Watt AND Getty ranch Veteran WATERFOWL HUNT
Application type: First Come-First Served
Cost: Free
Hunters: 4(Only vets can reserve a hunt, may only bring other vets or youth hunters as guests)
Region: Colusa County
For: Veterans or Active Military
(Capacity 4 hunters; only veterans or active servicemen and women can reserve and hunt, all guests must meet the criteria only exception are youth hunters). The Watt and Getty Ranch is located south of the Delevan National Wildlife Refuge and is bordered by the 2047 Canal to the west. Bird traffic tends to be high on this property as the birds make their way from refuge to refuge.
The blind is equipped with a bench seat and decoys. The hunt winner can bring a total of three additional hunters. The three additional hunters must be a junior or veterans themselves. Hunters will have the blind for the entire shoot day.
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****
OBANION ROAD RICE BLIND waterfowl hunt
Application type: First-come, first-served
Cost: $50 per hunter
Capacity: 4 hunters
Description: 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 $50 fee per person (youth are free) to reserve a date and attend. May hunt all day.
Speecial 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****
Arrowhead blind Veteran WATERFOWL HUNT
Application type: First Come-First Served
Cost: Free
Hunters: 4(Only vets can reserve a hunt, may only bring other vets or youth hunters as guests)
Region: Butte County
For: Veterans or Active Military
Description: Situated in the famed Upper Butte Basin of the Pacific Flyway, Merlo Waterfowl has some of the finest and most well managed private properties available.
Located just south of the Lano Seco Refuge, this property boosts one of the highest harvest rates of all our ranches. Blinds run east from Aquas Frias Rd just north of Butte Creek and continue west boarded by several hundred acres of natural habitat. An eastern section of the property boarders Butte Creek and is left for prime dry field goose hunting. The property has a high harvest rate of white and dark fronted goose.
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****
RANCHO VISALIA HUNT CLUB VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Nov 22 and 29th, Dec 13, 20, and 27th, Jan 10 and 17th
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Tulare Basin
For: Veteran or active-duty military*
Capacity: 1 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: Rancho Visalia is located in northern Kern County, west of Delano. The 640-acre club has three ponds that make up 115 acres of wetlands. The club was founded in 1945.
The lucky hunter will arrive the night before for dinner. Food and lodging are 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.
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!
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.
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, Gadwall, 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 trained 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.
DELTA KING WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 1/8/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: The Delta King is one of the premier duck clubs on Grizzly Island. With over 600 acres and numerous blinds, the hunters will have the right opportunity to shoot working birds. The club's ranch manager has manicured ponds to attract a large variety of waterfowl. Hunters will be taken right to the blind by boat and enjoy a morning shoot.
SEBIA DUCK CLUB VETERAN HUNT
Hunt dates: 1/15/25
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: Veterans or active-duty military*
Capacity:
Restrictions: none
Description: This 6,400-acre rice ranch borders the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The club is well-known for excellent duck and goose hunting. The hunt is hosted by Manager Mark Kirsten and includes decoys, dinner, overnight lodging on the night before the hunt, breakfast, duck and goose calling, and transportation to and from blinds.
*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.
RIVER DOG DUCK CLUB Youth WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/1/25, 2/2/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 1 hunter and one non shooting adult
Restrictions: none
Located on Van Sickle Island in the heart of California's Suisun Marsh, this beautiful 400-acre private duck club offers premier waterfowl and upland hunting. This club is strategically located right along Honker Bay to the west and borders Grizzly Island Wildlife Area to the north. Due to its location, River Dog Duck Club is known to offer great pintail and widgeon hunting under the right conditions. Offering both 2 & 3 man pit blinds and several Xfowler floating blinds. Hunters will be taken by ATV (provided) and walk about 200 yards to the blind. Decoys are provided. Mentors can be provided by club if needed.
RIVER DOG DUCK CLUB VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/8/25, 2/9/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
Located on Van Sickle Island in the heart of California's Suisun Marsh, this beautiful 400-acre private duck club offers premier waterfowl and upland hunting. This club is strategically located right along Honker Bay to the west and borders Grizzly Island Wildlife Area to the north. Due to its location, River Dog Duck Club is known to offer great pintail and widgeon hunting under the right conditions. Offering both 2 & 3 man pit blinds and several Xfowler floating blinds. Hunters will be taken by ATV (provided) and walk about 200 yards to the blind. Decoys are provided. Mentors can be provided by club if needed.
BIRD HAVEN RANCH 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: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters (one adult non shooter and one youth shooters)
Description: This is one of the premier duck clubs in the country. At 2,200+ acres and located just west of and adjacent to the closed zones of Howard Slough and Little Dry Creek units of the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, this club is one of the most beautiful and productive marshes in the Pacific Flyway. In addition to lush watergrass and smartweed fields intermixed with willow trees and tules, Bird Haven Ranch also farms about 1,000 acres of rice and a considerable amount of corn and milo food plots. If you’re not chasing mallards and wood ducks in the oak trees along Butte Creek or in a flooded corn field, you’re sure to see plenty of ducks and geese using the manicured wetlands. Hunters will be driven out to large and comfortable stand up blinds for a morning shoot. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time at the one-of-kind Bird Haven Ranch. 3 groups will be drawn.
BUTTE CREEK ISLAND RANCH 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 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.
GOOSE LAKE YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/1/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Tulare Basin
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: None
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. Houchin will not be avialable for waterfowl this season.
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.
THERE WILL BE NO PHEASANTS FOR THE 24-25 SEASON!
DENVERTON 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: 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.
View the Denverton drone video here.
GRIZZLY RANCH WATERFOWL 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 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.
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.
GOOSE LAKE VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 2/8/25
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.
GRIZZLY RANCH VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNTS
Hunt dates: 2/8/25 *The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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.
STATEN ISLAND—VETERAN HUNTS
Hunt dates: 12/14, 1/11, and 2/8*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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 pit blinds in flooded, harvested rice fields. Water depth ranges 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.*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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.*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
*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.
View the Denverton drone video here.
BUTTE CREEK ISLAND RANCH/SANBORN SLOUGH VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 12/11 and 2/8*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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.*The hunt on 2/8 will not come with lodging or food*
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.
COLUSA NWR VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt date: 1/4/25
Application type: Special veteran hunt
Cost: Free
Region: Colusa
For: Veterans or Active Military
On this special hunt, all the assigned ponds in the northern area at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge will be reserved for disabled veterans. Traditionally, this is a spectacular time for waterfowl hunting in the Sacramento Valley. The assigned pond locations will be reserved for the entire day. All selected hunters will be paired with a volunteer who will assist with calling, decoy set-up, bird ID, retrieving birds and more. This is a great opportunity to experience the wonders of hunting a national wildlife refuge. A BBQ lunch will be provided after the hunt.
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.
VIETNAM VETERAN WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 1/1-1/2 2025
Application type: Special application
Cost: Free
Region: Colusa
For: Vietnam Era Veteran
Restrictions: none
CALLING ALL VIETNAM VETERANS!!! Ring in the New Year with CWA's Veteran Hunt Program at CWA's premier Sanborn Slough Clubhouse. Come enjoy dinner, drinks, the view, and camaraderie with some of our nation's finest veterans on the afternoon of 1/1/25. The hunt will take place at three different properties on 1/2/25. We will hunt blinds out of Lambertville, Colusa, and the Durham area
Hunt date will be January 2nd, arrive afternoon of the 1st and all food, lodging and beverages will be provided during the event.
Special conditions: Open to Vietnam Era Veterans.
Learn more about the Veteran Hunt Program.
GRIZZLY RANCH MI/VETERAN BLIND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Feb
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Veteran* or active-duty military, or mobility-impaired hunter
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: One hunter must be able to push the floating blind to the hunt location.
Description: This 982-acre formerly private duck club is California Waterfowl's flagship property. Blind E0 is accessible by boat or by using a wheelchair accessible floating blind. Decoys and stools are provided. Learn more about Grizzly Ranch here.
Capacity: 3 hunters
*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 CWA Veteran Hunt Program.
BUTTE CREEK ISLAND RANCH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Feb
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: None
Description: 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 floating blinds located in two separate units. Mallards and wood ducks are common in the area, as they come into the marsh after feeding in nearby rice.
Special thanks to Closed Zone Farms for providing mowing and discing services to CWA’s Butte Creek Island Ranch and Sanborn Slough properties.
Decoys are provided. Two groups of three hunters will be drawn each hunt date. Groups will draw for blinds the morning before the hunt.
POP-UP 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.
H-POND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: December or January (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: 1 hunter
Restrictions: none
Description: Join H-Pond club member Dean Ongaro at the H-Pond duck club in the Yolo Bypass near Davis. The hunter will be boated to the blind on this beautiful natural wetland.
FAMILY CLUB WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 12/11, 1/8
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
This 250-acre Suisun Marsh duck club is located adjacent to Highway 680 just north of the "Mothball Fleet." This is one of the premier duck clubs of the Suisun Marsh, with open water that offers superb pintail and teal hunting. Due to its location along the Goodyear Slough, this club has been known to offer great mallard hunting given the right conditions. Hunters will take a UTV (provided) and walk about 200 yards to the blind. Come experience one of the friendliest clubs in the marsh and have a great hunt too.
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.
SANBORN SLOUGH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Dec-Feb
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: 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 boats are provided. Four groups of three hunters will be drawn each hunt date. Groups will draw for blinds the morning before the hunt.
DENVERTON MI/VETERAN BLIND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Feb
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: Veteran* or active-duty military, or mobility-impaired hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: None, but one hunter must push the floating blind out to the hunt location
Description: Denverton is a 762-acre formerly private duck club in the Suisun Marsh. Assigned Pond MI/VET is wheelchair accessible, and blind stools are provided. One member of the hunting party must be able to push the blind out to the desired hunt location. Learn more about Denverton here.
Capacity: 3 hunters
Watch our veteran hunt story here.
View the Denverton drone video here.
GRIZZLY RANCH WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Feb
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: 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.
GOOSE LAKE MI/VET BLIND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Dec-Jan
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Tulare Basin
For: Veteran or active-duty military*, or mobility-impaired
Capacity: 3 hunters
Description: Goose Lake property located just south of Lost Hills consists of 2,175 acres of total habitat. Our floating blind is wheelchair accessible and has low sides for shooting from a sitting position. Decoys and stools are provided. This year’s MI blind will be at the Badger Almond Unit.
*Active-duty service member, or veteran of the military, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
THERE WILL BE NO PHEASANTS FOR THE 24-25 SEASON!BLIND/BIRD AVG BADGER ALMOND
UPPER VALLEY RANCH North
Hunt dates: 1/8/2025
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: Hunt ends at 11AM
Description: Located north of Marysville and east of Gridley, this property can produce great duck hunting opportunities as birds move down the eastern half of the Valley into the historic District 10. The ranch was restored by California Waterfowl in 1999 and contains over 450 acres of seasonal wetlands and 350 acres of uplands dedicated to waterfowl and pheasant. The property is well-known for its mallard harvest and its ability to work birds with little disturbance due to the lack of neighbors. CWA Director of Wetland Programs Chadd Santerre designed and built this spectacular ranch, and he will be your host. Hunt ends at 11AM.
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.
WOMEN'S OVERNIGHT DUCK HUNT - FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED
Hunt dates: 12/11 @ Staten Island, 12/18 @ Denverton, 1/1 @ Staten Island, 1/18 @ Grizzly Island
Application Type: FCFS
Cost: $250
Region: Delta/Suisun Marsh
For: Women
Capacity: 8-10 women per hunt
Restrictions: Must be a women to attend
Description: This will be an overnight hunt. Food and drinks will be provided. Dinner the night before, a quick breakfast and then lunch available after hunting. If you need any equipment such as waders, a shotgun etc. it will be provided. Guides can also be provided if needed!
FOWL PURSUER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & NORTH WIND OUTFITTERS WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Nov-Jan
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Sacramento Valley or San Francisco Bay
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: None
Description: Fowl Pursuer Outdoor Adventures and North Wind Outfitters have partnered to offer specialized hunting opportunities. Together they have the expertise and properties to offer a great waterfowl hunt. All hunts are fully guided and include transportation to and from the blind, decoys, calling and bird retrieving.
The hunt location will be determined based on scouting reports, with options including: Sacramento Valley dry-field goose hunting, Sacramento Valley flooded-rice duck hunting, San Francisco Bay diver hunting and California Delta hunting on a floating blind.
Due to the drought flooded rice hunting may be limited.
One suggestion: Don't forget to tip! These are professional guide teams who rely in part on tips to make a living.
QUIMBY ISLAND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Jan
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Delta
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: none
Description: This 789-acre property is located in East Contra Costa County between Mandeville Island, Frank's Tract and Holland Tract in the heart of the California Delta. The property was farmed for corn until it was enrolled in a federal wetland conservation easement program in 2012 and restored to managed wetlands by California Waterfowl staff. Habitats consist of seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands, riparian and grassland areas. The fertile peat soils grow wetland plants and trees like nowhere else in the Valley, producing impressive stands of smartweed and watergrass intermixed with lush willow thickets that attract large numbers of waterfowl. The hunt will take place either in the morning or afternoon depending on weather conditions. All hunters will be transported to the blind by boat. Decoys, blind stools, jet sleds, etc. will be provided. Two groups will be drawn for each hunt date.
STATEN ISLAND WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Nov-Jan
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Delta
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
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, triticale, potatoes and hay. Hunters will hunt from pit-blinds, in flooded rice fields. Water depth range from 6 to 24 inches. Blind stools and decoys provided.
Special Conditions: Hunting will end at 10 a.m. Each group must consist of at least two hunters. Hunt winner must bring a guest. Five groups will be drawn each hunt date. Groups will draw for blinds before the morning hunt.
Capacity: Three hunters
DUCK CAMP
Camp dates: 11/1-11/3, 12/6-12/8, 1/17-1/18
Application type: First Come First Served
Cost: $500 per group for Family Duck Camp at Staten Island (one youth and one adult). 500$ per spot at Grizzly Ranch Duck Camp (any age)
Region: Suisun Marsh/CA Delta
Restrictions: Family Duck Camp at Staten Island requires you to have a youth in your group.
Description: CWA's Duck Camp is the leading camp in bridging new and beginning waterfowlers into feeling more comfortable in hunting either by themselves or with other beginners. The goal of the camp is to teach the attendees by providing two mentored hunts (Staten Camp will be one hunt) as well as after hunt instruction such as how to apply for refuges, calling, id, decoy spreads, etc. Grizzly Ranch Duck Camp is a Fri-Sun camp for any age. Staten Island Family Duck Camp is a Fri-Sat camp and you purchase a group spot for $500 and you are required to bring a youth with you.
November Grizzly Ranch Duck Camp
DENVERTON WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Oct-Feb
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: None
Description: This is a California Waterfowl-owned property encompassing 762 acres and located in the Suisun Marsh off Highway 12. Six hunting groups will be allowed each hunt date, giving every group a chance for a memorable hunt. The hunt area consists of three XFowler floating blinds and three Black Box pit blinds. One of the XFowler blinds is wheelchair accessible and able to float from the parking lot to the desired location in the pond. Decoys are provided.
View the Denverton drone video here.
GRIZZLY RANCH FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Nov-Jan
Application type: First-come, first-served
Cost: $200-300 (no hunter-access fee for guests)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2-3 hunters
Restrictions: ****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****
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 are provided.
*All dates for the 2024-25 season have been reserved*
MULBERRY WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: 12/14/24 & 1/11/25
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Suisun Marsh
For: All hunters
Capacity: 2 hunters
Restrictions: none
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.
GOOSE LAKE WATERFOWL HUNT
Hunt dates: Dec-Jan
Application type: Lottery
Cost: $6 to apply, $25 to hunt (hunt fee waived for youth)
Region: Tulare Basin
For: All hunters
Capacity: 3 hunters
Restrictions: None
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. Houchin will not be avialable for waterfowl this season.
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.
THERE WILL BE NO PHEASANTS FOR THE 24-25 SEASON!
