News Archive

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 (CDFW) has completed its 2025 waterfowl breeding population survey. The results of the survey show both mallard and total duck species have increased this year.

Avian Influenza H5N1 is again circulating in susceptible wild birds in California during fall migration. California sits at the epicenter of the Pacific Flyway, one of North America’s major migratory routes that brings millions of visiting birds through the state each fall and winter.

California’s statewide waterfowl season opens Saturday, Oct. 26, and waterfowl hunters headed to public hunting areas this season will encounter some of the best habitat and wetland conditions in years.

CDFW, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will hold an online outreach meeting to take comments and recommendations from licensed hunters on public land hunting programs in the northern Sacramento Valley. The meeting will also provide updates on habitat conditions, availability of water for wetlands, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and hunting access opportunities.