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SACRAMENTO NWR COMPLEX ALERTS

Updated September 10, 2024

ALERTS: 

  • VOLUNTEER WITH US: We are seeking local (within 50 miles of the complex) volunteers who are excited about the opportunities to connect with the public out on the refuges and at our new Visitor Center. If you have a passion for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, telling stories and answering questions, plant/animal/bird identification, and more, this could be a great opportunity for you to join us. Visit our Get Involved page or apply directly to our opportunity on Volunteer.gov. 
  • HUNTING INFORMATION: All of our hunting information for Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter NWRs has been consolidated into two pages (Sacramento River hunting information can be found on RIVER-Hunting): 
    • Hunting (includes Updates for 2024-2025)
    • Hunting: Junior, Mobility & Special Hunts
      Please consider reviewing all the information on these pages before calling the refuge with questions - you'll likely find the answers you're looking for on one of these pages!
  • PHOTORAPHY BLIND PROGRAM: Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to offer use of our photo blinds for the 2024-2025 season. We appreciate your patience and support as we work towards creative solutions for 2025-2026. General information about the Photo Blind Program (when operational) can be found on our Photography page.
     
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is part of the SACRAMENTO NWR COMPLEX. Colusa NWR offers many visitor activities: drive the auto tour, take photos, watch wildlife, go for a hike, or take part in a waterfowl hunt.

Visit Us

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Welcome to Colusa National Wildlife Refuge!   

Colusa National Wildlife is one of the 5 National Wildlife Refuges and 3 Wildlife Management Areas that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex:  Sacramento NWR, Delevan NWR, Colusa NWR, Sutter NWR, Sacramento River NWR, Llano Seco Unit (STNCV WMA), Butte Sink WMA, Willow Creek-Lurline WMA.  

There are LOTS of recreational opportunities across the Complex, including a Visitor Center, Auto Tours, trails, bicycling, photography, hunting and environmental education.

VISIT US!  <-- Click here to find all the information you need to plan your visit!  Or use the quicklinks, below...

VISITOR CENTERAUTO TOURSTRAILSBICYCLINGPHOTOGRAPHYHUNTING-WATERFOWLHunting-RiverMAPS, DIRECTIONS + BROCHURESENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      partial view of brown viewing platform with about 8 people on the platform looking out on the wetland at snow geese
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      Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 70 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento and one mile southwest of the town of Colusa in Colusa County. The refuge consists of 5,077 acres consisting primarily of wetlands, with some grasslands and riparian riparian
      Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

      Learn more about riparian       habitats.

      Click on the link below to learn more about us!

      What We Do

        

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      • Resource Management

      To help plants and wildlife, Refuge staff uses a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employ them in varying degrees according to the situation.

      • Conservation and Partnerships

      The Complex is involved in many conservation endeavors, including Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Private Landowner Programs, and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act.

      Click on the link below to learn more about what we do!

      Our Organization

      National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997:The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvement  Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose.

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      Colusa NWR regularly supports peak wintering populations of over 150,000 ducks and  60,000 geese. Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March. Peak populations occur in December and January. Many birds including nesting wood ducks and mammals can be seen year-round.

      Click on the link below to learn more about our Seasons of Wildlife, Wildlife Checklist, Wildlife Surveys, and Our Species....