The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on designated areas of the refuge 7 days per week during the State regulated season.
2. You may hunt from the shoreline only.
3. No boats of any kind may be used while conducting waterfowl hunting activities.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pronghorn antelope only on the controlled ``U'' Unit of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may hunt only in the unit for nine (9) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday following the third Wednesday in August.
2. We allow access to the unit only through the designated entrance on Clear Lake Road (also known as County Road 136), 4 miles east of the southwest refuge identification sign.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You must obtain a State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit from the check station prior to entering the hunt area.
2. You must return the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit and leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset unless participating in overnight stay in accordance with A13.
3. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or older) at all times while hunting.
4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.
8. Hunters may use shotguns only. No shotguns larger than 12 gauge (see Sec. 20.21(a) of this chapter).
9. You may not possess more than 25 shotgun shells while in the field.
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)). You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel ``T'' (0.20 (0.5 centimeter) diameter).
11. We prohibit snipe hunting in the assigned pond areas.
12. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.
13. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).
14. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in the free-roam areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit pheasant hunting in the assigned pond area except during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
2. Conditions A1 through A14 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You must obtain a State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit from the check station prior to entering the hunt area.
2. You must return the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit and leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset unless participating in overnight stay in accordance with A14.
3. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or older) at all times while hunting.
4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.
8. Hunters may use shotguns only. No shotguns larger than 12 gauge.
9. Hunters may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells while in the field.
10. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)). You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel ``T'' (0.20 inch (0.5 centimeter) diameter).
11. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of their assigned hunt site except for retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the area.
12. We prohibit snipe hunting in the assigned pond areas.
13. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.
14. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).
15. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in the free-roam areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit pheasant hunting in the assigned pond/spaced blind area except during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
2. Conditions A4 through A15 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting in tidal areas, including salt marshes, sloughs, mudflats, and open waters of the San Francisco Bay. Unless posted in the field and/or noted below, we allow hunting by boat in all refuge tidal areas up to the mean high-water line. We close the following tidal areas to hunting and/or shooting:
i. Newark Slough to hunting and shooting from its source to Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct, a distance of 3\1/2\ miles (5.6 km);
ii. Dumbarton Point Marsh to the Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct (west side of Newark Slough); and
iii. The headwaters of Mallard Slough (Artesian Slough) in the vicinity of the Environmental Education Center to hunting, as designated by posted signs.
2. We allow hunting in the 17 salt evaporation ponds listed below. These ponds are surrounded by levees and were formerly part of the San Francisco Bay. We have not opened any other ponds.
i. Ponds R1 and R2 in the Ravenswood Unit. These ponds are located on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge between Ravenswood Slough and Highway 84. You may access these ponds only by foot or bicycle from either of two trailheads off Highway 84. We prohibit hunting within 300 feet (90 m) of Highway 84. These ponds will be open 7 days a week.
ii. Ponds M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, and A19 in the Mowry Slough Unit. These ponds are located on the east side of the Bay between Mowry Slough and Coyote Creek. You may only access these ponds by boat. You may land your boat at specific points on the Bay side of the levee as designated by refuge signs. You may pull your boat across the levee from the Bay. We prohibit hunting within 300 feet (90 m) of the Union Pacific Railroad track. These ponds will be open 7 days a week.
iii. Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, and A3W in the Alviso Unit. These ponds are located on the west side of the Bay between Stevens Creek and Guadalupe Slough. You must obtain a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt these ponds. Access to Ponds AB1 and A2E will be from the Crittenden Lane Trailhead in Mountain View. Access to Ponds A3W will be from the Carl Road Trailhead in Sunnyvale. Access to Ponds A3N and AB2 is by boat from the other ponds. We allow hunting only from existing hunting blinds. We allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays on these ponds.
iv. Ponds A5, A7, and A8N in the Alviso Unit. These ponds are located on the south end of the Bay between Guadalupe Slough and Alviso Slough. You must obtain a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt these ponds. Access is via walking and bicycling from the Gold Street gate in Alviso. We allow hunting from existing hunting blinds and by walking pond levees. We allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays on these ponds.
3. During the 2 weekends before the opening of the hunt season, you may bring a boat into Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, A3W, A5, A7, and A8N and moor it at a designated site only if authorized by a valid refuge Special Use Permit. These boats will be used to access the hunting blinds and will stay in the pond during the hunt season. You must remove your boat within 2 weeks following the close of the hunt season. We allow nonmotorized boats and motorized boats powered by electric or 4-stroke gasoline motors only.
4. You may maintain an existing blind in the ponds open to hunting if you have a valid refuge Special Use Permit, but the blind will be open for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. We prohibit pit blinds or digging into the levees (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
5. You must remove all decoys and other personal property (except personal boats authorized by a refuge Special Use Permit) from the refuge by legal sunset. You must remove all trash, including shotshell hulls, when leaving hunting areas (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may enter closed areas of the refuge to retrieve downed birds, provided they leave all weapons in a legal hunting area. We encourage the use of retriever dogs. You must keep your dog(s) under immediate control of the handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter). Dogs must remain inside a vehicle or be on a leash until they are on the ponds or on the levees (Ponds R1, 2, A5, 7, and 8N only) as a part of the hunt.
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
8. You must keep firearms unloaded (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) until you are within the designated hunt area.
9. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
10. At the Ravenswood Unit only, we only allow portable blinds or construction of temporary blinds of natural materials that readily decompose. We prohibit collection of these natural materials from the refuge (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). You must remove portable blinds (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) by legal sunset. Temporary blinds become available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis on subsequent days. We prohibit permanent blinds, pit blinds, or digging into the levees (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter). We prohibit entry into closed areas of the refuge prior to the hunt season in order to scout for hunting sites or to build blinds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from land at the Coyote Creek Lagoon in Fremont, the Faber-Laumeister Unit in East Palo Alto, the Dumbarton Fishing Pier, and along the San Francisco Bay shoreline within \1/2\ mile (0.8 km) of the Dumbarton Fishing Pier. We also allow fishing from boats in the Bay and major slough channels. We close Mallard Slough to boats from March 1 through August 31, and we close Mowry Slough from March 15 to June 15. We prohibit fishing in salt evaporation ponds or marshes.
2. We open fishing areas daily (except we close the Dumbarton Fishing Pier and adjacent shoreline on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). We open the Dumbarton Fishing Pier from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 1 through March 31 and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 through October 31. We open Coyote Creek Lagoon and Faber-Laumeister Unit from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit the collection of bait of any type from the refuge except from the Dumbarton Fishing Pier, where it is legal to collect bait for noncommercial purposes.
4. We prohibit the use of balloons to float hooks and bait farther than hand casting.
5. We prohibit personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis, waterbikes) on the refuge.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, common moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany youth hunters under age 16. No more than three youth hunters may accompany one adult hunter.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit public access into or through closed areas and designate closed areas as nonretrieval zones.
4. You may only use portable blinds in the free-roam hunting areas (i.e., all hunt areas except Salmon Creek Unit).
5. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) .
6. We require hunters to keep dogs inside vehicles, or on a leash, except when using them for authorized hunting purposes (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. On the Salmon Creek Unit, we allow hunting on Tuesdays and Saturdays (except Federal holidays), and hunters must possess and carry a valid daily refuge permit. We issue refuge permits prior to each hunt by random drawing conducted at the check station 1\1/2\; hours before legal shooting time. Shooting time ends at 3 p.m. Hunters drawn for a blind must completely fill out a Refuge Hunt Permit, which includes a ``Record of Harvest'' section. Each hunter must possess and carry the Refuge Hunt Permit/Record of Harvest document while on the refuge and turn in a complete Record of Harvest at the check station before leaving the hunt area.
8. On the Salmon Creek Unit, you may possess only approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per hunter, per day.
9. On the Salmon Creek Unit, we restrict hunters to within 100 feet (30 meters) of the assigned hunt site except for placing and retrieving decoys, retrieving downed birds, or traveling to and from the parking area. You must unload firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) while transporting them between the parking lot and designated blind sites.
10. We open the Table Bluff Unit (southwest corner of South Bay) to hunting.
11. We open portions of the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units to hunting. We designate the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units as boat access only. On the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units, we prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 meters) of Highway 101.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We allow fishing from the designated shoreline trail and dock (for nonmotorized boats only) at the Hookton Slough Unit from legal sunrise to legal sunset, only using pole and line or rod and reel.
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
Kern National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of geese, ducks, coots and moorhens is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must travel to and from parking areas and blind sites with firearms unloaded.
2. Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must remain within 100 feet of the numbered steel post (blind site) except when pursuing cripples, placing decoys or traveling to and from the parking area.
3. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
4. Hunters must park in assigned lots.
5. Only nonmotorized boats are permitted.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of pheasant is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Pheasant hunting is only permitted in the free roam unit.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a Refuge Recreation Pass (passholder name/expiration date) for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass (passholder name/expiration date) must accompany hunters younger than age 16 who are hunting in the controlled area.
2. We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. Reservations are obtained through the Waterfowl Lottery each year.
3. Entry hours begin 1\1/2\ hours prior to State regulated shoot time unless otherwise posted.
4. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all California portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:
a. The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth, ladies, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
5. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded while in posted retrieving zones and while on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles.
6. You may not set decoys in retrieving zones.
7. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats.
8. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
9. You may use only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on designated motorless units from the start of the hunting season through November 30. You may use motorized boats on designated motorless units from December 1 through the end of hunting season.
10. Pit style hunting blinds located in the Stearns units and unit 9D are first-come, first-served basis. We require you to hunt within a 200-foot (61-meter) radius of the blind.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We require you to wear an outer garment above the waist that is at least 50 percent blaze orange and visible from both front and back. Outer garments may consist of hat or cap, vest, jacket, shirt or coat.
3. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded while in posted retrieving zones and while on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must unload firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) before transporting them between parking areas and blind sites. Unloaded means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of the firearm.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day after leaving the parking lot.
3. Each hunter must remain inside his or her assigned blind, except for placing decoys, retrieving downed birds, and traveling to and from the parking area. We prohibit shooting from outside the blind.
4. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. On the opening weekend of the hunting season, hunters must possess and carry a refuge permit issued through random drawing to hunters with advance reservations only.
2. After the opening weekend of the hunting season, we only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Hunters must check-in and out of the refuge by using self-service permits. Hunters must completely fill out the ``Refuge Hunt Permit'' portion of the permit and deposit it in the drop box prior to hunting. The hunter must possess and carry the ``Record of Kill'' portion of the permit while on the refuge and turned in prior to exiting the hunting area.
3. In the designated spaced blind area, you must remain within 50 feet (15 m) of the established blind stake for the blind assigned to you.
4. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany youth hunters age 15 and under.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less after leaving the parking area.
6. In the free-roam hunting areas, you may only use portable blinds or blinds constructed of vegetation.
7. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, other personal equipment, and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
8. Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the two designated hunt parking lots, which we open 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise and close 1 hour after legal sunset each hunt day.
9. We only allow access to the hunt area by foot, bicycle, and nonmotorized cart. We prohibit bicycles in the hunt area during the opening weekend of the hunting season.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We limit hunting to junior hunters only, age 15 or under, possessing a valid State Junior Hunting License and refuge Junior Pheasant Hunt Permit.
2. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany junior hunters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the two designated hunt parking lots.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing only on Dorris Reservoir in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing from October 1 through January 31.
2. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We only allow walk-in access to Dorris Reservoir from February 1 through March 31.
4. We only allow use of boats on Dorris Reservoir from April 1 through September 30.
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You must obtain a State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit from the check station prior to entering the hunt area.
2. You must return the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit and vacate refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset unless participating in overnight stay in accordance with A14.
3. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old or older) at all times while hunting.
4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.
8. Hunters may use shotguns only. No shotguns larger than 12 gauge.
9. Hunters may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells while in the field.
10. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)). You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel ``T'' (0.20 inch (0.5 centimeter) diameter).
11. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of their assigned hunt site except for retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the area.
12. We prohibit snipe hunting in the assigned pond areas.
13. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.
14. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).
15. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in the free-roam areas on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit pheasant hunting in the assigned pond/spaced blind area except during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
2. Conditions A4 through A15 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Access to the hunt area on all units open to public hunting is by boat only, except on designated units, which are accessible by foot traffic or boat. We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances. Waterfowl hunting is not allowed on the Mooney and Codora Units.
2. On the Codora Unit, hunting is not allowed except for junior hunters (17 years old or younger) on weekends only. Junior hunters must possess a valid junior hunting license and be accompanied by a nonhunting adult (18 years or older).
3. We prohibit possession of alcohol.
4. We allow only shotgun hunting.
5. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) while transporting them between parking areas and hunting areas. ``Unloaded'' means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of the firearm.
6. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
7. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15.2 meters) of any boundary adjacent to private property.
8. We prohibit hunting within 150 yards (137.2 meters) of any occupied dwelling, house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith.
9. We prohibit fires on the refuge, except we allow portable gas stoves on gravel bars (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
10. We open the refuge for day-use access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset. We allow access during other hours on gravel bars only.
11. We require dogs to be kept on a leash, except for hunting dogs engaged in authorized hunting activities, and under the immediate control of a licensed hunter (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
12. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove all personal property, including decoys and boats, by 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
13. We prohibit cutting or removal of vegetation for blind construction or for making trails (see Sec. 27.51).
14. We prohibit commercial guiding (see Sec. 27.97 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, turkey, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow shotgun and archery hunting.
2. Conditions A1 through A3 and A5 through A14 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of black-tailed deer and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A5, A7 through A14, and B1 apply.
2. You may hunt feral hogs from September 1 through March 15.
3. We prohibit dogs while hunting feral hogs.
4. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, ladders, or screw-in foot pegs.
5. You must remove all personal property, including stands or hunting blinds, from the refuge by 1\1/2\ hour after legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. You may only use shotguns, firing single shotgun slugs, and archery equipment for big game hunting only. You may only possess non-lead ammunition while in the field (consistent with State Law AB711 related to Wildlife Areas ammunition restrictions).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A3 and A9 through A14 apply.
2. On Packer Lake and Drumheller North, due to primitive access, we only allow boats up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) and canoes. Electric motors only.
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on a hunt area along the Salinas River on the southeast portion of the refuge, as designated by posted signs, in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells while on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
2. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
3. You must keep firearms unloaded until you are within the designated hunt area.
4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during the waterfowl season. Hunters must keep their dog(s) under their immediate control at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit training of dogs on the refuge. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.
5. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of weapons (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only use portable blinds, temporary blinds constructed of natural materials, or existing concrete blinds. We prohibit cutting or breaking woody vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
2. You must remove all portable blinds, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. You must dismantle any temporary blinds constructed of natural materials at the end of each day.
4. You may only hunt snipe within the free-roaming portion of the San Luis Unit waterfowl hunting area.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less after leaving your assigned parking lot or boat launch.
6. We prohibit dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas. You must return your permits to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
7. You may not transport loaded firearms while walking or bicycling between parking areas in spaced blind units, or while traveling in a boat under power.
8. We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to retrieve cripples.
9. We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to retrieve crippled birds.
10. Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only with a maximum of 5 mph. Prohibited boats include air-thrust and/or inboard water-thrust types.
11. We prohibit the use of motorized boats in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit.
12. We do not allow vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any location on the refuge.
13. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasants on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
2. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except on that portion of the San Joaquin River's south (left descending) bank within the West Bear Creek Unit designated as open for fishing 24 hours per day.
2. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take gamefish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.
3. We prohibit the use of any boat, float tube, or other floating aid/device.
San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Unless posted in the field and/or noted below, we only allow hunting in the open waters of San Pablo Bay and its navigable sloughs. We have not opened the following areas to hunting:
i. Lower Tubbs Island; ii. Lower Tubbs Setback;
iii. Cullinan Ranch Unit; and
iv. Within 300 feet (90 m) of Highway 37.
2. You may only hunt from a boat or a floating blind. We prohibit walk-in hunting on the refuge.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
4. You must remove all decoys, boats, and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove all trash, including shotshell hulls, when leaving hunting areas (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We allow temporary floating blinds on the refuge subject to refuge manager approval. We allow blind installation beginning on October 1, but hunters must remove blinds (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) by February 1. Temporary floating blinds become available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis on subsequent days. We prohibit entry to closed areas of the refuge prior to the hunting season in order to scout for hunting sites.
6. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during waterfowl season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets. Hunters must keep their dog(s) under their immediate control at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit training of dogs on the refuge.
7. We prohibit digging into levees or slough channels.
8. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
9. We allow foot access through the refuge to the State's Tolay Creek Unit for waterfowl hunting. You must unload and either break down or case all shotguns (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) while in transit through the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in areas of the Tolay Creek Unit designated by posted signs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
3. You may only access the Tolay Creek Unit by foot or bicycle.
4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during pheasant season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, and moorhens is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters using the Union Tract must use goose decoys.
2. You must hunt from assigned blinds on the Union Tract and within 100 feet (30 m) of blind sites on the Hazard Tract, except when shooting to retrieve crippled birds.
3. Firearms must be unloaded while being transported between parking areas and blind sites.
4. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted only on designated areas of the refuge inundated by the Salton Sea subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted from April 1 through September 30.
2. Only boat fishing is permitted.
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting on Sun River Unit only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
2. We will select hunters through a random drawing process conducted at the refuge. Hunters should bring a copy of their refuge notification on the day of their hunt. Hunters should contact the refuge manager for additional information.
3. We require adults, age 18 or older, to accompany hunters under age 16.
4. We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should contact the refuge manager regarding allowed conveyances.
5. You must unload firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) before transporting them between parking areas and spaced-blind areas. ``Unloaded'' means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of the firearm.
6. We restrict hunters to their assigned spaced-blind except when they are placing or retrieving decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to retrieve cripples.
7. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
8. We prohibit fires on the refuge (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
9. We allow vehicles to stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas.
10. We allow only nonmotorized boats to access water blinds.
11. You must remove all decoys, personal equipment, shotshell hulls, and refuse from the refuge by 12:30 p.m. (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
12. Junior hunters must possess a valid Junior Hunting License.
13. We allow the use of hunting dogs for retrieving birds, provided the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Visitors must obtain a State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit from the check station prior to entering the hunt area.
2. Hunters must return the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife entry permit and vacate refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset unless participating in overnight stay in accordance with A13.
3. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult (18 years old) at all times while hunting.
4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.
8. Hunters may use shotguns only. No shotguns larger than 12 gauge.
9. Hunters may possess no more than 25 shotgun shells while in the field.
10. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)). You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel ``T'' (0.20 inch (0.5 centimeter) diameter).
11. We prohibit snipe hunting in the assigned pond areas.
12. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.
13. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).
14. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We only allow hunting of pheasant in the free-roam areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit pheasant hunting in the assigned pond areas.
2. Conditions A1 through A14 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a Refuge Recreation Pass (passholder name/expiration date) for all hunters age 16 or older. An adult with a valid Recreation Pass (passholder name/expiration date) must accompany hunters younger than age 16 who are hunting in the controlled area.
2. We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. Reservations are obtained through the Waterfowl Lottery each year.
3. Entry hours begin 1\1/2\ hours prior to State regulated shoot time unless otherwise posted.
4. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:
a. The refuge manager may designate up to six afternoon special youth, ladies, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
5. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded when you are more than 200 feet (61 meters) from the established blind stakes. You select blind sites by lottery at the beginning of each hunt day. You may shoot only from within your assigned blind site.
6. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded while in posted retrieving zones and while on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles.
7. We prohibit the setting of decoys in retrieving zones.
8. We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.
9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We require you to wear an outer garment above the waist that is at least 50 percent blaze orange and visible from both front and back. Outer garments may consist of hat or cap, vest, jacket, shirt or coat.
3. The firearms used for hunting must be unloaded while in posted retrieving zones and while on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved] [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29073, May 18, 1993; 58 FR 29084, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6689, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55184, Nov. 3, 1994; 60 FR 5067, Jan. 25, 1995; 60 FR 62041, Dec. 4, 1995; 61 FR 46393, Sept. 3, 1996; 62 FR 47376, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46915, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30778, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56401, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46354, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58943, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54374, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54161, Sept. 13, 2005; 74 FR 45681, Sept. 3, 2009; 75 FR 18420, Apr. 12, 2010; 75 FR 3956, Jan. 21, 2011; 79 FR 14825, Mar. 17, 2014; 80 FR 51890, Aug. 26, 2015]