Nov 12, 2025
October Hunt Report: Slow Flights, Strong Spirits
As we wrap up the first month of the 2025–26 waterfowl season, it’s clear that the birds are keeping us on our toes. Mild weather has meant slower bird movement than usual for October, with migration patterns lagging behind expectations. Despite the slower flights, we’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm and positive attitudes of hunters across all our CWA properties, proof that a great hunt is about more than just a full strap.
With bird averages slightly down, hunters continue to report enjoyable mornings in the blind, great company, and memorable experiences in the field. Many have remarked that while the birds may not be cooperating just yet, the opportunity to be out in a duck blind is reward enough.
Property Highlights
Denverton & Potrero (Suisun Marsh)
This season, we introduced our new Potrero property, located adjacent to Denverton, and early results have been promising. Potrero has posted an average of 1.78 birds per hunter with Mallard being the #1 harvest, while Denverton is holding a 2.3 average with Shovelers being the #1 harvest with Green-Winged Teal slightly behind at #2.Grizzly Ranch (Suisun Marsh)
Grizzly Ranch continues to be a standout, averaging 3.16 birds per hunter for October. Green-Winged Teal and Shovelers have been the primary species taken here.
Sanborn Slough & Butte Creek Island Ranch (Northern California)
In the Sacramento Valley, Sanborn Slough posted an impressive 3.16 average, with Wigeon and Wood Ducks leading the way. Nearby Butte Creek Island Ranch averaged 1.77 birds per hunter, and conditions remain excellent with plenty of feed and water on the landscape.
Quimby Island (Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta)
Our Delta property, Quimby Island, has averaged 1.64 birds per hunter so far this season with plenty of Mallards being the #1 harvest. As temperatures drop and more birds arrive from the north, we anticipate this property to only get better as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
While October’s mild weather has made for a slower start statewide, the outlook for November is promising. Cooler temperatures and incoming weather systems should push new birds throughout California.
We’d like to thank all our members and hunters for their continued support, patience, and enthusiasm. Even in a slow season, the camaraderie, conservation, and connection to the outdoors remain at the heart of what makes CWA’s hunting program so special.
Stay tuned for next month’s update; we’re hopeful that with a shift in the weather, the best hunts of the season are still ahead.
