Sacramento NWR Complex - Hunting - Special Hunting Events

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1. Special Monday Pheasant Hunt:

   • Pheasant Monday at Sacramento, Delevan, and Colusa NWRs is November 13, 2023 (2024 TBD) - the first Monday after Pheasant opener. The assigned pond, assigned blind and free-roam areas are all open to pheasant hunting on this day.  
   • Lottery entries are accepted at the hunter check stations on Sunday from 9am-4pm, with the drawing at 4pm, after which hunters can sign up for the first-come-first-served list. 
   • The check station and parking lot are closed Sunday night, and there are no overnight stays.
   • Check station gates open at 6:30am Monday, processing begins at 7am, and hunting starts at 8am. 
   • The three check stations close at 3pm Monday. See the CDFW hunting regulations booklet for details.

2. In-Season Junior Waterfowl Hunt:

   • Sacramento NWR – December 16, 2023 (2024 TBD). On this day, all blinds at Sacramento NWR are reserved for junior hunters. Hunters must have a valid junior hunting license to apply. Only junior hunters are able to hunt during this event; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt in the assigned blinds area. Use a postcard to apply directly to the USFWS. For additional information visit our Junior and Youth Hunting page
   • Delevan NWR – December 9, 2023 (2024 TBD). On this day, all blinds at Delevan NWR are reserved for junior hunters. Hunters must have a valid junior hunting license to apply; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt in the assigned blinds area. Use a postcard to apply directly to the USFWS. For additional information visit our Junior and Youth Hunting page

3. Post-Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt:

   • February 3-4, 2024 (2025 TBD) - a post-season youth hunt is offered by the state on Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa/Sutter NWRs.  Reservation applications can be submitted through the CDFW website at least 17 days in advance of desired hunt day.  For additional information visit our Junior and Youth Hunting page.  Only youth hunters are able to hunt during this event; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt.  Lottery will be the same as regular waterfowl season (see Admissions Summary table).
   • Possible combinations on the reservation card - must include 1 non-hunting adult guardian:
     • 1 youth hunter and 1 non-shooter (non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 1 youth hunter and up to 2 non-shooters (1 non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 2 youth hunters and 1 non-shooter (non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 2 youth hunters and 2 non-shooters (1 non-shooter must be an adult guardian)

4. Post-Season Veteran and Active-duty Military Hunt:

   • February 10-11, 2024 (2025 TBD) - a post-season veteran and active-duty military hunt is offered by the state on Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa/Sutter NWRs.  Reservations applications can be submitted through the CDFW website at least 17 days in advance of desired hunt day. Only veterans and active duty military are able to hunt during this event; accompanying non-shooters MAY NOT hunt.  Lottery will be the same as regular waterfowl season (see Admissions Summary table).
   • Any person participating in this special hunt must possess and present upon demand verification of eligibility to participate.  Acceptable verification includes a Veteran's ID Card, Military ID Card for active duty, DD Form 214 (honorable discharge), or a State-issued driver's license or Identification Card with Veteran Designation.
   • Possible combinations on the reservation card:
     • 1 veteran/military hunter and up to 2 non-shooters
     • 2 veteran/military hunters and up to 2 non-shooters
     • 3 veteran/military hunters and 1 non-shooter
     • 4 veteran/military hunters

5. Special Veteran Hunt at Colusa NWR:

   • TBD 2025 (was January 7 in 2023).  If this event becomes available, hunters can apply through California Waterfowl and will have exclusive use of assigned ponds. Regular reservation holders for that day will only have access to the free roam area.

6. Special Mentored Spring Turkey Hunt:

   • Starting in 2020, a special Mentored Spring Turkey Hunt has been in development at Sacramento and Delevan NWRs to connect with first-time hunters in the CDFW hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) program.  The Refuge does not administer this program but information may be posted here as it becomes available.