Spenceville Wildlife Area

Spenceville Wildlife Area is comprised of approximately 11,900 acres of blue oak - gray pine woodland characteristic of the Sierra Foothills. The elevation of the area varies from 200 to 1200 feet. The Wildlife Area is bordered on the west by Beale Air Force Base and on the north, south and east by privately owned ranches. There are numerous ponds, creeks, trails and riparian zones in the area.

Facilities

This property featues access roads, designated parking areas, campgrounds, and a target shooting range. There are designated trails for bicycling, including graveled administrative roads (Pittman, Falls, Nichols, Jones) and county roads, which are all gated with white pipe gates. Equestrian trail riding is another feature, with access at the designated camp area or through the access gates by the corrals on Waldo Road.

Training facilities and field trials for hunting dogs are available in designated areas. A dog training map is available upon request.

Notice: The posted area around the Spenceville Mine is closed to visitor entry.

Accessibility

There are no accessibility improvements on this property.

Connectivity

There is limited cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Maps and Guides

• Wildlife Area Topographic Map (PDF)
• Topographic Map (northern portion) (PDF)
• Topographic Map (southern portion) (PDF)

Learn more about Spenceville Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

The earliest users of the area were native peoples who hunted and foraged the foothills. Following the discovery of gold in California, great numbers of miners came to the streams of this area to glean gold from their beds. The destruction of streambeds and adjacent alluvial soils was offset somewhat by the ditches and other water developments which later benefited the ranchers and farmers who settled the area. Cattle grazing has been the primary use of the area since the days of the miners.

Near the beginning of World War II, the area now known as Spenceville Wildlife Area was acquired by the government for military training. Many forms of training occurred here: infantry, tank, bombing, strafing and more. The Department of Fish and Game acquired a major portion of this area in 1962, and more in 1965. The property was designated as a Wildlife Area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1968.

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

Hunting Pass Type C: Spenceville Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

Notice: Spenceville Wildlife Area is closed to all hunting from February 1 though August 31, except during Spring Turkey Season when only turkeys may be hunted. During the first nine days of the Spring Turkey Season, the Wildlife Area is closed to all visitor entry except for special turkey hunting permit holders.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Spenceville Wildlife Area:

See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.

Hunting Tips, Rules and Requirements:

• Deer: Deer Zone D-3. There is a good resident deer population.
• Wild Pig: On rare occasions wild pig may enter the area from the south.
• Wild Turkey: Found throughout the Wldlife Area. A special permit is required during the first nine days of Spring Turkey Season, which begins the last Saturday in March.
• Valley Quail: Found near water and blackberries.
• Bobwhite: May be left over after dog field trials. Usually found in open areas, bobwhite are considered quail and may be hunted during the local California quail season.
• Mourning Dove: There is a good nesting population. Hunting is best along the perennial streams, ponds and surrounding food plots throughout the area.
• Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunters may jump shoot the ponds for mallards and wood ducks.
• Tree Squirrel, Rabbit, Coyote and Ground Squirrel: These huntable species may be scattered throughout the Wildlife Area.

In addition to the above, hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations, Mammal Hunting Regulations, and all other rules and regulations in effect at Spenceville Wildlife Area.

• License Items and Fees for Hunters

Fishing

Within the Wildlife Area, fishing is best for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish in the following waters: Pittman Pond, Horseshoe Pond, Little Dry Creek, Wood Duck Pond #1, Spring Plot and Upper Jones Pond. Also in Dry Creek and Cox Creek.

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Spenceville Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.

• Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Spenceville Wildlife Area:

• Horses allowed; equestrians may access the area at the designated camp area or through the access gates located by the corrals on Waldo Road
• Dogs must be under owner's control at all times
• All Terrain Vehicles and Off-Highway Vehicles are not allowed
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• The posted area around the Spenceville Mine is closed to visitor entry
• Camping is allowed within the seasonal campgrounds with certain restrictions
• Permits must be obtained from CDFW to schedule all group use events. The Wildlife Area manager shall determine if individual activities not covered under regulations or Title 14 are compatible with the primary wildlife goals and objectives of the area. Direct inquiries to the area manager at (530) 538-2236.

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Spenceville Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (530) 538-2236.