California is the epitome of duck hunting on the West Coast and the Pacific Flyway. I grew up duck hunting in California. One Christmas my brother and I were having so much fun hunting the Cresent Unit at Grizzly Island Wildlife Refuge that we didn’t get home until 8 pm on Christmas Eve. Mom was a little upset. Map to Grizzly Island.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, the Golden State offers numerous public hunting opportunities to bag your limit and experience the thrill of duck hunting. But with so many options, where do you begin?
I provide some rough hunting stats, but as you know, stats change day to day and year to year depending on the season and the weather. Also, pintail is listed at some refuges, but the pintail is in such trouble that by the time you read this we’ll no longer be able to hunt pintail in North America.
Buckle up, fellow duck hunters, as we dive into the 8 best public duck hunting spots in California:
1. Delevan National Wildlife Refuge (Colusa): Colusa is the Heart of the Pacific Flyway according to T. Edward Nickens of Ducks Unlimited. Delevan boasts a 50+% success rate and attracts over 200,000 ducks annually. Expect diverse species like mallards, pintails, teal, and shovelers. With 1,922 acres open to hunting, capacity is good, but reservations are recommended. Map to Colusa.
2. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (Gridley): The tagline says it all. “More than a million waterfowl can't be wrong... visit Gray Lodge!” This 9,000-acre haven boasts a 40% success rate and attracts a variety of ducks like mallards, pintails, teal, and geese. With managed marshes and flooded rice fields, it's a prime location. Reservations are crucial as capacity is limited, especially during peak season. Map to Gray Lodge
3. Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area (Sonoma): This 14,000-acre wetland complex offers unique saltwater ponds, tidal marshes, and diked lands. Access is primarily by boat, requiring extra planning, but rewards patient hunters with excellent opportunities for mallards, teal, and wigeon. Success rates vary by year but can reach 35%. Map to Sonoma Marshes.
4. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (Sacramento Valley): This massive 17,000-acre bypass provides diverse hunting opportunities with flooded fields, ponds, and sloughs. Expect mallards, pintails, teal, and geese, with a success rate around 30%. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as capacity can be strained. Also, it has been closed due to flooding at times so check the webpage before going. Map to Sacramento Valley
5. Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Lassen County): This 5,300-acre area caters to both upland and waterfowl hunting. Although the success rate hovers around 25%, its stunning natural beauty and diverse duck species like canvasbacks, redheads, and scaup attract avid hunters. Be prepared for colder temperatures and harsher terrain. It is also a little out of the way so there is a chance you won’t have to contend with as many hunters as the other hunt areas. Map to Honey Lake
6. Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area (Sacramento River Delta): Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is approximately 3,100 acres of riparian marshland with willows and cottonwoods at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Accessible only by boat, this offers pristine habitat for mallards, wigeon, pintails, and geese. Be aware of boat-only access and remember, success rates depend on water conditions and can fluctuate. It is pretty much right next to Grizzly Island where I hunted when I lived in California. Map to Lower Sherman.
7. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (South Bay): Spanning 13,000 acres, this refuge offers diked marshes, tidal sloughs, and managed ponds. Teal, wigeon, and mallards are common, with a success rate around 20%. However, limited access and high competition mean careful planning is essential. Map to Don Edwards.
8. San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Central Coast): This 12,400-acre refuge provides diverse habitats for ducks like mallards, widgeon, and teal. The success rate sits around 15%, but the unique coastal setting and stunning scenery elevate the experience. Be prepared for challenging terrain and limited access. Map to San Luis.
Important Note: While this list highlights some top spots, remember that hunting regulations and seasons change frequently. Always research current regulations, obtain necessary licenses and permits. For detailed information and updates, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/).
Beyond the Numbers: Hunting ducks is more than just statistics and bag limits. It's about immersing yourself in nature, observing waterfowl behavior, and experiencing the thrill of the chase. These public lands offer unique opportunities to connect with the environment, create lasting memories, and enjoy the camaraderie of the hunting community. So, grab your gear, plan your trip carefully and in detail, and head out for a California duck hunting adventure!
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