Once this area was covered with the largest marsh west of the Mississippi, but that habitat was quickly drained after settlement. Kern National Wildlife Refuge was established to re-create habitat through a series of constructed wetlands. These wetlands have been used extensively by migrating waterfowl, and Kern National Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the three best public waterfowl hunting areas in California. The hunting includes both free-roam areas and blinds reserved via the California Department of Fish and Game. The blinds are spaced far apart to give hunters plenty of room and include a wire cage that hunters can cover with brush for concealment. Shoveler is the most common bird on the refuge, but cinnamon and green-winged teal, gadwall, wigeon and pintail are all present. The refuge offers the only public waterfowl hunting within 100 miles of Los Angeles and is a popular spot with sportsmen from that metropolitan area.
Sport hunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Hunters should consult the California state hunting regulations. Special refuge hunting regulations also apply.
Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
Other prohibitions on the refuge are dogs off-leash; off-road vehicles; and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.
For more information, visit our hunt page.