Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

WHAT’S NEW?

Regulatory changes and hunt updates from the previous year are provided in red text.

Duck and Goose Seasons

Duck and goose season lengths decreased to 98 days in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, and Balance of State zones.

Late Goose Season

Late goose season in the Balance of State Zone moved to co- incide with the Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days.

Out of State Hunters and Anglers

Declaration of Importation of Dead Fish and Wildlife (Form DFW 901)

It is unlawful to import any dead birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians into this state, or to possess the same, unless accompanied by a completed form DFW 901. A copy of the declaration may be submitted to the department online or mail. Two convenient methods for completing the form are available:

Smartphone Form DFW 901

Fill and submit online at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/QR/Dec... Form or scan the following QR code:

Print Form DFW 901

Fill, print, sign, and submit to: http://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting

Free Hunting Days

The California Free Hunting Days for the 2024-25 hunting sea- son are Saturday, November 23, 2024, and Saturday, April 12, 2025. To hunt on the free hunting days, participants must meet requirements established in FGC 3040, including the pos- session of a valid Free Hunt Days Registration. The Free Hunt Days Registration item will be available to claim beginning on October 11, 2024. For more information and requirements to participate in California’s free hunting days, please visit https:// wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Hunting/Free-Hunting-Days.

Special Hunt Applications Are Now Online!

CDFW is pleased to announce the availability of Special Hunt applications in the Automated License Data System (ALDS).

• Special Hunts are specially managed opportunities given to qualified new hunters, apprentice hunters, mobility im- paired/disabled hunters and veterans.
• Qualified hunters may apply for Special Hunts online, at select CDFW license sales offices, license sales agents, or by calling telephone sales at (800) 565-1458.
• For more information on participant qualifications and avail- able hunting opportunities, please visit the Special Hunts page.

CDFW License Application

Display your sport fishing and hunting licenses, view your

big game preference points and drawing applications/results, download and view CDFW published regulation booklets, and access CDFW websites to purchase licenses, submit harvest reports, and view fish stocking activities on your mobile device by downloading the CDFW License App today!

Getting started video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Download from App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/...

Download from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/...

Updates to Southern California Shoot

Time Tables

Southern California Shoot Times on page 25 for November 3 were updated in this booklet on 9/11/2024.

It is unlawful to:

• Trespass while hunting. (FGC 2016)
• Litter in or within 150 feet of state waters or place the litter where it can pass into state waters. (FGC 5652)
• Hunt or discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a dwell- ing (safety zone) without permission of the owner or the person in control of the property. (FGC 3004)
• Take waterfowl or resident small game with a shotgun capable of holding more than 3 shells. (CCR T14-311, 507)
• Transport game birds without fully feathered head or wing attached. (CCR T14-251.7)
• Waste of carcass of any game bird, game mammal, or exotic game mammal. (FGC 4304)
• Hunt over bait. (CCR T14-257.5, 509)
• Hunt on a state or federal wildlife area without the proper permit when required. (CCR T14-550, 551)
• Use an electronic calling device when taking waterfowl. (CCR T14-507)
• Use live decoys when hunting waterfowl. (CCR T14- 507)
• Transfer any license, tag, stamp, permit, application or reservation to another person. (FGC 1052)
• Shoot unauthorized nongame birds. (FGC 3800)
• Use any mammal (except a dog) or an imitation of a mammal as a blind in approaching or taking game birds. (FGC 3502)
• Use or possess any license, tag, stamp, permit, appli- cation or reservation that was not lawfully issued to the user; or alter, mutilate deface, duplicate or counterfeit any license, tag, stamp, permit, application or reserva- tion. (FGC 1052)
• Fail to exhibit upon demand to any peace officer, all li- censes, tags, and wildlife and devices capable of being used to take wildlife. (FGC 2012)
• Prohibit a Warden from inspecting any boat, market, or receptacle where fish or wildlife may be found. (FGC 1006)
• Hunt without your hunting license in possession. (CCR T14-700)
• Use a fishing or hunting license that is not completely filled out.
• Possess fish or wildlife taken unlawfully. (FGC 2002)
• Take fish or wildlife in violation of any section of law. (FGC 2000)
• Import into the state any dead animal taken in hunting or fishing without completing Form DFW 901 Declara- tion of Importation (CCR T14-712.5)

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS

Definition of “Take” (FGC §86)
To hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill or attempt to hunt, pur- sue, catch, capture or kill.

General Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic Game Mammals and Furbearing

Mammals (T14 CCR §250)
Except as otherwise provided in this Title 14, and in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals may not be taken at any time.

Prohibition on the Use of Lead Projectiles and Ammunition Using Lead Projectiles for the Take of Wildlife (T14 CCR §250.1)

(a) Purpose

This regulation phases in the requirements of Fish and Game Code Section 3004.5, which prohibits the use of any lead pro- jectiles or ammunition containing lead projectiles when taking any wildlife with a firearm on or after July 1, 2019.

(b) Definitions

(1) A projectile is any bullet, ball, sabot, slug, buckshot, shot, pellet or other device that is expelled from a firearm through a barrel by force.

(2) Nonlead ammunition is any centerfire, shotgun, muzzleload- ing, or rimfire ammunition containing projectiles certified pursu- ant to subsection (b)(3) or subsection (f).

(3) Shotgun ammunition containing pellets composed of materi- als approved as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as identified in Section 507.1 of these regulations, is consid- ered certified.

(4) A nonlead projectile shall contain no more than one percent lead by weight, as certified pursuant to subsection (b)(3) or subsection (f).

(c) General Provisions

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess any projectile containing lead in excess of the amount allowed in subsection (b)(4) and a firearm capable of firing the projectile while taking or attempting to take wildlife.

(2) The possession of a projectile containing lead in excess of the amount allowed in subsection (b)(4) without possessing a firearm capable of firing the projectile is not a violation of this section.

(3) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the possession of concealable firearms containing lead ammunition, provided

that the firearm is possessed for personal protection and is not

used to take or assist in the take of wildlife.
(For the latest information please check the Department’s web

page at wildlife.ca.gov.

Shooting Time (T14 CCR §250.5)
In these orders whenever a specific clock time is mentioned, such time is meant to be legal California time for the date speci- fied: i.e., during the days when California is on Pacific Daylight Saving Time, Pacific Daylight Saving Time is intended; when California is legally on Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Standard Time is intended. When reference is made to sunrise or sunset time, such reference is to the sunrise or sunset time at the loca- tion of the hunter.

Prohibition on Pursuing or Shooting Birds and Mammals from Motor-Driven Air or Land Vehicles, Motorboats, Airboats, Sailboats or Snowmobiles (T14 CCR §251)

(a) General Prohibition

No person shall pursue, drive, herd, or take any bird or mam- mal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motor- boat, airboat, sailboat, or snowmobile. Additionally, no person shall use any motorized, hot-air, or unpowered aircraft or other device capable of flight or any earth orbiting imaging device to locate or assist in locating big game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing until 48 hours after any big game hunting season in the same area. No person shall use at any time or place, without Department approval, any computer, telemetry device or other equipment to locate a big game mam- mal to which a tracking device is attached. For purposes of this subsection “use” includes but is not limited to personal use or intent by another to obtain information from such personal use. Evidence of an act constituting a violation of this section in- cludes but is not limited to flying slowly at low attitudes, hover- ing, circling or repeatedly flying over any area where big game may be found. Exceptions to this subsection are:

(1) When the motor of such motorboat, airboat, or sailboat has been shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress therefrom has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at an- chor, or is being propelled by paddle, oar or pole.

(2) When used by the landowner or tenant of private property to drive or herd game mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private property.

(3) Pursuant to a license from the department issued under such regulations as the commission may prescribe (see sub- section 251(b) below).

(b) Mobility Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle License

(1) Applications

Applications for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License for mobility disabled persons shall be on a form supplied by the Depart- ment (Mobility Impaired Disabled Persons Motor Vehicle Hunt- ing License Application, FG1460-10/95). The application shall include the applicant’s name, address, physical description, a description of the qualifying disability, and a certified statement from a licensed physician describing the applicant’s permanent disability. It shall be unlawful for any person to falsify an appli- cation for a Motor Vehicle Hunting License.

(2) Terms of the License

The Motor Vehicle Hunting License shall specify conditions under which said license shall be used and shall include but not be limited to the following provisions:

(A) The licensee shall be accompanied by an able bodied as- sistant who shall immediately retrieve, and tag if necessary, all game taken. (Possession of the licensee’s tag, required in this subsection, shall not be considered an unlawful possession of a tag or license issued to another person).

(B) The assistant shall not possess a firearm, crossbow or archery equipment unless he/she is a licensed hunter and possesses any necessary license or tag for the area being hunted. The assistant shall not discharge a firearm or release a bolt or an arrow from the vehicle. If licensed, the assistant may dispatch wounded game which has moved out of range of the licensee.

(C) The vehicle must be stopped and the engine must be shut off prior to the licensee discharging firearm or releasing a bolt from a crossbow or an arrow from archery equipment.

(D) The licensee shall notify the Department, at the regional office having responsibility for the area where the licensee intends to hunt, at least 48 hours prior to hunting or contact the department’s 24-hour dispatcher at the number indicated on the license. The licensee shall specify the locality, vehicle descrip- tion, and the approximate time frame during which such hunt shall take place.

(E) The licensee or assistant shall not pursue any animal or drive or herd animals to any other hunters with a motor vehicle.

(F) This license does not grant permission to trespass on pri- vate property or permission to use a motor vehicle while in any area where the use of motor vehicles is restricted or prohibited.

(G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlaw- ful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law.

(H) The licensee shall have the license in possession while hunting from a motor vehicle.

Harassment of Animals (T14 CCR §251.1) Except as otherwise authorized in these regulations or in the

Fish and Game Code, no person shall harass, herd or drive any game or nongame bird or mammal or furbearing mammal. For the purposes of this section, harass is defined as an intentional act which disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, which includes, but is not limited to, breeding, feeding or shelter-

ing. This section does not apply to a landowner or tenant who drives or herds birds or mammals for the purpose of preventing damage to private or public property, including aquaculture and agriculture crops.

Game Birds, Game Mammals, Exotic Game Mammals, Furbearers and Nongame Animals, Possession Of (T14 CCR §251.5)

(a) Migratory game birds may not be held beyond the period provided by the federal regulations and in accordance with the daily bag and possession limits prescribed by these regula- tions. (see sections 257 and 502).

(b) Live mountain lions may be possessed only under terms of a permit issued by the Department pursuant to section 2150 of the Fish and Game Code or if the owner can demonstrate that the mountain lion was in his/ her possession on or before June 6, 1990 under a permit issued pursuant to section 3200 of said code.

(c) Every game bird, game mammal, exotic game mammal, furbearer or nongame animal taken under the authority of a hunting or trapping license and reduced to possession by the hunter or trapper shall be immediately killed and become a part of the daily bag limit.

Possession, Transportation, and Importation of Game Birds (T14 CCR

§251.7)

(a) No person may possess any birds taken in this state in excess of the daily bag and possession limits. The exception
to this is for the purpose of transportation, cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services, where an individual may possess game birds taken by another hunter provided that they are tagged by the hunter who has lawfully taken them. The tag must contain the hunter’s name, address, hunting license number, kinds and numbers of game birds taken, date and location of kill, and signature.

(b) All birds, including migratory game birds, possessed or transported within California must have a fully feathered wing or head attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial preservation facility or being prepared for immediate consump- tion. Doves must have a fully feathered wing attached.

(c) Migratory game birds imported into California shall be ac- companied by a declaration of entry as prescribed in Section 2353 of the Fish and Game Code.

(d) Only one possession limit of migratory game birds may be possessed per individual after the close of the season for that species.

Bag and Possession Limit Defined (T14 CCR §252)

“Bag and possession limit” means the daily bag limit of each kind of resident and migratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and furbearing mammals which may be taken and possessed by any one person unless otherwise authorized.

Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds, Game Mammals, and Exotic Game Mammals by the Aid of Bait (T14

CCR §257.5)

Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds, game mammals, and exotic game mammals, may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area.

(a) Definition of Baited Area

As used in this regulation, “baited area” shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attract- ing, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.

(b) Exceptions

(1) The taking of domestically reared and released game birds on licensed pheasant clubs and other licensed game bird clubs;

(2) The taking of resident game birds, game mammals, and ex- otic game mammals on or over standing crops, flooded stand- ing crops (including aquatics), flooded harvested croplands, grain crops properly shocked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting;

(3) The taking of resident game birds and mammals on or over any lands where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed have been distributed or scat- tered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or pro- cedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes: provided that manipulation for wildlife management purposes does not include the distributing or scattering of grain or other feed once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.

Season Defined (T14 CCR §258)
“Season” means that period of time during which resident and migratory game birds, game mammals, exotic game mammals, and fur-bearing mammals may be taken. All dates are inclusive.

Prohibition Against Taking Other than Migratory Game Birds and Quail in Picacho State Recreation Area (T14 CCR

§260)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Picacho State Recreation Area only migratory game birds and quail may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Sections 301, 500, 501 and 502 of these regulations.

Prohibition Against Hunting Other Than During September-January on Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (T14

CCR §260.1)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area hunting is permit- ted only during the period September 1 to January 31.

Hunting Restrictions on Lake Oroville

State Recreation Area (T14 CCR §260.2) Game species may be taken on the Lake Oroville State Recre- ation Area only as follows:

(a) No hunting of any type is permitted between February 1 and September 14 except for wild turkeys only, during the spring turkey hunting season as provided in Section 306 of these regulations.

(b) No waterfowl or deer hunting is permitted at any time.

(c) Game species may be taken only during their respective open seasons or portions thereof falling within the period Sep- tember 15 through January 31; and as provided in (a) above; and as otherwise provided by state Parks and Recreation area regulations (see area regulations).

Prohibition Against Taking Other than Migratory Birds on San Luis Reservoir

State Recreations Area (T14 CCR §260.3) Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, only migratory waterfowl may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations.

Prohibition Against Taking Other Than Waterfowl and Resident Small Game on Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area

(T14 CCR §260.4)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area only waterfowl and resident small game may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 551 of these regulations.

Prohibition Against Taking Other than Waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens, and Common Snipe within Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area (T14

CCR §260.5)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, only waterfowl, American coots, common moorhens and common snipe may be taken or possessed as prescribed in Section 502 of these regulations

Prohibition Against Hunting on Portions

of Frank’s Tract State Recreation Area

(T14 CCR §262)

That portion of Frank’s Tract State Recreation Area lying southwest of the following line is closed to hunting: Beginning at a point on Little Frank’s Tract 2,000 feet north of the Piper Slough; southeast 2,000 feet east of the Piper Slough levee to the junction of the Holland Island levee.

Prohibition Against Night Hunting (T14

CCR §263)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, hunting wildlife from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited in Monterey and San Benito coun- ties east of Highway 101.

Use of Lights While Hunting—Specific

Areas (T14 CCR §264)
(a) Lights of any size or voltage may be used to take furbearing or nongame mammals only in the areas described in subsec- tions (b) and (c) below, and only under the following conditions:

(1) The use of lights for night hunting is prohibited in any area where the general deer season is open.

(2) Furbearing mammals and nongame mammals may be taken with the aid of a spotlight or other artificial light operated from a vehicle provided such vehicle is stopped and standing with the motor off. No spotlight may be used from a vehicle which is on a public road or highway.

(b) Zone 1. (Portions of Butte, Colusa, Glenn,

Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and

Yuba counties.)

Area: Within the boundary beginning at the junction of Interstate 880 and Interstate 5 near Sacramento; east on Interstate 880 to its junction with Interstate 80; north and east on Interstate 80 to its junction with Highway 65 near Roseville, along Highway 65 to its junction with Highway 20 at Marysville; west on Highway 20 to its junction with Highway 45; north on Highway 45 to its junction with Highway 162; east on Highway 162 to its junction with Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to South Avenue near the town of Corning; west on South Avenue to Interstate 5 in Corning; north on Interstate 5 to Corning Road; west on Corn- ing Road to Paskenta Road; west on the Paskenta Road to

the town of Paskenta; southwest on the Round Valley Road to the Garland Road; south on the Garland Road to the town of Newville; south on the Newville-Elk Creek Road to the town of Elk Creek; south on the Elk Creek-Stonyford Road to the town of Stonyford; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the town of Ladoga; south on the Stonyford-Leesville Road to the town of Leesville; south from Leesville on the Bear Valley Road to its intersection with Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to its inter- section with Highway 16; south and east on Highway 16 to its intersection with Interstate 5; east on Interstate 5 to Interstate 880 and the point of beginning.

(c) Zone 2. (Portions of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono and San Bernardino counties and all of Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego coun- ties.)

Area: Inyo, Mono and Kern counties south and east of a line beginning at the junction of Highway 182 and the California-Ne- vada state line; south on Highway 182 to its junction with High- way 395; south on Highway 395 to its intersection with Highway 168 at Bishop; west on Highway 168 to its intersection with

the Inyo National Forest boundary; south on the Inyo National Forest boundary to its junction with County Highway J41; south and east on County Highway J41 to its junction with Highway 395; south on Highway 395 to its junction with Highway 14 near Inyokern; south on Highway 14 to its junction with Highway

178 at Freeman; west on Highway 178 to its junction with the Bodfish-Caliente Road at Isabella; south on the Bodfish-Calien- te Road to its junction with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to its junction with the Los Angeles Aqueduct; south and west on the Los Angeles Aqueduct Road to its junction with 265th Street West near Neenach; south on 265th Street West to its junction with the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road at Three Points; east along the Elizabeth Lake-Pine Canyon Road to its junc- tion with Highway 14 at Palmdale; south on Highway 14 to its intersection with the Angeles Forest Highway; south on the An- geles Forest Highway to the Mill Creek Summit Road; east and south on the Mill Creek Summit Road to its intersection with the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) at Upper Chilao Camp- ground; east on the Angeles Crest Highway to its intersection with the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line; north on the Los Angeles-Kern-San Bernardino county line to its intersection with Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to its intersection with the range line between R3W and R4W; south along the range line between R3W and R4W to the southeast corner of T8N, R4W; east along T8N to its intersection with the west boundary of the U.S. Marine Corps Training Center; south and east on that boundary to its intersection with Giant Rock Road; east along Giant Rock Road to a point where it turns southeast and cor- responding with a projected north extension of Sunfair Road; south on Sunfair Road and its projected extension to the San Bernardino-Riverside county line; and all of Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties..

Use of Lights While Hunting: Remainder of State (T14 CCR §264.5)

Lights may be used, in those portions of the state not listed in Section 264, to take furbearers and nongame mammals under the following conditions only:

(a) Only 9 volt lights or smaller, hand-held or worn on the head are permitted.

(b) Persons using such lights must be on foot.

(c) Lights may not be used in or from a vehicle and may not be attached or powered from any source other than self-contained batteries.

(d) A landowner or tenant suffering damage to livestock or other property by furbearing mammals or nongame mammals may designate, in writing, persons allowed by such landowner or tenant to use artificial lights in excess of 9 volts to assist in tak- ing the depredating mammals. The landowner or tenants shall notify the closest fish and game office whenever furbearing or nongame mammals are taken under this authority.

No furbearing or nongame mammals including any threatened, endangered or fully protected species may be taken contrary to any other prohibition set forth in these regulations.

Fish and Game Code Laws Related to the Use of Lights (FGC §2005)

(a) Except as otherwise authorized by this section, it is unlawful to use an artificial light to assist in the taking of a game bird, game mammal, or game fish.(b) It is unlawful for one or more persons to throw or cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a highway or in a field, woodland, or forest where game mammals, fur-bearing mammals, or nongame mammals are commonly found, or upon a game mammal, fur- bearing mammal, or nongame mammal, while having in his or her possession or under his or her control a firearm or weapon with which that mammal could be killed, even though the mammal is not killed, injured, shot at, or otherwise pursued.(c) It is unlawful to use or possess night vision equipment to assist in the taking of a bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, or fish. For purposes of this subdivision, “night vision equipment” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) An infrared or similar light, used in connection with an elec- tronic viewing device.

(2) An optical device, including, but not limited to, binoculars or a scope, that uses electrical or battery powered light amplifying circuits.

(d) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Sport fishing in ocean waters, or other waters where night fishing is permitted, if an artificial light is not used on or as part of the fishing tackle.

(2) Commercial fishing.

(3) The taking of mammals governed by Article 2 (commencing with Section 4180) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 4.

(4) The use of a hand-held flashlight that is no larger and emits no more light than a two-cell, three-volt flashlight, and is not affixed to a weapon.

(5) The use of a lamp or lantern that does not cast a directional beam of light.

(6) Headlights of a motor vehicle that are operated in a usual manner and without attempt or intent to locate a game mam- mal, fur-bearing mammal, or nongame mammal.

(7) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or the owner’s employee, while on that land.

(8) An owner of land devoted to the agricultural industry, or the owner’s employee, while on land controlled by the owner in connection with the agricultural industry.

(9) Other uses as the commission may authorize by regulation.

(e) A person shall not be arrested for violation of this section except by a peace officer.

Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas (T14 CCR §311.6)

The use of rifles and pistols to take any bird or mammal is pro- hibited in Picacho and Providence Mountains State Recreation Areas.

Humboldt Bay (FGC §3681)

This section applies the Humboldt Bay area on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. See game warden before shooting on these days:

“In Districts 8 and 9, it is unlawful to take ducks or geese in any manner below the incoming or outgo- ing tidewater’s edge or from any blind, boat, floating device, island, islet, or exposed tidal flat except on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, holidays and the opening and closing days during the prescribed open season except that the use of boats is permitted to retrieve crippled or dead birds.”

In addition, hunters should be aware that there is a special waterfowl closure for south Humboldt Bay.

Fish and Game District 8 (FGC §11016)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 8: The waters and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying north of a straight line running east from the center of apron at the approach of the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay to the east shore line of the bay including the entrance of Humboldt Bay not included in District 7, and excluding all rivers, streams and sloughs emptying into the bay.

Fish and Game District 9 (FGC §11017)

The following constitutes Fish and Game District 9: The waters and tidelands to high-water mark of Humboldt Bay lying south of a straight line running east from the center of apron at the approach to the south jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay to the east shore line of the bay, excluding all rivers, streams and sloughs emptying into the bay. The following is a synopsis of Federal Regulations that pertain to the hunting of migratory game birds. Persons requiring more information should go tohttps://www.fws.gov/library/collections/hunting, where they will find a complete version of 50 CFR Part 20. When State law is different from the following Federal law the hunter must comply with the most restrictive law.

Federal Regulations Related to Hunting Migratory Game Birds

Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result of treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in the United States with the exception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove), European starling, Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds (which are protected by state laws).

What terms do I need to understand? (T50 CFR §20.11)

(a) Migratory game birds

means those migratory birds included in the terms of conven- tions between the United States and any foreign country for the protection of migratory birds, for which open seasons are prescribed in this part and belong to the following families: (1) Anatidae (ducks, geese [including brant] and swans);

(2) Columbidae (doves and pigeons);
(3) Gruidae (cranes);
(4) Rallidae (rails, coots and gallinules); and (5) Scolopacidae (woodcock and snipe).

(b) Seasons

(1) Open season means the days on which migratory game birds may lawfully be taken. Each period prescribed as an open season shall be construed to include the first and last days thereof.
(2) Closed season means the days on which migratory game birds shall not be taken.

(c) Bag limits

(1) Aggregate bag limit means a condition of taking in which two or more usually similar species may be bagged (reduced to possession) by the hunter in predetermined or unpredeter- mined quantities to satisfy a maximum take limit.

(2) Daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of single species or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season in any one specified geographic area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed.

(3) Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season when such person hunts in more than one specified geographic area and/or for more than one species for which a combined daily bag limit is prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed for any one species or for any one specified geographic area in which tak- ing occurs.

(4) Possession limit means the maximum number of migra- tory game birds of a single species or a combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person when lawfully taken in the United States in any one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed.

(5) Aggregate possession limit means the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination of species taken in the United States permitted to be possessed by any one person when taking and possession occurs in more than one specified geographic area for which a possession limit is prescribed. The aggregate possession limit is equal to, but shall not exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed for any one of the species or specified geographic areas in which tak- ing and possession occurs.

(d) Personal abode means one’s principal or ordinary home or dwelling place, as distinguished from one’s temporary or tran- sient place of abode or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel or rooming house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.

(e) Migratory bird preservation facility

means

(1) Any person who, at their residence or place of business and for hire or other consideration; or

(2) Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other consideration; or

(3) Any hunting club which, in the normal course of operations; receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage or shipment.

(f) Paraplegic

means an individual afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs, usually due to disease of or injury to the spinal cord.

(g) Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation

means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(h) Normal agricultural operation

means a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice, that is conducted in ac- cordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(i) Normal soil stabilization practice

means a planting for agricultural soil erosion control or post- mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Coop- erative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control.

(j) Baited area

means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.

(k) Baiting

means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

(l) Manipulation

means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include but are not limited to mowing, shred- ding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown.

(m) Rice ratooning

means the agricultural practice of harvesting rice by cutting the majority of the aboveground portion of the rice plant but leaving the roots and growing shoot apices intact to allow the plant to recover and produce a second crop yield.

(n) Post-disaster flooding

means the destruction of a crop through flooding in accordance with practices required by the Federal Crop Insurance Corpora- tion for agricultural producers to obtain crop insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) on land on which a crop was not harvestable due to a natural disaster (including any hurricane, storm, tornado, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, drought, fire, snowstorm, or other catastrophe that is declared a major disaster by the President in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disas- ter Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170)) in the crop year

(1) In which the natural disaster occurred; or

(2) Immediately preceding the crop year in which the natural disaster occurred.

(o) Natural vegetation

means any non-agricultural, native, or naturalized plant spe- cies that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does not include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is consid- ered natural vegetation.

(p) Resident Canada geese

means Canada geese that nest within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia or that reside within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, June, July, or August.

Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (T50 CFR §20.20)

(a) Information collection requirements.

The collections of information contained in § 20.20 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned clearance number 1018- 0015. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The information will be used to provide a sampling frame for the national Migra- tory Bird Harvest Survey. Response is required from licensed hunters to obtain the benefit of hunting migratory game birds. Public reporting burden for this information is estimated to average 2 minutes per response for 3,300,000 respondents, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Thus the total annual reporting and record-keeping burden for this collec- tion is estimated to be 112,000 hours. Send comments regard- ing this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Service’s Information Collection Clearance Officer at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).

(b) General provisions.

Each person hunting migratory game birds in any State except Hawaii must have identified himself or herself as a migratory bird hunter and given his or her name, address, and date of birth to the respective State hunting licensing authority and must have on his or her person evidence, provided by that State, of compliance with this requirement.

(c) Tribal exemptions.

Nothing in paragraph (b) of this section shall apply to tribal members on Federal Indian Reservations or to tribal members hunting on ceded lands.

(d) State exemptions.

Nothing in paragraph (b) of this section shall apply to those hunters who are exempt from State-licensing requirements in the State in which they are hunting.

(e) State responsibilities.

The State hunting licensing authority will ask each licensed migratory bird hunter in the respective State to report approxi- mately how many ducks, geese, doves, and woodcock he or she bagged the previous year, whether he or she hunted coots, snipe, rails, and/or gallinules the previous year, and, in States that have band-tailed pigeon hunting seasons, whether he or she intends to hunt band-tailed pigeons during the current year.

What hunting methods are illegal? (T50 CFR §20.21)

Migratory birds on which open seasons are prescribed in this part may be taken by any method except those prohibited in this section.

No persons shall take migratory game birds:

(a) With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance;

(b) With a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells.

(c) From or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water;

(d) From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor- driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance;

(e) From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress therefrom has ceased: Provided, That a craft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds; however, crippled birds may not be shot from such craft under power except in the seaduck area as permitted in subpart K of this part;

(f) By the use or aid of live birds as decoys; although not limited to, it shall be a violation of this paragraph for any person to take migratory waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present unless such birds are and have been for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to such taking, confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl;

(g) By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls or sounds.

(h) By means or aid of any motordriven land, water, or air con- veyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migra- tory bird;

(i) By the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. However, nothing in this paragraph prohibits:

(1) the taking of any migratory game bird, including waterfowl, coots, and cranes, on or over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas—

(i) Standing crops or flooded standing crops (including aquatics); standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded harvested croplands; or lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, rice ratooning, post-disaster flooding, or normal soil stabilization practice;

(ii) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation;

(iii) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or

(iv) Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downed birds.

(2) The taking of any migratory game bird, except waterfowl, coots and cranes, on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.

(j) (1) While possessing loose shot for muzzle loading or shotshells containing other than the following approved shot types. (2) Each approved shot type must contain less than 1 percent residual lead (see § 20.134). (3) This shot type restriction applies to the taking of ducks, geese (including brant), swans, coots (Fulica americana), and any other species that make up aggregate bag limits with these migratory game birds during concurrent seasons in areas described in § 20.108 as nontoxic shot zones.

Wanton Waste of Migratory Game Birds (T50 CFR §20.25)

No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and retain it in his actual custody, at the place where taken or between that place and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.

Non-toxic Shot

No person may take ducks, geese (including brant), or coots while possessing shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than approved non-toxic shot. For a list of approved non-toxic shot, see FWS Approved Shot Types.

Opening Day of a Season

No person on the opening day of the season shall possess any freshly killed migratory game birds in excess of the daily bag limit, or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies.

Field Possession Limit

No person shall possess, have in custody, or transport more than the daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit, whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or not tagged, at or between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile or principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common carrier facility.

Tagging Requirement

No person shall put or leave any migratory game birds at any place (other than at his personal abode), or in the custody of another person for picking, cleaning, processing, shipping, transportation, or storage (including temporary storage), or for the purpose of having taxidermy services performed, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter, stating his address, the total number and species of birds, and the date such birds were killed. Migratory game birds being transported in any vehicle as the personal baggage of the possessor shall not be considered as being in storage or temporary storage.

Custody of Birds of Another

No person shall receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.

Termination of Possession

Subject to all other requirements of this part, the possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed to have ceased when such birds have been delivered by him to another person as a gift; or have been delivered by him to a post office, a common carrier, or a migratory bird preservation facility and consigned for transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier to some person other than the hunter.

Gift of Migratory Game Birds

No person may receive, possess, or give to another, any freshly killed migratory game birds as a gift, except at the personal abodes of the donor or donee, unless such birds have a tag attached, signed by the hunter who took the birds, stating such hunter’s address, the total number and species of birds and the date such birds were taken.

Transportation of Birds of Another

No person shall transport migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged.

Species Identification Requirement

No person shall transport within the United States any migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons, unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to each such bird at all times while being transported from the place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.

Marking Package or Container

No person shall transport by the Postal Service or a common carrier migratory game birds unless the package or container in which such birds are transported has the name and address of the shipper and the consignee and an accurate statement of the numbers of each species of birds therein contained clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside thereof.

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp

The law requires that each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age and older must carry on his person a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp.

More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges opened to public hunting.

For additional information on refuge specific regulations see http://www.fws.gov/refuges/&nb...;

Camping Near or Occupying Wildlife Watering Places (T14 CCR §730)

(a) Camping/Occupying Defined.

For purposes of this Section, camping/occupying is defined as establishing or inhabiting a camp; resting; picnicking; sleeping; parking or inhabiting any motor vehicle or trailer; hunting; or engaging in any other recreational activity for a period of more than thirty (30) minutes at a given location.

(b) Wildlife Watering Places Defined.

For purposes of this Section, wildlife watering places are defined as waterholes, springs, seeps and man-made watering devices for wildlife such as guzzlers (self-filling, in-the-ground water storage tanks), horizontal wells and small impoundments of less than one surface acre in size.

(c) Prohibitions.

(1) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within 200 yards of the following:

(A) Any guzzler or horizontal well for wildlife on public land within the State of California.

(B) Any of the wildlife watering places on public land within the boundary of the California Desert Conservation Area as depicted on the Bureau of Land Management maps of “Calif. Federal Public Lands Responsibility,” “Calif. Desert Conservation Area” and the new “Desert District, B.L.M.”

(2) Camping/Occupying is prohibited within one-quarter mile of the following wildlife watering places:

(A) Butte Well--T31N, R14E, Section 28, NE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

(B) Schaffer Well--T31N R14E, Section 25, Center, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

(C) Tableland Well--T31N, R14E, Section 17, SE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

(D) Table Mountain Well--T31N, R14E, Section 32, SE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

(E) Timber Mountain Well--T44N, R6E, Section 33, M.D.B.M., Modoc National Forest, Modoc County.

(F) Belfast Well--T31N, R14E, Section 31, NE1/4, M.D.B.M., Lassen County.

STATEWIDE AND ZONE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS

Waterfowl, Migratory; American Coot and Common Moorhen (Common Gallinule) (T14 CCR §502)

(a) Definitions.

(1) Dark geese. Dark geese include Canada geese, cackling geese, Aleutian geese and white-fronted geese (“specklebelly”).

(2) Large Canada geese. Large Canada geese include western Canada geese (“honker”) and lesser Canada geese (“lessers”).

(3) Small Canada geese. Small (about the size of a mallard) Canada geese include cackling geese and Aleutian geese. Both are white-cheeked geese nearly identical in appearance to Large Canada geese. Aleutian geese have a thin white neck ring and Cackling geese have dark breasts. Both species have a high-pitched cackle as opposed to the deeper “honking”.

(4) White geese. White geese include Ross’ geese, snow geese and blue phase of both species.

(b) Waterfowl Hunting Zones.

(1) Northeastern California Zone:

In that portion of California lying east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the California- Oregon state line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to Main Street in Greenville; north and east to its junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California- Nevada state line to the junction of the California- Nevada- Oregon state lines west along the California-Oregon state line to the point of origin.

(2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:

All of Kings and Tulare counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern California Zone.

(3) Southern California Zone:

In that portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River zone) lying south and east of a line beginning at the mouth of the Santa Maria River at the Pacific Ocean; east along the Santa Maria River to where it crosses Highway 101- 166 near the City of Santa Maria; continue north on 101- 166; east on Highway 166 to the junction with Highway 99; south on Highway 99 to the junction of Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to where it intersects Highway 178 at Walker Pass; east on Highway 178 to the junction of Highway 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 58; east on Highway 58 to the junction of Interstate 15; east on Interstate 15 to the junction with Highway 127; north on Highway 127 to the point of intersection with the California-Nevada state line.

(4) Colorado River Zone:

In those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties lying east of the following lines: Beginning at the intersection of Nevada State Highway 95 with the California- Nevada state line; south along Highway 95 through the junction with Highway 40; continue south on Highway 95 to Vidal Junction; south through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino- Riverside county line on a road known as “Aqueduct Road” also known as Highway 62 in San Bernardino County; southwest on Highway 62 to Desert Center Rice Road; south on Desert Center Rice Road/Highway 177 to the town of Desert Center; continue east 31 miles on Interstate 10 to its intersection with the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Milpitas Wash Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe Ogilby Road also known as County Highway 34 to its intersection with Ogilby Road; south on this road to Highway 8; east seven miles on Highway 8 to its intersection with the Andrade-Algodones Road/ Highway 186; south on this paved road to the intersection of the Mexican boundary line at Los Algodones, Mexico.

(5) Balance of State Zone

That portion of the state not included in Northeastern California, Southern California, Colorado River or the Southern San Joaquin Valley zones.

(6) Special Management Areas

(A) North Coast. All of Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

(B) Humboldt Bay South Spit (West Side). Beginning at the intersection of the north boundary of Table Bluff County Park and the South Jetty Road; north along the South Jetty Road to the South Jetty; west along the South Jetty to the mean low water line of the Pacific Ocean; south along the mean low water line to its intersection with the north boundary of the Table Bluff County Park; east along the north boundary of the Table Bluff County Park to the point of origin.

(C) Klamath Basin. Beginning at the intersection of Highway 161 and Highway 97; east on Highway 161 to Hill Road; south on Hill Road to N Dike Road West Side; east on N Dike Road West Side until the junction of the Lost River; north on N Dike Road West Side until the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway; east on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway until N Dike Road East Side; south on the N Dike Road East Side; continue east on N Dike Road East Side to Highway 111; south on Highway 111/Great Northern Road to Highway 120/Highway 124; west on Highway 120/Highway 124 to Hill Road; south on Hill Road until Lairds Camp Road; west on Lairds Camp Road until Willow Creek; west and south on Willow Creek to Red Rock Road; west on Red Rock Road until Meiss Lake Road/ Old State Highway; 28

north on Meiss Lake Road/Old State Highway to Highway 97; north on Highway 97 to the point of origin.

(D) Sacramento Valley. Beginning at the town of Willows; south on Interstate 5 to the junction with Hahn Road; east on Hahn Road and the Grimes- Arbuckle Road to the town of Grimes; north on Highway 45 to its junction with Highway 162; north on Highway 45-162 to the town of Glenn; west on Highway 162 to the point of beginning.

(E) Morro Bay. Beginning at a point where the high tide line intersects the State Park boundary west of Cuesta by the Sea; northeasterly to a point 200 yards offshore of the high tide line at the end of Mitchell Drive in Baywood Park; northeasterly to a point 200 yards offshore of the high tide line west of the Morro Bay State Park Boundary, adjacent to Baywood Park; north to a point 300 yards south of the high tide line at the end of White Point; north along a line 400 yards offshore of the south boundary of the Morro Bay City limit to a point adjacent to Fairbanks Point; northwesterly to the high tide line on the sand spit; southerly along the high tide line of the sand spit to the south end of Morro Bay; easterly along the Park boundary at the high tide line to the beginning point.(F) Martis Creek Lake. The waters and shoreline of Martis Creek Lake, Placer and Nevada counties.

(G) Northern Brant. Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties.

(H) Balance of State Brant. That portion of the state not included in the Northern Brant Special Management Area.

(I) Imperial County. Beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on Highway 115 to Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning.

(c) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for American Coots, and Common Moorhens.

(1) Statewide Provisions

(d) Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Ducks and Geese by Zone.

(1) Northeastern California Zone

(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)

(2) Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone

(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)

(3) Southern California Zone

(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)

(4) Colorado River Zone

(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)

(5) Balance of State Zone

(NOTE: SEE SUBSECTION 502(d)(6) BELOW FOR SPECIAL SEASONS AND CLOSURES.)

(6) Special Management Areas (see descriptions in 502(b)(6))

(e)Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations

(NOTE: To participate in these Youth Waterfowl Hunts, youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age or older. Federal regulations require that hunters must be 17 years of age or younger.)

(1) Statewide Provisions.

35 (f) Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days Regulations

NOTE: Veterans (as defined in Section 101 of Title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than training), may participate. Persons participating in this special hunt must possess and present upon demand verification of eligibility to participate in this hunt. Verification includes: Veteran’s ID Card and/or Military ID Card for active duty, or a State issued driver’s license or Identification Card with Veteran Designation.

(1) Statewide Provisions

(g) Falconry Take of Ducks (including Mergansers), Geese, American Coots, and Common Moorhens.

(1) Statewide Provisions

Decoys (T14 CCR §505)

The use of live birds as decoys is prohibited.

Shooting Hours (T14 CCR §506)

NOTE: Shooting hours are found in the tables on pages 23 and 24. Shooting hours for migratory game birds, including mourning doves, white-winged doves, band-tailed pigeons, American coots, common moorhens, common snipe (jacksnipe), and waterfowl for all of California shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. EXCEPTION: In areas open to hunting on, over or adjacent to the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, the shooting time shall be from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

Provisions Related to the Taking of Migratory Game Birds (T14 CCR §507)

[as defined in Section 502 but also includes mourning doves, white-winged doves, band-tailed pigeons, and snipe.]

(a) Authorized Methods

Only the following methods may be used to take migratory game birds:

(1) Falconry.

(2) Bow and Arrows or Crossbows.

Only arrows or crossbow bolts with flu-flu fletching may be used except that conventionally fletched arrows may be used to take waterfowl sitting on the water from scull boats or similar watercraft.

(3) Muzzle-loading Shotguns.

(4) Shotguns 10 Gauge or Smaller.

Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using shot shells only and incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined may be used, except no shotgun larger than 12 gauge shall be used in areas open to hunting on, over or adjacent to the waters of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County. If a plug is used to reduce the capacity of a magazine to fulfill the requirements of this section, the plug must be of one-piece construction incapable of removal without disassembling the gun. Shotgun shells may not be used or possessed that contain shot size larger than T shot in steel or other nontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All shot shall be loose in the shell.

(b) Use of Dogs.

Dogs may be used to take and retrieve migratory game birds.

(c) Prohibition on Electronically operated Devices.

Electronic or mechanically-operated calling or sound-reproducing devices are prohibited when attempting to take migratory game birds. It is unlawful to use devices that are either electronically-powered, or activated by anything other than natural wind, to directly or indirectly cause rotation of decoy wings or blades that simulate wings, when attempting to take waterfowl between the start of the season and November 30th.

(d) Live Decoy Prohibition.

The use of live decoys is prohibited when attempting to take migratory game birds.

Nontoxic Shot Requirement for Waterfowl, American Coot, and Common Moorhen Hunting (T14 CCR §507.1)

Only bismuth-tin, steel, copper-plated steel, nickel-plated steel, tin-plated steel, zinc-plated steel, zinc chloride-plated steel, zinc chromate plated steel, iron-tungsten, iron-tungsten-nickel, tungsten- bronze, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, tungsten- matrix, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-tin-iron, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten-tin-iron-nickel, and tungsten-iron-polymer or other nontoxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be used or possessed for waterfowl, American coot and common moorhen hunting statewide. NOTE: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviews and may approve applications for other types of non-toxic shot throughout the year. Other non-toxic shot types that may have been approved after the publication of this booklet may be found at: https://www.fws.gov/story/2022...;

Scull Boats (T14 CCR §507.5)

Migratory game birds may not be taken by a scull boat or similar watercraft while under motorized power. The motor shall be removed from its mountings before any take or approach is attempted.

This section shall not prohibit shooting migratory game birds from scull boats or similar watercraft with motor attached if beached or anchored; nor shall it prohibit the use of a motor for the sole purpose of picking up dead or injured birds.

Concurrence with Federal Regulations (T14 CCR §509)

(a) The regulations adopted by the United States through its Secretary of Interior under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended annually in Part 10, subparts A and B, and Part 20, Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, are hereby adopted and made a part of this Title 14 except where said federal regulations are less restrictive than the provisions of Chapter 7 of this Title 14 (sections 500-509), the provisions of Chapter 7 prevail.

(b) Any violations of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) are violations of this section.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person aged sixteen years or older to take any migratory waterfowl unless at the time of such taking the person carries in his or her immediate possession an unexpired Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp validated by his or her signature written by him or herself in ink across the face of the stamp or an unexpired Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation electronic stamp, issued in his or her name prior to any taking of such birds.

YOUTH AND JUNIOR HUNTS

Youth Hunts are for those age 17 or under. Special Junior Hunts are for those that possess a valid Junior Hunting License.