Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/29/21

The waterfowl average bag at San Jacinto Wildlife Area jumped up quite a bit compared to last Wednesday’s average (there was no hunting on Saturday, 12/25/21, which, of course, was Christmas Day) under cloudy skies that produced some afternoon rain. Green Wing Teal took over the first position for number of birds checked in with Shovelers dropping back into the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/29/21 were as follows:

181 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 166 Northern Shovelers, 14 Mallards, 47 Gadwall, 28 Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 212 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 12 Ring Necks, 18 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, and 15 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese or Coots were downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to an average bag of 2.82 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to figure in, 2.82 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 24 showed up on time to get their hunting spot.

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, Wednesday – 12/22/21

The average waterfowl harvest for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge ticked up just a hair as compared to Saturday’s very good average. Shovelers remained in first place for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal back in the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/22/21 were as follows:

59 adult and 2 junior hunters bagged 113 Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 20 Gadwall, 27 Widgeon, 25 Pintail, 32 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 3 Ring Necks, and 5 Bufflehead. No Geese were downed at Kern on Wednesday. 5 Coots were bagged at Kern on Wednesday. This worked out to an average take of 3.87 ducks per gun or, with the Coots included, 3.95 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 4 hunting parties showed on time to claim 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 – 12/22/21, and Sunday 12/26/21

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday headed upward a bit from Sunday’s low average. Green Wing Teal took over first place for the most birds bagged with Shovelers dropping back to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday 12/22/21 were as follows:

147 adult and 8 junior hunters took home 42 Northern Shovelers, 7 Mallards, 8 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 19 Pintail, 67 Green Wing Teal, 8 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 13 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 12 Ruddy Ducks. 1 White Front Goose and 17 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Wednesday. 11 Coots were also taken on Wednesday. This came out to an average bag of 1.28 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots included, 1.46 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 36 hunters arrived in time to claim their spot.

Wister was closed to hunting on Saturday 12/25/21, Christmas Day, as were all State and Federal Wildlife Areas and Refuges.

The average waterfowl harvest at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday climbed upward some more from Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal retained first place for the most numerous bird taken with Shovelers still holding the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/26/21 were as follows:

79 adult and 3 junior hunters checked in with 41 Northern Shoveler, 2 Mallards, 21 Gadwall, 17 Widgeon, 32 Pintail, 47 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 3 Ring Necks, 3 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 1 Ruddy Duck. 2 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Sunday. No Coots were downed at Wister on Sunday. This worked out to an average take of 2.12 ducks per person or, with the Geese figured in the total, 2.15 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 17 hunters arrived on time to get their hunting 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, Wednesday – 12/22/21

The waterfowl average harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area jumped up quite a bit as compared to Saturday’s average under cloudy skies with temperatures starting out in the low 40s and rising to just short of 70 degrees. Shovelers, again held on to the first position for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal, again holding the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/22/21 were as follows:

138 adult and 10 junior hunters bagged 138 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 26 Gadwall, 15 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, 113 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Canvasbacks, 5 Ring Necks, 5 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 3 Mergansers, and 6 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 6 Coots were also downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to an average bag of 2.21 ducks per person or, with the Coots figured in, 2.25 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 27 arrived in time to get their hunting spot.

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:

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 – 12/18/21

The waterfowl average take for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge slid back down a little as compared to Wednesday’s great average. Shovelers stayed way out in front for first place for number of birds bagged with Pintail edging out Widgeon by one bird for the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/18/21 were as follows:

57 adult and 2 junior hunters harvested 120 Shovelers, 7 Mallards, 14 Gadwall, 28 Widgeon, 29 Pintail, 20 Green Wing Teal, 1 Ring Neck, and 2 Bufflehead. There was a single White Fronted Goose taken at Kern on Saturday. No Coots were checked in at Kern on Saturday. This came out to an average bag of 3.75 ducks per hunter or, with the Goose included in the total, 3.76 waterfowl per gun. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 3 hunters arrived in time to claim 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 – 12/15/21, Saturday 12/18/21, and Sunday 12/19/21

The waterfowl average bag at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back upward from Sunday’s low average. Shovelers took over first place for the most birds checked in pushing Green Wing Teal back into the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday 12/15/21 were as follows:

82 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter harvested 29 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 21 Gadwall, 32 Widgeon, 12 Pintail, 24 Green Wing Teal, 8 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 6 Bufflehead, and 8 Ruddy Ducks. 22 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Wednesday. A lone Coot was also downed on Wednesday. This worked out to an average of 1.71 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot added in, 1.99 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 26 hunting parties came in on time to claim their spot.

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slid back a little from Wednesday’s low average. Green Wing Teal took over first place for most birds bagged with Shovelers sliding back into the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/18/21 were as follows:

162 adult and 10 junior hunters took home 50 Northern Shovelers, 7 Mallards, 9 Gadwall, 23 Widgeon, 24 Pintail, 59 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Ring Neck, 2 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 11 Ruddy Ducks. 10 Snow Geese were harvested at Wister on Saturday. 8 Coots were also brought in to the check station at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average bag of 1.22 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots considered in the total, 1.33 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 33 hunting parties showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped back a bit more from Saturday’s average. Shovelers jumped back into first place for the most birds bagged with Green Wing Teal dropping back the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/19/21 were as follows:

53 adult and 4 junior hunters checked in with 16 Northern Shoveler, 3 Mallards, 2 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 12 Green Wing Teal, 2 Blue Wing Teal, and 1 Bufflehead. A single Snow Goose was bagged at Wister on Sunday. No Coots were checked in at Wister on Sunday. This figured out to an average take of 0.81 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coot worked into the total, 0.82 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 16 hunters showed up on time to claim their hunting 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 – 12/18/21

The waterfowl average take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped slightly as compared to Wednesday’s average under clear skies with temperatures ranging from the low-30s to the mid-60s. Shovelers, again, came in first for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal retaining their second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/18/21 were as follows:

151 adult and 4 junior hunters took home 82 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 25 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 43 Green Wing Teal, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 6 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 5 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. A lone Snow Goose was downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. 5 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Saturday. This came out to an average harvest of 1.25 ducks per hunter or, with the Goose and Coots worked in, 1.28 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 29 arrived on time to claim their spot.

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.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s 2021 Bryant Park Preschool Annual Toy Drive a Big Success!

The San Jacinto Wildlife Area Staff is putting out A BIG THANKS to all the hunters who, once again, came through BIG TIME to donate toys for the Annual Bryant Park Head Start Preschool Toy Drive. The San Jacinto hunters stepped up overwhelmingly and provided the toys needed to make this event a big success for the kids.

The preschool’s kids were presented toys by Santa, and it was a wonderful time for the kids and the adults in attendance and some great food and desserts too!

Tom Trakes wanted me to pass on the following message… “For 8 years my son-in-law has played Santa for us. And he was an amazing Santa. This was the first year we did not have him, and our very own Steve stepped up to take on the job as Santa, and he had big shoes to fill. Steve did a fantastic job playing Santa! He made us so proud, and I know my son-in-law would have been so proud of him as well.

I want to express how thankful we are for all you guys who donated toys to Bryant Park Elementary. It was so awesome to see the little children’s faces light up when they received their toys! Merry Christmas!”

Pictures of Jessie’s last time playing Santa:

Once again, the Staff at San Jacinto Wildlife Area (and I as well) would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the San Jacinto hunters for their more than generous toy donations that made this all possible. SJ hunters, as they always do, have proved they have a heart and really do care.

Thanks once more for all the generous toy donations!

Here are a few pictures from the event to tell the story:

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 12/15/21

The average waterfowl bag at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge more than doubled compared to Saturday’s good average. Shovelers held on to the first place for number of birds checked in with Widgeon taking over the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/15/21 were as follows:

52 adult and no junior hunters took home 102 Shovelers, 11 Mallards, 23 Gadwall, 45 Widgeon, 18 Pintail, 38 Green Wing Teal, 2 Redhead, 4 Ring Necks, 2 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 1 Eurasian Widgeon. There were no Geese or Coots taken at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average bag of 4.75 ducks per person and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to include in the total, 4.75 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 2 hunters showed up on 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 San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/15/21

The waterfowl average harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area rose a bit as compared to Saturday’s average under partly cloudy skies with temperatures starting out in the mid-30s and only rising into the low 50s. Shovelers took over first place for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal dropping back to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/15/21 were as follows:

147 adult and 2 junior hunters checked in with 100 Northern Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 16 Gadwall, 11 Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 51 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Ring Necks, 10 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Merganser, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. Also, 4 Coots were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to an average take of 1.42 ducks per person or, with the Coots worked in to the total, 1.44 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 26 showed on time to claim their hunting spot.

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:

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 – 12/11/21

The waterfowl average take at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge dropped a bit as compared to Wednesday’s good average. Shovelers continued in first place for number of birds bagged with Gadwall likewise for the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/11/21 were as follows:

30 adult and no junior hunters harvested 39 Shovelers, 10 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon, 1 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. There were no Geese or Coots downed at Kern on Saturday. This worked out to an average take of 2.17 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to add in, 2.17 waterfowl per person. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 3 hunters arrived on time to claim 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 – 12/8/21, Saturday 12/11/21, and Sunday 12/12/21

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped upward from Sunday’s low average. Green Wing Teal remained in first place for the most birds bagged with Pintail holding on to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday 12/8/21 were as follows:

107 adult and 2 junior hunters took home 4 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 20 Gadwall, 16 Widgeon, 34 Pintail, 87 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 1 Scaup, 9 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 3 Ruddy Ducks. 28 Snow Geese were downed at Wister on Wednesday. 1 Coot was also bagged on Wednesday. This came out to an average of 1.78 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot figured in, 2.05 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued only 2 hunting parties arrived on time to get their spot.

The average waterfowl bag at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slipped back a bit from Wednesday’s good average. Green Wing Teal, once again, were found in first place for most birds checked in with Pintail, again, in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/11/21 were as follows:

163 adult and 8 junior hunters took 22 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallards, 29 Gadwall, 18 Widgeon, 53 Pintail, 80 Green Wing Teal, 25 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redhead, 3 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 10 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Merganser, 2 Blue Wing Teal, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. 1 White Front Goose and 50 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Saturday. 4 Coots were also downed at Wister on Saturday. This figured out to an average harvest of 1.53 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 1.85 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 35 hunters showed up on time to claim their hunting 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 were still in first place for the most birds checked in with Snow Geese climbing into the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/12/21 were as follows:

71 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 6 Northern Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 23 Green Wing Teal, 1 Scaup, 2 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks. 13 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Sunday. 1 Coot was bagged at Wister on Sunday. This figured out to an average harvest of 0.61 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot added into the total, 0.79 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 15 hunters showed up in time to get their hunting 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 – 12/11/21

The average waterfowl bag at San Jacinto Wildlife Area moved up slightly as compared to Wednesday’s poor average under mostly sunny skies with temperatures that started out in the mid-30s eventually topping out in the mid-60s. Green Wing Teal retained first place for number of birds taken with Shovelers still holding the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/11/21 were as follows:

156 adult and 13 junior hunters harvested 53 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 35 Gadwall, 15 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 56 Green Wing Teal, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 6 Ring Necks, 17 Bufflehead, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. In addition, 13 Coots were also bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday. This worked out to an average harvest of 1.20 ducks per gun or, with the Coots added in to the total, 1.28 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 25 arrived 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 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:

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 – 12/8/21

The average waterfowl harvest at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge dropped almost a full bird as compared to Saturday’s outstanding average. Shovelers, again, were in first place for number of birds checked in with Gadwall in the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/8/21 were as follows:

33 adult and no junior hunter took home 45 Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 18 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 4 Green Wing Teal, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 2 Ring Necks, 2 Blue Wing Teal, and 1 Bufflehead. There were no Geese or Coots bagged at Kern on Wednesday. This figured out to an average bag of 2.97 ducks per person and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to consider in the total count, 2.97 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 3 hunting parties 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.

Shotgun Raffle at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga to Benefit San Jacinto’s 28th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt

Once again, Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, along with Quail Forever are sponsoring a raffle to raise money to purchase prizes for San Jacinto’s 28th Annual Junior Waterfowl hunt, which will be held on Saturday, February 5th, 2022. Raffle tickets are available at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga (see below for a Google Maps link to Bass Pros Shop’s location):

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

There will be two winners in this raffle. One winner will take home a brand-new Charles Daly Model 601 semi-auto shotgun donated by Quail Forever, and the other winner will be awarded a Stoegar P3000 pump-action shotgun donated by Bass Pro Shops. All the money raised by this raffle will go to purchase prizes for San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt. Tickets are only $5 each! The drawing for the shotguns will be held on December 23rd, 2021, at 5:00 pm. Winners need not be present to win. All money from the raffle will be used to purchase prizes for the Junior Hunt giveaway.

In addition, if you’d like to support this great event for our Junior Hunters by donating prizes of your own you can do that by following the procedure laid out in the SoCalHunt post at the link below:

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s 28th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt Giveaway – Donations Needed

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

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

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s 28th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt Giveaway – Donations Needed

The last regular hunt day at San Jacinto Wildlife Area is Saturday, January 29th, 2022. A week after the last regular season hunt day, on Saturday, February 5th, 2022, the Junior Hunters will have a unique opportunity to end their season with a bang by participating in the 28th 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 28th 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.)

I should note that this donation procedure will not affect San Jacinto’s Annual Toy Drive, this year to benefit The Bryant Park Head Start Preschool as, in that case, they are just collecting the toys for the Bryant Park 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 5th, 2022 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 5th, 2022.

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 San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/8/21

The average waterfowl harvest at San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked upward slightly compared to Saturday’s dismal average under partly cloudy conditions and temperatures ranging from the. mid-40s to the mid-60s. Green Wing Teal advanced into first place for number of birds bagged with Shovelers found in the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/8/21 were as follows:

134 adult and 5 junior hunters took home 29 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 15 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 33 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 8 Bufflehead, and 8 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 8 Coots were also downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to an average bag of 0.86 ducks per person or, with the Coots figured in, 0.91 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 31 came in 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:

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 – 12/4/21

The average waterfowl take at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge ticked upward a bit as compared to Wednesday’s outstanding average. Shovelers held on to first place for number of birds bagged with Gadwall and Widgeon in a tie for the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/4/21 were as follows:

22 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 33 Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 12 Widgeon, 6 Pintail, 5 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 4 Canvasbacks, 1 Ring Neck, 1 Scaup, and 1 Bufflehead. There were no Geese or Coots taken at Kern on Wednesday. This worked out to an average harvest of 3.74 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to add into the average, 3.74 waterfowl per gun. Out of 4 reservation cards issued 4 hunters showed up on 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 – 12/1/21, Saturday 12/4/21, and Sunday 12/5/21

The average waterfowl bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped up quite a bit from Sunday’s low average. Widgeon showed up in first place for the most birds checked in with Pintail found in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday 12/1/21 were as follows:

82 adult and 4 junior hunters harvested 31 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 19 Gadwall, 42 Widgeon, 41 Pintail, 36 Green Wing Teal, 27 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redhead, 2 Canvasback, 1 Scaup, 9 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Merganser, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. 16 Snow Geese were checked in at Wister on Wednesday. 1 Coot was also taken on Wednesday. This worked out to an average of 2.55 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coot worked in, 2.74 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 24 hunters showed on time to get their spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped somewhat from Wednesday’s good average. Snow Geese climbed into first place for most birds taken with Green Wing Teal re-earning the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/4/21 were as follows:

172 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 35 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallards, 19 Gadwall, 37 Widgeon, 68 Pintail, 89 Green Wing Teal, 25 Cinnamon Teal, 35 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 8 Ring Necks, 5 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Mergansers, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. 112 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Saturday. 2 Coots were also taken at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average bag of 1.71 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 2.35 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 36 hunters showed up in time to get 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 were found in first place for the most birds harvested with Pintail back in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 12/5/21 were as follows:

73 adult and 4 junior hunters checked in with 11 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 15 Pintail, 18 Green Wing Teal, 9 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. 13 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Sunday. No Coots were taken at Wister on Sunday. This came out to an average take of 1.00 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese added in, 1.17 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued none of the reservation holders showed up 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 – 12/4/21

The average waterfowl take at San Jacinto Wildlife Area nosedived as compared to Wednesday’s fair average under partly cloudy skies with temperatures that started off right at 40 and ended up right at 70. Bufflehead took over first place for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal dropping back to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/4/21 were as follows:

145 adult and 3 junior hunters harvested 4 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 11 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 24 Green Wing Teal, 1 Canvasbacks, 3 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 25 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 12 Ruddy Duck. No Geese were downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. 3 Coots were also taken on Saturday. This worked out to an average harvest of 0.67 ducks per gun or, with the Coots added in, 0.69 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 23 showed up in 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.