SCHAEFER RANCH pig hunt
Hunt dates: Coming soon!
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Bay Area
For: All hunters
Capacity: Two hunters
Restrictions: Must be in good physical condition
Schaefer Ranch is a conservation easement located in Dublin. The Ranch is teeming with wildlife and pigs are abundant. Hunts will be spot and stalk. Hunters should expect to walk 8-10 miles on uneven terrain. Hunters will be accompanied by CWA’s Hunt Program coordinator. This hunt is a rifle hunt but if you have a bow as well, it will open up an extra 200 acres to hunt.
Capacity: Two hunters
Special conditions: Must be in good physical condition
MCDONALD ISLAND veteran WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/8/25
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Delta
For: Veterans or active-duty military*
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: The 6,000-acre McDonald Island is located in the California Delta, roughly 20 minutes from Stockton. The property is adjacent to Mandeville and Medford islands. Hunting will take place in the wetlands scattered throughout the island or on flooded corn fields. Hunters will arrive the day of the hunt for a dinner and to meet the hosting club members and volunteers. Two veterans will be selected.
*Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
Click here to visit our application website.
O'banion Road Rice Blind
Application type: First-come, first-served (youth free)
Cost: $50 per hunter
This rice blind sits across the levee from the famed Sutter Widlife Area. These hunts are unguided in a fully furnished rice blind. Hunters will be in charge of getting themselves to the blind (stools and decoys are provided). Youth hunters need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older). There is a $25 fee per person (youth are free) to reserve a date and attend. May hunt all day. Dates will be listed two weeks at a time due to water availabilty.
Special conditions: ****May only register as a hunt winner or attend as guest once per person, per hunting season. May not register as hunt winner and attend as guest on separate dates****
Capacity: Four hunters
murrietta Duck club hunt
Hunt dates: 12/7
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: San Joaquin Valley
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: The Murrietta Duck Club is located in the North Grasslands. It has mixture of open water ponds as well as tule ponds with the majority of the blinds being barrel blinds. The hunters will be apart of the morning draw, and a member of the club will take you to your blind. A UTV or ATV will be provided and hunters will then take a short walk on a rocked path to their blind.
GLIDE IN RANCH waterfowl hunt
Hunt dates: 1/8/ and 1/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: All hunters
Capacity: 1 hunter
Restrictions: none
Description: Located in the Yolo Bypass and bordering the southernmost closed zone of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, the Glide In is the premier duck club in the bypass. Encompassing nearly 1,200 acres of rich, seasonal marsh, the Glide In Ranch is a duck hunters dream. Come join a member of the Glide In for a morning shoot, which will conclude at noon. Shooting limits of pintail, mallard and teal is not uncommon, so be ready for a great hunt!
Click here to visit our application website.
TULE PATCH waterfowl hunt
Hunt dates: Jan, date TBD by hunter and host
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: Tule Patch is a long-standing duck club in the heart of the Butte Sink, located about 3 miles south of the Little Dry Creek Unit of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, and bordering CWA’s Sanborn Slough property. The lucky winner and their guest will show up the morning of the hunt and will be taken to the blind by UTV.
Popup veteran Goose HUNTs
Hunt dates: TBD
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veterans or active-duty military*
Capacity: Multiple hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: CWA Veteran Hunt Program and some extremely gracious landowners and Volunteer Guides have donated POP-UP (when the geese are there you gotta go) goose hunts for VETERANS. VHP will provide hunts from the Delta Islands, Dixon, Colusa area, over to the west side of the valley near Sacramento Wildlife Refuge, and in between. These hunts are not for the faint of heart, as it will be mornings as early as 3am setting up decoy spreads into the thousands.
You must know that you could be notified as little as 24-48 hours before the day of the hunt. We do our best to get notice out well before each hunt, but it is not always possible.
*Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
BUTTE CREEK ISLAND RANCH youth waterfowl hunt weekend
Hunt dates: Feb. 1, 2025
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Youth hunter, with non-hunting adult chaperone
Capacity: 2 youth hunters and 1 adult
Restrictions: none
Description: This 110-acre, CWA-owned property sits between Butte Creek and Howard Slough, across from the famed Little Dry Creek unit of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Hunts will take place in either stand-up or floating blinds located in two separate units. Mallards and wood ducks are commonly harvested in the area, as they come into the marsh after feeding on nearby rice. Decoys are provided.
Special thanks to Closed Zone Farms for providing mowing and discing services to CWA’s Butte Creek Island Ranch and Sanborn Slough properties.
Two groups of three will be drawn. Groups will draw for blinds before the morning hunt.
Click here to visit our application website.
DENVERTON YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/1/2025
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: At least one hunter must be a youth hunter, and there must be an adult chaperone/hunter
Capacity: 2 youth hunters and 1 adult
Restrictions: none
Description: This is a California Waterfowl-owned property encompassing 762 acres in the Suisun Marsh off Highway 12. Five hunting groups will be allowed each hunt date, giving every group a great chance for a memorable hunt. The hunt area consists of three XFowler floating blinds and three Black Box pit blinds.
Click here to visit our application website.
GRIZZLY RANCH waterfowl youth hunt weekend
Hunt dates: 2/1/2025
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Youth hunters, with non-shooting adult chaperone
Capacity: 2 youth hunters and 1 chaperone
Restrictions: none
Description: This is a California Waterfowl-owned property in the famed Suisun Marsh, bordering Grizzly Island State Wildlife Area. Grizzly Ranch is over 900 acres and the wetlands are managed by CWA biologists. Groups will draw for blinds before the morning hunt. Decoys and transportation to and from the blinds are provided.
Click here to visit our application website.
SANBORN SLOUGH YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/1/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Youth hunters with non-shooting adult chaperone
Capacity: 2 youth and 1 adult
Restrictions: none
Description: This 260-acre CWA property sits between Sanborn Slough and Cherokee Channel, across from the famed Little Dry Creek unit of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Hunts will take place in stand-up blinds scattered across the wetland unit. Hunters will boat to selected blinds.
Decoys and boats are provided. Four groups of three hunters will be drawn. Groups will draw for blinds the morning before the hunt.
Special thanks to Closed Zone Farms for providing mowing and discing services to CWA’s Butte Creek Island Ranch and Sanborn Slough properties.
Click here to visit our application website.
GOOSE LAKE Veteran waterfowl HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/8/2025
Application type: Lottery
Cost: Free
Region: Tulare Basin
For: Veterans or Active Military
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: Blind #1 at the Houchin Unit will have the option to hunt the entire unit or hunt from the floating blind or stand-up blind. One member of the hunting party must be able to push the floating blind out to the desired hunt location.
Description: CWA's Goose Lake property located just south of Lost Hills consists of 2,175 acres of total habitat. In 2014, we reconstructed 300-acres of wetlands on the Houchin Unit to improve water use efficiency and promote the growth of waterfowl food plants, such as swamp timothy and watergrass.
New-The 926 acre Badger-Almond Unit has undergone separate restoration/reconstruction efforts since acquisition in 2014. In 2015 CWA restored the eastern 320 acres of fallow farmland into 300 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands and 20 acres of upland habitat. In 2018 through a project funded by NAWCA and WCB, CWA reconstructed 346 acres of previously developed ground by NRCS to allow for more efficient moist soil management practices. No all-season roads. Access will be closed with inclement weather.
Click here to visit our application website.
GRIZZLY RANCH Veteran waterfowl hunts
Hunt dates: 2/8/25
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
Description: This is a California Waterfowl-owned property in the famed Suisun Marsh, bordering Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. Grizzly Ranch is over 900 acres and the wetlands are managed by CWA biologists. Decoys and transportation to and from the blinds is provided. Ten groups of two hunters will be drawn on each hunt date. Hunters will draw for blinds the morning of the hunt.
Click here to visit our application website.
GRIZZLY RANCH Veteran waterfowl hunts
Hunt dates: 12/14 and 12/15
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
Description: This is a California Waterfowl-owned property in the famed Suisun Marsh, bordering Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. Grizzly Ranch is over 900 acres and the wetlands are managed by CWA biologists. Decoys and transportation to and from the blinds is provided. Ten groups of two hunters will be drawn on each hunt date. Hunters will draw for blinds the morning of the hunt.
Separate hunters will be drawn for each hunt date. You may apply for both days.
Click here to visit our application website.
STATEN ISLAND—VETERAN HUNTS
Hunt dates: 12/14, 1/11, and 2/8
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: CA Delta
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
The Delta island is 9,200 acres and located roughly 10 miles east of Rio Vista. It is home to thousands of wintering ducks, geese, swans and cranes. A large population of Aleutian geese winter on the island. Crops consist of corn, rice, triticale, potatoes and hay. Hunters will hunt from stand-up blinds in flooded, harvested corn fields. Water depth range from 6 to 24 inches. Blind stools and decoys provided.
Special conditions: Hunters will arrive the night before the hunt for dinner. Each blind will have a waterfowl guide. The volunteer guide will assist with calling, decoy set-up, bird ID, retrieving birds and more. Food and lodging included.
Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
DENVERTON veteran WATERFOWL HUNTS
Hunt dates: 11/27, 12/7, 1/4, and 2/8
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
Description: This is a California Waterfowl owned property encompassing 762 acres and located in the Suisun Marsh off Highway 12. The hunt area consists of three Xfowler floating blinds and three Black Box Pit Blinds. Hunters will arrive Friday night for dinner. Each blind will have a volunteer guide. the volunteer guide will help with blind safety, waterfowl identification, decoy placement, bird retrieval, calling, etc.
*Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
Click here to visit our application website.
View the Denverton drone video here.
BUTTE CREEK ISLAND RANCH/SANBORN SLOUGH veteran WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 12/11 and 2/8
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
Description: Butte Creek Island Ranch -this 110-acre, CWA-owned property - sits between Butte Creek and Sanborn Slough, across from the famed Little Dry Creek unit of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Hunts will take place either in stand-up blinds or pit blinds located in three separate units. Mallards and wood ducks are common in the area, as they come into the marsh after feeding in nearby rice.
Sanborn Slough-This 260-acre, newly acquired CWA-owned property sits between Sanborn Slough and Cherokee Channel, across from the famed Little Dry Creek unit of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Hunts will take place in stand-up blinds scattered across the wetland unit. Hunters will boat to selected blinds.
Decoys and transportation near the blind is provided. Overnight lodging and meals provided.
Special thanks to Closed Zone Farms for providing mowing and discing services to CWA’s Butte Creek Island Ranch and Sanborn Slough properties.
*Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
Click here to visit our application website.
BARRON RANCH veteran WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 1/18, 1/22, 1/25, 1/26, 1/29
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veterans or active-duty military*
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: Veterans, come join CWA on a Veteran Hunt at the Barron Ranch near Lincoln on an exclusive private property rice blind duck hunt. This is a great hunt for those just beginning and you can expect to hunt till mid or late morning. This club consistently produces Pintail, Widgeon, Teal, and the Great Northern Shoveler! If you are a physically challenged Veteran, no worries, the guide has two quads to traverse the property. Recommend #2, 3 or 4 shot for ducks and although waders are not required, some kind of rubber boots above the ankle works well for the wet and mud. Face masks for this hunt are required…….the Camo ones…..as we like the ducks in close when it comes time to shoot them. No Dogs please on this hunt as a trained lab is used with a field dog blind. Decoys are provided, simply bring your gun, shells, license, and enjoy the day.
*Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
hit and miss Ranch veteran PIG HUNT
Hunt dates: Starting back again in January, so please check back in December.
Application type: Lottery
Cost: Free for Veterans or Active Military
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veterans or Active Military
Capacity: Two hunters
Restrictions: Must be in good physical condition
Join the California Waterfowl's Veteran Hunt Program for an unforgettable pig hunt at the Hit and Miss Ranch near Williams, CA. This hunt in the hills on the west side of the Sacramento Valley offers a great hunting experience. Hunters must be capable of walking short distances over rough terrain and riding in a UTV for extended periods in rugged terrain. Hunters will meet the host near Interstate 5, close to Maxwell, and proceed to the location.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own rifle with lead-free ammunition, binoculars, food, water, knives, gloves, ice, and a valid CA hunting license with a pig validation.
Capacity: Two hunters
Special conditions: Must be in good physical condition
MULBERRY youth waterfowl hunt
Hunt dates: 2/1/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Youth
Capacity: One youth hunter and one non shooting chaperone
This 600-acre Suisun Marsh duck club is located adjacent to Highway 680 near the "Mothball Fleet." The club traditionally holds large numbers of pintail, as well as other ducks, in the 200-acre private sanctuary on the west side of the property. As with most clubs on the marsh, access to the blind is by boat (provided). With recent habitat improvements, this club will offer great teal and pintail hunting. Do not miss this opportunity to hunt a premier Suisun Marsh duck club.
Capacity: One junior and one non-shooting adult chaperone. One group will be drawn for this hunt.
Moon Lake Duck Club veteran hunt
Hunt dates: Oct-Jan
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veteran* or active-duty military
Restrictions: none
Join California Waterfowl on a truly enjoyable Veteran hunt with Moon Lake Duck Club. This club is located between the Sacramento NWR and Delavan NWR and is a season-long attraction for the large amount of ducks and geese wintering in this area. You will hunt out of flooded rice fields and well-maintained pit blinds and enjoy shooting waterfowl at close ranges and “feet down” in the decoys. This is one of those remarkable hunts brought to CWA via a generous donor supporting our Veteran Hunt Program. Hunts will occur every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the season as well as storm days. It will be 2 groups of 2-3 veterans per hunt depending on weather conditions.
Special conditions: Open to any active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
