The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for a limited number of deer and wild pig hunting access permits for opening weekend, Aug. 9 and 10, 2025, in Merced County (Zone A) for the general season. This is not a special hunt; the drawing is to control the number of hunters in these areas on opening weekend only.
Locations for this hunt include Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek and the San Luis Reservoir wildlife areas. Reservations are required for access to wildlife areas and only 30 permits will be issued for each day (Saturday, Aug.9, and Sunday, Aug.10). Hunters can apply online at Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area or San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area pages or request an access permit application by calling the CDFW Los Banos office at (209) 826-0463 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Applications may be submitted via email to Kimberly.Reynoso@wildlife.ca.gov or mailed to CDFW’s Los Banos office at 18110 W. Henry Miller Ave., Los Banos, CA 93635.
Only official applications will be accepted and must be received before 4 p.m. July 3, 2025. Reservations will be selected by a computerized drawing at 11 a.m. July 10, 2025. The drawing will be open to the public. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within five working days of the drawing. Results will not be given over the phone.
Applicants must have a 2025-26 hunting license. If drawn, hunters may take both deer and pig; it is the responsibility of the hunter to have the appropriate deer tag or wild pig validation.
Up to three people may apply as one party by including all the required information on the 2025 Zone A application form. Junior license holders aged 12 and older may also apply if accompanied by an adult hunter.&
Applicants may apply for a one-day hunt, in one area only. A hunter’s name may appear in the drawing only once. If a hunter’s name and GO ID# appears on any other applications, they will be disqualified from all drawings.
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Media Contacts:
Lara Sparks, CDFW Los Banos Wildlife Area, (209) 826-0463
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8958