California Fall and Winter Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities Available in Alameda County
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering waterfowl hunting at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Alameda County.
The reserve is composed of former industrial salt ponds, which is now managed for wildlife habitat by CDFW as open water ponds. ELER will be open for up to 100 waterfowl hunters on the dates listed below. Hunters will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis for each of the one day hunts. There is no fee for these hunts.
2013 hunts:
Saturday, Nov. 23: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Thursday, Dec.12: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Check-in at 5 a.m.
2014 hunts:
Saturday, Jan. 4: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 9: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
All hunters must possess a valid California hunting license, federal and state duck stamps and complete the Harvest Information Program validation. Junior license holders must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).
Vehicles may be driven on designated levees, use approved parking areas and are only allowed on the hunt dates specified above. To participate, hunters must check in with CDFW staff and volunteers and provide the above licenses and stamps. Hunters will also be required to check out and allow inspection of gear and game for use in evaluating hunter success and harvest data.
Some changes have been made for the 2013-14 season, including additional reconfigured ponds (E12-E13), graveled roads, improved access and refurbished blinds. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas. There is a 25-shell limit in the field.
A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is highly recommended to access ponds and blinds, navigable sloughs and for retrieval. A hunting dog is also recommended for retrieval of birds. Hunters will receive additional information, including area rules and regulations and maps at the time of check-in.
To access ELER from I-880, exit at Alvarado Blvd., and go west down Alvarado, turn right onto Union City Blvd., left onto Bettencourt Rd. (sign for Union Sanitary District), left on Whipple Rd., right on Horner St., then right on Veasy St. and enter at the yellow gate to check in.
Formal plans for public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are being developed as part of the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project. Please visit http://www.southbayrestoration.org for more information.
