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Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Federal refuge south of Willows featuring large open water ponds and dense tule patches. Type A area with reservation and lottery system.
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Location
Location Details
Operational Profile
- Acreage: 10,819 total acres; approximately 4,000 acres open to hunting
- Hunt Days: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during the balance of state season
- Hunter Capacity: Variable quota based on water availability; typically accommodates ~100-120 hunting parties
Access & Selection Logistics
- Reservation System: Type A Area. Reservations issued via CDFW online drawing (applications due 17 days in advance)
- Lottery (Sweat Line): Non-reservation hunters must register in person the evening prior (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to receive a lottery number
- Process: Reservations are called first starting 2 hours before shoot time. Lottery numbers follow. Remaining vacancies are filled by a first-come, first-served list
- Passes Required: Federal Duck Stamp, CA Duck Validation, HIP Validation, Type A Daily or Season Pass
Hunting Infrastructure
- Blinds: Designated spaced blind areas and assigned ponds
- Free Roam: Large designated free roam areas north of the check station. Tule density is high; cart or sled recommended
- Accessibility: Designated ADA blinds available. Mobility-impaired hunters with state placard have priority. Access to these blinds often permits ATV use (check current regs)
Hunter Intelligence
- Birds Taken: Mallard, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Snow Goose (late season)
- Trailer/Camping: Overnight camping permitted in the check station parking lot (self-contained vehicles only). No hookups
- Lodging: Nearest hotels in Willows (6 miles north)