Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/29/17

The waterfowl bag at San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked back up somewhat from Saturday’s very low numbers on a day of mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Northern Shovelers took over first place for number of birds checked in with Widgeon in a tie with Coots for second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/29/17 were as follows:

76 adult and 3 junior hunters bagged 33 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 22 Widgeon, 3 Bufflehead, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 11 Gadwall, 1 Green Wing Teal, 5 Redheads, 6 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, and 5 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  In addition, 22 Coots were checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average bag of 1.19 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots figured in, 1.47 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 20 arrived on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/22/17, Saturday – 11/25/17, and Sunday – 11/26/17

The duck bag numbers at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday rose slightly compared to last Sunday’s numbers.  Snow Geese held onto the first spot for number of birds taken once again with Pintail taking over second place but only by one bird ahead of Gadwalls.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/15/17 were as follows:

115 adult and 17 junior hunters checked in 5 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 23 Gadwall, 19 Widgeon, 24 Pintail, 2 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 3 Ring Necks, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 3 Wood Ducks, 3 Mergansers, and 4 Ruddy Ducks.  75 Snow Geese, 1 Ross’ Goose, and 1 Canada Goose were bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  No Coots were brought in to the check station in at Wister on Wednesday.  This came out to an average harvest of 0.81 ducks per gun or, with the Geese added, 1.39 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 32 showed up on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slid downward even more compared to Wednesday’s numbers.  Snow Geese remained in first place for number of birds checked in with Widgeon taking over second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/25/17 were as follows:

139 adult and 15 junior hunters checked in 1 Northern Shoveler, 3 Mallards, 7 Gadwall, 20 Widgeon, 13 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 13 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 5 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, and 2 Bufflehead.  There were 56 Snow Geese, 1 Ross’ Goose, and 1 Canada Goose checked in at Wister on Saturday.  3 Coots was also taken at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 0.47 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot figured in, 0.86 waterfowl for per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 26 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, dove even further into the depths from Saturday’s low take. Snow Geese stayed solidly in the first position for number of waterfowl bagged on Sunday, more than doubling the entire take of ducks, with Gadwall, Pintail, Ruddy Ducks and Coots all tied for second place Sunday. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/26/17 were as follows:

45 adult and 2 junior hunters bagged 1 Northern Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 1 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. There were 19 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose harvested at Wister on Sunday.  There were also 2 Coots taken at Wister on Sunday.  This worked out to an average take of 0.19 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots included, 0.66 waterfowl for each gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 8 came in on time to check in for their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of.  Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/25/17

The waterfowl numbers at San Jacinto Wildlife Area spiraled downward from Wednesday’s count, ending up well below a 1 bird average, on another day of temperatures breaking the 90-degree barrier with clear, calm skies. Cinnamon Teal took over the first position for number of ducks bagged with Widgeon sliding back into second place, but just barely, by one bird behind the Cinnamons.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/25/17 were as follows:

129 adult and 10 junior hunters bagged 14 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 22 Widgeon, 4 Bufflehead, 23 Cinnamon Teal, 13 Gadwall, 2 Green Wing Teal, 3 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 10 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, and 15 Ruddy Ducks.  2 Canada Geese were downed at San Jacinto on Saturday.  There were 5 Coots brought in at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 0.80 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots included, 0.85 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 25 showed up on time for their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

SoCalHunt San Jacinto Hunting Report 11/22/17

With reservation in hand, SoCalHunt was found, at 0300, in the reservation line at San Jacinto Wildlife Area.  Yes, it was almost at the end of the reservation line with a very high reservation number, but any reservation is better than even number one in the sweatline.   One of my usual hunting buddies met me there to tag along, although he was going to have to bail at about 7 am to make it to work, but that’s still better than not giving it a shot.  One of the advantages he has working near SJ.

Once we were at the check station we picked out spot and we were off to get things set up before legal shooting time.  The blind we picked wasn’t too far a walk and we were set up with about a half hour to spare before start time.

As the sunlight appeared and began to backlight San Jacinto Mountain we awaited the horn which would signal start time.

The horn sounded and so did the shooting throughout the wildlife area.  For us, for the first few minutes, no opportunities presented themselves but shortly some teal rocketed by and both of us executed our perfect catch and release hunting technique blowing holes in the sky and watching the diminutive ducks continue on their way.  The sun continued to brighten the sky and it was becoming easier to see potential targets.

About a half hour after start time two Ring Necks came in high over the blind, but still in range and we each picked the bird on our respective side and opened up on them.  My bird kept going, apparently not impressed with my shooting this morning, however my partner’s duck folded and splashed down about 40 yards out in the pond.  My partner waded out and came back with a nice hen Ring Neck.

We each had a couple more chances and we also let a couple ducks fly by as we just weren’t looking in the right direction as they approached and they got by us before we had a shot.  Finally, as the sun fully cleared the mountains and lit the Bernasconi Hills in morning light it was time for my partner to bug out and head for work.  He collected his gear and his Ring Neck and headed out to work.

I was going to stick it out for a while as I didn’t have to be anywhere today so I was hoping to finally get my season started.  There was still some shooting going on around the area but it had slowed down quite a bit.  As I waited for a duck or two to fly by an unusual little butterfly, no more than about a half inch long, visited the blind.  I’ve never seen a butterfly that small.

I stuck it out until noon but it was not to be today…again…as the only birds that came in range after my partner left was a group of three teal that swung in low over the tules at about 10 feet off the water and right over the blind, almost knocking my hat off.  There were there and gone before I could even pick up the shotgun.

I packed up and headed in to the check station to check out.  While I was there a couple of groups of hunters came in with some pretty good straps, I guess they just didn’t want to be where we were today, although, if I could have hit anything I should have had at least two birds for sure.

Today, although I got skunked, at least my partner was able to collect a bird before he had to leave for work and I did see more birds flying today than I have seen so far this season and I did fire the gun a few times.  I guess you could call that an improvement over not even picking up the shotgun.  The ducks, apparently, just didn’t want to be where I was today.  But, of course, I’ll be back soon to try it again.  Maybe I should bring those shells that actually have shot in them next time.

 

Shotgun Raffle at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga to Benefit San Jacinto’s Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt

Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, along with Quail Unlimited, are sponsoring a raffle to raise money to purchase prizes for San Jacinto’s Annual Junior Waterfowl hunt, which will be held on Saturday, February 3^rd, 2018.   Raffle tickets are available at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga (see below for a Google Maps link to Bass Pros Shop’s location):

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bass+Pro+Shops/@34.1128172,-117.5291929,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c34a185980b999:0x55a12fc2ca27c64a!8m2!3d34.1128128!4d-117.5270042?hl=en

There will be two winners in this raffle and each winner will take home a brand-new Remington 870 express shotgun in the winner’s choice of 12 or 20 gauge.  All the money raised by this raffle will go to purchase prizes for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt.  Tickets are only $10 each! The drawing will be held on January 15th, 2018 and winners need not be present to win.

 

 

In addition, if you’d like to support this great event for our Junior Hunters by donating prizes of your own you can do that by following the procedure laid out in the SoCalHunt post at the link below (ignore the date of the Junior Hunt in that post however, this season’s date is Saturday, February 3^rd. This post is from two years ago, but the donation procedure is the same):

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

If you’d like to donate a prize or two (or more) for the Junior Hunt don’t let a little paperwork scare you.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it.

So, here’s a great chance to get a nice shotgun for a few bucks and support a great event for our Junior Hunter, the future of our sport.

This season’s Junior Hunt will be dedicated to the memory of Brian Fraser who lost his life in the terrible Las Vegas Attack.  Brian was a regular at San Jacinto and we miss him a lot.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/22/17

The waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area picked back up a little from Saturday’s count on a day of hot temperatures, pushing into the 90s, and clear skies with a little light wind. Widgeon were still found in the first position for number of ducks bagged with Ring Necks pushing back up into second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/22/17 were as follows:

122 adult and 27 junior hunters bagged 25 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallards, 45 Widgeon, 10 Bufflehead, 28 Cinnamon Teal, 17 Gadwall, 7 Green Wing Teal, 2 Redheads, 44 Ring Necks, 6 Scaup, 2 Wood Ducks and 12 Ruddy Ducks.  There were 3 Snow Geese harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  12 Coots were also checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 1.40 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.50 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 26 showed up on time for their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/15/17, Saturday – 11/18/17 and Sunday – 11/19/17

The duck count averages at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday rose somewhat compared to last Sunday’s take but the overall average fell actually when the Geese were included in this past Wednesday’s averages.  Snow Geese held firmly onto the first spot for number of birds taken with Widgeon holding second place.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/15/17 were as follows:

114 adult and 2 junior hunters checked in 4 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 24 Gadwall, 42 Widgeon, 26 Pintail, 22 Green Wing Teal, 19 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 3 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  There were 54 Snow Geese harvested at Wister on Wednesday.  No Coots were checked in at Wister on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average take of 1.32 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese include, 1.78 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 32 came in on time to claim their spot.

The waterfowl averages for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked down slightly from Wednesday’s count.  Snow Geese were still in first place for number of birds bagged with Pintail, despite a one bird limit this season, taking over the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/18/17 were as follows:

162 adult and 6 junior hunters checked in 2 Northern Shovelers, 17 Mallards, 33 Gadwall, 30 Widgeon, 46 Pintail, 11 Green Wing Teal, 35 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 3 Ring Necks, 5 Scaup, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Wood Duck, and 6 Ruddy Ducks.  64 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Saturday.  1 Coot was checked in at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 1.15 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coot worked in, 1.54 waterfowl for per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 32 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as usual, headed downward some from Saturday’s harvest. Snow Geese continued to dominate the first position for number of waterfowl bagged on Sunday with Gadwall taking over the second position Sunday. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/19/17 were as follows:

65 adult and 4 junior hunters bagged 1 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, and 6 Ruddy Ducks. There were 32 Snow Geese checked in at Wister on Sunday.  3 Coots was also taken at Wister on Sunday.  This worked out to an average take of 0.42 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 0.93 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 22 arrived on time to claim their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of.  Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/18/17

The waterfowl numbers at San Jacinto Wildlife Area slipped back a little from Wednesday’s fair numbers on a day of warm temperatures and mostly clear skies. Widgeon stayed in first place for number of ducks harvested with Shovelers holding on to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/18/17 were as follows:

135 adult and 7 junior hunters bagged 23 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 43 Widgeon, 10 Bufflehead, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 19 Gadwall, 6 Green Wing Teal, 2 Pintail, 9 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 21 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, and 5 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday.  5 Coots were also brought in at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This came out to an average harvest of 1.11 ducks per person or, with the Coots included, 1.15 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 28 arrived on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/15/17

The waterfowl numbers at San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked back upward from Saturday’s count on a day with mild temperatures early, climbing to warm in the early afternoon with partly cloudy skies and some wind. Widgeon held on to the first position for number of ducks bagged with Shovelers being found in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/15/17 were as follows:

105 adult and 8 junior hunters bagged 38 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 69 Widgeon, 7 Bufflehead, 32 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Gadwall, 3 Green Wing Teal, 1 Pintail, 10 Redheads, 11 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  1 each of Canada, Snow and White-Fronted Geese were checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  Also, 16 Coots taken at San Jacinto today.  This worked out to an average harvest of 1.69 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.86 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 showed up on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/8/17, Saturday – 11/11/17 and Sunday – 11/12/17

The waterfowl averages at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back up into the good range compared to last Sunday’s usual low numbers.  Snow Geese appeared in the first position for number of birds bagged with Widgeon sliding into second.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/8/17 were as follows:

60 adult and no junior hunters checked in 14 Northern Shovelers, 7 Gadwall, 31 Widgeon, 25 Pintail, 5 Green Wing Teal, 8 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Goldeneye 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  44 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Wednesday.  In addition, 1 Coot was brought in to the check station on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average take of 1.57 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot figured in 2.32 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 19 came in on time to claim their spot.

The duck averages for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday rose slightly from Wednesday’s good numbers.  Snow Geese retained first place by a large margin for number of birds taken and Widgeon remained in second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/11/17 were as follows:

144 adult and 15 junior hunters checked in 15 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallards, 35 Gadwall, 73 Widgeon, 44 Pintail, 38 Green Wing Teal, 20 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 3 Canvasbacks, 7 Ring Necks, 6 Scaup, 8 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Merganser, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  111 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Saturday.  2 Coots were also included in the count on Saturday.  This came out to an average bag of 1.72 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots included, 2.43 waterfowl for per gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 33 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as expected, headed downward from Saturday’s numbers. However, the Snow Geese count was still in the good range with far more Snows harvested than all other waterfowl combined.  Snow Geese held first place again for number of waterfowl bagged on Sunday with Widgeon again found in the second position but tied with Gadwalls. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/12/17 were as follows:

48 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 4 Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 6 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 3 Green Wing Teal, 2 Cinnamon Teal, and 1 Ruddy Duck. There were 100 Snow Geese harvested at Wister on Sunday.  1 Coot was also bagged at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 0.53 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot included, 2.43 waterfowl for per person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 13 arrived on time to claim their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of.  Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

FINAL APPEAL – People Needed to show up in numbers -Tuesday, November 14th, 1:30 pm – Riverside Board of Supervisors – FINAL CHANCE FOR SAN JACINTO

The Riverside Board of Supervisors will take public comment on the Lewis Homes Villages of Lakeview Project, which is directly on the border of San Jacinto Wildlife Area.   The Supervisors will then vote on the project approval at their meeting on Tuesday, November 14^th at 1:30 pm the same location as the prior Planning Commission Meetings, 4080 Lemon Street, 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92502.

Google maps link to 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, the location of the Supervisors meeting.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Lemon+St,+Riverside,+CA+92501/@33.9777754,-117.3755947,17.08z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dcb1e5ff7ca79f:0x566b43c951322556!8m2!3d33.9778578!4d-117.3733832?hl=en

The County Supervisors will be making the final decision on the project and the fate of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s (and the hunting program’s) future.  This is the very last chance to do something about this project.  They will, in effect, be creating a 25,000-population city right on the border of San Jacinto, along with a large commercial development also, which can only have detrimental effects on the Wildlife Area, the wildlife within it and the hunting program.    Once again, as with the Planning Commission hearings, PLEASE tell everyone you know this is very important!  We need to show up IN NUMBERS for the Supervisors’ meeting!

As I reported before, there are T-shirts available to show your support for SJWA.  At this point, they can be purchased at Lilian Greenland’s Salon at 426 West Esplanade Ave., Suite 201, San Jacinto, CA 92583.  It would be nice to see a sea of Green SJ shirts at the Supervisor’s meeting.

This is likely the final chance to stop this project and to save San Jacinto’s hunting program.  You may not think it will be that big a deal but believe me, it is.  Even as slow as hunting is right now in the early weeks of the season 108 hunters were able to take last Wednesday off to hunt at San Jacinto.  We should be able to get this many at least to attend a meeting that may determine if you can hunt there in the future.

So, if there’s any way you can make it to the Riverside Board of Supervisors meeting on November 14^th, BE THERE!  As I’ve already said before the future of San Jacinto Wildlife Area, and most certainly the hunting program there, depends on it. 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/11/17

The waterfowl numbers at San Jacinto Wildlife Area slipped back some from Wednesday’s take on a day that started off with cold temps early, warming to mild temperatures under partly cloudy skies. Widgeon jumped up into first place for number of ducks harvested with Ring Necks dropping back to the second position.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/11/17 were as follows:

129 adult and 10 junior hunters harvested 17 Northern Shovelers, 56 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 15 Bufflehead, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 18 Gadwall, 5 Green Wing Teal, 1 Mallard, 4 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 24 Ring Necks, 7 Scaup, and 6 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  There were 22 Coots also brought in to the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This figured out to an average harvest of 1.16 ducks per gun or, with the Coots figured in, 1.32 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 25 arrived on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/8/17

The waterfowl numbers at San Jacinto Wildlife Area continued the upward trend from Saturday’s count under partly cloudy conditions and mild temperatures. Ring Necks continued in first place but were tied for first with Ruddy Ducks today Shovelers held the second position once again today.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/8/17 were as follows:

103 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 29 Northern Shovelers, 14 Widgeon, 20 Bufflehead, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Gadwall, 7 Green Wing Teal, 3 Mallards, 3 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 42 Ring Necks, 8 Scaup, and 42 Ruddy Ducks.  3 Snow Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  19 Coots were also checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average harvest of 1.72 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.93 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 arrived on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link:

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/1/17, Saturday – 11/4/17, and Sunday – 11/5/17

The duck averages at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday climbed back up from the basement compared to last Sunday’s very low averages.  Pintail remained in first place for number of birds bagged with Widgeon pushing up into second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/1/17 were as follows:

47 adult and 3 junior hunters checked in 4 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 8 Gadwall, 17 Widgeon, 19 Pintail, 6 Green Wing Teal, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Ring Neck, and 8 Ruddy Ducks.  Again, no Geese were harvested at Wister on Wednesday.  5 Coots were also included in the totals on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average take of 1.54 ducks per person or, with the Coots figured in, 1.64 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 17 came in on time to claim their spot.

The duck averages for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slipped back some from Wednesday’s count.  Pintail held on to first place for number of ducks harvested and Shovelers jumped into second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/4/17 were as follows:

149 adult and 9 junior hunters checked in 33 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 11 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 40 Pintail, 12 Green Wing Teal, 22 Cinnamon Teal, 10 Redheads, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 3 Merganser, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  4 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Saturday.  There were also 30 Coots included in the take on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 1.03 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots included, 1.24 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 32 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as is usual, headed downward from Saturday’s count. Pintail still held first place for number of ducks taken on Sunday and Green Wing Teal were found in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/5/17 were as follows:

56 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 4 Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 2 Gadwall, 1 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 1 Scaup, 2 Wood Ducks, and 6 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were brought in to the check station at Wister on Sunday.  There were also 11 Coots checked in on Sunday.  This came out to an average bag of 0.70 ducks per gun or, with the Coots included, 0.89 waterfowl for each hunter. There was no information provided regarding how many reservation holders out of the 100 reservation cards issued arrived on time for their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of.  Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/4/17

The duck take averages at San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s started to climb back up from Wednesday’s low numbers under mostly clear conditions and mild temperatures.  Ring Neck Ducks remained in first place for the number of birds taken with Shovelers jumped up into second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/4/17 were as follows:

135 adult and 10 junior hunters bagged 44 Northern Shovelers, 22 Widgeon, 9 Bufflehead, 34 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Gadwall, 5 Green Wing Teal, 3 Mallards, 1 Pintail, 4 Redheads, 55 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese harvested at San Jacinto on Saturday.  In addition, 31 Coots were taken on Saturday.  This resulted in an average harvest of 1.32 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots figured in, 1.54 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 showed up on time for their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart.  Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-preschool-toy-drive-begins-2/

Also, San Jacinto’s 24^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 3^rd, 2018.  New state regulations, which went into effect the year before last, regarding donations for this great event are in effect again this year.  It’s a great cause to donate to as the Junior Hunters are the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Details on the procedures for donating can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Preschool Toy Drive Begins

The staff at San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun their Annual Toy Drive!  Tom Trakes, Wildlife Habitat Supervisor, at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, advised SoCalHunt that this year’s Toy Drive will, once again, benefit the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.

We, at SoCalHunt, encourage all hunters that show up to hunt at San Jacinto in the next several weeks bring along a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the kids.  This is a chance to show the general public that hunters have a heart.  The toys for the Head Start Preschool are intended for 4 to 5-year-old boys and girls.

Donations for the Bryant Park Head Start Program will be accepted until December 20^th, with the San Jacinto Staff, along with Santa, delivering them on the 22^nd.  These donations don’t need to go through the state procedures for donations (such as the donations for the Junior Hunt) as San Jacinto is not receiving the donations but is just a collection point for them.

Please take this opportunity to show that hunters really care and donate to the San Jacinto Annual Toy Drive and support this noble effort.

For further details please contact Tom at (951)-236-3040 or the San Jacinto Wildlife Area Office at (951)-928-0580.  Toys can be donated at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area Office at 17050 Davis Road, Lakeview, CA 92567.

Thank you for your support!

Riverside Board of Supervisors Final Vote on San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Future Tuesday, November 14th – UPDATED INFO! TIME CHANGE FOR THE MEETING!

The Riverside Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 14^th will be held at 1:30 pm instead of 9:00 am as I had previously reported.  The Board of Supervisors will take public comment on the Lewis Homes project then vote on its approval at this meeting.  See SoCalHunt’s prior post on the meeting for further details BUT IGNORE THE TIME IN THAT POST.  The meeting will be at 1:30 pm NOT 9:00 am.  Sorry for any confusion.  Check the below link for further Info…

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2017/10/28/tuesday-november-14th-900-am-riverside-board-of-supervisors-final-vote-on-massive-project-that-will-encroach-on-san-jacinto-wildlife-area-attendance-needed-to-show-support-sjwa/

If you’re going, here’s a Google maps link to the Board of Supervisor’s meeting location at 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, the location of the hearing.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Lemon+St,+Riverside,+CA+92501/@33.9777754,-117.3755947,17.08z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dcb1e5ff7ca79f:0x566b43c951322556!8m2!3d33.9778578!4d-117.3733832?hl=en

If there’s any way you can make it to the Riverside Board of Supervisors meeting on November 14^th, at 1:30 pm, BE THERE!  As I’ve already said before the future of San Jacinto Wildlife Area, and most certainly the hunting program there, depends on it.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/1/17

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s harvest numbers skidded even further south from Saturday’s low numbers under conditions of mild temperatures and skies that started off mostly cloudy but burnt off to clear skies in the afternoon.  Ring Neck Ducks showed up in first place for the number of birds taken with Widgeon sliding into a close second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/1/17 were as follows:

125 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter bagged 14 Northern Shovelers, 20 Widgeon, 7 Bufflehead, 13 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Gadwall, 16 Green Wing Teal, 3 Mallards, 1 Merganser, 19 Redheads, 21 Ring Necks, 8 Scaup (oops!), 1 Wood Duck, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  Again, there were no Geese checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  17 Coots were also bagged on Wednesday.  This resulted in an average harvest of 0.99 ducks per gun or, with the Coots added in, 1.13 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 24 arrived on time for their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS).  Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days.  If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail.  As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season.  You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

SoCalHunt SJ Hunting Report 11/1/17

Today SoCalHunt returned, once again, to San Jacinto Wildlife Area for another try at a solo afternoon refill hunt.  The bird counts for the last two hunt days weren’t very good but the weather had been unusually hot and calm on those days so today, with temperatures predicted to be nearly 30 degrees lower than last Wednesday, there was hope that more ducks would be flying today.

When I made my way up to the Check Station to check in and get my name on the refill list I was again very surprised to see the extremely short refill list.  Today’s refill last had only 5 hunting parties ahead of me 3 of them had already refilled by the time I signed up.  Although there were some blind available I opted to wait a while to see if one of my old favorites would become available and in pretty short order one of them did check in and I was on my way to my blind.

I should note that as I waited for my blind to come in several hunting parties checked in and it didn’t look good.  Most were bringing in maybe 1 Teal or a couple Coots or a big goose…. egg (aka zero), so it didn’t look good if the morning shoot was that slow but I was already here so I was going out to give it a try, no matter what.

I arrived at my blind and set up and was hunting by about 11:45 am.  The conditions were much better than last week, with the temperature being in the mid to high 60’s, but there was no wind and the clouds covering most of the sky earlier this morning were quickly burning off, resulting in a completely clear and calm sky not long after I arrived.

About a half hour after I arrived I heard shooting from a couple ponds over, then the next pond over, then from the blind at the far end of the pond my blind was in. Seconds later I observed the cause of all the commotion, a lone Shoveler drake trying to get outta Dodge, and he passed by my blind probably about 75+ yards out, just a little too far for a shot.

Just under an hour later the neighboring blind opened up again and seconds later a hen Spoony, following just about the same exact route as the previous duck, flew by out of range.  Again, just too far to even try a shot.

Just after 2 pm, I saw birds heading right for my blind, and, if they kept their present altitude, they’d be well within range in a few seconds.  But, unfortunately, they weren’t ducks but a small flock of Ibis that flew nearly right over my blind.  At least I got a couple good pictures of those birds.

As always, there were other activities going on around the blind to keep my interest.  A Black Phoebe spent a great deal of time flitting around the reeds and bushes across from my blind, chasing insects.  Of course, the ever-present Coots were in attendance (legal game if you want to take them but I don’t) splashing around, diving for food and fighting with each other.  A Sora Rail was also busily pecking about the adjacent shoreline trying to come up with lunch.

There were also other things in the air today.  The Riverside Sheriff’s helicopter flew over the Wildlife Area a couple times, likely going out and coming back from some type of call.

Well, unfortunately, the two Spoonies were the only ducks I even saw today.  Except for them, the ski was pretty much devoid of waterfowl.  Perhaps it’s too early in the season and not much migration has taken place yet to bring some new birds into San Jacinto. However, as the sun set, I was still thankful for another day in the marsh but it would be nice to bag a couple birds occasionally. Hopefully next time.