Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Sunday – 11/29/20

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area slid a little more coming up slightly lower than Saturday’s poor average.  Green Wing Teal took over first place for number of birds bagged with Shovelers jumping into the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/29/20 were as follows:

42 adult and 3 junior hunters took 8 Northern Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 4 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, and 5 Ruddy Ducks.  4 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Sunday.  6 Coots were also taken at Wister on Sunday.  This came out to an average take of 0.69 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots included, 0.91 waterfowl per hunter. Out of the 104 reservations issued only 17 hunters showed up in time to get 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/28/20

The average waterfowl bag at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area remained virtually the same as Wednesday’s poor average.  Pintail retained first place for most numerous bird checked in with Snow Geese taking over the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/28/20 were as follows:

171 adult and 19 junior hunters took 33 Northern Shoveler, 10 Mallards, 11 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 35 Pintail, 33 Green Wing Teal, 25 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redhead, 3 Ring Necks, 15 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Hooded Merganser, and 11 Ruddy Duck.       1 Canada Goose and 34 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Saturday.  Also, 2 Coots were downed at Wister on Saturday.  This came out to an average take of 0.99 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.19 waterfowl per gun. Out of the 104 reservations issued 39 hunters showed up in time to get 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 – 11/28/20

The average bag of waterfowl for the San Jacinto Wildlife Area slid just a hair compared to Wednesday’s poor average under clear skies with temperatures starting just under 40 eventually getting just into the 70s.  Gadwall held on to first place for most numerous bird taken with Shovelers, which shared the first spot with them on Wednesday, slid back to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/28/20 were as follows:

186 adult and 8 junior hunters bagged 30 Northern Shovelers, 22 Mallards, 32 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 14 Green Wing Teal, 13 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Canvasbacks, 5 Ring Necks, 3 Scaup, 15 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Mergansers, and 11 Ruddy Ducks.     There were no Geese downed at San Jacinto on Saturday.  Also, 21 Coots were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This worked out to an average bag of 0.88 ducks per person or, with the Coots included, 0.99 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 31 arrived on time to get their hunting spot.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 7-year-old boys and girls.  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/2020/11/12/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-begins/

San Jacinto’s 27^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 6^th, 2021.  New state regulations, which went into effect 5 years ago, 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. 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/

Also, don’t let a little paperwork stop you from donating.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it every year since DFW started this requirement.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line 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 web site 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 hits 10 years old! Woohoo!

November 29, 2010 the SoCalHunt blog appeared online with this inaugural post…

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/welcome-to-socalhunt-coms-hunting-blog/

…Initially SoCalHunt focused exclusively on San Jacinto Wildlife Area but over the years has expanded to include reports on the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, which most of us know as just plane old “Wister”, and the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, known by most of us as just simply “Kern”.   

Over the years I’ve done some gear reviews, probably not as many as I should have but take them for what you think they are worth. I’ve also done reports on our hunting trips, some were great, some were lousy (as far as shooting birds) but every one of them was worth the price of admission and more when you consider WHERE we were hunting and the wildlife viewing (besides the ducks), the outstanding scenery, the sunrises, and the sunsets.  I hope everyone found those entertaining, informative, or at least liked some of the photographs. 

I must throw in an apology at this point as, due to medical issues, (of which I won’t bother anyone with the details, suffice to say it’s non-COVID), it’s doubtful you’ll be seeing any hunting reports this season, (which totally sucks), but I will keep up the hunting results reports.  Hopefully next season will find some things resolved in the area and I’ll be in a better situation and the in-person reports will continue.  Also, any information that needs to be passed along to hunters from the SJ, Wister, or Kern staff members or the DFW will be passed along ASAP.

Also, as a kind of side note, as I’ve occasionally been accused of “driving clicks to my site to make money”.  If it makes anybody feel better, I’ve done this at my own expense as a public service to my fellow hunters and to the Wildlife Area staff as a conduit to get information out to the public.  And no, I’m not crying about that and it’s not a plea for money. If you feel an urge to donate then donate to San Jacinto’s Toy Drive or Junior Hunt. For me it’s not a lot of money and I can afford it.  It’s kind of a hobby connected to hunting in my view.

So, yeah…10 years…and yeah, I’m patting oneself on the back.  Why not?

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/25/20

The waterfowl average bag at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area stayed almost the same as Sunday’s usual poor average.  Pintail climbed into first place for most numerous bird taken with Gadwall found in the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/25/20 were as follows:

123 adult and 6 junior hunters took 21 Northern Shoveler, 7 Mallards, 24 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 34 Pintail, 21 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 6 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 8 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Hooded Merganser, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  In addition, a lone Snow Goose was checked in at Wister on Wednesday.  There was also a single Coot bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average per hunter bag of 1.12 ducks or, with the Goose and Coot included, 1.14 waterfowl per person. Out of the 104 reservation cards DFW issued 23 hunters showed up in time to get 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, Wednesday – 11/25/20

The per hunter average take of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area headed back upward just slightly as compared to Saturday’s poor numbers with weather conditions starting right at 40 degrees, eventually just touching 70, under clear skies.  Gadwall and Shovelers came in tied for first place for most birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal taking the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/25/20 were as follows:

148 adult and 15 junior hunters bagged 32 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 32 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 20 Green Wing Teal, 27 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 3 Ring Necks, 5 Bufflehead, 3 Goldeneye, and 16 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  In addition, 7 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This figured out to a per person average of 0.97 ducks or, with the Coots added in, 1.01 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 30 arrived on time to get their hunting spot.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 7-year-old boys and girls.  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/2020/11/12/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-begins/

San Jacinto’s 27^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 6^th, 2021.  New state regulations, which went into effect 5 years ago, 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. 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/

Also, don’t let a little paperwork stop you from donating.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it every year since DFW started this requirement.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line 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 web site 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.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 11/21/20

The average harvest for waterfowl hunters at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge dropped quite a bit from Wednesday’s good numbers.  Shovelers held on to first place, but just barely, for most numerous bird downed beating out the Gadwalls which held on to the second spot, by only one bird.  The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/21/20 were as follows:

54 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter came away with 25 Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 24 Gadwall, 1 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 8 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 8 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese or Coots were bagged at Kern on Saturday.  This worked out to an average take of 1.42 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to add in, 1.42 waterfowl average for each person. No info was given regarding the reservation cards issued or claimed.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge 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.  Hunters with reservations must present their reservation at the Hunter Check Station on the Refuge 2 1/2 hours before local shoot time. Vacancies occurring from no-show reservation holders and from hunters leaving the area shall be filled according to the order established in the standby drawing which occurs 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, and is performed at the Refuge Hunter Check Station. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link – Additional information may be obtained by calling their Kern’s office at (661) 725-2767.

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.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Sunday – 11/22/20

The average take of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area slipped a little from Saturday’s fair average.  Green Wing Teal took over first place for most birds checked in with Pintail sliding back into the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/22/20 were as follows:

51 adult and 4 junior hunters took 9 Northern Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, 10 Pintail, 12 Green Wing Teal, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 2 Bufflehead, and 5 Ruddy Ducks.  Also, 1 Snow Goose was bagged at Wister on Sunday.  6 Coots were also checked in at Wister on Sunday.  This figured out to an average bag of 1.02 ducks per person or, with the Goose and Coots added, 1.15 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 12 hunting parties arrived on time to claim their hunting 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/21/20

Average harvests of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area dropped significantly from Wednesday’s good average.  Pintail held on to first place for most birds taken with Cinnamon Teal earning the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/21/20 were as follows:

195 adult and 13 junior hunters checked in with 43 Northern Shoveler, 7 Mallards, 38 Gadwall, 14 Widgeon, 64 Pintail, 47 Green Wing Teal, 55 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 5 Ring Necks, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 5 Ruddy Ducks.  There were 12 Snow Geese taken at Wister on Saturday.  In addition, 11 Coots were downed at Wister on Saturday.  This worked out to an average harvest of 1.36 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 1.47 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 45 hunting parties arrived on time to claim their hunting 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 – 11/21/20

The average harvest of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area plummeted as compared to Wednesday’s numbers under partly cloudy weather conditions that started just below 50 and just touched the 80s in the early afternoon.  Mallards took over first place for most numerous bird taken with Shovelers and Ruddy Ducks coming in tied for the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/21/20 were as follows:

168 adult and 16 junior hunters checked in with 15 Northern Shovelers, 17 Mallards, 13 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 13 Green Wing Teal, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasbacks, 2 Ring Necks, 9 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 15 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese downed at San Jacinto on Saturday.  Also, 8 Coots were brought in at SJWA on Saturday.  This came out to a per hunter average of 0.56 ducks or, with the Coots included, 0.60 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 33 showed up on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 7-year-old boys and girls.  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/2020/11/12/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-begins/

San Jacinto’s 27^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 6^th, 2021.  New state regulations, which went into effect 5 years ago, 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. 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/

Also, don’t let a little paperwork stop you from donating.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it every year since DFW started this requirement.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line 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 web site 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.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 11/18/20

The waterfowl average at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge ticked up just a hair from Saturday’s good average.  Shovelers held on to first place for most birds bagged with Gadwall taking over the second spot.  The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/18/20 were as follows:

53 adult and 2 junior hunters checked in with 61 Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 24 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 2 Ring Necks, and 4 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese or Coots were taken at Kern on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average harvest of 2.24 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to add in to the total, 2.24 waterfowl average for each hunter. No info was given regarding the reservation cards issued or claimed.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge 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.  Hunters with reservations must present their reservation at the Hunter Check Station on the Refuge 2 1/2 hours before local shoot time. Vacancies occurring from no-show reservation holders and from hunters leaving the area shall be filled according to the order established in the standby drawing which occurs 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, and is performed at the Refuge Hunter Check Station. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link – Additional information may be obtained by calling their Kern’s office at (661) 725-2767.

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.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/18/20

The average take of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area rebounded quite a bit from Sunday’s usual low averages.  Pintail slid into first place for number of birds checked in with Shovelers holding on to the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/18/20 were as follows:

95 adult and 2 junior hunters harvested 39 Northern Shoveler, 2 Mallards, 38 Gadwall, 19 Widgeon, 44 Pintail, 32 Green Wing Teal, 11 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Canvasbacks, 2 Ring Neck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  22 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Wednesday.  There were 3 Coots bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average take of 2.01 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots figured into the total, 2.27 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 29 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting 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, Wednesday – 11/18/20

The average take of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area slipped back some more as compared to Saturday’s fair average under mostly sunny skies with temperatures starting out in the high 40s and topping out in the low 70s.  Coots (yes, coots) took over first place for most birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal taking over the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/18/20 were as follows:

163 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 21 Northern Shovelers, 19 Mallards, 26 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 35 Green Wing Teal, 41 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 4 Canvasbacks, 6 Ring Necks, 6 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Merganser, and 8 Ruddy Ducks.     There were no Geese bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  54 Coots were downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  This figured out to a per person average of 1.10 ducks or, with the Coots worked in, 1.42 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 34 showed up on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 7-year-old boys and girls.  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/2020/11/12/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-begins/

San Jacinto’s 27^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 6^th, 2021.  New state regulations, which went into effect 5 years ago, 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. 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/

Also, don’t let a little paperwork stop you from donating.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it every year since DFW started this requirement.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line 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 web site 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.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 11/14/20

The average harvest of waterfowl at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge slipped a little from Wednesday’s average.  Shovelers remained in first place for most numerous bird checked in with Green Wing Teal taking over the second spot.  The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/14/20 were as follows:

63 adult and 2 junior hunters harvested 67 Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 17 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 19 Green Wing Teal, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 9 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 4 Ring Necks, and 2 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese or Coots bagged at Kern on Saturday.  This worked out to an average take of 2.14 ducks for each hunter and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to added in, 2.14 waterfowl per gun. No info was given regarding the reservation cards issued or claimed.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge 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.  Hunters with reservations must present their reservation at the Hunter Check Station on the Refuge 2 1/2 hours before local shoot time. Vacancies occurring from no-show reservation holders and from hunters leaving the area shall be filled according to the order established in the standby drawing which occurs 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, and is performed at the Refuge Hunter Check Station. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link – Additional information may be obtained by calling their Kern’s office at (661) 725-2767.

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.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Sunday – 11/15/20

The waterfowl harvest average at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, as is usual for a Sunday, nosedived compared to the average from Saturday.  Snow Geese remained in the first position for number of birds bagged with Shovelers taking over the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/15/20 were as follows:

84 adult and 7 junior hunters harvested 9 Northern Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 6 Pintail, 8 Green Wing Teal, 8 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Canvasbacks, 1 Ring Neck, 1 Bufflehead, and 7 Ruddy Ducks.   Also, 22 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Sunday.  There were no Coots taken at Wister on Sunday.  This worked out to a harvest average of 0.55 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese included, 0.79 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 24 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/14/20

The average harvest of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area headed upward somewhat compared to Wednesday’s average.  Snow Geese climbed into first position for most birds taken with Green Wing Teal being found in the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/14/20 were as follows:

192 adult and 15 junior hunters checked in with 51 Northern Shoveler, 13 Mallards, 59 Gadwall, 28 Widgeon, 62 Pintail, 78 Green Wing Teal, 65 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 4 Canvasbacks, 5 Ring Necks, 4 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, and 18 Ruddy Ducks.   Also, 92 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Saturday.  2 Coots were also bagged at Wister on Saturday.  This figured out to an average harvest of 1.91 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots included, 2.36 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 43 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting 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 – 11/14/20

The waterfowl averages at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped quite a bit as compared to Wednesday’s great average under mostly sunny skies with temperatures starting out in the mid 40s and reaching the low 70s.  Green Wing Teal held on to first placeas most numerous bird bagged with Gadwall taking over the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/14/20 were as follows:

186 adult and 12 junior hunters bagged 42 Northern Shovelers, 35 Mallards, 51 Gadwall, 14 Widgeon, 17 Pintail, 137 Green Wing Teal, 44 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 3 Ring Necks, 3 Scaup, 10 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 25 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were brought into the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday.  8 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  This came out to a per hunter average of 1.98 ducks or, with the Coots added in, 2.02 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 32 showed up on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 7-year-old boys and girls.  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/2020/11/12/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-begins/

San Jacinto’s 27^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 6^th, 2021.  New state regulations, which went into effect 5 years ago, 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. 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/

Also, don’t let a little paperwork stop you from donating.  It’s not that hard, I know, I’ve done it every year since DFW started this requirement.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line 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 web site 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.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Toy Drive Begins

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun their Annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit the Knotts Family Agency Foster Program. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool was not able to participate with SJWA as they usually would.  Tom Trakes and San Jacinto WA Staff are still conducting their annual toy drive, but this time it will benefit the kids at Knotts Family Agency Foster Program.

SJWA is dedicating this years Toy Drive in memory of Reverend Jessie Martinez who passed away this past September 25.  Many of you know Reverend Jessie from his invocations at SJWA’s Junior Hunt each year.  Reverend Jessie was always an integral part of SJ’s annual toy drive, playing Santa and giving the toys out to the kids for many years.  In addition, Reverend Jessie and his wife fostered and eventually adopted two children from The Knotts Family Agency’s Foster Program.

Knotts Family Agency was established in 1992 by Gwen and James Knotts as a safety net strategy for homeless teens and their babies. With a track record of more than 20 years, the organization evolved from an exclusive focus on foster care to now supporting safe, stable families and communities. Knotts Family Agency has emerged as a leader in providing evidence based comprehensive support and services to promote the emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural well-being and development of children, youth, adults and families.

Knotts Family Agency population served are ages 0-20 in Riverside and San Bernardino County.

Their special programs are:

• Foster to adopt

• Adoption ·

• Short term and Long-term Foster Care

• Respite Care

• Temporary Emergency Program

• Commercially Sexualized Exploited Children

There are over 60,000 children in foster care in California, with approximately 5,000 in San Bernardino; 4,200 in Riverside; 3,000 in San Diego; 2,000 in Orange County; and 30,000 in neighboring Los Angeles county. The need is great! You are needed today more than ever.

SoCalHunt encourages all the hunters that hunt at San Jacinto in the next several weeks to bring along a new, unwrapped toy to donate for the kids.  This is a chance to show the general public that hunters really do have a heart.  The focus of the Toy Drive is for the younger children so hunters should bring in toys that are intended for the younger preschool to about kindergarten or 1^st grade aged boys and girls.

The usual Toy Box is present and ready to go at the SJ check station.  Donations for the Knotts Family Agency Foster Program will be accepted at San Jacinto until December 19^th. Santa Claus and the San Jacinto Staff will deliver the toys to the children shortly after.  These donations do not 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 have a heart and do care. Donate to the San Jacinto Annual Toy Drive and support this great 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!

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s 27th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt Giveaway – Donations Needed

The last regular hunt day at San Jacinto Wildlife Area is Wednesday, January 31^st, 2021.  A week after the last regular season hunt day, on Saturday, February 6^th, 2021, the Junior Hunters will have a unique opportunity to end their season with a bang by participating in the 27^th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt.  SoCalHunt will post more details about the actual hunting opportunity for the Junior Hunters at a later date, this post will be more about some important preparation for the Junior Hunt and what you can do to help if you’re so inclined.

Besides the hunting, one of the things our Junior Hunters look forward to at the SJWA Junior Hunt is the lunch and giveaway at mid-day.  The Junior Hunters hunt cards are entered into a drawing for all kinds of great prizes and usually there’s enough to go around that the Junior Hunters walk away with at least two giveaway prizes each!  The San Jacinto Staff puts in a great deal of work on the Junior Hunt as do many volunteers. The SJ Staff and the volunteers truly believe the annual San Jacinto Wildlife Area Junior Hunt is an important event to keep the Junior Hunters interested and create memories for the Junior Hunters, who are, in fact, the future of our sport.

This year is the 27^th Annual Junior Hunt and it would be great to have a copious amount of donations for the giveaway prizes to make a really memorable event for our wonderful Junior Hunters.

In 2015 there was a change in state policy regarding donations for the annual Junior Hunt.  Per the change in policy, by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, donations of money, food or merchandise cannot be accepted unless the donations go through a formal acceptance procedure. (You can read SoCalHunt’s post on the 2015 donation procedures change at this link: 

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/new-procedures-for-donations-for-the-annual-junior-hunt-at-san-jacinto-wildlife-area/     This post has been edited to reflect this season’s dates and info.)

Attached below are two letters from Scott Sewell, Senior Fish and Wildlife Habitat Supervisor for the area, regarding the purpose of the Junior Hunt event and detailing some more information regarding Junior Hunt Donations:

I should note that this donation procedure will not affect San Jacinto’s Annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Knotts Family Agency Foster Program as, in that case, they are just collecting the toys for the Foster Program and the donated toys are not being donated to the DFW, they are just the middle-man in that situation so the toy box will be at the check station as usual.  There is not formal acceptance procedure required for the Toy Drive donations.

So, if you are of a mind to contribute anything to the Annual Junior Hunt, which will be held on Saturday, February 6^th, 2021 this season, you need to contact Tom Trakes at either his phone at 951-236-3040 or email at Thomas.Trakes@wildlife.ca.gov by the deadline of January 6^th, 2021.

To make it simple for anyone wanting to donate prizes for the Junior Hunt, SoCalHunt has cut through the red tape for you.  I’ve have tried to make it as simple as possible if you’d like to donate a prize or two, or more.  What the bottom line turns out to be is simply sending Tom Trakes a simple email (at his email address above) detailing what you intend to donate.  To make it easy I’ve included a link below to the SoCalHunt website’s “Maps and Downloads” page.  Scroll down to the very bottom of this page I’ve posted a link to a MS Word file of an example email to send to Tom Trakes, so you can make your donation.  Just follow the instructions at the top of the Word file. Just copy and paste this into an email and plug in what you’re donating and the details in the underlined sections.  The Donation Email MS Word file will be found at the very bottom of the SoCalHunt website “Maps and Downloads” page. Just click on it to download the Word file to your computer.

http://www.socalhunt.com/maps-and-downloads.html

Hopefully this season’s Junior Hunt will be another record event, both in birds bagged and giveaway prizes donated.  This is a wonderful opportunity to show our Junior Hunters how much they are valued as they are the future of our sport.  Hopefully you are able to contribute to this great event.

Thanks in advance to all who can donate and/or volunteer this season!

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 11/11/20

The average take of waterfowl for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge dropped a little from Saturday’s good average.  Shovelers held on to first place for number of birds taken with Gadwall holding on to the second spot.  The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/11/20 were as follows:

70 adult and 5 junior hunters harvested 69 Shovelers, 13 Mallards, 30 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 11 Pintail, 22 Green Wing Teal, 8 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 10 Ring Necks, 4 Bufflehead, 1 Wood Duck, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  There was a single White Fronted Goose checked in at Kern on Wednesday.  No Coots were also bagged at Kern on Wednesday.  This brought the average bag to 2.37 ducks per person and, with the Goose added in, 2.39 waterfowl per hunter. No info was given regarding the reservation cards issued or claimed.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge 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.  Hunters with reservations must present their reservation at the Hunter Check Station on the Refuge 2 1/2 hours before local shoot time. Vacancies occurring from no-show reservation holders and from hunters leaving the area shall be filled according to the order established in the standby drawing which occurs 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, and is performed at the Refuge Hunter Check Station. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link – Additional information may be obtained by calling their Kern’s office at (661) 725-2767.

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.