California Duck Hunting

Experience the Best Duck Hunting in California

Duck hunting in California is a time-honored tradition with thousands of hunters taking to the water every season. With diverse hunting zones and a wide variety of waterfowl species, California ranks as one of the premier destinations for duck hunting in the United States. Whether you’re hunting in the lush Sacramento Valley, the southern wetlands, or along the Colorado River, the state offers opportunities for hunters of all skill levels.

Why California is a Top Duck Hunting State

California’s abundant wetlands, vast public lands, and varied ecosystems make it a top destination for waterfowl hunting. With over 52,000 active duck hunters and millions of birds migrating through the Pacific Flyway, the state boasts some of the highest duck harvest numbers in the nation.

The Sacramento Valley alone provides a haven for incredible flocks of ducks each season, and with California’s rich hunting heritage, you’re sure to find dedicated hunting communities wherever you go.

Common Duck Species in California

California’s Pacific Flyway offers a wide variety of waterfowl species. Below are some of the most commonly encountered:

  1. Mallards: Found throughout the state, especially in wetland areas.
  2. Northern Pintail: Known for its distinctive long tail and often seen in the Sacramento Valley.
  3. Green-winged Teal: Small but fast ducks, commonly spotted in shallow wetlands.
  4. Gadwalls: Also called “gray ducks,” they thrive in California’s marshlands.
  5. Widgeon: Known for their whistles, these ducks are often seen in mixed flocks with pintails.
  6. Canvasbacks and Redheads: Found in open-water regions.

Best Duck Hunting Locations in California

California offers a diverse range of hunting environments. Below are some of the best spots:

  1. Sacramento Valley: The heart of California’s waterfowl hunting, with numerous state-managed wildlife refuges.
  2. Los Banos Wildlife Area: Located in the San Joaquin Valley, this area is known for its excellent public hunting access.
  3. Sunny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge: A popular destination in Southern California, attracting both ducks and geese.
  4. Colorado River Zone: Ideal for hunting late in the season due to its milder weather.

California Duck Hunting Seasons & Regulations

California Duck Hunting Shot Shell Limits and Additional Regulations

To ensure ethical and fair hunting practices, California enforces several regulations on the use of shotguns and ammunition. Understanding these limits will help you stay compliant and enhance your hunting experience.

Shot Shell Limit: In California, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. This includes the magazine and chamber combined. Hunters must use a plugged shotgun to ensure no more than three shells can be loaded at once​.

Non-Toxic Shot Requirement: All waterfowl hunters in California are required to use non-toxic shot. Lead shot is prohibited, so be sure to use ammunition made of materials like steel, tungsten, or bismuth​.

Key Regulations:

  • Non-toxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting​.
  • Shooting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset​.

For more details on licenses, bag limits, and zones, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Seasons and Daily Bag Limits by Zone

Daily Bag and Possession Limits by Zone for Waterfowl Hunting in California

Understanding the daily bag and possession limits for waterfowl hunting in each of California’s unique hunting zones is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the daily bag and possession limits for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl species for the 2024-2025 hunting season, categorized by zone:

Balance of State Zone

  • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Ducks): 7 ducks, which may include:
      • No more than 7 mallards (only 2 hens)
      • 1 pintail
      • 2 canvasbacks
      • 2 redheads
      • 2 scaup (during scaup season: Nov 7, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Coots & Moorhens): 25 birds per day
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (21 ducks, 75 coots/moorhens)
  • Geese Season: 
    • Regular Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Early Season for Large Canada Geese: September 28 – 30, 2024
    • Late Season for Whitefronts and White Geese: February 8 – 12, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Geese): 30 per day, which may include:
      • 20 white geese
      • 10 dark geese (no more than 2 Large Canada geese during the early season)
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (90 geese)

Northeastern Zone

  • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season: October 5, 2024 – January 15, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Ducks): 7 ducks, which may include:
      • No more than 7 mallards (only 2 hens)
      • 1 pintail
      • 2 canvasbacks
      • 2 redheads
      • 2 scaup (during scaup season: Oct 5 – Dec 1, 2024 and Dec 19 – Jan 15, 2025)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Coots & Moorhens): 25 birds per day
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (21 ducks, 75 coots/moorhens)
  • Geese Season: October 5, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (Regular), Feb 5 – Mar 10 (Late Season)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Geese): 30 per day, which may include:
      • 20 white geese
      • 10 dark geese (no more than 2 Large Canada geese)
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (90 geese)

Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone

  • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Ducks): 7 ducks, which may include:
      • No more than 7 mallards (only 2 hens)
      • 1 pintail
      • 2 canvasbacks
      • 2 redheads
      • 2 scaup (during scaup season: Nov 7, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Coots & Moorhens): 25 birds per day
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (21 ducks, 75 coots/moorhens)
  • Geese Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Geese): 30 per day, which may include:
      • 20 white geese
      • 10 dark geese
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (90 geese)

Southern California Zone

  • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Ducks): 7 ducks, which may include:
      • No more than 7 mallards (only 2 hens)
      • 1 pintail
      • 2 canvasbacks
      • 2 redheads
      • 2 scaup (during scaup season: Nov 7, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Coots & Moorhens): 25 birds per day
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (21 ducks, 75 coots/moorhens)
  • Geese Season: October 26, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Geese): 23 per day, which may include:
      • 20 white geese
      • 3 dark geese
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (69 geese)

Colorado River Zone

  • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season: October 23, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Ducks): 7 ducks, which may include:
      • No more than 7 mallards (only 2 hens or Mexican ducks)
      • 1 pintail
      • 2 canvasbacks
      • 2 redheads
      • 2 scaup (during scaup season: Nov 7, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025)
    • Daily Bag Limit (Coots & Moorhens): 25 birds per day
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (21 ducks, 75 coots/moorhens)
  • Geese Season: October 23, 2024 – January 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit (Geese): 24 per day, which may include:
      • 20 white geese
      • 4 dark geese
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (72 geese)

Licensing Requirements for Duck Hunting in California

To legally hunt waterfowl in California, hunters must have the following licenses and validations:

California Hunting License:

  • Required for all hunters in California. This can be purchased online, at a CDFW License Sales Office, or from an authorized license agent.

California Duck Validation:

  • All hunters aged 16 and older must obtain this validation to hunt ducks, except those holding a Junior Hunting License.

Federal Duck Stamp:

  • Required for hunters aged 16 or older. The stamp is essential for hunting migratory birds like ducks and geese and can be purchased at post offices, some license agents, and online.

Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation:

  • This no-cost validation is mandatory for any hunter pursuing migratory birds, including ducks, geese, coots, doves, and more.

Prepaid Hunting Pass (For State-Operated Wildlife Areas):

  • Type A One-Day, Two-Day, or Season Pass: Required for hunting in Type A areas.
  • Type A or B Season Pass: Required for hunting in Type B areas within the Northeastern Zone.
  • Junior hunters are exempt from needing a prepaid pass, but they must still possess the appropriate licenses and validations.

Prepaid passes can be purchased online, at license agents, or CDFW license sales offices. Be sure to plan ahead as passes bought online may take up to 15 days to arrive by mail​​.

How to Purchase:

  • Licenses, validations, and stamps can be purchased online via the CDFW Online License Service, at license agents, or at CDFW license sales offices.

Essential Gear for Duck Hunting in California

Given the varied terrain and climate across California’s hunting zones, selecting the right gear is crucial:

  1. Decoys: Effective decoy spreads are one of the best ways to prepare for a successful hunt. 
  2. Waders: Given Minnesota’s marshy terrain and cold conditions, durable, insulated waders are a must. Look for breathable yet insulated waders to keep you warm and dry throughout the season.
  3. Portable Blinds: Many of Minnesota’s best duck hunting spots are in open water or sparsely vegetated areas, making concealment crucial. A portable blind will allow you to adapt to various terrains, from riverbanks to lake shores.
  4. Duck and Goose Calls: Minnesota offers a wide variety of waterfowl species, so having a set of duck and goose calls is smart planning. Master the art of calling mallards, teal, and geese with high-quality calls to bring the birds within shooting range.

Explore the Rich Waterfowl Hunting Tradition in California

With its unique landscapes, rich tradition, and diverse waterfowl species, California is a premier destination for both seasoned hunters and newcomers. Ready to gear up for your next hunt? Visit our Cupped Gear page to find the decoys and hunting accessories that can help you take your duck hunting to the next level.