Junior Duck Hunts at California’s Grizzly Island Wildlife Area
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is now accepting applications for two special junior duck hunts at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. On Saturday, Dec. 8 and Wednesday, Dec. 26, spaced blinds on Pond 11 and the Crescent Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will be available only to junior hunt participants and will be closed to the general public.
Hunters will be selected by draw and must be in possession of a current junior hunting license. An adult chaperone (18 years of age or older) is required to accompany and supervise each junior hunter. The adult may hunt with the junior hunter if he or she is in possession of the required 2012-2013 California hunting license, as well as State and Federal waterfowl stamps and the free HIP validation. Junior license holders who are age 16 or older must have a Federal waterfowl stamp.
All available blinds can accommodate two persons (the junior hunter and his or her adult chaperone). Hunters may only use non-toxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A minimum of one dozen duck decoys are required at all blind sites and chest waders are recommended.
To apply for a reservation, send a standard postcard (available from your local post office) to:
Grizzly Island Junior Duck Hunt
2548 Grizzly Island Rd.
Suisun City, CA 94585
Please include the name of the junior hunter, his or her mailing address (including zip code), a phone number, the 2012-13 hunting license number, and the name of the adult chaperone. Also please include the desired hunt date.Each hunter may apply only once and for only one date.
Application cards must be received by close of business on Friday, Nov. 30. Junior hunt reservations will be filled by a random drawing conducted on Monday, Dec. 3. There will be 24 reservations issued for each date. All successful applicants will be notified by mail.
Please note that all chaperones who wish to hunt must have either a Type A One Day, Two Day, or Season Pass, and these must be purchased prior to arriving at the check station through either a license Agent or online at www.dfg.ca.gov (allow two weeks’ mailing time if ordering online).
The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will also accept junior hunters on the day of the hunt on a first-come, first-served basis to use the free roam areas and to fill any no-shows from the reservations. DFG would also like to encourage use of the West Family Unit, which is available only to junior hunters. Hunt days are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays on a first come, first served basis throughout the open season. The gate will be opened approximately two hours before shoot time. An adult chaperone is required and five double blinds, including one mobility-impaired blind and one three-person blind, are available.
The unit is north of Benicia on Goodyear Road. From Highway 680, take the Marshview Road exit and turn right onto Goodyear Road from the off-ramp. The hunt area will be on the left.
Any questions can be directed to the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area at (707) 425-3828.
