Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges
A father and son after a youth hunt on Delevan National Wildlide Refuge in 2013. Credit: USFWS
Hunting - A Valued Outdoor Tradition
Hunting is one of our nation's most valued outdoor traditions. The Service's 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation found that more than 12.5 million Americans aged 16 and older (281,000 in California, 81,000 in Nevada) hunted in 2012. Hunters spent $34 billion on trips, equipment, licenses and other items to support their hunting activities in 2012.
Several National Wildlife Refuges in California, Nevada and Oregon’s Klamath Basin offer opportunities for excellent hunting. In general, refuges open areas to fishing and seasonal hunting of migratory game birds (waterfowl) upland game or big game when compatible with sound wildlife management, and the purposes for which the refuge was established.
California Hunting Regulations
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value, and their benefits to people. The department is responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.
Nevada Hunting Regulations
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada's waters.
Oregon Hunting Regulations
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Oregon's waters.
National Wildlife Refuges Open to Hunting
Ash Meadows | Map | Directions
Bear Valley NWR | Map | Directions
Clear Lake NWR | Map | Directions
Colusa NWR | Map | Directions
Delevan NWR | Map | Directions
Desert NWR | Map | Directions
Don Edwards-SF Bay NWR | Map | Directions
Humboldt Bay NWR | Map | Directions
Kern NWR | Map | Directions
Klamath Marsh NWR | Map | Directions
Lower Klamath NWR | Map | Directions
Merced NWR | Map | Directions
Modoc NWR | Map | Directions
Pahranagat NWR | Map | Directions
Sacramento NWR/NWRC | Map | Directions
Salinas River NWR | Map | Directions
San Luis NWRC | Map | Directions
San Pablo Bay NWR | Map | Directions
Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWRC | Map | Directions
Stillwater NWR | Map | Directions
Stone Lakes NWR | Map | Directions
Sutter NWR | Map | Directions
Tule Lake NWR | Map | Directions
Upper Klamath NWR | Map | Directions
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The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service FieldNotes
FieldNotes showcases the activities, events and conservation work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service here in the Pacific Southwest Region. The articles inside are written by our employees and reflect the efforts of the Service and our partners in conserving and preserving the unique natural resources here in California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin. After you've visited FieldNotes, follow us on these social media channels...