It’s a four-month drama that plays out across the Pacific Flyway each fall and winter.
California’s 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in most zones. Duck and goose hunters will watch it unfold from their marsh seats, layout blinds, duck boats and other hides among the wetlands, flooded fields, coastal edges and watery habitat frequented by wintering waterfowl.