Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 12/30/17

The waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area continued the downward trend from Wednesday’s count on a day that started cold with temperatures ending up in the mid 70’s under clear skies. Green Wing Teal continued to dominate first position for number of birds bagged with Shovelers remaining in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/30/17 were as follows:

160 adult and 11 junior hunters harvested 25 Northern Shovelers, 12 Mallards, 21 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 85 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 3 Bufflehead, and 10 Ruddy Ducks.  Again, no Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  8 Coots were brought in to the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This worked out to an average bag of 1.06 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.11 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 30 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

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 – 12/27/17

The waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area took a downward turn compared to Saturday’s good averages on a day with warm temperatures and mostly clear skies. Green Wing Teal were still holding in first place for number of birds taken with Shovelers continuing in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/27/17 were as follows:

150 adult and 12 junior hunters harvested 38 Northern Shovelers, 13 Mallards, 35 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 12 Pintail, 76 Green Wing Teal, 34 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 4 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 7 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  9 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This came out to an average harvest of 1.40 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.46 waterfowl per gun. 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

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 – 12/20/17, Saturday – 12/23/17, and Sunday – 12/24/17

The waterfowl count at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday continued the upward trend compared to Sunday’s surprisingly good numbers.  Widgeon were in the first place Wednesday for number of birds taken with Pintail found in at the second position.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/20/17 were as follows:

132 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in 13 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 66 Gadwall, 86 Widgeon, 80 Pintail, 54 Green Wing Teal, 32 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 4 Canvasbacks, 6 Ring Necks, 8 Bufflehead, 5 Blue Wing Teal, and 2 Ruddy Ducks.  43 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Wednesday.  There were no Coots checked in at Wister on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 2.73 ducks per gun or, with the Geese included, 3.05 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 40 showed up on time to claim their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday took a slight downturn turn compared to Wednesday’s count.  Green Wing Teal jumped into the first position for number of birds harvested with Pintails holding on to second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/23/17 were as follows:

180 adult and 13 junior hunters checked in 14 Northern Shoveler, 5 Mallards, 62 Gadwall, 71 Widgeon, 76 Pintail, 97 Green Wing Teal, 34 Cinnamon Teal, 10 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 18 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 14 Ruddy Ducks.  There were also 58 Snow Geese checked in at Wister on Saturday.  Again, no Coots were bagged at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 2.11 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese included, 2.41 waterfowl per person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 30 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as is usual, dropped quite a bit compared to Saturday’s count. Snow Geese took over the first position for number of waterfowl taken on Sunday with Pintail still holding the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/24/17 were as follows:

40 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter harvested 2 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 8 Widgeon, 9 Pintail, 8 Green Wing Teal, 2 Cinnamon Teal and 1 Ruddy Duck. There were 10 Snow Geese downed at Wister on Sunday.  No Coots were shot at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 0.85 ducks per person or, with the Geese added in 1.10 waterfowl for each hunter. There was no information provided about the number of reservations claimed on Sunday.

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 – 12/23/17

The waterfowl harvest averages at San Jacinto Wildlife Area remained almost the same as last Wednesday’s good totals on a day with cool temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Green Wing Teal were again found in first place for number of birds taken with Shovelers holding on to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/23/17 were as follows:

144 adult and 10 junior hunters checked in with 84 Northern Shovelers, 22 Mallards, 45 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 33 Pintail, 100 Green Wing Teal, 40 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Ring Necks, 7 Bufflehead, and 6 Ruddy Ducks.  There were 2 Snow Geese downed at San Jacinto on Saturday.  There were also 2 Coots brought in to the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This came out to an average harvest of 2.31 ducks per person or, with the Coots included, 2.33 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 34 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

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

San Jacinto Hunters Come Through Again! San Jacinto’s Annual Bryant Park Toy Drive a Big Success!

Once again, the hunters at San Jacinto Wildlife Area came through with toy donations for SJ’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive.  A BIG THANKS to all hunters who were able to donate toys to this great cause.

Santa stopped by the party and gave out two toys to all 60 of the preschool’s kids, plus there were even enough to give a toy to the preschoolers’ siblings.  A great time was had by all!  And some great food and desserts were brought in by the parents too!

Once again, the San Jacinto Staff (and me too) would like to extend a big thanks to the San Jacinto hunters for all their very generous toy donations to make this all possible.  SJ hunters, as they always do, have proved they have a heart and really care.

Thanks once more for all the generous toy donations!

I’ll just let the pictures tell the story:

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/20/17

The waterfowl harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area headed back upward from Saturday’s fair count on a day with cool temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Green Wing Teal held on to first place for number of birds harvested with Shovelers moving up into the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/20/17 were as follows:

134 adult and 7 junior hunters bagged 53 Northern Shovelers, 17 Mallards, 38 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 16 Pintail, 107 Green Wing Teal, 49 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 17 Ring Necks, 10 Bufflehead, and 15 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  There were 5 Coots checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average bag of 2.37 ducks per person or, with the Coots added in, 2.40 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 21 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

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 – 12/13/17, Saturday – 12/16/17, and Sunday – 12/17/17

The waterfowl averages at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped up quite a bit compared to Sunday’s very low count.  Despite a one bird limit, Pintails were found in the first spot for number of birds taken with Gadwalls coming in at the second position, but only by one bird over Widgeon.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/13/17 were as follows:

76 adult and 3 junior hunters checked in 14 Northern Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 38 Gadwall, 37 Widgeon, 45 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 20 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Redheads, 7 Ring Necks, and 3 Bufflehead.  15 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  No Coots were taken at Wister on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 2.28 ducks per gun or, with the Geese added in, 2.47 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 24 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slid downward a little compared to Wednesday’s count.  Widgeon jumped up to first place for number of birds checked in with Pintails dropping back to second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/16/17 were as follows:

210 adult and 10 junior hunters checked in 26 Northern Shoveler, 18 Mallards, 45 Gadwall, 112 Widgeon, 79 Pintail, 70 Green Wing Teal, 44 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 26 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 7 Bufflehead, 5 Blue Wing Teal, 2 Mergansers, and 1 Ruddy Ducks.  There were also 31 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose harvested at Wister on Saturday.  No Coots were bagged at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 2.00 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese included, 2.15 waterfowl per person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 34 showed up on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday slipped back a little from Saturday’s count, but not nearly as much as usual. Widgeon remained in first position for number of waterfowl bagged on Sunday with Pintail retaining the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/17/17 were as follows:

77 adult and 6 junior hunters harvested 10 Northern Shovelers, 13 Mallard, 35 Gadwall, 45 Widgeon, 38 Pintail, 5 Green Wing Teal, 2 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 2 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 3 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. There were 24 Snow Geese bagged at Wister on Sunday.  No Coots were checked in at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 1.92 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese added in, 2.20 waterfowl for each gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 19 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 – 12/16/17

The waterfowl harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area slipped back some from Wednesday’s very good averages on a day with cool temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Teal dominated today’s bird count with Green Wing Teal taking over first place for number of birds bagged and Cinnamon Teal holding on to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/16/17 were as follows:

178 adult and 17 junior hunters bagged 42 Northern Shovelers, 25 Mallards, 46 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 28 Pintail, 101 Green Wing Teal, 52 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 7 Bufflehead, and 19 Ruddy Ducks.  Again, there were no Geese taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  8 Coots were also added to the count at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This worked out to an average bag of 1.68 ducks per gun or, with the Coots included, 1.72 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 30 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

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 12/13/17

After finally…finally…getting on the scoreboard on the last hunt at San Jacinto, coupled with the very good bird count numbers turned in this past Saturday I figured maybe it was going to be worth it to try another afternoon refill hunt. If you’ve been following my reports here on SoCalHunt you know that I’ve had probably the slowest start to a duck season that I’ve ever experienced.

When I arrived at SJ, I went up to the check station and donated a couple toys for San Jacinto’s Bryant Park Preschool Toy Drive and checked in on the refill list.  It didn’t look like it would be a long wait, in fact, there were some blinds available already, as there have been most of the other times I’ve refilled this season, just not one I really wanted, so I figured I wait a while and see what came in.

After about an hour a blind came in that I liked and I was off to the “races” again.  I was optimistic because as I waited, the morning hunters that were checking in their birds were coming up to the check station with some really nice straps, some even with full limits.

I got out to my blind and after setting up I had just a minute more than 4 hours of hunting time to go.  The day was dead calm with clear skies and zero wind.  It was warming up fast and was already pushing into the 80’s.

So, there I sat, staring at a clear sky…a clear, empty sky.  Well, not really empty but empty of ducks anyway.  As always, there were other critters in the marsh to watch so things are never boring in the blind anyway.  There were, of course, numerous Coots and Ruddy Ducks and a few different varieties of Songbirds.  A Greater Egret even flew by within yards of the blind.

Just before 2 pm a refill hunter was walking out to his blind and passed by the pond I was in.  This spooked up a quartet of Teal from behind some nearby tules.  Three of the little rockets turned away from my blind but the 4th one turned towards my blind but then did a 180 and headed back over the tules.  He was within range, but I only had one quick snap shot at him before he would be over the tules again and then be unrecoverable if I dropped him after that, but the rushed shot missed the mark.  So, as the sun set lower in the sky I settled back in the blind and waited for another opportunity.

Well, I’ll just make a long story short here.  I had my one shot for the day and that was all there would be.  I believe I saw a total of maybe 20 ducks flying during my 4 hours in the blind, none within range except for that one Teal.  Apparently, until something changes, SJ is going to be a totally morning hunt for the foreseeable future.  If you saw the bird counts I posted earlier the average harvest was very good today which would probably actually be excellent if there was a way to average out the afternoon refills that didn’t get much of anything.  As the sun dipped behind the hills again I made plans to try and get out for a morning hunt soon.  Although, if I can’t make that I’ll still give the afternoons a shot too.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/13/17

The waterfowl harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area continued upward compared to Saturday’s good numbers on a day with crisp morning temperatures that quickly warmed into the 80’s with clear, calm bluebird skies. Shovelers jumped into first place for number of birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal being found in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/13/17 were as follows:

107 adult and no junior hunters harvested 82 Northern Shovelers, 14 Mallards, 59 Gadwall, 19 Widgeon, 13 Pintail, 50 Green Wing Teal, 68 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 6 Ring Necks, 4 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, and 12 Ruddy Ducks.  There were also 2 ducks check in as “other”.  No Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  30 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average bag of 3.17 ducks per gun or, with the Coots included, 3.45 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards only 18 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

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 – 12/6/17, Saturday – 12/9/17, and Sunday – 12/10/17

The waterfowl count at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday headed back up some compared to Sunday’s very low numbers.  Again, Snow Geese were found in the first position for number of birds checked in with Mallards and Gadwalls tied for the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/6/17 were as follows:

94 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in 14 Northern Shovelers, 20 Mallards, 20 Gadwall, 14 Widgeon, 13 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 7 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 4 Bufflehead and 1 Ruddy Duck.  39 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Wednesday.  No Coots were checked in at Wister on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 1.06 ducks per gun or, with the Geese added in, 1.47 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 23 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked up slightly compared to Wednesday’s count.  Snow Geese held on to first place again for number of birds harvested with Widgeon taking over the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/9/17 were as follows:

138 adult and 15 junior hunters checked in 11 Northern Shoveler, 20 Mallards, 39 Gadwall, 41 Widgeon, 25 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 17 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 4 Canvasbacks, 5 Ring Necks, 3 Scaup, 15 Bufflehead, 2 Blue Wing Teal, and 7 Ruddy Ducks.  There were 43 Snow Geese bagged at Wister on Saturday.  In addition, 17 Coots were also taken at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 1.27 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.67 waterfowl for per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 27 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as usual, nosedived from Saturday’s count. Widgeon took over first place for number of waterfowl checked in on Sunday with Snow Geese slipping back into second place, tying with Gadwalls. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/10/17 were as follows:

89 adult and 10 junior hunters harvested 2 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 2 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 1 Bufflehead, 2 Blue Wing Teal, and 1 Ruddy Duck. There were 6 Snow Geese downed at Wister on Sunday.  No Coots were brought in to the check station at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 0.34 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese figured in, 0.40 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 16 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 – 12/9/17

The waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area continued to improve compared to Wednesday’s fair count on a day that started cold and warmed into temperatures in the high 70’s with mostly clear skies. Gadwall captured first place for number of birds harvested with Ring Necks moving up to the second position.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/9/17 were as follows:

115 adult and 11 junior hunters bagged 47 Northern Shovelers, 26 Mallards, 79 Gadwall, 41 Widgeon, 7 Pintail, 25 Green Wing Teal, 38 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 55 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 12 Bufflehead, and 13 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  3 Coots were also checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This worked out to an average bag of 2.75 ducks per gun or, with the Coots included, 2.78 waterfowl per hunter. 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

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 12/6/17

Well, if you’ve read my last few hunting reports, and have been keeping track of the hunt results here on SoCalHunt you know it’s been s-l-o-w.  However today there was a new aspect in the mix…wind!  Usually when there’s wind at San Jacinto hunting improves, a little at least.  So, with that in mind, I decided that it was worth it to hit San Jacinto for an afternoon refill hunt.

When I arrived, I was a little disappointed to see that the wind was pretty calm.  I walked up to the check station and donated a toy for the Annual San Jacinto Wildlife Area Bryant Park Preschool Toy Drive and signed in on the refill list.  There were about 10 groups of hunters signed up on the refill list ahead of me but, for some reason, there was only one pair of hunters waiting at the check station to refill and there were already several blinds available.  A couple of those available blinds are usually pretty good ones but I thought I’d wait a little while to see what came in.  Maybe I could do better.

It wasn’t 5 minutes later that the hunter from the exact blind I was hoping to get checked in.  He’d done okay, checking in three birds.  The two hunters that were there that were ahead of me on the refill list didn’t want that blind so I got my yellow card and headed out onto the refuge.

I got out to the blind, set up my decoys and other gear and settled into the blind and was hunting by about 11:45.  Disappointingly the air was calm and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the predicted “extreme” Santa Ana winds conspicuous by their absence.

As I sat in the blind the wildlife area was silent, in terms of gunfire at least, and although there were birds flying here and there they weren’t the right kind of birds (ducks).  About a half hour after I set up a lone hen gadwall came in low over the tules, saw my decoys and, without hesitation, pitched into the decoys and landed.  The gaddy was about 20 yards out from the blind sitting on the water.  I told myself if I missed this one I might have to give up duck hunting this year.  I stood up and the bird jumped and, I’m glad to report, I’ll still be hunting this season.  Finally, a bird for the strap and a nice one too.

I put my just harvested bird on the strap and settled back in the blind hoping to she had some friends in the area that would also come to visit.  While I waited, as is always the case at SJ, there was plenty of other wildlife to observe.  There was, of course, the ever-present coots along with what seemed like quite a few more hawks then usual today.  Several small songbirds visited, as did a shrike, which is a very interesting little bird.  This little predator is about the size of a large songbird.  He usually eats insects and small animals, like small lizards, and impales them on thorns, or barbed-wire fences which helps the bird tear them apart to eat.

There were also quite a few other “birds” in the air today.  A couple of KC-135 Stratotankers and a C-17 Globemaster and even a CH-54A Firefighting Helicopter probably headed to one of the big brushfires going on north of Los Angeles or further.

Well, the wind was off and on but it never rose to a level that would get the birds moving.  Maybe it was windier earlier in the day because I did find out later that the morning shoot was pretty good.  While I was there it never got over about 10 or 12 miles an hour.  Just about everybody in the part of the wildlife area I was hunting left by about 1:30 or 2:00 and when I left there was only one other truck in the parking lot for that area.  After I got my gadwall I saw a total of 4 other ducks before quitting time, none within range. So, as the sun set and legal shooting time expired I collected my decoys, gear, and lone duck and headed out.  I’ll be back soon to try it again.  At least I was 100% on my shots today, killed a bird with every shot took…one for one in other words.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/6/17

The waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area headed back up into the decent numbers compared to Saturday’s low averages on a day of mild temperatures and windy, clear skies. Widgeon remained in the first position for number of birds checked in with Shovelers holding on to second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/6/17 were as follows:

106 adult and no junior hunters bagged 39 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 32 Gadwall, 42 Widgeon, 6 Pintail, 13 Green Wing Teal, 23 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 7 Ring Necks, 10 Bufflehead, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  Again, no Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  14 Coots were also bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average bag of 1.86 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.99 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 22 came in 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 – 11/29/17, Saturday – 12/2/17, and Sunday – 12/3/17

The duck bag numbers at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday headed upward a little compared to last Sunday’s dismal numbers.  Snow Geese, once again, were in first position for number of birds bagged with Pintail found in second place, but only by one bird over Mallards and Gadwalls.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/29/17 were as follows:

67 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in 3 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallards, 10 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 11 Pintail, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 4 Redheads, 4 Ring Necks, and 1 Bufflehead.  24 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Wednesday.  8 Coots were also bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 0.79 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots included, 1.26 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 22 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday headed back towards the basement again compared to Wednesday’s already low numbers.  Snow Geese remained in first place again for number of birds harvested with Gadwall taking over the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/2/17 were as follows:

145 adult and 8 junior hunters checked in 6 Northern Shoveler, 11 Mallards, 14 Gadwall, 8 Widgeon, 11 Pintail, 2 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 9 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 5 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  There were 65 Snow Geese taken at Wister on Saturday.  In addition, 2 Coots were also bagged at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 0.50 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 0.93 waterfowl for per gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 34 arrived on time to for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, spiraled ever further downward from Saturday’s low numbers. Snow Geese continued their reign over first place for number of waterfowl taken on Sunday with Ring Necks found in second place, but only by one over Gadwalls. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/3/17 were as follows:

57 adult and 7 junior hunters harvested 1 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, and 4 Ring Necks. 22 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Sunday.  There was 1 Coot checked in at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 0.20 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot figured in, 0.56 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued only 16 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 – 12/2/17

The waterfowl bag at San Jacinto Wildlife Area slipped back down a little from Wednesday’s averages on a day of warm temperatures and calm, partly cloudy skies. Widgeon retook first spot for number of birds bagged with Shovelers sliding back into second place.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/2/17 were as follows:

120 adult and 11 junior hunters bagged 24 Northern Shovelers, 7 Mallards, 26 Widgeon, 4 Bufflehead, 11 Cinnamon Teal, 21 Gadwall, 6 Green Wing Teal, 7 Redheads, 8 Ring Necks, 4 Scaup, 1 Merganser, and 10 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were harvested at San Jacinto on Saturday.  Also, 13 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This figured out to an average bag of 0.98 ducks per person or, with the Coots added in, 1.08 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 30 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.