek Ecological Reserve, Tehama County;
136. Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve, Marin County;
137. Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, Orange County*;
138. Vernalis Ecological Reserve, San Joaquin County;
139. Walker Canyon Ecological Reserve, San Diego County;
140. Watsonville Slough Ecological Reserve, Santa CruzCounty;141. West Mojave Desert Ecological Reserve, San Bernardino
County;142. Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, San Joaquin County; and143. Yorkville Ecological Reserve, Mendocino County.
NOTE: The remainder of Section 630 includes regulations for
ecological reserves organized by type of public use. To see thesame regulations organized by ecological reserve, go to: www.
wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Regulations.

(c) Ecological Reserves That Require a Daily or
Annual Lands Pass for Authorized Uses otherthan Hunting:Pursuant to subsection 550(c) and 550.5(c) of these regulations, it shall be unlawful for a visitor to enter any ecologicalreserve or portion thereof listed in this section without carrying
a valid Lands Pass or a valid hunting or fishing license on theirperson. A Lands Pass must be purchased in advance. Information on how to purchase a Lands Pass and exceptions to thisrequirement are provided in subsection 550.5(c).
NOTE: The Ecological Reserves requiring a Lands Pass do nothave an asterisk. Ecological Reserves marked with an asterisk(*) and in gray text do NOT require a Lands Pass at this time.
(1) Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve*892024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES(d) Ecological Reserves with Hunting as a Designated Public Use:

Unless listed and specified as allowed in the table below, hunting is prohibited on ecological reserves. Where hunting is allowed, it
shall be subject to all applicable general hunting regulations and the area-specific regulations set forth in this subsection.
Area

Hunting Descriptions(1) Allensworth Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(2) Bair Island Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl hunting only.

(3) Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl and upland game only. Waterfowl hunting shall be from boats only.

(4) Blue Ridge Ecological Reserve

Allowed only as part of department special hunting opportunities at such times andin the specific areas designated by the department.

(5) Boden Canyon Ecological Reserve

Allowed but only at such times and in the specific areas designated by thedepartment. Deer hunting restricted to archery only.

(6) Boulder Creek/Rutherford Ranch
Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(7) Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve

Allowed for upland game birds during department sponsored special hunt program
events. Shotgun and archery only.

(8) Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(9) By-Day Creek Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(10) Calhoun Cut Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl allowed only from a boat on the waters within the reserve that areaccessible only from Lindsey Slough. There are no launch sites on the reserve.

(11) Cañada de los Osos EcologicalReserve

Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in thespecific areas designated by the department.

(12) Cañada de San Vicente EcologicalReserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(13) Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(14) Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
Hunting of coyote and ground squirrel is prohibited on all units.

(15) China Point Ecological Reserve

Allowed from August 1 through February 14.

(16) Chorro Creek Ecological Reserve

Allowed for pig and turkey on the area south of Highway 1 by archery only during
regular season.

(17) Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
(18) Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
Shotguns and archery equipment only.

(19) Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
(20) Dales Lake Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl only.

(21) Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl allowed, but only at such times and in the specific areas designated by
the department.

(22) Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(23) Estelle Mountain Ecological Reserve Upland game only.
(24) Fish Slough Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(25) Indian Joe Springs Ecological Reserve Upland game only.
(26) Indian Wells Valley EcologicalReserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(27) Kaweah Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(28) Kerman Ecological Reserve

Allowed as part of department special hunting opportunities or at such times and in
the specific areas designated by the department. Only licensed hunters are allowed
to possess firearms. Shotguns only.

(29) Liberty Island Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

902024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
Area

Hunting Descriptions(30) Lokern Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(31) North Carrizo Ecological Reserve

Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in thespecific areas designated by the department.

(32) North Table Mountain EcologicalReserve

Deer and upland game allowed from the day after spring turkey season throughNovember 15.

(33) Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(34) Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve

Allowed in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management’s Wilderness Area
regulations (43 CFR 6300, Oct. 1, 2012).

(35) Palo Verde Ecological Reserve

Deer, rabbit, dove, quail, and waterfowl only and allowed only at such times and in
the specific areas designated by the department. Deer hunting is by archery only.
Rabbit, dove, quail, and waterfowl hunting is by shotgun only.

(36) Panoche Hills Ecological Reserve

Allowed from July 1 through January 31.

(37) Peace Valley Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(38) Peninsular Ranges Ecological Reserve

Upland game only.

(39) Piute Creek Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(40) Pleasant Valley Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(41) Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve

Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in thespecific areas designated by the department.

(42) Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at the times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(43) River Springs Lakes EcologicalReserve

Allowed.

(44) Saline Valley Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(45) San Antonio Valley EcologicalReserve

Allowed, but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in
the specific areas designated by the department.

(46) San Felipe Creek EcologicalReserve

Allowed.

(47) Sky Valley Ecological Reserve

Upland game only.

(48) Stone Corral Ecological Reserve

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
Shotguns only. Hunting of ground squirrels is prohibited.

(45) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve

Waterfowl only.

(46) Vernalis Ecological Reserve

Upland game only and only on the Vernalis Unit at such times and in the specificareas designated by the department.

(47) Walker Canyon Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

(48) West Mojave Desert Ecological Reserve Allowed from July 1 through January 31.

(e) Fishing Restrictions and Additional Regulations on Ecological Reserves Pursuant to Subsection
550(h) of These Regulations:

Except as otherwise provided in the table below, fishing for non-commercial purposes is allowed in ecological reserves but is limited to angling from shore. Fishing for commercial purposes is prohibited on ecological reserves.
The terms “Prohibited” and “Allowed” in this table refer to whether fishing is prohibited or allowed on the subject ecological reserve.
Area

Fishing Descriptions(1) Agua Hedionda Lagoon EcologicalReserve

Prohibited.

(2) Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

(3) Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Prohibited except from designated areas on the shore of the Ballona Creek flood
control channel or from a boat within the channel. Barbless hooks only.

912024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
Area

Fishing Descriptions(4) Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve Allowed in designated areas only.
(5) Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Allowed in designated areas only.

(6) Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Prohibited except at designated fishing areas.

(7) Butte Creek Canyon EcologicalReserve

Prohibited except by hand-carried boats or flotation devices in the main channel of
Butte Creek from February 1 through April 30.

(8) By-Day Creek Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

(9) Calhoun Cut Ecological Reserve

Prohibited except from a boat within the main channel of Calhoun Cut accessible
only from Lindsey Slough. There are no launching sites on the reserve.

(10) Cañada de los Osos EcologicalReserve

Prohibited except for special opportunities offered in specific areas at times designated by the department.

(11) Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Allowed only in specific areas designated by the department.

(12) China Point Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats and the shore.

(13) Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve Allowed only from a boat in the main channel of the Cosumnes River and sloughs
accessible from the Mokelumne River.
(14) Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats and the shore, but only at such times and in the specific areas
designated by the department.

(15) Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve

Allowed only from specific areas designated by the department and as provided insubsection 632(b) of these regulations for the marine waters shared with the Elkhorn
Slough State Marine Conservation Area. Fishing is prohibited in the Elkhorn Slough
State Marine Reserve (subsection 632(b) of these regulations).

(16) Fagan Marsh Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats only. Fishing from shore prohibited.

(17) Fish Slough Ecological Reserve

Prohibited within the 20-acre fenced and posted plot of land encompassing two
spring areas and an artificial impoundment of 5.6 acres located in the northwest corner of the area known as “Fish Slough,” northern Inyo and southern Mono counties.

(18) Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

(19) Leek Springs Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

(20) Liberty Island Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats and from shore.

(21) Morro Rock Ecological Reserve

Allowed but visitors may only enter upon that portion of Morro Rock between the low
tide mark and a point ten feet in elevation above the mean high tide mark.

(22) Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

(23) Palo Verde Ecological Reserve

Allowed at night.

(24) Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats only. Fishing from shore prohibited.

(25) Redwood Shores EcologicalReserve

Allowed from boats only. Fishing from shore prohibited. Only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched and operated.

(26) San Dieguito Lagoon EcologicalReserve

Fishing allowed in designated areas only.

(27) San Joaquin River EcologicalReserve

Allowed from boats and the shore at times and in places designated by the department. Only lightweight, hand carried, non-gasoline powered boats or other floating
devices are permitted, and they may only be launched from designated launchingsites.

(28) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats and the shore. Only lightweight, hand-carried boats may belaunched and operated.

(29) Upper Newport Bay EcologicalReserve

Allowed from boats and in designated shore areas and as provided in subsection
632(b) of these regulations for marine waters shared with the Upper Newport Bay
State Marine Conservation Area. Clamming and wading are prohibited.

(30) Vernalis Ecological Reserve

Allowed from boats and from shore.

922024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES(f) Swimming and/or Boating:Unless listed and specified in the columns below, swimming and boating are prohibited on ecological reserves, per subsections
550(z)(2) and 550(z)(3) of these regulations.
Area

Swimming

Boating(1) Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed only for waterfowl hunting.

(2) Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed only within the Ballona Creek
flood control channel.

(3) Cañada de los Oros EcologicalReserve

Prohibited except when allowed as partof special hunting or fishing opportunities
in specific areas at times designated by
the department.

Prohibited except as part of special
fishing opportunities in specific areas
at times designated by the department.
Only lightweight hand-carried boats or
floating devices allowed. Gasoline-powered boats are prohibited.

(4) China Point Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Boats may be launched and operated in
the Klamath River.

(5) Corte Madera Marsh EcologicalReserve

Prohibited.

Allowed but only lightweight hand-carriedboats may be launched and operated
within the reserve.

(6) Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed but only lightweight, handcarried, non-gasoline powered boats orother floating devices are permitted, andthey may only be launched from designated launching sites.

(7) Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
Visitors may launch and use motorizedboats for waterfowl hunting only on designated Eden Landing waterfowl hunt days.
Non-motorized boats may be launched
and used all other days of the year.

(8) Fagan Marsh Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

Allowed but only lightweight, non-motorized boats may be launched and operated within the reserve.

(9) Liberty Island Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed.

(10) Napa River Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

Prohibited.

(11) Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

Allowed but only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched and operated within the reserve.

(12) Redwood Shores EcologicalReserve

Prohibited.

Allowed. Boats must be launched fromoutside of the reserve.

(13) San Joaquin River EcologicalReserve

Prohibited.

Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.

(14) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve

Allowed.

Allowed, but only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched and operated within the reserve.

(15) Upper Newport Bay EcologicalReserve

Allowed only in that area bayward from
North Star Beach to mid-channel.

Allowed in designated areas only andlimited to non-motorized craft.

(16) Vernalis Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed.

93

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES(g) Bicycles, Horses, Pack Stock, and/or Horseback Riding:

Except as listed and specified in the columns below, bicycles and other pedaled vehicles, horses, pack stock and horseback riding
are prohibited on ecological reserves, per subsections 550(bb) and 550(o) of these regulations. Except where posted as allowed,
electric bicycles are prohibited on all wildlife areas and ecological reserves per subsection 550(c)(4).
Area

Bicycle Description

Horse/Pack-Stock Description(1) Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Allowed only on the designated path on
the north side of the Ballona Creek flood
control channel.

Prohibited.

(2) Bakersfield Cactus EcologicalReserve

Allowed on established trails and areas
designated on the Hart Park Unit only.

Allowed on established trails and areas
designated on the Hart Park Unit only.

(3) Cañada de San Vicente EcologicalReserve

Prohibited

Allowed only on the trail from Holly Oaks
Park and the Luelf Pond OSP trail toSouthern Oak Road.

(4) Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Prohibited.

Allowed only on established trails in designated areas.

(5) Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve

Allow bicycle use on existing roadson the South Chimineas Unit between
December and September. Bicycle use
prohibited during elk season Octoberthrough November.

Allowed only on roads and designated trails on the American and South
Chimineas units.

(6) Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve

Allowed on designated trails only, excluding dates within 72 hours after any
weather event that produces 1/4 inch ofprecipitation in any 24 hour period, or
any such event that produces 1/2 inch ofprecipitation in any 72 hour period.

Allowed only on designated trails, excluding dates within 72 hours after any
weather event that produces 1/4 inch ofprecipitation in any 24 hour period, or
any such event that produces 1/2 inch ofprecipitation in any 72 hour period.

(7) Crestridge Ecological Reserve

May be allowed on designated roads
during designated seasons as determined by the department. Closures may
be implemented at the discretion of thedepartment.

Allowed only on designated trails.

(8) Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Allowed only on designated trails.

Allowed only on designated trails.

(9) Headwaters Forest EcologicalReserve

Allowed only on the northern 3.5 mile
designated corridor.

Prohibited.

(10) Magnesia Spring Ecological Reserve Year round access is allowed only on that
portion of the Mike Schuler Trail in thenortheast corner of Section 24, and theLower Mirage Trail where it enters Section 24 in the north and continues south
until the trail becomes the Herb Jeffries
Trail which continues south and then eastand exits the Ecological Reserve at theeastern border of Section 24. Access isalso allowed year round on the Hopalong
Cassidy Trail in the eastern portion of Section 35. Those portions of the Art Smith
Trail in Sections 35 and 27 are open from
October 1 through June 30 and closed
from July 1 through September 30.

Year round access is allowed only on that
portion of the Mike Schuler Trail in thenortheast corner of Section 24, and theLower Mirage Trail where it enters Section 24 in the north and continues south
until the trail becomes the Herb Jeffries
Trail which continues south and then eastand exits the Ecological Reserve at theeastern border of Section 24. Access isalso allowed year round on the Hopalong
Cassidy Trail in the eastern portion of Section 35. Those portions of the Art Smith
Trail in Sections 35 and 27 are open from
October 1 through June 30 and closed
from July 1 through September 30.

(11) Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve

Allowed on designated trails on the
Pecho Unit.
Prohibited on the Bayview Unit.

(12) Redwood Shores EcologicalReserve

Allowed only along the levee-top roadsystem.

94

Prohibited.

2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSECOLOGICAL RESERVES
Area

Bicycle Description

Horse/Pack-Stock Description(13) Upper Newport Bay EcologicalReserve

Allowed only on paved Back Bay Drive.

Allowed only on established trails in designated areas.

(14) Watsonville Slough EcologicalReserve

Allowed year-round on Lee Road Trail on
the Struve Slough Unit.

(h) Designated Closures and Restrictions on Ecological Reserves:

No visitor(s), other than those possessing written authorization from the Department, shall enter or access an ecological reserve
which is closed.
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(1) Apricum Hill Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(2) Bair Island Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access from February 15 through May 20.

(3) Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Pets, including dogs and cats, are prohibited. Unless the department determines that
restoration or other uses in the following areas is more appropriate, existing recreational uses may be allowed under license agreement with Playa Vista Little League
in that portion of Area C identified in the license agreement and existing parking
areas may be allowed under leases to the County of Los Angeles.

(4) Bobelaine Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(5) Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Pets are prohibited, except when they remain inside a motor vehicle. Visitors muststay on established trails, paths or other designated areas. The reserve is closed tovisitor access and use from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

(6) Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve

Motor vehicle use by visitors is prohibited.

(7) Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve

Motor vehicle use by visitors is prohibited.

(8) Butte Creek House Ecological Reserve Motor vehicle use by visitors is prohibited.
(9) Calhoun Cut Ecological Reserve

The land portions of the reserve are closed to all visitor use/ access. The navigable portionsof Calhoun Cut and associated sloughs are accessible only by boat from Lindsey Slough.

(10) Cañada de los Osos EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special opportunities as provided in subsections 630(d)(9) and 630(e)(9) of these regulations.

(11) Cañada de San Vicente EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for the trail from Holly Oaks Park and the
Luelf Pond OSP trail to Southern Oak Road and for special hunting opportunities asprovided in subsection 630(d) of these regulations.

(12) Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Pets are prohibited except for hunting dogs at such times and in the specific areas
designated by the department.

(13) Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access from January 1 through September 30. Pets areprohibited, except when they remain inside a motor vehicle.

(14) Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve(15) Coldwater Canyon EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for pedestrian use of the existing travel corridor through the reserve.

(16) Corral Hollow Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(17) Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve Pets are prohibited, except when they remain inside a motor vehicle.
(18) Del Mar Mesa/Lopez Ridge
Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(19) Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve

Pets are prohibited, except when they remain inside a motor vehicle. Visitors muststay on established trails, paths, or other designated areas. The Reserve is closed
to visitor access and use on Mondays and Tuesdays and all days from 5:00 p.m. to
9:00 a.m.

(20) Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve

Visitors must stay on established trails, paths or other designated areas.

(21) Headwaters Forest Ecological Reserve

Pets are prohibited except for dogs on a leash on the northern 3.5 mile designated corridor.

(22) Hidden Palms Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

952024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONS
Area

Description of Closure or Restriction(23) Indian Wells Valley EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special hunting opportunities as provided
in subsection 630(d) of these regulations.

(24) Lake Mathews Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(25) Leek Springs Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(26) Limestone Salamander EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(27) Macklin Creek Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(28) Magnesia Spring Ecological Reserve Year round access is allowed only on that portion of the Mike Schuler Trail in thenortheast corner of Section 24, and the Lower Mirage Trail where it enters Section
24 in the north and continues south until the trail becomes the Herb Jeffries Trail
which continues south and then east and exits the Ecological Reserve at the easternborder of Section 24. Access is also allowed year round on the Hopalong Cassidy
Trail in the eastern portion of Section 35. The Mirage Trail, located above the gate
and west of the intersection with the Herb Jefferies trail, is open only for pedestrianuse from May 1 through January 31, and is closed to all visitor use from February
1 through April 30. Those portions of the Art Smith Trail in Sections 35 and 27 areopen from October 1 through June 30 and closed from July 1 through September 30.
(29) Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve

Visitor access allowed only on designated trails during daylight hours.

(30) Morro Rock Ecological Reserve

Visitor access/use allowed only for that portion of Morro Rock between the low tidemark and a point ten (10) feet in elevation above the mean high tide mark.

(31) North Carrizo Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special opportunities as provided in subsection 630(d) of these regulations.

(32) Peace Valley Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special hunting opportunities as provided
in subsection 630(d) of these regulations.

(33) Phoenix Field Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(34) Pine Hill Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(35) Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special opportunities as provided in subsection 630(d)(33) of these regulations(36) San Dieguito Lagoon EcologicalReserve

The California least tern nesting island is closed to all visitor use/access.

(37) San Joaquin River EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for special opportunities as provided in subsection 630(e)(25) of these regulations.

(38) Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander
Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(39) Santa Margarita River EcologicalReserve

Closed to all visitor use/access(40) Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool
Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(41) Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Pets are prohibited. Smoking is prohibited, except inside a motor vehicle.

(42) Stone Ridge Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access.

(43) Table Bluff Ecological Reserve

The fenced western lily area is closed to all visitor use/access.

(44) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve

The land area of the reserve is closed to all visitor use/access from March 1 throughJune 30.

(45) Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Closed to all visitor use/access except for the viewing area.

(i) Ecological Reserves Authorized for Dog
Training:(1) Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve.
(A) Retriever training allowed in the designated area only, andonly with written authorization from the area manager.

(j) Shooting Areas:

Ecological Reserve, pursuant to subsection 550(cc) of theseregulations, with designated shooting area (i.e., range) and additional regulations:(1) Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve.
(A) Target shooting is allowed in designated areas only.

962024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSOTHER LAWS RELATED TO HUNTING
Safetyweapon capable of taking any bird.

It is always unlawful to:• Hunt while intoxicated (FGC 3001)•••

Shoot at any game bird or mammal from a powerboat,
sailboat, motor vehicle, or aircraft while under power or still
moving from use of sail or motor vehicle, or airplane (FGC
3002) except when the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or
sailboat has been shut off and its progress has ceased andthe vessel is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor orbeing propelled by paddle, oar, or pole. (CCR T14-251.(a)(1))
Shoot any firearm from or upon a public road or highway(PC 374(c)).

Discharging Firearms or Other Deadly
Weapons

It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person inpossession of the premises, or a person having the express
permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or otherdeadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwellinghouse, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a“safety zone.” (FGC 3004.(a))

Public Road or Way Open to the Public

Public road or way open to the public includes any roads or
established way open to public access, even if they are notpaved. (FGC 3004.(b))

Firearms

It is always unlawful to:• Fail to send a complete written report to the Department
within 48 hours after killing or wounding while hunting, any
human being, or domestic animal belonging to another, or
after witnessing such killing or wounding.
•

Use a shotgun larger than 10 gauge•

Use, for the taking of any game bird or game mammal, a
shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in themagazine and chamber combined•

Use or possess shotshells containing shot size larger thanNo. BB in lead or No. T in steel when hunting migratory
game birds•

Use shot that is not loose in the shell for taking resident
small game and migratory game birds•

Possess a machine gun, silencer, shotgun with barrel lessthan 18 inches in length, or rifle with barrel less than 16
inches in length

Parks and Refuges

It is unlawful to:• Hunt in some National Park or Monument, in State ofCalifornia Beaches and Parks or Monument areas, or in
any State Game Refuge, or to shoot into such an area any

Possess in any State Game Refuge any bird or mammal
or part thereof, or any weapon capable of taking any bird.
However, possession of fire- arms or bows and arrows by
persons traveling through game refuges on a public highway or other public thoroughfare or right of way is permitted
when the firearms are taken apart or encased and unloaded, and the bows are unstrung.

National Parks and Monuments have special regulations regarding the possession of weapons, game and the running of
hunting dogs. Check with federal officials before entering theseareas.

Respect for Property

It is always unlawful to cause damage to other’s real property
through carelessness or negligence while hunting.(FGC 2004.)

Trespassing

If the land you hunt on is not your own, it belongs to someone
else. Make sure you have a legal right to be there. Contact theowner or person who administers the property, and secure written permission to hunt. A hunting license does not entitle you
to enter private property. It is unlawful to enter any lands undercultivation or enclosed by a fence, belonging to, or occupied
by, another, or to enter any uncultivated or unenclosed lands,
including lands temporarily inundated by waters flowing outside the established banks of a river, stream, slough, or otherwaterway, where signs forbidding trespass or hunting, or both,are displayed at intervals not less than three to the mile along
all exterior boundaries and at all roads and trails entering thoselands, for the purpose of discharging any firearm or taking or
destroying any mammal or bird, including any waterfowl, on
those lands without having first obtained written permission
from the owner, or his or her agent, or the person in lawful possession of, those lands. Signs may be of any size and wordingthat will fairly advise persons about to enter the land that theuse of the land is so restricted. (FGC 2016.)

Hunting and ATVs
Rider Licensing

A driver’s license is not required for adult riders, but a personwith a suspended or revoked license may not operate any motor vehicle, including an ATV (VC 14601(a)). Riders under 18
years old must have completed an ATV safety course and havea certificate of completion in their possession while riding (VC
38503) or be supervised by an adult with an ATV safety certificate. Riders under 14 must also have direct supervision by an
adult (VC 38504). Parents of youth riders who permit them toride without a safety certificate may also be cited (VC 38504.1).
ATV safety courses may be obtained by calling ASI at 800-8872887, and motorcycle safety courses may be obtained throughthe Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Dirt Bike School at 877288-7093.

Vehicle Registration

All OHV’s that are transported on the highway or parked or
operated on public land must be registered through DMV (VC

972024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSOTHER LAWS RELATED TO HUNTING
38020). Vehicles may be issued either a “green sticker” or a“red sticker.” Red sticker vehicles may only be operated duringcertain times of the year in some locations (CCR T13-2412(f)).
Current Red Sticker riding seasons can be found on the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Divisionwebsite at ohv.parks.ca.gov. You will need to purchase a special“Non-Resident OHV Permit” if you are not a California resident
AND your off-highway vehicle or snowmobile is not registeredin your home state. For more information and to find out wherethese Non-Resident OHV Permits can be purchased and to
get more information on the program, please see the California
State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division(OHMVR Division) website at ohv.parks.ca.gov.

lished for motorcycles and motorized bicycles (VC 38505). No
operator of an all-terrain vehicle may carry a passenger when
operating on public lands, unless the ATV is designed to carrya passenger (VC 38506). It is also unlawful to ride in the bedof a pickup truck, unless the bed is equipped with seats andsafety belts (VC 21712). The speed limit is 15 mph for ATV’sand motorcycles when operated within 50 feet of a campground, campsite, or congregation of people or animals (VC
38305). ATV’s may not be ridden at any speed that is unsafe
for the conditions. It is illegal to operate an ATV in a wilderness
area (FGC 10740 or VC 38301.3) or any other closed area (VC
38301), or in a manner likely to cause damage to land, wildlife
habitat, or vegetation (VC 38319).

Equipment

Alcohol

OHV’s also must have a working muffler (VC 38365(a)) andbrake system (VC 38335(a)). A headlight and taillight are required for night time operation (VC 38335/38345).

Firearms

No person shall use, operate, or allow to be used or operated,
any off highway motor vehicle on any forest-covered land,brush-covered land, or grass- covered land unless the vehicle
is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order (VC 38335(a)).

Operation

The operator of an off-highway motor vehicle shall be able toreach and operate all controls necessary to safely operate thevehicle (VC 38304). No person shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle on public lands unlessthe person wears a safety helmet meeting requirements estab-

Laws concerning alcohol and ATV’s reflect alcohol laws forregular motor vehicles. The same standard for driving under the
influence of alcohol applies when riding an ATV (VC 23152).
Also, open containers of alcohol are not permitted on ATV’s andalcohol must be transported in a locked container (VC 23225(a)(3)).
It is illegal to possess a loaded firearm on an ATV while on a
public road or other way open to the public (FGC 2006). It is
illegal to shoot at game from an ATV (FGC 3002) or to shootfrom a public roadway (PC 374c).
Information about off-highway motor vehicle laws and riding
opportunities can be found online at ohv.parks.ca.gov or at 916324-4442.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) is an agreement between
48 states, which allows for the reciprocal recognition of hunting, fishing andtrapping license suspensions. If your license privileges have been suspended
by another state, the suspension may be recognized here in California.
For example, if your sport fishing, hunting or trapping privileges have beensuspended in Colorado for five years, your privileges may also be suspended
for five years in California or any of the states participating in the IWVC. The
purchase of licenses or tags during the term of the suspension is a violation of
the law and may result in prosecution.

982024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSSPECIAL CLOSURES
Humboldt Bay (FGC §3681)

and sloughs emptying into the bay.

This section applies the Humboldt Bay area on Mondays,
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. See game warden before
shooting on these days:

Fish and Game District 9 (FGC §11017)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 9: The waters
and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying southof a straight line running east from the center of apron at theapproach to the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay
to the east shore line of the bay, excluding all rivers, streams
and sloughs emptying into the bay. The following is a synopsis
of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory
game birds. Persons requiring more information should go tohttps://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting, where they willfind a complete version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law isdifferent from the following Federal law the hunter must comply
with the most restrictive law.

“In Districts 8 and 9, it is unlawful to take ducks orgeese in any manner below the incoming or outgoing tidewater’s edge or from any blind, boat, floating
device, island, islet, or exposed tidal flat except on
Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, holidays and theopening and closing days during the prescribed open
season except that the use of boats is permitted toretrieve crippled or dead birds.”
In addition, hunters should be aware that there is a special
waterfowl closure for south Humboldt Bay.

Fish and Game District 8 (FGC §11016)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 8: The waters
and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying north ofa straight line running east from the center of apron at the approach of the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay to theeast shore line of the bay including the entrance of Humboldt
Bay not included in District 7, and excluding all rivers, streams

Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a resultof treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory
birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the UnitedStates with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon(commonly called rock dove), European starling, Eurasiancollared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which areprotected by state laws).

OTHER PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers public hunting

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

on other national wildlife refuges including:

66600 Cibola Lake Road

Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges

Cibola, AZ 85328

4009 Hill Road, Tulelake, CA 96134

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge(530) 667-2231

12812 N. Wildlife Way

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Yuma, AZ 85365

1020 Ranch Road, Loleta, CA 95551(928) 783-3371(707) 733-5406

For additional information about National Wildlife Refuges,

Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
5364 County Road 115, Alturas, CA 96101

please go to:(530) 233-3572

http://www.fws.gov/refuges

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife

California State Parks allows hunting at the following

Refugesites:

1 Marshlands Road, Fremont, CA 94555

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

(510) 792-0222(For in-season waterfowl hunting only.)

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322

162 Hood-Franklin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95757(209) 826-1197(916) 775-4421

Picacho State Recreation Area

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
317 Mesquite Avenue

Located along the Colorado River in Imperial County about

Needles, CA 92363

20 miles north of Winterhaven(760) 326-3853(760) 996-2963

992024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY WATERFOWL HUNT AREAS

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY TYPE C AND OTHER PUBLIC HUNT AREAS

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2024-2025 WATERFOWL, UPLAND GAME, AND LANDS REGULATIONSNUTRIA:

Eating and destroying thewetlands needed by waterfowl
and other native species.
Invasive nutria also threaten California’s levees, flood
control, irrigation and other water infrastructure throughtheir extensive burrowing and rapid reproduction.

HOW HUNTERS CAN HELP:
Report nutria sightings, preferably accompanied by a photoor video and the animals’ location, to CDFW atinvasives@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 440-9530.

HOW TO DISTINGUISH NUTRIA:
Often confused with beaver and muskrat, nutria
have the following distinguishing characteristics:
•
•
•
•
•
•

MUSKRATWhite whiskers (in addition to white muzzle)
Round, rat-like tail
Dark black ears with golden-colored
fur below
Body length up to 2 feet
Weighs up to 25 pounds
Partially webbed hind feetwww.wildlife.ca.gov/nutria
102

NUTRIABEAVEROTTER