Hunting the Wildlife Refuges vs Private Land

January 13, 2011

Question: I have some questions about waterfowl hunting. The waterfowl hunting regs book refers to different wildlife areas and refuges as Type A, B or C Areas. What is this referring to? I know that hunting is only allowed on designated days in the state and federal wildlife refuges and areas, but what about hunting on private land? Can you hunt on any day you choose? (Tim H.)

Answer: According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Manager Dave Feliz, DFG Wildlife Areas are classified as Type A, B, or C Areas based on the level of staffing and the public use demand. Type A and B areas are staffed and often defined by the presence of wetland habitats. Type A areas are intensely managed, with extensive vegetation manipulation and water management. Public use is typically very high and carefully managed by the department. We often staff a hunter check station at these facilities, and physically check all hunters in. All game taken is identified and tabulated. There is a fee to hunt on Type A Wildlife Areas which can be paid daily or the hunter can purchase a Type A annual pass.

There is also a fee to hunt on Type B Wildlife Areas. These facilities often do not have a staffed hunter check station. Fees are satisfied with either a Type A or Type B season pass. Hunters will not be able to purchase a daily pass at a Type B hunting area.

Type C areas are often unstaffed lands and contain extensive upland habitats. Access is usually on a self-serve basis and no fee is required.

Wildlife Areas typically hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the waterfowl season. It is thought that giving the birds a couple of days off from being hunted allows them to rest or move about freely and feed undisturbed. In effect, the entire Wildlife Area functions as a closed zone and attracts more birds for the next round of hunting. Private wetland owners often respect these traditional hunt days but are under no obligation to do so.