Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing in Alameda County. Eden Landing waterfowl hunt opportunities require no entry fee and are offered on days of the week (Tuesday or Thursday) that other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed.
Last year, hunters harvested an average of almost three birds per hunt with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest.
Hunter access to the ecological reserve will be open on the following dates:
2026 hunts (4:30 a.m. check-in)
- Saturday, Nov. 21
- Tuesday, Nov. 24
- Saturday, Dec. 5
- Tuesday, Dec. 8
- Saturday, Dec. 19
2027 hunts (4:30 a.m. check-in)
-
Saturday, Jan. 2
Tuesday, Jan. 5
Saturday, Jan. 16
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Saturday, Jan. 30
Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck validation and Harvest Information Program validations. Junior hunters must have a junior license and, if 16 or older, also possess a federal duck stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).
There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. Please note that hunting blinds are not maintained by CDFW. Hunters are advised to use discretion regarding the safety of hunting blinds.
A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. The ecological reserve has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.
Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of the ecological reserve may be temporarily limited or closed due to substantial rainfall and/or high tides causing unsafe levee road conditions. In anticipation of this year’s El Niño conditions, hunters are encouraged to check the local weather forecast and tide charts before coming out to hunt. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.
To access Eden Landing from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard, continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard, left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign), left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street, right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.
Additional public access opportunities at the reserve are available. For more information about visiting Eden Landing, or other CDFW lands, go to CDFW’s lands webpage.
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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Garrett Allen, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (707) 428-2076