On this page Alerts Waterfowl Program Reports Related Information Alerts Avian Influenza Waterfowl Unit The Waterfowl Unit resides within the Wildlife Branch that is responsible for conservation and management of waterfowl. California hosts about 39 different species and subspecies of waterfowl and provides vital winter habitat for about 60 percent (annually estimated to be between 4 - 6 million birds) of the waterfowl population in the Pacific Flyway The Waterfowl Unit works cooperatively with other states and federal agencies by participating in the Pacific Flyway Council. Waterfowl Unit activities include population assessments, developing management plans, cooperating with researchers, developing hunting recommendations to the Fish and Game Commission, and managing the State Duck Stamp Account. How Are Populations Assessed? How Are Waterfowl Regulations Set? Reports 2025 California Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report (PDF) Midwinter Survey Report 2024, Final (PDF) Tule White-Fronted Geese information (PDF) Tule White-Fronted Geese presentation (PDF) History of Delayed Openers on Public Hunt Areas (PDF) National Survey of Waterfowl Hunters Related Information Duck Identification USFWS Dabbling Duck ID Video (YouTube) USFWS Mallard Duck ID Video (YouTube) Waterfowl ID Waterfowl Hunting Summary of Adopted Regulations Waterfowl Hunting Zones (PNG) Waterfowl Hunt Results on Public Hunt Areas Delta Island Waterfowl Hunting Hunting Reservations for Public Areas Other Waterfowl Management in North America Pacific Flyway Waterfowl Management Plans Central Valley Joint Venture Report a Banded Bird Nuisance Waterfowl (PDF)