Refuge-specific Hunting Regulations
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Hunting Regulations
The following regulations apply to Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter NWRs.

Seasons - The open season for each of the species listed below is concurrent with the seasons established by the State of California. Hunting geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, snipe, and pheasant is permitted. Hunting is permitted in accordance with all applicable State and Federal regulations and is subject to special regulations. Hunters should consult the CDFG hunting regulations.

Junior Waterfowl Hunt - A special waterfowl hunt for juniors (15 and younger) is offered at Sacramento and Delevan NWRs.

Hunting Days - Hunting is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only.

Reservations - The daily quota of hunters is filled first by those holding advance reservations. Reservation applications are available at most businesses where hunting licenses are sold.

Filling Vacancies - Vacancies occurring from no-show reservation hunters and from hunters leaving the area are filled in accordance with current CDFG procedures. If you do not get drawn for a reservation, you may enter a lottery the evening before the hunt. Non-reservation hunters may only enter the drawing for one of the following: Sacramento, Delevan, or Colusa Refuges, on any hunt date. ***Additionally, non-reservation hunters may also enter the Sutter Refuge draw. After all reservation and lottery number holders have been processed, hunters may enter on a first-come, first-served system. For details of these entry procedures, contact the Sacramento NWR at (530) 934-2801.

Hunters with Disabilities - Please see our Accessibility page.

Blinds and Hunt Sites - The spaced blind area on Sacramento NWR contains steel and concrete pits. The spaced hunt site area on Delevan NWR has 10x20-foot islands.

Permit required - All hunters must obtain a permit at the check station before entering the hunting area. A daily fee is required of all persons 16 years of age or older. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult permittee.

Bicycles - Access to the hunt area is by foot only. Bicycles and other conveyances are not permitted.

Licenses - All hunters must posses a valid California State hunting license. Hunters 16 years of age or older must also possess a California Duck Stamp and a signed Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp).

Ammunition - Approved nontoxic shot is required on all four refuges. No shot shell larger than 12 gauge and no shot size larger than T is permitted. A 25 shell limit applies.

Dogs - In the check station parking area, dogs must be kept in autos or on a leash.

Parking - Vehicle parking is allowed only in designated parking areas.

Littering and Fires - Please take your refuse with you when you leave; littering is unlawful. Open fires are prohibited.

Alcoholic Beverages -The consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol, within public areas of the refuge, is prohibited.
Note - this does not apply to vehicles or trailers.

Checkout - All hunters are required to check out at the check station, report hunting results, and return their permits before leaving the area.

Injuries and Accidents - Incidents involving injury or accident occurring on the refuge must be reported immediately to the check station or Complex headquarters. Phone (530) 934-2801.

Sacramento and Delevan Spaced Hunting Area Special Regulations
Hunters are restricted to within 100 feet of their assigned blind or hunt site except for retrieving downed or crippled birds. Firearms must be unloaded while being transported between parking areas and spaced hunting areas.

Upland Game Special Regulations
Pheasant hunting is permitted during the pheasant season on waterfowl shoot days only. Shooting hours for pheasants are 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Approved nontoxic shot is required for hunting pheasants.

Except for a special one-day hunt, the first Monday of pheasant season, pheasant hunting is not permitted in the spaced hunting area on Sacramento and Delevan NWRs.

Hunting Recommendations
Decoys and calls should be used to bring birds into ideal shooting range. When setting out decoys, place the outer decoy at 40 yards from the blind. This will help you judge when to shoot and result in fewer cripples.

Exercise caution when pursuing downed and crippled waterfowl. Irregularities in pond bottoms can make wading hazardous. Be aware of the locations of nearby hunters when shooting at crippled birds, especially across large areas of open water. A good dog will retrieve your game and lessen disturbance to birds in the area.

Be a good sportsperson and respect the rights of other hunters afield. When entering or leaving the field, try to avoid flaring birds which are working another hunter's setup. Our wildlife is a valuable resource. Laws and regulations are intended to protect them, while allowing for some consumptive use. Hunters are encouraged to report any violations they may encounter to a State or Federal employee.