Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Saturday – 12/31/22

(Note: Wister Staff advised that they will be releasing the individual hunt day results until 1/1/23. After New Year’s Day, they will return to the once-a-week report on Sunday for the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. They had originally advised that the once-a-week reporting would resume after Christmas Day).

The waterfowl average take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped a bit more as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal remained in first place for number of birds bagged with Pintail climbing into the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/31/22 were as follows:

148 adult and 7 junior hunters harvested 30 Northern Shovelers, 10 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 38 Pintail, 104 Green Wing Teal, 23 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, and 1 Goldeneye. 36 Snow Geese and 1 Greater White Fronted Goose were checked in at Wister on Saturday. In addition, 3 Coots were also taken on Saturday. This figured out to an average bag of 1.56 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots figured in, 1.82 waterfowl per person. Out of 105 reservation cards issued 23 showed up on time to claim their spot.

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

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

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

Hunt Results for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 12/31/22

(Note: Wister Staff, which handles Sonny Bono’s hunting program, advised that they will be releasing the individual hunt day results until 1/1/23. After New Year’s Day, they will return to the once-a-week report on Sunday for the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. They had originally advised that the once-a-week reporting would resume after Christmas Day).

The waterfowl average bag for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday dropped slightly as compared to Wednesday’s average. Snow Geese remained in the first position for most birds taken with Green Wing Teal still holding the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 12/31/22 were as follows:

13 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter came away with 2 Northern Shovelers, 4 Green Wing Teal, and 1 Cinnamon Teal. 15 Snow Geese were also harvested at Sonny Bono on Saturday. No Coots were bagged at Sonny Bono on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 0.50 ducks per gun or, with the Geese added in, 1.57 waterfowl per person. Reservations are done through the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area and can be used for either Wister or Sonny Bono. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 23 showed up on time to get their spots.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. If you would like a reservation for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge you have to request a Wister reservation through the California DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS) which can be used at Wister or Sonny Bono (check-in for your spot at Sonny Bono at the Wister Check station). 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 at Wister 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 – 12/31/22

The average waterfowl harvest for Saturday, the last hunt day of 2022, at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area slid back a little more compared to Wednesday’s average with rainy conditions and temperatures starting in the low-50s and only raising a few degrees throughout the day into the high-50s. Green Wing Teal again held on to first place for number of birds checked in with Shovelers, also again, in the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/31/22 were as follows:

142 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 62 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 18 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 31 Pintail, 77 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 7 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 17 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were brought into the check station at San Jacinto on Saturday. 10 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 1.59 ducks per gun or, with the Coots worked into the total, 1.65 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 21 showed up in time to claim their spot.

Donations are needed for the Junior Hunt giveaway. If you are inclined to make a prize or other donation towards the event, which will be on February 4th, 2023, California State procedures for donating are detailed here (and it’s really not that tough, I’ve done it every year since the procedures were implemented):

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

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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/28/22

(Note:  Wister Staff advised that they will be releasing the individual hunt day results until 1/1/23.  After New Year’s Day, they will return to the once-a-week report on Sunday for the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.  They had originally advised that the once-a-week reporting would resume after Christmas Day).

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday dropped somewhat as compared to Saturday’s average. Green Wing Teal were still holding the first position for number of birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal taking over the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/28/22 were as follows:

148 adult and 12 junior hunters took home 29 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallard, 27 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 42 Pintail, 96 Green Wing Teal, 47 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 10 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 9 Ruddy Duck.  39 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose were bagged at Wister on Wednesday. In addition, 3 Coots were also downed on Wednesday. This figured out to an average take of 1.73 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 2.00 waterfowl per person. Out of 105 reservation cards issued 30 arrived in time to claim their hunting spot.

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

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

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

Hunt Results for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 12/28/22

(Note:  Wister Staff, which handles Sonny Bono’s hunting program, advised that they will be releasing the individual hunt day results until 1/1/23.  After New Year’s Day, they will return to the once-a-week report on Sunday for the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.  They had originally advised that the once-a-week reporting would resume after Christmas Day).

The average waterfowl take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday headed back upward compared to Saturday’s low average.  Snow Geese were still in the first spot for most birds taken with Green Wing Teal taking over the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 12/28/22 were as follows:

14 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter bagged 2 Shovelers, 1 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, and 2 Cinnamon Teal.  22 Snow Geese were downed at Sonny Bono on Wednesday.  2 Coots were checked in on Wednesday. This figured out to an average bag of 0.93 ducks per person and, with the Geese and Coots included, a 2.53 per hunter average. Reservations are done through the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area and can be used for either Wister or Sonny Bono.  Out of 105 reservation cards issued 30 came in on time for their spot.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. If you would like a reservation for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge you have to request a Wister reservation through the California DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS) which can be used at Wister or Sonny Bono (check-in for your spot at Sonny Bono at the Wister Check station). 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 at Wister 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 Lake Perris, Wednesday – 12/28/22

The waterfowl average take for the boat hunters at Lake Perris plummeted because NO ONE SHOWED UP. Out of 9 reservations, 0 showed up… (maybe next week)…

Lake Perris is open for waterfowl hunting every Wednesday until noon. Hunting is done from BOATS ONLY and the drawing for this season’s hunting spots has already occurred. There will be no “sweat line” or alternates on the day of the hunt. There will be (9) boat in buoy locations each Wednesday that will be awarded by lottery in early August. For details on how to get in on the drawing for next season, the boat requirements, and other info for the Lake Perris waterfowl hunting program go to:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24697&fbclid=IwAR1qv7vt9_1HBOhfK9pRsNDxicHMqFFbbDwcwk9jFT5yiH0WPTShixSBEk8

Don’t forget that all licenses must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at Lake Perris. 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 which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses will be sold at Lake Perris.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 12/28/22

The waterfowl average bag at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday dropped a bit as compared to Saturday’s great average. Green Wing Teal continued to hold on to the first spot for number of birds checked in with Shovelers taking over the second position. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/28/22 were as follows:

65 adult and 3 junior hunters took 93 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 9 Gadwall, 17 Widgeon, 21 Pintail, 108 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Redhead, and 6 Bufflehead. A single Greater White Fronted Goose was downed at Kern on Wednesday. In addition, 1 Coot was checked in at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average harvest of 3.91 ducks per person or, with the Goose and Coot figured in, 3.94 waterfowl per gun. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 8 showed up on 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 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 – 12/28/22

The waterfowl average take at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Wednesday ticked upward a bit as compared to Saturday’s average under cloudy skies with temperatures that started out right at 50 and topped out just shy of 60. Green Wing Teal were still way out in front for the first position for number of birds bagged with Shovelers still hanging on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/28/22 were as follows:

150 adult and 11 junior hunters took home 59 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 38 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 20 Pintail, 138 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 7 Bufflehead, and 23 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 12 Coots were also harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to an average harvest of 1.94 ducks per person or, with the Coots added to the total, 2.02 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 27 arrived on time to get their hunting spot.

Donations are needed for the Junior Hunt giveaway. If you are inclined to make a prize or other donation towards the event, which will be on February 4th, 2023, California State procedures for donating are detailed here (and it’s really not that tough, I’ve done it every year since the procedures were implemented):

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

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 – 12/24/22

The average waterfowl harvest at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday slipped just a bit compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal were again found in first position for number of birds bagged with Widgeon still holding on to the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/24/22 were as follows:

58 adult and 2 junior hunters collected 52 Northern Shovelers, 16 Mallards, 48 Gadwall, 56 Widgeon, 21 Pintail, 66 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 7 Ring Necks, 1 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. 2 Greater White Fronted Geese were taken at Kern on Saturday. Also, 2 Coots were downed at Kern on Saturday. This came out to an average harvest of 4.61 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots figured in, 4.68 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 8 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 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, Saturday – 12/24/22

(Note: This week only, due to All State Wildlife Areas that are normally open to hunting on Sundays being closed for the Christmas Holiday, Wister released hunt results for Wednesday 12/21/22 on Wednesday and released hunt results for Saturday 12/24/22 today. After the Holidays Wister will go back to releasing their hunt results once a week, usually on Mondays, covering the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday hunts.)

The average waterfowl harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked upward slightly as compared to Wednesday’s averages. Green Wing Teal held on to the first position for number of birds taken with Pintail climbing into the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/24/22 were as follows:

75 adult and 3 junior hunters took 16 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 14 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 30 Pintail, 110 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. 17 Snow Geese were harvested at Wister on Saturday. 3 Coots were taken at Wister on Saturday. This resulted in an average take of 2.56 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots added into the total, 2.82 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 13 showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

Due to Sunday 12/25/22 being Christmas Day the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area is closed.

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 the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

Hunt Results for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday 12/24/22

(Note: This week only, due to All Federal Refuges that are normally open to hunting on Sundays being closed for the Christmas Holiday, Wister (which handles the hunting program at Sonny Bono) released hunt results for Wednesday 12/21/22 on Wednesday and released hunt results for Saturday 12/24/22 today. After the Holidays Wister will go back to releasing the Sonny Bono hunt results once a week, usually on Mondays, covering the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday hunts.)

The average waterfowl harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday dropped a little but then it actually went up a little when the geese were added in compared to Wednesday’s average. Snow Geese showed up in the first position for most birds checked in with Shovelers and Ruddies tied for the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 12/24/22 were as follows:

7 adult and no junior hunters checked in with 2 Shovelers and 2 Ruddy Ducks. 5 Snow Geese were downed at Sonny Bono on Saturday. No Coots were bagged on Saturday. This worked out to an average take of 0.57 ducks per person or, with the Geese included, 1.29 waterfowl per hunter. Reservations are done through the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area and can be used for either Wister or Sonny Bono. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 13 showed up on time to get their spots.

Due to Sunday being Christmas Day The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is closed.
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. If you would like a reservation for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge you have to request a Wister reservation through the California DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS) which can be used at Wister or Sonny Bono (check-in for your spot at Sonny Bono at the Wister Check station). 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 at Wister 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 – 12/24/22

The waterfowl average bag at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped significantly as compared to Wednesday’s average under clear skies with temperatures that began in the mid-40s and rose into the high 70s. Green Wing Teal were still holding on to the first position for number of birds checked in with Shovelers likewise holding on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 12/24/22 were as follows:

116 adult and 4 junior hunters came away with 36 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 17 Gadwall, 14 Widgeon, 11 Pintail, 88 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Bufflehead, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. 5 Coots were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 1.51 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots worked into the total, 1.55 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 18 showed up on time to get their spot.

Donations are needed for the Junior Hunt giveaway. If you are inclined to make a prize or other donation towards the event, which will be on February 4th, 2023, California State procedures for donating are detailed here (and it’s really not that tough, I’ve done it every year since the procedures were implemented):

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

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 – 12/21/22

The average waterfowl bag at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday rocketed upward as compared to Saturday’s average. Green Wing Teal took over first position for number of birds taken with Widgeon taking over the second spot but only by one bird over Shovelers. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/21/22 were as follows:

57 adult and no junior hunters took home 52 Northern Shovelers, 30 Mallards, 16 Gadwall, 53 Widgeon, 29 Pintail, 78 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 4 Redheads, 1 Canvasback, 8 Ring Necks, 2 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. 1 Greater White Fronted Goose and 1 Snow Goose were downed at Kern on Wednesday. A lone Coot was checked in at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average harvest of 4.86 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot added into the total, 4.91 waterfowl per gun. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 8 showed up 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 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 Lake Perris, Wednesday – 12/21/22

The average waterfowl bag for the boat hunters at Lake Perris headed back upward compared to last Wednesday’s average. Mallards were again first place for number of birds taken but were tied for first with “other” waterfowl (although it’s not known if all 5 “other” waterfowl were of the same species). John Rowe of Lake Perris reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/21/22 were as follows:

6 hunters harvested 5 Mallards, and 5 “Other” waterfowl. No Geese or Coots were checked in by the Lake Perris boat hunters. This worked out to an average take of 1.67 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include in the total, 1.67 waterfowl per gun. Out of 9 reservations issued 2 boats came in on time to get their spot.

Lake Perris is open for waterfowl hunting every Wednesday until noon. Hunting is done from BOATS ONLY and the drawing for this season’s hunting spots has already occurred. There will be no “sweat line” or alternates on the day of the hunt. There will be (9) boat in buoy locations each Wednesday that will be awarded by lottery in early August. For details on how to get in on the drawing for next season, the boat requirements, and other info for the Lake Perris waterfowl hunting program go to:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24697&fbclid=IwAR1qv7vt9_1HBOhfK9pRsNDxicHMqFFbbDwcwk9jFT5yiH0WPTShixSBEk8

Don’t forget that all licenses must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at Lake Perris. 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 which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses will be sold at Lake Perris.

Hunt Results for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 12/21/22

(Note: This week only, due to All Federal Refuges that are normally open to hunting on Sundays being closed for the Christmas Holiday, Wister (which handles the hunting program at Sonny Bono) is releasing hunt results for Wednesday 12/21/22 today and will release hunt results for Saturday 12/24/22 on Saturday. After the Holidays Wister will go back to releasing the Sonny Bono hunt results once a week, usually on Mondays, covering the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday hunts.)

The average waterfowl take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday had nowhere to go but up, (since no birds were taken on Sunday), as compared to Sunday’s average. Green Wing Teal were found in the first spot for most birds taken with Shovelers taking the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 12/21/22 were as follows:

6 adult and no junior hunters came away with 2 Northern Shovelers, 1 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, and 3 Green Wing Teal. No Geese or Coots were bagged at Sonny Bono on Wednesday. This came out to an average harvest of 1.17 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to add into the total, 1.17 waterfowl per hunter. Reservations are done through the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area and can be used for either Wister or Sonny Bono. Out of 105 reservation cards issued 25 came in on time for their spot.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. If you would like a reservation for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge you have to request a Wister reservation through the California DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS) which can be used at Wister or Sonny Bono (check-in for your spot at Sonny Bono at the Wister Check station). 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 at Wister for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW website at the below link –

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

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

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 12/21/22

(Note: This week only, due to All State Wildlife Areas that are normally open to hunting on Sundays being closed for the Christmas Holiday, Wister is releasing hunt results for Wednesday 12/21/22 today and will release hunt results for Saturday 12/24/22 on Saturday.  After the Holidays Wister will go back to releasing their hunt results once a week, usually on Mondays, covering the prior Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday hunts.)  

The average waterfowl take at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped upward quite a bit as compared to Saturday’s usual low average. Green Wing Teal climbed back into first place for number of birds taken with Snow Geese slipping back into the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/21/22 were as follows:

130 adult and 7 junior hunters checked in with 21 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 24 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 42 Pintail, 177 Green Wing Teal, 31 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Ring Necks, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 3 Ruddy Ducks.  45 Snow Geese and 2 Ross’ Geese were bagged at Wister on Wednesday.  1 Coot was taken at Wister on Wednesday. This came out to an average take of 2.39 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coot figured into the total, 2.74 waterfowl per person. Out of 105 reservation cards issued 25 arrived in time to claim their hunting spot.

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

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

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrival at the refuge.  These can be purchased online via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you 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 – 12/21/22

The average waterfowl take at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Wednesday stayed just about the same as compared to Saturday’s average under clear skies and temperatures that started out just below 30 and topped out just above 70. Green Wing Teal continued way out in front for the first spot for number of birds taken with Shovelers still holding on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 12/21/22 were as follows:

163 adult and 8 junior hunters harvested 84 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 22 Gadwall, 19 Widgeon, 17 Pintail, 197 Green Wing Teal, 6 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 15 Bufflehead, and 17 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 9 Coots were downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to an average harvest of 2.27 ducks per person or, with the Coots added into the total, 2.32 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 34 came in on time to get their hunting spot.

Don’t forget the Shotgun and Hunting Equipment Raffle at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Murrieta to Benefit San Jacinto’s 29th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt. Drawing for the prizes will be on December 22nd. Details here:

Shotgun and Hunting Equipment Raffle at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Murrieta to Benefit San Jacinto’s 29th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt

In addition, (and completely separate from the Sportsman’s Warehouse raffle above), Bass Pro Shops and Quail Forever are teaming up from their own shotgun raffle, also to benefit the SJ Junior Hunt. There are two shotguns up for grabs in this one. Drawing for the prizes will be December 23rd. Details here:

Shotgun Raffle at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga to Benefit San Jacinto’s 29th Annual Junior Waterfowl Hunt

BTW – since we’re on the subject of the Junior Hunt, if you are so inclined you can donate prizes or other items towards the event, which will be on February 4th, 2023. California State procedures for donating are detailed here (and it’s really not that tough, I’ve done it every year since the procedures were implemented):

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

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.

New Kern Hunting Map Available

The Staff at Kern National Wildlife Refuge has contacted SoCalHunt and asked that we get the word out that there is a new hunting map for the refuge for the upcoming Wednesday (12/21/22) hunt day. They advised they would be unable to get their webpage updated before the next hunt day and asked that SoCalHunt get the map out to anyone that might need it.

You can find the new Kern map, which is dated 12/19/22, on SoCalHunt’s website Maps and Downloads Page at http://www.socalhunt.com/maps-and-downloads.html . Just scroll down the page a ways and you’ll find it. Click on the image of the map to download a pdf copy of it.

SoCalHunt will update all info and maps on the Maps and Downloads page any time we are made aware of any changes.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 12/17/22

The waterfowl average take for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday dropped slightly as compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers held on to first place for number of birds bagged with Gadwall taking over the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 12/17/22 were as follows:

32 adult and 2 junior hunters harvested 27 Northern Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 21 Gadwall, 9 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, 16 Green Wing Teal, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 1 Ring Neck, and 3 Bufflehead. A lone Canada Goose was taken at Kern on Saturday. No Coots were checked in at Kern on Saturday. This figured out to an average bag of 2.79 ducks per gun or, with the Goose included in the total, 2.82 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 5 came in on 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 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.

2023 Warden Stamps Now Available

Back on November 3rd, SoCalHunt posted an announcement that the new 2023 DFW Warden Stamp would be available in late November. (see post here)…

2023 California Game Warden Stamp Available Late November

…Well, there was apparently some sort of delay because the 2023 version of the stamp just became available. I just wanted to do a quick post since there’s been quite a delay since SoCalHunt put out the original post. So, click the link above for details and, if you’re so inclined, go get a Warden Stamp or two. I just ordered mine.