As we move through the 2025–26 waterfowl season, November brought slight improvements in bird movement across many of our properties, along with the opening of Staten Island for the final two weeks of the month. While California’s weather remained mostly mild, hunters benefited from pockets of wind, cooler mornings, and scattered storms that helped nudge new birds into the state.

Even with mixed migration conditions, members continued to report great hunts and positive experiences — a reminder that time in the blind is more than numbers alone.

Property Highlights:

Butte Creek Island Ranch (Butte Sink)

Butte Creek Island Ranch posted an average of 1.38 birds per hunter for November. Wigeon and wood ducks continue to lead the harvest here. With excellent habitat conditions and incoming colder weather, this property is positioned for improved flights in December.

Denverton (Suisun Marsh)

Denverton averaged 1.13 birds per hunter in November, with northern shovelers (“spoonies”) making up most of the harvest. As December weather systems move in, we expect bird movement through the Suisun Marsh to improve.

Grizzly Ranch (Suisun Marsh)

Grizzly Ranch recorded a solid 2.44 bird average, with shovelers leading the bag. Historically, this property benefits quickly from early winter cold fronts, making December a promising month here.

Potrero (Suisun Marsh)

Adjacent to Denverton, Potrero averaged 1.47 birds per hunter for November. Spoonies remain the top species harvested. With strong water conditions and good habitat, this property is expected to see improved action as additional birds arrive heading into December.

Quimby Island (Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta)

Quimby Island continues to perform steadily with a 2.28 bird average. Mallards and wood ducks remain the dominant species. This Delta property typically improves with colder temperatures, making the coming weeks promising.

Sanborn Slough (Butte Sink)

Sanborn Slough posted a 2.05 bird average for November, led by wigeon and wood ducks. With reliable water, strong feed, and cooling weather, Sanborn is well positioned for continued success in December.

Staten Island (Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta)

Opening for hunting in the final two weeks of November, Staten Island posted outstanding early results with a 6.50 bird average. Wigeon were the most harvested ducks, while Aleutian and dark geese dominated the goose straps. Notably, two collared Aleutian geese were harvested since opening. This property is shaping up to be a standout for December.

Weather & Migration Outlook (Into December):

Although November featured mostly mild, dry weather across California, official outlooks from NOAA indicate:

• A shift toward cooler temperatures entering December, which typically improves duck movement.
• Potential for light to moderate storm activity, especially in Northern California — a positive sign for migration.
• Periods of fog and high-pressure ridging, which may temporarily slow flights but create strong hunting days when wind and clearing align.

Migration is expected to continue in waves, rewarding hunters who time their hunts around incoming weather changes.

 
Looking Ahead:

With the season entering its prime, December holds strong potential. As temperatures drop across the Pacific Northwest and early winter systems develop, we may see:

• Increased puddle duck movement through the Delta, Suisun Marsh, and Sacramento Valley.
• Stronger goose flights into Delta properties like Staten and Quimby.
• Improved action at consistently productive sites such as Grizzly Ranch and Sanborn Slough. 

We want to thank all our hunters and members for your continued support and enthusiasm. Whether calling teal in the marsh or chasing geese in the Delta, your passion for this tradition and for conservation strengthens everything we do.

Stay tuned for December’s report — with more weather ahead, we’re hopeful the best hunts of the season are right around the corner.