News Archive

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Central Region, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will hold an online outreach meeting to hear comments and recommendations regarding northern San Joaquin Valley wildlife area hunting opportunities. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions and the availability of water for wetlands.

CDFW has completed its 2026 waterfowl breeding population survey. Data indicates that mallards, the most abundant duck species in the survey, nearly maintained their 2025 population estimate.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will hold an in-person outreach meeting to share information regarding the hunting programs in the northern San Joaquin Valley.

Beginning November 20, hunters can participate in waterfowl hunts on Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing in Hayward. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the ecological reserve features restored salt pond habitat.

California’s 2025-26 waterfowl hunting season begins Saturday, October 18, 2025, in most zones. Detailed information about specific opening and closing dates, daily bag and possession limits can be found in the 2025-26 California Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations booklet.