Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve

Recreational Opportunities

Activities: wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting

Hunting: dove, quail, wild pig, cottontail, and jackrabbit may be present

Chimineas Access Permit (PDF)(opens in new tab)

Hunting Opportunities

• Except for special events, access to the North Chimineas Unit is prohibited.
• All portions of the South Chimineas Unit located south of Highway 166 are closed to all access and hunting.
• All persons entering the South Chimineas Unit need to have an access permit in their possession while they are on the property. Access Permits are on the website.
• Pig hunting is not allowed on the South Chimineas Unit. Pig hunting is allowed on the American, Panorama and Elkhorn Units.
• Please deposit the completed access permits in the collection boxes at the parking area or at the Caliente trailhead upon leaving.
• The American, Panorama and Elkhorn Units are open for all regular hunting seasons and walk-on permits are not required.
• Hunting is allowed for dove, quail and rabbits during CDFW sponsored hunts and on the walk-on days listed below while the appropriate season is open.
• Walk-on hunting access for the South Chimineas Unit is allowed only from Highway 166 on the following days:
  • September 1-15 (Wednesdays and Saturdays only) - Dove, Rabbits
  • December 1-31 (Wednesdays and Saturdays only) - Quail, Dove, Rabbits
  • January 1-31 (Wednesdays and Saturdays only) - Quail, Dove, Rabbits
• Hunting is prohibited for: deer, coyote, ground squirrel, waterfowl.

Area History

In early 1984, The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management agreed to explore the possibility of acquiring lands in the Carrizo Plain region to be set aside for preservation and restoration. A committee was formed to develop support and secure funding. Of the lands acquired, the Department of Fish and Wildlife owns and manages a fraction. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1993.