Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 11/24/21 and Saturday 11/27/21

The waterfowl average bag for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge dropped just slightly as compared to Saturday’s delayed opener’s great 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, 11/24/21 were as follows:

25 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter took home 52 Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 16 Pintail, 2 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 10 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese or Coots were checked in at Kern on Wednesday. This figured out to an average harvest of 4.38 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to include in the total, 4.38 waterfowl for each person. Out of 4 reservation cards issued, 2 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

The average waterfowl harvest for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge fell back a bit as compared to Wednesday’s outstanding average but remained in the “very good” range. Shovelers were, once again, found in first place for number of birds bagged with Gadwall also retaining their second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/27/21 were as follows:

26 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 37 Shovelers, 22 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 10 Pintail, 1 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Bufflehead, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. Again, no Geese or Coots were taken at Kern on Saturday. This figured out to an average harvest of 3.11 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to add into the total, 3.11 waterfowl per gun. Out of 4 reservation cards issued, 3 hunters arrived in time to claim their spot.

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 – 11/24/21, Saturday 11/27/21, and Sunday 11/28/21

The waterfowl averages for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back upward from Sunday’s low average. Shovelers held on to first place for the most birds bagged with Pintail still in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/24/21 were as follows:

103 adult and 9 junior hunters checked in with 41 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 39 Pintail, 32 Green Wing Teal, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 14 Bufflehead, and 1 Goldeneye. 25 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Wednesday. 6 Coots were downed on Wednesday. This figured out to an average of 1.46 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot added, 1.74 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 26 hunters came in on time to get their hunting spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked upward a little more from Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal took over first place for most birds brought in with Pintail staying in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/27/21 were as follows:

160 adult and 10 junior hunters took home 46 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 3 Gadwall, 49 Widgeon, 59 Pintail, 70 Green Wing Teal, 18 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 12 Ring Necks, 3 Scaup, 23 Bufflehead, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Mergansers, and 10 Ruddy Ducks. 8 Canada Geese and 29 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Saturday. 8 Coots were also taken at Wister on Saturday. This worked out to an average bag of 1.79 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 2.06 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 36 hunters arrived on time to claim their spots.

The average waterfowl harvest at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped quite a bit from Saturday’s average. Green Wing Teal held on to first place for the most birds taken with Shovelers taking the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/28/21 were as follows:

62 adult and 6 junior hunters came away with 13 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 14 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were checked in at Wister on Sunday. 5 Coots were bagged at Wister on Sunday. This came out to an average take of 0.91 ducks per person or, with the Coots considered in the total, 0.99 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 20 hunters showed on time to get their spots.

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 – 11/27/21

The average take of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked up slightly but was pretty much the same as Wednesday’s poor average under sunny skies and temperatures that started out in the mid-40s and topped out just shy of 80. Green Wing Teal took over first place for number of birds checked in with Coots taking over the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/27/21 were as follows:

140 adult and 8 junior hunters took home 28 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 13 Gadwall, 29 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 36 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 4 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 9 Ring Necks, 25 Bufflehead, 4 Goldeneyes, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. A single Snow Goose was bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday. 32 Coots were also downed on Saturday. This figured out to an average harvest of 1.14 ducks per gun or, with the Goose and Coots added in, 1.36 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 28 showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

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. Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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/2021/11/09/donations-needed-for-san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-head-start-preschool-toy-drive%ef%bf%bc/

San Jacinto’s 28th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5th, 2022. New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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 San Jacinto Hunting Report 11/24/21

2 years 26 days…
757 days…
It’s been that long since SoCalHunt has been able to get out there and pursue our fine aquatic feathered friends. It seems like it was a lot longer.

Today SoCalHunt was in attendance at San Jacinto with my regular hunting partner for an afternoon refill hunt. Both of us have been away from our beloved sport for way to long, coincidently, for completely unrelated medical reasons (which I won’t bore you with the details, suffice to say they were non-COVID). We figured for the first time back after such a hiatus we’d go light with the equipment and do an afternoon hunt just to get us re-dialed in.

We left early so we’d have a better chance at getting a good spot on the refill list and were able to get a spot not too far down the list. Since it was still early and none of the blinds we wanted had checked back in yet we decided to head out to Harry’s Café for a nice breakfast and then come back to see what was available.

When we returned, we selected our blind and off we went for a long overdue duck hunt. We got to our blind and set things up and by 11:30 we were hunting. It was mild with the temperature just about at 70 with completely cloudless but hazy skies. Not the best conditions for photography but we were back at SJ so no real complaint there. We were finally hunting again!

Unfortunately, the skies were more than cloudless, they were also duck less. About 2:00 a lone teal buzzed our blind, but it was the old looking right when we should have been looking left and by the time we saw the bird it was already out of range

We continued the waiting game and the wind began to pick up a little giving us hope that it would get the birds moving. Probably around 3:30 a flight of Shovelers came over and my partner was able to get a shot at them as they climbed but he didn’t connect.

Other than that, there was no more action for us today. It was still a great day finally getting back out there and we still enjoyed sitting in a duck blind again solving the world’s problems as we waited for a shot. Hopefully we’ll start getting some migrating birds soon and we’ll have a better hunt, bird-wise next time. We’re going to give it a couple weeks and try it again. Maybe we’ll see you out there.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/24/21

The average bag of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Wednesday stayed pretty much the same as Saturday’s poor average under clear skies with a little wind and temperatures getting up close to 70. Shovelers again held on to first position for number of birds harvested with Green Wing Teal still showing in the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/24/21 were as follows:

145 adult and 10 junior hunters checked in with 52 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 17 Gadwall, 18 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 30 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 9 Bufflehead, 3 Goldeneyes, 1 Merganser, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. A single Canada Goose was downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. Also, 4 Coots were taken on Wednesday. This came out to an average bag of 1.03 ducks per hunter or, with the Goose and Coots included, 1.06 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 34 came in on time to claim their hunting spot.

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. Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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/2021/11/09/donations-needed-for-san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-bryant-park-head-start-preschool-toy-drive%ef%bf%bc/

San Jacinto’s 28th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5th, 2022. New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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 – 11/20/21

The average take for the delayed 2021/22 waterfowl season opener for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge produced a great average take for the hunters in attendance.  Shovelers came in first place for number of birds harvested with Gadwall showing up in the second spot.  The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/20/21 were as follows:

25 adult and no junior hunters checked in with 37 Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 34 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 17 Pintail, 1 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Redheads, 2 Canvasback, 2 Ring Necks, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese bagged at Kern on Saturday.  No Coots were checked in at Kern on Saturday.  This worked out to an average take of 4.92 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include in the total, 4.92 waterfowl for each person. Out of 3 reservation cards issued, 2 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

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 – 11/17/21, Saturday 11/20/21, and Sunday 11/21/21

The average take of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped up a good bit from Sunday’s low average. Shovelers showed up in first place for the most birds taken with Pintail and Widgeon coming in tied for second place.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/17/21 were as follows:

74 adult and 2 junior hunters bagged 36 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 27 Widgeon, 27 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Wood Duck, and 2 Ruddy Ducks.  4 Snow Geese and 1 Canada Goose were bagged at Wister on Wednesday. There was a single Coot taken on Wednesday.  This worked out to an average take of 1.75 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot worked in, 1.83 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 24 hunters showed up in time to claim their spots.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped a bit from Wednesday’s average. Shovelers were still found in first place for most birds checked in and Pintail were again in the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/20/21 were as follows:

134 adult and 7 junior hunters came away with 62 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 10 Gadwall, 18 Widgeon, 29 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 6 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 10 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Blue Wing Teal, 2 Mergansers, and 20 Ruddy Ducks.  16 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose were harvested at Wister on Saturday.  2 Coots were bagged at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 1.35 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 1.48 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 30 hunters arrived on time to claim their spots.

The average waterfowl harvest at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped back down from Saturday’s average.  Shovelers stayed in first place for the most birds downed with Pintail ending up in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/21/21 were as follows:

56 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 21 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 6 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, 9 Pintail, 1 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 5 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. 6 Snow Geese and 4 Canada Geese were taken at Wister on Sunday.  1 Coot was bagged at Wister on Sunday.  This worked out to an average take of 0.98 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coot worked into the total, 1.18 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 20 hunters arrived on time to claim their spots.

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 – 11/20/21

The waterfowl average for Saturday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped back again from Wednesday’s low average under partly cloudy conditions with temperatures that started in the mid-40 and rose into the mid-70s.  Shovelers retained the first spot for most birds bagged with Green Wing Teal back in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/20/21 were as follows:

137 adult and 4 junior hunters bagged 52 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 4 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 15 Green Wing Teal, 2 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 2 Canvasbacks, 11 Ring Necks, 12 Bufflehead, 2 Mergansers, and 11 Ruddy Duck.  3 Snow Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  In addition, 4 Coots were checked in on Saturday.  This figured out to an average take of 0.94 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 0.99 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 27 showed up on time to claim their hunting spot.

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.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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:

Donations Needed for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive

San Jacinto’s 28^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5^th, 2022.  New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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: 

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 San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/17/21

The waterfowl average for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area started back upward a bit from Saturday’s dismal average under mostly clear skies with temperatures starting off in the mid-40s and climbing into the mid-70s.  Shovelers, once again, held on to the first spot for most birds checked in with Bufflehead showing up in the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/17/21 were as follows:

119 adult and 3 junior hunters harvested 79 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 5 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 16 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 10 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 19 Bufflehead, 2 Mergansers, and 1 Ruddy Duck.  4 Snow Geese were harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  Also, 7 Coots were downed on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 1.30 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots worked in, 1.39 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 24 arrived on time to get their hunting spot.

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.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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:

Donations Needed for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive

San Jacinto’s 28^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5^th, 2022.  New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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: 

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.

Quail Forever Junior Hunter Chukar Hunt at San Jacinto Wildlife Area a Huge Success

Sunday, November 14^th, at 6:00 am 33 Junior Hunters gathered at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area check station parking lot to participate in the Quail Forever Junior Hunter Chukar Hunt.  After a quick breakfast of donuts, supplied by Quail Forever, the Junior Hunters gathered for a quick briefing about the hunt and then were distributed to their assigned fields to pursue the fast-flying birds.

The Juniors and their responsible adults, the Quail Forever Volunteers, the Volunteer Dog Handlers, the San Jacinto Staff (the hardest working staff in the state IMHO), and even the local DFW Wardens in attendance spread out and the hunt was on.  The Chukar, which were also supplied by Quail Forever, were released into the upland fields and the Junior Hunters, as well as all the aforementioned folks, had an absolute blast going after the beautifully marked little partridges.  The dog handlers and their dogs did a great job of assisting the Junior Hunters in finding the birds before the shot and also after.  

When the hunt was over the Junior Hunters had harvested an average of 2.5 birds each and had a great time doing it. The group then retired to the check station parking lot awning to enjoy a well-earned meal of sandwiches, macaroni salad, potato salad, and drinks all provided by Quail Forever.  And, if all this wasn’t enough, Tim Beaver drew one of the Junior Hunters’ hunt cards and awarded the lucky Junior Hunter with a new shotgun.  All and all it was a great day in the outdoors for everyone involved and provided the promise of some great table fare once the Juniors get their birds home and cook ‘um up.

Tom Trakes, the Supervisor of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area wanted me to be sure to send out a special thanks to Quail Forever and their personnel in attendance, Tim Beaver, Tony Beaver, Ryan Stowers, Jeff Jones, Craig Ridel, and Linda Mitchell for putting this whole event together, supplying the birds, and the food and just making a super experience for the Junior Hunters who were able to attend.  (Don’t forget to check the pictures at the bottom of this article).

Tom also wanted to thank the volunteer dog handlers, Chaz Prato with Ruby and Drake, Jay Barr with Jose, John and Tony Segoria with Montana, Larry Boskovich with Champ, and Dave van Houton with Rugar for their great work with the dogs finding, flushing, and retrieving the Chukar.

In addition, Tom wanted to thank the local DFW Wardens for attending and showing the Junior Hunters their support.  The contingent consisted of Lt. Kyle Chang, Wardens Nick Molsberry with K9 Scout, Walter Douglas with K9 Shep, and Ryan Galapir.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Tom wanted me to thank the SJWA Staff, Carlos Guiterrez, Shane Reed, Steve Giacolini, and James Romero who put in the work to help make this event happen. 

It was a great day and a fantastic way to get our Junior Hunters, who are the future of our sport, enthused about the sport and “hooked” forever on the addiction of hunting.  Next up for the Junior Hunters is the 28^th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt at SJWA on Saturday, February 5^th, 2022.  Prizes are still needed for the Junior Waterfowl Hunt giveaway which will take place at lunch at the check station workshop the day of the hunt.  New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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: 

New Procedures for Donations for the Annual Junior Hunt at San Jacinto Wildlife Area

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

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/10/21, Saturday 11/13/21, and Sunday 11/14/21

The average take of waterfowl at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back upward from Sunday’s low average. Pintail, again, held on to first place for the most birds taken with Green Wing Teal holding second again.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/10/21 were as follows:

76 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 8 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 28 Pintail, 27 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 5 Ring Necks, 4 Scaup, 7 Bufflehead, and 6 Ruddy Ducks.  9 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Wednesday. There were no Coots were taken on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average bag of 1.44 ducks per person or, with the Geese worked in, 1.56 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 21 hunters arrived on time to claim their spots.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped somewhat from Wednesday’s low average. Pintail were still found in first place for most birds checked in and Green Wing Teal were again in the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/13/21 were as follows:

148 adult and 13 junior hunters brought in 9 Northern Shovelers, 7 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 15 Widgeon, 38 Pintail, 26 Green Wing Teal, 17 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Canvasbacks, 13 Ring Necks, 6 Bufflehead, and 6 Ruddy Duck.  3 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Saturday.  5 Coots were taken at Wister on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 0.91 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese or Coots included, 0.96 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 36 hunters showed up on time to claim their spots.

The average waterfowl harvest at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped a bit more from Saturday’s poor average, but, when the Geese and Coots harvested were added in the average was actually just a hair more than Saturday’s.  Pintail and Cinnamon tied for first place for the most birds taken home with Snow Geese found in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/14/21 were as follows:

60 adult and 7 junior hunters took 5 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 9 Pintail, 6 Green Wing Teal, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redhead, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 2 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  There were 5 White Fronted Geese and 8 Snow Geese bagged at Wister on Sunday.  5 Coots were collected at Wister on Sunday.  This figured out to an average take of 0.73 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 1.00 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 16 hunters came in on time to claim their spots.

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.

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/13/21

The waterfowl average take for Saturday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped even further from Wednesday’s poor average under clear skies with temperatures starting in the mid-50s and rising up to just touch the 90s.  Shovelers held on to the first spot for most birds bagged with Green Wing Teal keeping the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/13/21 were as follows:

157 adult and 9 junior hunters harvested 40 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 5 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 23 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 5 Ring Necks, 7 Bufflehead, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Mergansers, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  2 Canada Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday.  8 Coots were checked in on Saturday.  This figured out to an average bag of 0.73 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 0.79 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 for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.  If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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:

Donations Needed for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive

San Jacinto’s 28^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5^th, 2022.  New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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: 

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.

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/10/21

The average waterfowl bag for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped off quite a bit from Saturday’s average under clear skies and temperatures that ranged from the mid 50s to the mid 60s.  Green Wings Teal and Shovelers swapped places again for the number of birds bagged with Shovelers taking back the first spot and the Green Wings dropping back to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/10/21 were as follows:

147 adult and 5 junior hunters took home 35 Northern Shovelers, 12 Mallards, 13 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 28 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 11 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 8 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Merganser, and 11 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  4 Coots were also taken on Wednesday.  This figured out to an average bag of 0.99 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.02 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 31 showed up on time to claim their spot.

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.  Toys for donation should be targeted for 3 to 5-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:

Donations Needed for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive

San Jacinto’s 28^th Annual Junior Hunt is coming up on February 5^th, 2022.  New state regulations, which went into effect 6 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: 

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.

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

Donations Needed for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun their Annual Toy Drive to benefit the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool!  Tom Trakes and San Jacinto WA Staff are once again conducting a toy drive for the kids at the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.

SoCalHunt encourages all the hunters that hunt at San Jacinto in the next several weeks 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.  Hunters should bring in toys for the Head Start Preschool that are intended for 3 to 5-year-old boys and girls.

Donations for the Bryant Park Head Start Program will be accepted until December 15^th. Santa Claus and the San Jacinto Staff will deliver them 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!

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/3/21, Saturday 11/6/21, and Sunday 11/7/21

The waterfowl average bag at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday, ticked upward a bit from Sunday’s average. Pintail occupied first place for the most birds checked in with Green Wing Teal coming in a close second.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/3/21 were as follows:

63 adult and 4 junior hunters bagged 20 Northern Shoveler, 3 Mallards, 7 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 30 Pintail, 28 Green Wing Teal, 11 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 17 Ring Necks, and 4 Blue Wing Teal. No Geese were downed at Wister on Wednesday. 7 Coots were also taken on Wednesday.  This came out to an average bag of 1.91 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots worked in, 2.01 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 19 hunters arrived on time to claim their spots.

The average bag of ducks for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped off just a bit from Wednesday’s average however when the Geese and Coots were added in on Saturday the waterfowl average was almost exactly the same as Wednesday’s.  Pintail and Green Wings swapped places for the most birds harvested with Green Wing Teal coming in first and Pintail dropping to the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/6/21 were as follows:

122 adult and 1 junior hunter took home 21 Northern Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 17 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 45 Pintail, 74 Green Wing Teal, 19 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 16 Ring Necks, 2 Bufflehead, and 14 Ruddy Duck. 23 Snow Geese and one Goose Identified as “other” were taken at Wister on Saturday.  Also, 5 Coots were checked in at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 1.78 ducks per person or, with the Geese or Coots included, 2.02 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 30 hunters showed up on time to claim their spots

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped quite a bit from Saturday’s average.   Pintail and Green Wings swapped spots again with the Pins climbing back into first place again for the most birds checked in and Green Wing Teal falling to second. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/7/21 were as follows:

71 adult and 4 junior hunters harvested 4 Northern Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 12 Pintail, 7 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, and 8 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese taken at Wister on Sunday.  Also, 5 Coots were downed on Sunday.  This figured out to an average take of 0.52 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots figured in, 0.59 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 24 hunters came in on time to claim their spots.

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.

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/6/21

The average waterfowl bag at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked down slightly from Wednesday’s average with weather just making it into the 80s under clear skies.  Green Wings Teal were once again found in the first position for number of birds bagged with Shovelers again holding on to the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 11/6/21 were as follows:

174 adult and 4 junior hunters harvested 72 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 27 Gadwall, 11 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, 81 Green Wing Teal, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 3 Canvasbacks, 14 Ring Necks, 15 Bufflehead, 2 Mergansers, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 9 Ruddy Ducks.  There were no Geese brought into the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday.  2 Coots were also downed on Wednesday.  This came out to an average take of 1.46 ducks per person or, with the Coots added in, an average of 1.47 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 28 showed up on time to claim their spot.

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

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

2022 California Game Warden Stamp Now Available November 15th

Hello!  It’s that time of year again.  If you’ve followed SoCalHunt for any time more than a year you’ve seen this before. However, I’m going to say it again. 

Here it is again!  The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces the 2022 edition of the Warden Stamp will be available starting November 15^th.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the desert somewhere or something for the last eight years, you’re probably aware that the Department of Fish and Game changed its name on January 1^st, 2013 to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  With that change our good old Game Wardens were designated as “Wildlife Officers”, and it even says so on the Warden Stamps since 2014, but most hunters and fisherpersons still call them “Wardens” and the DFW is still calling this the “Warden Stamp”.

The new Warden Stamp, for 2022 will be available for purchase online via the CDFW online license services (ALDS) beginning November 15^th.  To purchase the new Warden Stamp, on or after November 15^th just follow the link below to purchase via the ALDS system.

Click on the below link to go to the Warden Stamp page and follow the instructions to buy it online:

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Warden-Stamp

The Game Warden Stamp isn’t really a “stamp” for your license, such as your federal duck stamp is, although the name might lead you to believe that, rather it’s a roughly 3” x 3” decal.

The 2022 version of the stamp is a yellowish-brown background and features the CDFW wildlife officer badge and a profile of an American Bald Eagle’s head.  (see picture below)

The DFW still has their entire series of Warden Stamps available.  If you like a prior year’s design better than this year’s or would like to collect the entire series, they are all still available, from the first one in 2010 up through this year’s stamps.

The 2010 version is a green shield with a Warden’s badge and an elk silhouette on it.  The 2011 version is a light blue background with a Warden’s badge and a silhouette of a trout or salmon on it. The 2012 version has a dark brown background with a Warden’s badge and a silhouette of a California quail on it. The 2013 version has a gold background with a Warden’s badge and a silhouette of a duck landing on it. The 2014 version has a red background with a Warden’s badge and a silhouette of a lobster on it. The 2015 version of the stamp has a wood grain background with a Warden’s badge and the shadow of a bear on it. The 2016 version has a blue background with a Warden’s badge and the silhouettes of two bighorn sheep on it. The 2017 version of the stamp is a green background with a Warden’s badge and drawing of a sturgeon. The 2018 version of the stamp is an orange background with a Warden’s badge and a drawing of a Warden K9. The 2019 version of the stamp is a dark blue background with a Warden’s badge and a drawing of two snow geese flying. The 2020 version of the stamp is a deep blue background with a Warden’s badge and a drawing of a Dorado on it.  The 2021 version of the stamp is a dark green background and features the sesquicentennial CDFW wildlife officer badge and silhouettes of California conifer trees along with the CDFW bear that has been used on badges and department logo shields for decades.

(See pictures below). If you like them all you could buy one, or more, of each one if you want to.

The stamps are $5 each and the funds go into a special account. The money is used to provide our Game Wardens with additional equipment, training and new programs, such as new communications and surveillance devices, protective equipment, training in specialized areas, new law enforcement programs to assist them in their duties.

Due to State budget cuts, non-hunting / fishing politicians feel that the DFW is a “painless” way to cut back on the budget by giving the DFW less to do more with.

Quoting the DFW website on the Warden stamp:

“The Warden Stamp Program was initiated in 2010 to address the need for better equipment and training for the state’s wildlife officers and to provide funding for special law enforcement programs.

Wildlife crimes are on the rise and becoming more complex to solve. With approximately 400 wildlife officers in the state patrolling 159,000 square miles of natural habitat, the job is extremely demanding.

Officers must perform a number of roles including catching poachers, eradicating illegal marijuana grows, responding to oil spills, providing public safety, educating the public and much more. Every day is a new challenge.

• Wildlife officers protect more than 1,000 native fish and wildlife species, 6,300 native plant species and 360 threatened or endangered species.
• Wildlife officers patrol about 400 square miles of land per officer.
• Wildlife officers keep watch over 1,100 miles of coastline, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, 4,800 lakes and reservoirs and 80 major rivers.
• Wildlife officers patrol on foot, by plane, boat, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and even on horseback.
• There is approximately one wildlife officer for every 100,000 Californians.

By purchasing this special stamp you can show your support for the important work wildlife officers do.”

Now – back to me…

As I’ve said every year that I’ve written about the Warden Stamp, the important point here, in my opinion, is getting the money to the “boots on the ground”.  If your $5 (or more, if you can afford it) results in some equipment, training or what have you that helps catch a poacher in your area the payoff may be more game or more fish for you and yours to legally harvest.  And, the bottom line is, that’s what’s important.  As for the “stamp”, stick it on your truck, ammo box or tackle box, stick it in a drawer, throw it away if you want, do whatever you want with it.  The important thing is to help give our Wardens the tools they need to protect our hunting and fishing heritage.

So, November 15^th, as I have done every year since 2010, I’m signing on to the CDFW ALDS on my computer and ordering this year’s Warden Stamps.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/3/21

The hunting results average at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked back upward a bit from Saturday’s average under clear skies with temps getting into the mid 80’s.  Once again Shovelers and Green Wing Teal swapped positions for most birds taken with Green Wings tanking over the first position and Shovelers dropping into the second spot.  Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/3/21 were as follows:

143 adult and 4 junior hunters checked in with 43 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 16 Gadwall, 8 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 138 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 18 Ring Necks, 21 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 7 Ruddy Ducks.  No Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  5 Coots were also taken on Saturday.  This figured out to an average bag of 1.87 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots considered in the total, a 1.90 waterfowl per gun average. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 30 showed up on time to claim their spot.

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

Also, just a reminder.  Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 20, 2021, due to water issues so, obviously, there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area to Host Quail Unlimited Junior Hunter Chukar Hunt, Sunday, November 14th

Tom Trakes of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area advised me that on Sunday, November 14^th San Jacinto Wildlife Area will be hosting Quail Unlimited’s Junior Chukar Hunt.  The hunt will accommodate up to 60 Junior Hunters.  QU will be providing 120 Chukar for the hunt.  Five fields will be marked off for the Junior Hunters to hunt in.  At noon, QU will provide lunch at the SJWA check station.

The Junior Hunters and their responsible adult(s) need to be at the SJWA check station by 6:00 am on Sunday, November 14^th.  There are no reservations for this hunt so if more than 60 Junior Hunters show up a drawing will be done that morning for the hunting spots.

Tom wanted me to thank Quail Unlimited for putting on this hunt, for providing the birds for it, and for providing lunch for all the participants.  It should be a great day in the upland fields!

If you need further information you can contact Tom Trakes at the San Jacinto headquarters at (951) 236-3040, or the San Jacinto staff at (951) 928-0580.