Hunt Results for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 1/25/23, Saturday – 1/28/23, and Sunday – 1/29/23

The waterfowl average bag for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday had nowhere to go but up, which it did impressively compared to Sunday’s dismal average. Green Wing Teal were found in the first spot for most birds taken with Pintail taking the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 1/25/23 were as follows:

7 adult and no junior hunters took home 1 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, and 20 Green Wing Teal. 1 Snow Goose was downed at Sonny Bono on Wednesday. No Coots were bagged on Wednesday. This came out to an average take of 4.14 Ducks per hunter or, with the Goose worked into the total, a 4.29 per gun 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 29 showed up on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday dropped back quite a bit compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal held on to the first position for most birds bagged with Shovelers climbing into the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 1/28/23 were as follows:
28 adult and no junior hunters came away with 10 Northern Shovelers, 4 Gadwall, 6 Pintail, 34 Green Wing Teal, and 3 Cinnamon Teal. A lone Snow Goose was also harvested at Sonny Bono on Saturday. No Coots were bagged at Sonny Bono on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 2.04 Ducks per gun or, with the Goose added in, 2.07 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 29 came in on time to get their hunting spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Sunday dropped back some more as compared to Saturday’s averages. Shovelers took over the first spot for most birds taken with Gadwall, Widgeon, and Green Wing Teal all tied for the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Sunday, 1/29/23 were as follows:

9 adult and no junior hunters checked in with 3 Northern Shovelers, 2 Gadwall, 2 Widgeon, and 2 Green Wing Teal. No Geese or Coots were brought in at Sonny Bono on Sunday. This came out to an average take of 1.00 Ducks per gun and, pf course, with no Geese or Coots to add in, 1.00 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 21 hunters showed up on time to get their spot.

So, the 2022/2023 regular waterfowl season is in the books. Junior hunters have two more chances at the ducks at Sonny Bono accessed through Wister of course, next weekend, February 4th and 5th. If you’re a junior hunter or you have a junior hunter in the family you can get in on the Junior Waterfowl hunt on Saturday and Sunday, 2/4 & 2/5/23. If your junior hunter doesn’t have a reservation for the Junior Hunt weekend he or she can still get in on the sweatline drawing, just like any regular hunt day, by showing up at Wister, which handles the Sonny Bono reservations, to get in on the drawing by 10:30 PM the night before. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweat line” spots given out after that. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

If you’re a Veteran or an Active Duty Military Member you also have two more chances this season. The after-season Veteran/Active Duty Military hunt will be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 11th and 12th at Sonny Bono accessed through Wister of course. 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 Wister to get in on the drawing by 10:30 PM the night before. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweat line” spots are given out after that. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577. And, of course, thanks for your service.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 1/28/23

The waterfowl average bag for Saturday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area stayed nearly the same as compared to Wednesday’s average with sunny conditions and temperatures starting out in the mid-30s and topping out just shy of 60. Shovelers were still found in the first position for number of birds taken with Green Wing Teal still in the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 1/28/23 were as follows:

158 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter took home 130 Northern Shovelers, 19 Gadwall, 8 Widgeon, 16 Pintail, 123 Green Wing Teal, 18 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Ring Necks, 22 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 26 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday. 19 Coots were also downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. This figured out to an average bag of 2.30 Ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots worked into the total, 2.42 waterfowl per hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 28 hunters showed up on time to get their spot.

Well, that’s it for the 2022/2023 regular waterfowl season. Junior hunters have one more chance at those elusive waterfowl, on Saturday, February 4th. If you’re a junior hunter or you have a junior hunter in the family, here’s hoping you’ll take advantage of San Jacinto’s Annual Junior Waterfowl hunt on Saturday, 2/4/23. Here’s hoping the Juniors have a great hunt! If your junior hunter doesn’t have a reservation for the Junior Hunt he or she can still get in on the sweatline drawing, just like any regular hunt day, by showing up at SJ at 3 AM to get their name in on the sweatline drawing. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

If you’re a Veteran or an Active Duty Military Member you also have one more chance this season. The after-season Veteran/Active Duty Military hunt which will be held on Saturday, February 11th. 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’re a Veteran or an Active Duty Military Member and don’t have a reservation for the Veteran/Active Duty Military hunt you can still get in on the sweatline drawing, just like any regular hunt day, by showing up at SJ at 3 AM to get your name in on the sweatline drawing. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 1/25/23

The waterfowl average take at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday slid back a bit as compared to Saturday’s great average. Shovelers, once again, were in first place for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal, also again, in the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/25/23 were as follows:

59 adult and no junior hunters harvested 119 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 39 Gadwall, 5 Widgeon, 9 Pintail, 66 Green Wing Teal, 10 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 6 Bufflehead and 1 Goldeneye. No Geese or Coots were taken at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average bag of 3.78 Ducks per person and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include in the count, 3.78 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 6 arrived in time to claim their spot.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, 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. Additional information may be obtained by calling Kern’s office at (661) 725-2767.

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 – 1/25/23

The waterfowl average harvest for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area jumped upward a bit as compared to Saturday’s average under sunny skies with temperatures ranging from the low-40s to the mid-60s. Shovelers, once again, held the first spot for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal, also once again, holding the second position. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/25/23 were as follows:

139 adult and 2 junior hunters bagged 179 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 44 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 59 Green Wing Teal, 10 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 18 Bufflehead, and 24 Ruddy Ducks. A lone Canada Goose was downed at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 17 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to an average harvest of 2.48 Ducks per hunter or, with the Goose and Coots added to the total, 2.60 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 28 came in on time to get their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, 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.

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 – 1/21/23

The average waterfowl bag at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday dropped slightly as compared to Wednesday’s great average. Again Shovelers took the first position for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal holding on to the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 1/21/23 were as follows:

74 adult and 2 junior hunters checked in with 152 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 58 Gadwall, 18 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 67 Green Wing Teal, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Redheads, 1 Ring Neck, and 2 Bufflehead. No Geese or Coots were downed at Kern on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 4.13 Ducks per hunter and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include in the total, 4.13 waterfowl per person. There was no information given on reservations issued or claimed.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, except for Veterans’ hunt, 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 1/18/23, Saturday – 1/21/23, and Sunday – 1/22/23

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday Jumped back upward compared to Sunday’s averages. Green Wing Teal held on to first spot for most birds checked in with Pintail found in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/18/23 were as follows:

96 adult and no junior hunters took home 17 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 28 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 31 Pintail, 127 Green Wing Teal, 21 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 7 Bufflehead, and 6 Ruddy Ducks. 7 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose were bagged at Wister on Wednesday. 1 Coot was checked in at Wister on Wednesday. This resulted in an average harvest of 2.55 Ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot added into the total, 2.65 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 24 showed on time to claim their spot.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped back some as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal retained first place for most birds downed with Pintail holding on to second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Saturday, 1/21/23 were as follows:

203 adult and 10 junior hunters came away with 34 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 45 Gadwall, 13 Widgeon, 68 Pintail, 87 Green Wing Teal, 75 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 15 Bufflehead, and 10 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were bagged at Wister on Saturday. 12 Coots were also taken at Wister on Saturday. This figured out to an average take of 1.69 Ducks per person or, with the Coots included in the total, 1.75 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 31 showed up on time to get their spot.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday slipped back even more as compared to Saturday’s averages. Snow Geese took over first place for most birds harvested with Green Wing Teal slipping back to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Sunday, 1/22/23 were as follows:

70 adult and 4 junior hunters took home 22 Northern Shovelers, 8 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 12 Pintail, 28 Green Wing Teal, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Bufflehead, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. 36 Snow Geese and 1 Greater White Fronted Goose were bagged at Wister on Sunday. 1 Coot was also checked in at Wister on Sunday. This came out to an average bag of 1.14 Ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot worked into the total, 1.65 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 15 hunters came in on time to claim their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. At this point in the season, except for the Veterans’ hunt, 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 “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 – 1/18/23, Saturday – 1/21/23, and Sunday – 1/22/23

The waterfowl average take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday headed upward as compared to Sunday’s average. Green Wing Teal took over the first spot for most birds bagged with Shovelers found in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 1/18/23 were as follows:

14 adult and no junior hunters came away with 5 Northern Shovelers, 2 Pintail, and 22 Green Wing Teal. 2 Snow Geese and 1 Greater White Fronted Goose were bagged at Sonny Bono on Wednesday. No Coots were downed on Wednesday. This worked out to an average take of 2.07 ducks per person and, with the Geese added in to the count, a 2.29 per gun 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 24 arrived on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday slipped back quite a bit as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal held on to the first spot for most birds taken with Shovelers holding on to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 1/21/23 were as follows:

17 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 3 Northern Shovelers, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, 11 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Ring Neck, and 1 Bufflehead. 2 Snow Geese were also taken at Sonny Bono on Saturday. No Coots were bagged at Sonny Bono on Saturday. This worked out to an average bag of 1.17 Ducks per hunter or, with the Geese added into the count, 1.28 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 31 showed on time to get their spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Sunday nosedived as compared to Saturday’s averages. No birds were taken at Sonney Bono on Sunday. The Wister Staff reported that the results details for Sonny Bono for Sunday, 1/22/23 were as follows:

2 adult and no junior hunter failed to bag any waterfowl. Obviously this came out to an average take of 0.00 Ducks per person and, with no Geese and Coots to included in the total, 0.00 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 15 hunters arrived on time to get their hunting spot.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. At this point in the season, except for the Veterans’ hunt, 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 “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 – 1/21/23

The waterfowl average bag for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area ticked upward slightly as compared to Wednesday’s average under sunny skies and temperatures starting out in the low-30s and topping out in the low-60s. Shovelers were, again, way out in front for first position for number of birds checked in with Green Wing Teal taking back the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 1/21/23 were as follows:

148 adult and 3 junior hunters took home 146 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 31 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 35 Green Wing Teal, 20 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Ring Necks, 12 Bufflehead, 1 Blue Wing Teal, and 18 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were taken at San Jacinto on Saturday. 26 Coots were also downed at San Jacinto on Saturday. This came out to an average bag of 1.85 Ducks per person or, with the Coots worked into the total, 2.03 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 30 showed up in time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, except for the Veterans’ hunt, 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 Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 1/18/23

The waterfowl average harvest for the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday Climbed upward quite a bit as compared to Saturday’s great average. Shovelers, once again, held on to the first spot for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal, also once again, retaining the second position. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/18/23 were as follows:

53 adult and no junior hunters bagged 116 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 7 Gadwall, 11 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, 82 Green Wing Teal, 10 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Canvasback, 15 Bufflehead, and 1 Ruddy Duck. No Geese or Coots were taken at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average bag of 4.72 Ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to add to the total, 4.72 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 8 showed up on time to get their hunting spot.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, except for Veterans’ hunt, 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 – 1/18/23

The waterfowl average harvest for Wednesday at the San Jacinto Wildlife Slid back somewhat compared to Saturday’s average under partly cloudy skies and temperatures starting out in the mid-30s and rising into the mid-50s. Shovelers, again, were found in the first spot for number of birds taken with Gadwall taking over second place. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/18/23 were as follows:

120 adult and 2 junior hunters came away with 89 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 21 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 18 Green Wing Teal, 16 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 13 Ring Necks, 12 Bufflehead, and 11 Ruddy Ducks. A lone Snow Goose was bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 11 Coots were checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to an average harvest of 1.61 Ducks per gun or, with the Goose and Coots added in, 1.70 waterfowl per person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 21 arrived on time to claim their spot.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. At this point in the season, except for the Veterans’ hunt, 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 Lake Perris, Wednesday – 1/18/23

The waterfowl average take for the boat hunters at Lake Perris jumped upward quite a bit as compared to last Wednesday’s average. Mallards held on to the first spot for number of birds checked in with Gadwall and Widgeon tied for the second position. John Rowe of Lake Perris reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/18/23 were as follows:

7 hunters took home 5 Mallards, 3 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 2 Cinnamon Teal, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were bagged in by the Lake Perris boat hunters. 2 Coots were also checked in at Perris on Wednesday. This worked out to an average bag of 2.14 ducks per hunter and, with the Coots included in the total, 2.43 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservations issued 3 boats showed up on time to claim 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 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 1/11/23, Saturday – 1/14/23, and Sunday – 1/15/23

The waterfowl average take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back upward compared to Sunday’s averages. Green Wing Teal climbed into first place for most birds taken with Shovelers showing up in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/11/23 were as follows:

85 adult and no junior hunters came away with 46 Northern Shovelers, 14 Gadwall, 11 Widgeon, 38 Pintail, 83 Green Wing Teal, 28 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 10 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser, and 1 Ruddy Duck. 6 Snow Geese were brought into the check station at Wister on Wednesday. 1 Coot was also downed at Wister on Wednesday. This resulted in an average bag of 2.74 Ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coot added into the total, 2.82 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 23 arrived in time to claim their spot.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday slipped a bit as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal retained the first position for most birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal taking over second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Saturday, 1/14/23 were as follows:

207 adult and 7 junior hunters harvested 54 Northern Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 30 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 52 Pintail, 212 Green Wing Teal, 63 Cinnamon Teal, 39 Bufflehead, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. 13 Snow Geese were taken at Wister on Saturday. 6 Coots were also bagged at Wister on Saturday. This worked out to an average bag of 2.18 Ducks per person or, with the Geese and Coots added into the total, 2.27 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 34 showed up in time to get their hunting spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped again as compared to Saturday’s averages. Green Wing Teal held on to first position for most birds checked in with Cinnamon Teal likewise holding on to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Sunday, 1/15/23 were as follows:

76 adult hunters and 6 junior hunters took 7 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 4 Widgeon, 13 Pintail, 21 Green Wing Teal, 17 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, and 4 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese or Coots were bagged on Sunday. This came out to an average harvest of 1.05 Ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to figure in, 1.05 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 17 hunters were on time to claim their hunting spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 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 “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 – 1/11/23, Saturday – 1/14/23, and Sunday – 1/15/23

The average waterfowl bag for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday stayed the same for Ducks but jumped upward on the Geese compared to Sunday’s average. Snow Geese were in the first spot for most birds checked in with no second position as no other birds were checked in. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Wednesday, 1/11/23 were as follows:

5 adult and no junior hunters took home no Ducks. 6 Snow Geese were taken at Sonny Bono on Wednesday. No Coots were bagged on Wednesday. This figured out to an average harvest of 0.00 ducks per hunter and, with the Geese included in the count, a 1.20 per gun 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 23 showed on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average take for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday headed back upward for the Ducks but dropped for the Geese as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal took over the first spot for most birds bagged with Shovelers found in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Saturday, 1/14/23 were as follows:

14 adult hunters and no junior hunter bagged 5 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 9 Green Wing Teal, and 3 Cinnamon Teal. 4 Snow Geese were also checked in at Sonny Bono on Saturday. No Coots were taken at Sonny Bono on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 1.57 Ducks per gun or, with the Geese added in, 1.86 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 34 came in on time to get their hunting spot.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for Sunday headed back downward as compared to Saturday’s averages. Snow Geese came in first for most birds bagged with Green Wing Teal dropping back to the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sonny Bono for Sunday, 1/15/23 were as follows:

12 adult hunters and no junior hunter downed 1 Northern Shoveler, 5 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, and 1 Gadwall. 8 Snow Geese were taken on Sunday. No Coots were downed at Sonny Bono on Sunday. This worked out to an average bag of 0.67 Ducks per gun and, with the Geese worked into the total, 1.33 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 17 hunters showed up on time to get their spot.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 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 “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 – 1/14/23

The average waterfowl take for Saturday at the San Jacinto Wildlife dropped just a hair compared to Wednesday’s average under rainy conditions with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s. Shovelers, again, held on to the first position for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal holding on to the second spot once again. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the results for Saturday, 1/14/23 were as follows:

163 adult and 11 junior hunters harvested 176 Northern Shovelers, 1 Mallard, 33 Gadwall, 8 Widgeon, 18 Pintail, 127 Green Wing Teal, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Bufflehead, and 10 Ruddy Ducks. No Geese were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday. A lone Coot was bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday. This worked out to an average bag of 2.25 ducks per person or, with the Coot figured into the total, still 2.25 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards issued 31 showed up 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. 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 Lake Perris, Wednesday – 1/11/23

The waterfowl average bag for the boat hunters at Lake Perris could only go up compared to last Wednesday’s average since no birds were taken then, but it didn’t go up much. Mallards (or maybe I should say Mallard) took first place for number of birds harvested with no other birds taken to fill the second position. John Rowe of Lake Perris reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/11/23 were as follows:

7 hunters harvested 1 Mallard. No Geese or Coots were checked in by the Lake Perris boat hunters. This worked out to an average bag of 0.14 ducks per gun and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include in the total, 0.14 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservations issued 3 boats arrived on 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 Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Wednesday – 1/11/23

The waterfowl average bag at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Wednesday ticked upward a bit as compared to Saturday’s average. Shovelers remained in the first spot for number of birds taken with Green Wing Teal likewise retaining the second position. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/11/23 were as follows:

49 adult and no junior hunters took home 90 Northern Shovelers, 2 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 46 Green Wing Teal, 2 Redheads, 7 Ring Necks, and 11 Bufflehead. 2 Greater White Fronted Geese were checked in at Kern on Wednesday. No Coots were downed at Kern on Wednesday. This came out to an average harvest of 3.76 ducks per gun or, with the Geese figured into the total, 3.80 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 5 arrived in time to claim their hunting area.

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 Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Saturday – 1/7/23

The waterfowl average harvest at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge for Saturday Stayed pretty close to the same as compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers held on to the first position for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal retaining the second spot. The Kern NWR Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 1/7/23 were as follows:

54 adult and no junior hunters came away with 75 Northern Shovelers, 6 Mallards, 6 Gadwall, 5 Widgeon, 7 Pintail, 57 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Ring Neck, 7 Bufflehead, and 1 Rudy Duck. No Geese were taken at Kern on Saturday. 3 Coots were checked in at Kern on Saturday. This figured out to an average bag of 3.07 ducks per hunter or, with the Coots worked into the total, 3.13 waterfowl per person. Out of 9 reservation cards issued 3 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 the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 1/4/23, Saturday – 1/7/23, and Sunday – 1/8/23

The average waterfowl bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped back upward from Sunday’s averages. Green Wing Teal had the first spot, exclusively this time, for most birds downed with Snow Geese found in the second position. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 1/4/23 were as follows:

97 adult and 4 junior hunters checked in with 31 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 10 Gadwall, 10 Widgeon, 32 Pintail, 73 Green Wing Teal, 19 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Ring Necks, 8 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks. Also, 64 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose were checked in at Wister on Wednesday. 6 Coots were also taken at Wister on Wednesday. This resulted in an average harvest of 1.95 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots considered in the total, 2.65 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 23 arrived on time to get their spot.

The waterfowl average bag for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped somewhat as compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal held on to the first position for most birds taken with Pintail showing up in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Saturday, 1/7/23 were as follows:

176 adult hunters and 7 junior hunters came away with 30 Northern Shovelers, 14 Mallards, 12 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 39 Pintail, 127 Green Wing Teal, 34 Cinnamon Teal, 24 Bufflehead, 2 Goldeneye, and 2 Ruddy Ducks. 2 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Saturday. 2 Coots were taken at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average take of 1.59 ducks per gun or, with the Geese and Coots added in, 1.61 waterfowl per person. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 29 showed up on time to get their spots.

The waterfowl average harvest for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday dropped back some more as compared to Saturday’s averages. Shovelers took over first position for most birds turned in with Green Wing Teal sliding back to second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wister for Sunday, 1/8/23 were as follows:

81 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter downed 15 Northern Shovelers, 9 Gadwall, 3 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 13 Green Wing Teal, 1 Cinnamon Teal, 8 Bufflehead, and 3 Ruddy Ducks. 11 Snow Geese were brought in on Sunday. There were 14 Coots checked in at Wister on Sunday. This worked out to an average bag of 0.73 ducks per person and, with the Geese and Coots figured into the total, 1.04 waterfowl per gun. Out of 104 reservation cards issued 14 hunters made it on time to get their spot.

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

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

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