California Waterfowl’s family hunts make it possible for families to enjoy hunts at some of the most exclusive duck clubs in the country together.
Many of these hunts have hosts or volunteer mentors to ensure that novices—whether they’re the kids or the adults—get the guidance they need.
HOODOO ISLAND— TURKEY
Application type: Lottery
HooDoo Island, a portion of the Little Dry Creek Wildlife Area in Butte and Glenn counties, consists of 130 acres of pristine wetland and riparian habitats. Butte Creek and Howard Slough flow around the island, creating a wildlife corridor teeming with wild turkey and other wildlife.
Special conditions: At least one hunter must be a junior.
Capacity: Three hunters (two juniors and one non shooting adult on youth weekend, two juniors and one shooting adult on all other weekends).
Applications Closed
GRIZZLY RANCH—FAMILY HUNT PROGRAM
*CANCELLED FOR 2020-2021 SEASON DUE TO COVID-19*
Application type: First-come, first-served
Cost: $150-$225
This special hunt opportunity offers fun and exciting waterfowl experiences for new and experienced hunters alike. The two-day event includes overnight lodging prior to the hunt, a boat ride to the blind, breakfast, lunch and a hunt in a well-managed wetland in the Suisun Marsh with very low hunting pressure. The night prior to the hunt also includes an education portion, where participants learn essential waterfowl identification and regulations, blind set-up and firearm safety skills.
The hunt is $150 for one junior and one adult or $225 for two juniors and one adult. The fee includes a Sprig membership and regular membership to California Waterfowl, as well as lodging and food.
Special conditions: At least one hunter must be a junior. Blind stools and decoys are provided.
MOUND FARMS—WATERFOWL HUNT
Application type: Lottery
Mound Farms was recently restored by CWA in 2013. Located in the southern Yolo Bypass, 16 miles south of Davis. You can plan on shooting a variety of species. All hunting will be from pit blinds or stand-up blinds.
Special conditions: At least one hunter must be a junior. Two groups will be drawn each hunt date.
Capacity: Two hunters
Hunt Date: Dec 23 and Jan 2
Applications Closed
The North Ranch
Application type: Lottery
This property borders the northeast side of the famed Rancho Esquon in Durham. These waterfowl hunts will take place in rice fields December through January. All pit blinds will be ready to hunt, with stools and decoys provided. Special conditions: At least one hunter must be a junior.
Capacity: Three hunters (two juniors one adult)
Special Conditions: One hunter must be a junior.
Hunt Dates: Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19, Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23
Applications Closed
NOR CAL WINGSHOOTING – WATERFOWL HUNT
Application type: Lottery
Join Nor Cal Wingshooting’s owner, Mike Merlo, on a fully guided Honker hunt! Mike is known for getting his clients on the X when it comes to Canada Geese. This hunt will take place in the greater Sacramento area. Layout Blinds, quality full body decoys, professional calling and retrieving will all be included on the hunt. Hunt on a mutually agreeable date in either December or January.
Capacity: Two hunters
Special Conditions: One hunter must be a junior.
Hunt Date: TBD date in December or January. Agree to mutually agreeable date with Nor Cal Wingshooting.
Applications Closed
OPA’S DEAD END DUCK CLUB—WATERFOWL HUNT
Application type: Lottery
Located in Zamora, bordered by the Roosevelt Ranch to the North and South, and the Charter Club to the West, Opa’s Dead End Duck Club is a 31-acre sportsman’s paradise. Ducks, geese and pheasant all frequent the property and may be pursued during the hunt.
Hunt on a mutually agreeable date in December or January.
Special conditions: At least one hunter must be a junior.
Capacity: Four hunters
Applications Closed
SUTTER BYPASS RICE BLIND/DNH FARMS
Application type: First-come, first-served
Cost: $25 per hunter
DNH Farms has donated a rice blind near Robbins, in the Sutter Bypass, specifically for families, veterans and women. These hunts are unguided in a fully furnished rice blind. Hunters will be in charge of getting themselves to the blind (stools and decoys are provided). Youth hunters need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older). There is a $25 fee per person (youth are free) to reserve a date and attend.
Special conditions: At least one member of the hunting party must be a junior, veteran or woman. May hunt all day.
Registrations Closed
SOHNREY FAMILY FOODS RICE BLIND
Application type: First-come, first-served
Cost: Free
Sohnrey Family Foods has donated a rice blind off Highway 99 and Nelson Shippee Road specifically for families and veterans. These hunts are unguided in a fully furnished rice blind. Hunters will be in charge of getting themselves to the blind (stools and decoys are provided). Youth hunters need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older). There is no fee to reserve a date or attend.
Special conditions: At least one member of the hunting party must be a junior or a veteran. May hunt all day.
Registration Opens November 16 @ 9:00 am
WHIFFLEMASTER GUIDE SERVICE—FAMILY HUNT
Application type: Lottery
Join Dennis Currier on a duck hunt in the famed Lambertville area, which is located less than a half-mile from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. This area winters thousands of waterfowl each year. Hunters will hunt out of a three-man pit blind in natural habitat.
Two groups will be drawn. The first will hunt on a mutually agreeable date in December and the second on a mutually agreeable date in January.
Special condition: At least one hunter must be a junior.
Capacity: Two hunters
Hunt dates: Mutually agreeable date in Dec and a mutually agreeable date in Jan.
Applications Closed
