Updated December 19, 2024, 2:06PM
ALERTS
Christmas Day (Wednesday 12/25/24) - All refuges (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter) will be CLOSED to hunting.
Sacramento NWR Visitor Center will be Closed on Thursday, December 26.
CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING:
- Sutter NWR Hunt Area
OPEN*:
- Sacramento NWR Auto Tour and Trails
- Sacramento NWR Hunt Area
- Delevan NWR Hunt Area
- Colusa NWR Auto Tour, Trail and Observation Platform
- Colusa NWR Hunt Area
- Llano Seco Unit of Steve Thompson NCV WMA Trail and Observation Platform**
- Sacramento River NWR
*Use extreme caution as flooding can occur without warning and road shoulders are soft and will not support your vehicle. Areas are subject to closure without notice.
**For information on CDFW's state Wildlife Areas, including the Upper Butte Basin WA Llano Seco Unit (hunting), please visit their Closure page
Before calling the refuge for updates, please review this section of our website or our social media pages. When known, new information will be posted here and to our Facebook Page and Instagram immediately.
New Years Day (Wednesday 1/1/25) - All refuges (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter) will be OPEN for hunting.
Visit Us
Welcome to Colusa National Wildlife Refuge!
Colusa NWR offers a Visitor Area with a Restroom and Information Kiosk, Observation Deck, Observation Walkway, Auto Tour, Trail, Photography Blind (by reservation only), limited Bicycling and Hunting.
There are LOTS of recreational opportunities across the Complex, including a Visitor Center, Auto Tours, trails, bicycling, photography, hunting and environmental education.
VISIT US! <-- CLICK HERE....
to find all the information you need to PLAN YOUR VISIT, like recreational opportunities, what to expect, hours and directions, accessibility, passes and permits, rules and policies, local and contact information. Or jump straight to your favorite activity using these quick links:
VISITOR CENTERAUTO TOURSTRAILSBICYCLINGPHOTOGRAPHYHUNTING-WATERFOWLHunting-RiverMAPS, DIRECTIONS + BROCHURESENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Colusa National Wildlife is one of the 5 National Wildlife Refuges and 3 Wildlife Management Areas that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex:
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 70 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento and one mile southwest of the town of Colusa in Colusa County. The refuge consists of 5,077 acres consisting primarily of wetlands, with some grasslands and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitats.
Click on the link below to learn more about us!
What We Do
- Resource Management
To help plants and wildlife, Refuge staff uses a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employ them in varying degrees according to the situation.
- Conservation and Partnerships
The Complex is involved in many conservation endeavors, including Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Private Landowner Programs, and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act.
Click on the link below to learn more about what we do!
Our Organization
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997:The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvement Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose.
Our Species
Colusa NWR regularly supports peak wintering populations of over 150,000 ducks and 60,000 geese. Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March. Peak populations occur in December and January. Many birds including nesting wood ducks and mammals can be seen year-round.
Click on the link below to learn more about our Seasons of Wildlife, Wildlife Checklist, Wildlife Surveys, and Our Species....