Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge 2022/2023 Season Long Stats

The end of the 2022/2023 season at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge revealed the following stats for the number of birds taken and the hunter averages.

397 adult and 11 junior hunters (408 hunters total) checked in a total of 71 Northern Shovelers, 17 Mallards, 33 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 41 Pintail, 255 Green Wing Teal, 59 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 2 Bufflehead, 2 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Merganser, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. In addition, there were 5 Ross’ Geese, 271 Snow Geese, and 2 White Front Geese bagged at Sonny Bono this season. 7 Coots were checked in for the 2022/2023 season. This worked out to a total of 773 Ducks and Geese or, with the Coots added in, 780 waterfowl. The per hunter average take for 2022/2023 figured out to 1.89 Ducks and Geese per hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.91 waterfowl per hunter.

This is where I would usually compare this season’s counts and averages and the + or – on the number of each species taken this season compared to last season but due to fact that this is the first season SoCaHunt has reported on Sonny Bono’s results, obviously we have no stats from last year to compare to.

So, there you have it, the year-long stats for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Hopefully, next season is even better. All we need now is for the breeding populations up north to do their thing and hopefully we’ll get the weather needed to drive the birds south early in the season and things will improve next season.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 1/14/23

The waterfowl average take at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday ticked upward just a bit as compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers were still holding on to first place for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal still found in the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 1/14/23 were as follows:

60 adult and 3 junior hunters came away with 121 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 17 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 7 Pintail, 65 Green Wing Teal, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, and 9 Bufflehead. No Geese or Coots were downed at Kern on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 3.97 ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to work into the total, 3.97 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 4 arrived on time to get their spot.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, except for the Junior and Veterans’ hunts, it is too late to put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). You can still get in on the daily “sweat line” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. 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 – 1/11/23

The waterfowl average bag for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area jumped upward a bit as compared to Saturday’s average under cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from right at 40 into the high 50s. Shovelers again, were found in the first spot for number of birds harvested with Green Wing Teal, also again, holding on to second place. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/11/23 were as follows:

130 adult and no junior hunters took home 141 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 44 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 11 Pintail, 79 Green Wing Teal, 19 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 9 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 10 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 15 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This came out to an average take of 2.50 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots worked into the total, 2.62 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 27 arrived 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. At this point in the season, except for the Junior and Veterans’ hunts, it is too late to put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). You can still get in on the daily “sweat line” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweat line” drawing is at 3:30 AM. 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. As in past seasons, no licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt, but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 1/7/23 (corrected)

(Note: the results sheet sent to SoCalHunt by the SJWA yesterday contained several errors. Disregard yesterday’s post regarding SJWA’s hunt results. Below are the corrected numbers)

The average waterfowl take for Saturday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area went up a bit as compared to Wednesday’s average under cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the low-40s to the mid-60s. Shovelers remained in first place for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal retaining the second position. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 1/7/23 were as follows:

151 adult and 12 junior hunters harvested 167 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 22 Gadwall, 16 Widgeon, 10 Pintail, 68 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Ring Necks, 7 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 13 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday. 18 Coots were downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. This figured out to an average bag of 1.93 ducks per gun or, with the Coots worked into the total, 2.04 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 31 arrived 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 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 San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/23/22

The average harvest of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for Wednesday dropped a tiny bit as compared to Saturday under clear skies that started out in the mid-30s and ended up in the mid-70s. Green Wing Teal took over the first spot for the number of birds checked in with Shovelers still holding on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/23/22 were as follows:

157 adult and 9 junior hunters took home 67 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 42 Gadwall, 61 Widgeon, 21 Pintail, 149 Green Wing Teal, 17 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 5 Canvasbacks, 17 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 13 Bufflehead, and 15 Ruddy Ducks. 1 Greater White Front Goose was taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 11 Coots were bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This came out to an average take of 2.51 ducks per hunter or, with the Goose and Coots included, 2.58 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 35 showed 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:

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

Also, 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.

Hunt Results for Lake Perris, Wednesday – 11/23/22

The waterfowl average bag for the boat hunters at Lake Perris jumped upward a lot compared to last Wednesday’s low average harvest. Mallards were number one for number of birds checked in with Gadwall in the second spot. John Rowe of Lake Perris reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/23/22 were as follows:

4 hunters checked in with 6 mallards, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, and 1 Green Wing Teal. No Geese or Coots were downed by the Lake Perris boat hunters. This worked out to an average take of 2.50 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include, 2.50 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservations issued 2 boats showed up in time to claim their hunting 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 – 11/9/22, Saturday – 11/12/22, and Sunday – 11/13/22

The waterfowl take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday ticked up a bit from Sunday’s dismal average. Pintail took over the first spot for most birds taken with Snow Geese, Gadwall, and Shovelers all tied for the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 11/9/22 were as follows:

10 adult and no junior hunters bagged 2 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Widgeon, 3 Pintail, and 1 Merganser. 2 Snow Geese were downed on Wednesday. No Coots were bagged on Wednesday. This worked out to an average harvest of 1.00 duck per hunter or, with the Geese included in the total, 1.20 waterfowl per gun. 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 24 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday slipped back a bit from Wednesday’s poor average. Cinnamon Teal climbed into first position for most birds bagged with Shovelers holding onto the second spot exclusively. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 11/12/22 were as follows:

19 adult and 2 junior hunters checked in with 3 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 1 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, and 1 Ring Neck. 2 Ross’ Geese were also bagged at Sonny Bono on Saturday. There were no Coots checked in on Saturday. This came out to an average bag of 0.67 ducks per gun and, with the Geese included, 0.76 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 31 hunting parties arrived on time to claim their spots.

The average waterfowl bag for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Sunday Actually went up slightly from Saturday’s poor average. Gadwall came in first for most birds checked in with Snow Geese (or I guess I should say Goose) in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Sunday, 11/13/22 were as follows:

3 adult and no junior hunters bagged 3 Gadwall. A lone Snow Goose was harvested at Sonny Bono on Sunday. This came out to an average take of 1.00 duck per person and, with the Goose added into the total, 1.33 waterfowl per gun. 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 17 hunting parties showed up in time to get their hunting 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.

Also, just a reminder. Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 19, 2022, due to water issues so there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/9/22, Saturday – 11/12/22, and Sunday – 11/13/22

The waterfowl average take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday headed upward a bit over Sunday’s low average. Pintail took over first place for number of birds taken with Shovelers found in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/9/22 were as follows:

81 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter bagged 24 Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 7 Gadwall, 16 Widgeon, 30 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 8 Ring Necks, 2 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Surf Scooter, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were checked in at Wister on Wednesday. A lone Coot was checked in on Wednesday. This resulted in an average bag of 1.50 ducks per hunter or, with the Coot included, 1.51 waterfowl per person. Out of 105 reservation cards issued 24 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked up a bit from Wednesday’s fair averages. Cinnamon Teal showed up in the first position for most birds bagged with Snow Geese taking over the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/12/22 were as follows:

126 adult and 7 junior hunters took home 36 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 14 Gadwall, 19 Widgeon, 33 Pintail, 14 Green Wing Teal, 52 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 18 Ring Necks, 6 Scaup, 1 Bufflehead, and 7 Ruddy Ducks. There were 49 Snow Geese and 1 Greater White Fronted Goose taken at Wister on Saturday. 4 Coots were also checked in on Saturday. This resulted in an average bag of 1.58 ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 1.98 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 31 hunters showed up in time to claim their spots.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped a bit from Saturday’s good averages. Cinnamon Teal retained the first spot for number of birds checked in with Widgeon taking over the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/13/22 were as follows:

64 adult hunters and no junior hunter checked in with 8 Northern Shovelers, 10 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 7 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 3 Ring Necks, 2 Mergansers, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. There were 11 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose bagged at Wister on Sunday. 7 Coots were also downed on Sunday. This resulted in an average harvest of 1.16 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots included, 1.45 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 17 waterfowlers arrived in time to get their hunting spot.

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

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

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

Also, just a reminder. Kern NWR has delayed their opener until Saturday, November 19, 2022, due to water issues so there will be no report on Kern’s results until after that date.

San Jacinto Junior Pheasant Hunt Set for Sunday, November 6th, 2022

Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, advised me that Sunday, November 6th, will be the date for this year’s Junior Pheasant Hunt at San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Juniors wishing to participate need to show up at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area check station parking lot at 6:00 am, with an accompanying adult.

If you need more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area Second Volunteer Blind Brush-Up Workday Scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2022

Sorry for the late notice on this. Just got the go-ahead from Tom…Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, advised that the second volunteer workday for the upcoming season at San Jacinto Wildlife Area has been scheduled. The date is Saturday, September 10th. The workdays will be primarily for building, repairing, and brushing-up blinds and cleaning up the general hunting areas around them. Tom advised that volunteers should meet at the check station at 6:30 AM and anyone coming out to volunteer should bring work gloves, sturdy boots or shoes, Shovels, wire cutters, pliers, etc., and waders if you have them. Some of the ponds are in the process of being flooded. Also, obviously, the weather will be HOT so bring lots of water, sunscreen & mosquito repellent.

Tom is also requesting that anyone that has access to palm fronds and would like to get rid of them to drop them off at San Jacinto Wildlife Area any time. The palm fronds are needed to brush up the wildlife area’s blinds for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season as well as to have some on hand for repairs to the blinds throughout the season. Anyone who is trimming palm trees and wants to bring them around to San Jacinto to get rid of them or knows someone who is trimming palm trees and wants to save the fee the dump would charge them, give Tom a call at 951-236-3040 and he’ll make arrangements for someone to be there so you can drop them off. He also wanted me to remind people that they DO NOT want fronds that have thorns on them. Don’t bring the wader-rippers but other, non-thorny palm fronds are welcome. The thorn-laden fronds are okay to use, however, if you’re willing to strip off the thorns prior to bringing them in.

After the work is done, we will get together at Marcello’s Pizza Restaurant in Nuevo for a well-deserved lunch. (Each person responsible for their own bill).
Hopefully, we’ll have a great turnout so we can get the blinds and hunting area prepped for another waterfowl season. SJ is very short-staffed right now and needs all the help they can get to get ready for the season. As I always say, the more the merrier (and the less work for each person).

If you have any questions contact Tom Trakes at the San Jacinto headquarters at (951) 236-3040, or the San Jacinto staff at (951) 928-0580.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area 2022 Dove Season Opener – Thursday, September 1st

The opening day of dove season in California is Thursday, September 1st. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, has advised SoCalHunt to pass along that the entire wildlife area, including the waterfowl areas, will be opened for dove hunting the first four days of dove season. From the opener on Thursday, September 1st, through Sunday, September 4th, hunters will be permitted to hunt doves on both the upland area of San Jacinto and SJ’s duck hunting areas. After Sunday, for the remainder of the dove season, from September 5th until September 15th, dove hunting will only be permitted on the upland side of San Jacinto. There will be no dove hunting on the waterfowl side of SJ after September 4th.

Hunters trying SJ for dove need to remember to self-check-in and out at one of the three new prefab metal permit booths that were just installed at San Jacinto. There is one across Davis Road from the check station, another is in the dog training area which is closer to Ramona Expressway, and one way around on Bridge Street. The Bridge Street booth will come in handy for anyone wanting to hunt the Bridge Street area of SJWA. Now you won’t have to drive all the way up Davis Road to check in and then backtrack to Bridge Street and then, after hunting, drive back around to Davis Road again to check out. It can all be done right there at Bridge Street.

Tom also wanted SoCalHunt to remind everyone that due to Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations only non-toxic shot may be used to take any game anywhere in California. Lead shot has been banned on State Wildlife Areas for the last five years, however, the no-lead restriction went into effect three years ago statewide for ALL hunting. So, just remember, even if you don’t choose to hunt doves at San Jacinto WA, or any of the other DFW Wildlife Areas, you still need UNLEADED anywhere you hunt in California. DFW Wardens, as always, will be checking for lead shot and possession of even one round will result in you receiving a citation. So, be sure to check your hunting vest thoroughly to make sure an old round of lead shot from a few years ago, or from your last visit to the trap range, isn’t kicking around in one of your pockets. Also, don’t forget that your 2021/2022 hunting license expired at the end of June. Be sure you have your 2022/2023 hunting license, including your upland endorsement on your license.

The regulations covering doves is as follows, Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove have a daily bag limit of 15 in combination, up to 10 of which may be white-winged dove. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit. There are no limits on Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove, although these two varieties have the same season dates as Mourning Doves (September 1st -15th). Hunting for Eurasian Collared Dove is legal year-round and there are no limits on them. Note: There is no open hunting season on common ground-doves, ruddy ground-doves, and Inca doves.

As usual, the SJ Staff has planted some fields with dove-attracting crops on the Wildlife Area and they’ve been seeing a few dove around SJ so far this year. Of course, San Jacinto isn’t Niland or Brawley or any other traditional “hot-spot” dove hunting area and you’re unlikely to limit out in an hour, but you have a fair chance of bagging a couple birds a lot closer to home. SJ is a good place if you just have a few hours and would like to try to get a shot or two at the dove.

So, hopefully, there won’t be any end-of-August thunderstorms in the area that might drive the birds south, and if so, there should be at least a fair chance of bagging a few. If you want to try your luck at San Jacinto things are looking fair for opening day, Thursday, September 1st.

Also, don’t forget, another volunteer blind brush-up workday is coming up, Saturday, September, 10th. SoCalHunt will post information on the September 10th workday here soon. Keep an eye out for it. One advantage of going to the September 10th workday is that dove season is still on that weekend so you could give it a try in the afternoon after the workday is over.

Tom also asked me to ask everyone to keep a sharp eye out for palm fronds to utilize on the upcoming blind brush-up day. If you can get any of them any time before the workday you can make arrangements to drop them off at San Jacinto by calling Tom Trakes at the San Jacinto headquarters at (951) 236-3040, or the San Jacinto staff at (951) 928-0580. Of course, if you’re going to come out for the workday you could bring them along with you then too, or even drop some off if you come out to try your luck at dove hunting SJ in September.

Anti-hunters at it Again – Help Resist Efforts to Shut Down Hunting on Navigable Waterways in the Benicia, CA Area

First off, I know this is in Northern California, but I am of the philosophy that any attack on hunting anywhere is an attack on hunting EVERYWHERE. I also believe hunters need to stick together and fight these efforts, no matter where they are, but especially if they are in this state, as any success by the anti-hunting crowd sets a precedent that may trigger a domino effect and result in more unreasonable restrictions on our hunting here.

I will defer to, and quote, the California Waterfowl Association on this subject as I also believe in not re-inventing the wheel, so to speak.

“CWA needs your assistance to defeat a petition before the California Fish and Game Commission to prohibit waterfowl hunting on navigable waterways near the City of Benicia. The petition was submitted by a local resident and cites noise, conflict with other recreational users and perceived threat to public safety, amongst other issues.

The Carquinez strait and other waterways in the Benicia area have been hunted for generations. There are no incidents of members of the non-hunting public being injured by the waterfowl hunting that occurs there, while hunters must comply with existing state safety laws, including those that restrict the discharge of firearms near occupied buildings and across roads and other ways open to the public.

Local residents and groups have tried to restrict hunting on state-manged navigable waterways throughout the state in the last 20 years, including Morro and Tomales Bays. The Commission rightly rejected the previous proposals primarily because there were no legitimate safety issues nor waterfowl population impacts from hunting; and, in many cases, the proposals were based in part on anti-hunting sentiments.

Should the Commission now prohibit hunting on public waters near Benicia, it will set a dangerous precedent and only encourage other residents in other parts of California to seek similar hunting restrictions, likely resulting in further loss of waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Please contact the California Fish and Game Commission and urge that the Benicia petition be rejected. Thank you for your help.”

Back to me. Below is a link to CWA’s page explaining the above call to action (which is where the above text came from). Click on the link below to go to CWA’s page and fill out the CWA petition next to this article and submit it. It’s very easy, fill in the blanks. It should only take a couple minutes.

https://calwaterfowl.org/action-center?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f93642%2fRespond

CWA, and I, and every waterfowler in the state thanks you for your help on this.

Second Annual San Jacinto Wildlife Area Veterans/Active Duty Military Hunt, Saturday, February 12th, 2022, A Great Success

The last hunt of this past waterfowl season found 66 Veteran and Active Duty Military personnel reporting for duty at San Jacinto Wildlife Area at 0300 for the second annual Veteran/Active Duty Military special hunt.

The military personnel were treated to a breakfast of coffee, hot chocolate, coffee cake, and doughnuts. The California Waterfowl Association (CWA) supplied each Veteran or Active-duty Military member in attendance with a hat and a tribute coin to start off their day. The Veterans/Active Military then dispersed over San Jacinto Wildlife Area to await start time horn. Hunting was absolutely outstanding on this day and for the second year in a row, the Veterans/Active Military beat the wildlife area average take by more than two birds a person with an average harvest of 4.24 waterfowl per hunter! (Hunt results for the Veteran/Active Military Hunt can be found here… https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2022/02/12/hunt-results-for-san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-military-vets-active-duty-hunt-saturday-2-12-22/ )

At noon our Vets and Actives gathered at the SJWA workshop area for a great lunch of tri-tip with all the fixin’s, Macaroni, and potato salads (provided by Robert Hartman, his wife, and his daughter – whose son/brother is a Coast Guard member). Tom Trakes’ daughter provided a military-themed cake for dessert. During the lunch break, Diane Barr of Stars & Stripes Service & Therapy Dog Training did a demonstration of basic obedience, advanced obedience, urban obedience, and tasking. Stars & Stripes Service & Therapy Dog Training is a non-profit organization that helps disabled veterans and first responders train their dogs to help them with tasks that they may need help with.

As is usual, San Jacinto Wildlife Area hosted a great salute to our Military Veterans and Active Duty Military heroes. If the per hunter average bird count for that day is any indication it looks like military service teaches our military personnel excellent marksmanship.
(here’s some photos of the event below)

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge Junior Hunt, Saturday, 2/5/22

The waterfowl average take at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Junior Hunt resulted in a great average for the Junior Hunters’ attending. Shovelers were found in first position for number of ducks checked in and Green Wing Teal took the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for the Junior Hunt on Saturday, 2/5/22 were as follows:

30 junior hunters came away with 34 Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 20 Widgeon, 16 Pintail, 30 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 3 Eurasian Widgeon, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 2 Bufflehead. There were no Geese or Coots bagged by the Juniors at Kern on Saturday. This came out to an average harvest of 3.90 ducks per Junior Hunter and, of course, with no Geese and Coots to figure in to the total, 3.90 waterfowl for each Junior. Out of 12 reservation cards issued 7 Junior Hunters arrived on time to claim their spot.

If you’re a Veteran or an Active Duty Military Member you have one more chance this season. The after season Veteran/Active Duty Military hunt which will be held on Saturday, February 12th at Kern NWR. Hopefully, our Vets and Active Duty Heroes will take advantage of this opportunity. Here’s hoping our Vets and Active Duty have a great hunt! If you don’t have a reservation for the Vets/Military Hunt you can still get in on the sweatline drawing, just like any regular hunt day, by showing up at the Kern Hunter Check Station on the Refuge 2 ½ hours before local shoot time and the “sweat line” drawing is performed 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, also at the Refuge Hunter Check Station. And, of course, thanks for your service.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 1/19/22

The average harvest of waterfowl at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area dropped back a little from Saturday’s fair average under partly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the middle 60s. Shovelers stayed in first place for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal still holding on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/19/22 were as follows:

139 adult and 9 junior hunters checked in with 98 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 21 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 12 Pintail, 43 Green Wing Teal, 11 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 15 Bufflehead, and 8 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 9 Coots were taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to an average bag of 1.53 ducks per person or, with the Coots added in, 1.59 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 19 hunters came in on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, it is now too late to put in for reservations online through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). You can still get in on the daily “sweat line” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweat line” drawing is at 3:30 AM.

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 – 12/22/21, 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 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.

SoCalHunt San Jacinto Hunting Report 11/24/21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/17/21, Saturday 11/20/21, and Sunday 11/21/21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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