Applications Now Being Accepted for Opening Weekend Deer and Pig Hunting Permits in Merced County

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:36:53 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for a limited number of deer and pig hunting permits for opening weekend of the A Zone general season, Aug. 12-13. This is not a special hunt, but rather a drawing to control the number of hunters on popular public land during opening weekend.

Locations for this hunt include Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek and the San Luis Reservoir wildlife areas, both in western Merced County. Reservations are required to access the wildlife areas during opening weekend and only 30 permits will be issued for each day, Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13.

Hunters can download the application online at wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/cottonwood-creek-wa. Hunters may also request an access permit application by calling CDFW’s Los Banos office at (209) 826-0463 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Applications may be submitted via email to Logan Brooks at Logan.Brooks@wildlife.ca.gov or mailed to CDFW’s Los Banos office at 18110 W. Henry Miller Avenue, Los Banos, CA 93635.

Only official applications will be accepted and must be received before 4 p.m. on July 7, 2023. Reservations will be selected by a computerized drawing at 11 a.m. on July 10. The drawing will be open to the public. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within five working days of the drawing. Results will not be given over the phone.

Up to three people may apply for the hunt as one party by including all required information on the A Zone application form. Junior license holders who are 12 years of age or older may also apply if accompanied by an adult hunter.

Applicants may apply for a one-day hunt on one area only. An individual’s name may appear in the drawing only once and additional or duplicate applications will be disqualified from the drawing.

All hunters are required to use non-lead ammunition when hunting with a firearm anywhere in California.

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Media contact:
Ken Paglia, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Sean Allen, CDFW Los Banos Wildlife Area, (209) 826-0463

Online Applications Now Available for 2022 Joice Island Wild Pig Hunts

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:42:08 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering wild pig hunting opportunities in March, April and May at the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

The 2022 Joice Island pig hunt drawings will be administered online exclusively. CDFW is accepting applications until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.

The limited-entry, permit-only hunts help control the population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit, a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, brush and standing water.

Hunters may only use shotguns with nonlead slugs or archery equipment. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed.

Four hunters will be drawn for 13 consecutive weekends for a total of 52 hunters. The maximum hunting party size for this hunt is two hunters. There is no charge to apply. The first hunt weekend will be reserved only for apprentice hunters holding junior licenses, age 12 to 15. Hunters may apply for all hunts but will only be selected for one. Hunters may not enter more than once as part of multiple parties. Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Junior license holders receiving a permit must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The adult accompanying the junior license holder does not need to be a licensed hunter.

Apprentice Hunt Weekend – Only Junior License Holders (Age 12 to 15) May Apply

March 5-6

General Hunt Weekends – Adults and Junior License Holders May Apply

March 12-13
March 19-20
March 26-27
April 2-3
April 9-10
April 16-17
April 23-24
April 30-May 1
May 7-8
May 14-15
May 21-22
May 28-29

To apply for both the apprentice and general hunts, please visit CDFW’s Special and Apprentice Hunts Online Registration System and either log in or create a new account. Navigate the drop-down menus and apply for the weekend of your choice. Permits with maps and additional information will be emailed to successful applicants.

CDFW reserves the right to cancel any of these hunts and close the area to all public users without prior notification due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

For more information or questions, please contact CDFW at (707) 425-3828.

Media Contacts:
Orlando Rocha, CDFW Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, (707) 425-3828
Ken Paglia, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

Photo: Budimir Jevtic / stock.adobe.com

CDFW News

Applications Now Being Accepted for Opening Weekend Deer and Pig Hunting Permits in Merced County

Online Applications Now Available for 2022 Joice Island Wild Pig Hunts