Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Special Hunt Programs

On this page you can find all the information you need about our Special Hunt Programs:

- Special Hunts
- Junior Hunting
- Mobility-Impaired Hunting
     - MI Admissions/Accommodations
          - Waterfowl
          - River
     - MI Opportunities/Blind Descriptions
          - Waterfowl
          - River
 

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LINKS: 

Use these links to visit the Hunting home Page, or to find information about the Sacramento River:  

HUNTING HOME PAGE   Sacramento River NWR Hunting

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SPECIAL HUNTS

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1. Special Monday Pheasant Hunt:

   • Sacramento, Delevan and Colusa NWRs - November 11, 2024.  Pheasant Monday is usually offered on the first Monday following opening day of pheasant season.  During this event the assigned ponds, assigned blinds and free-roam areas are all open to pheasant hunting for the day.  
   • Lottery entries are accepted at the hunter check stations on Sunday from 9am-4pm, with the drawing at 4pm, after which hunters can sign up for the first-come-first-served list. 
   • The check station and parking lot are closed Sunday night, and there are no overnight stays.
   • Check station gates open at 6:30am Monday, processing begins at 7am, and hunting starts at 8am. 
   • The three check stations close at 3pm Monday. See the CDFW hunting regulations booklet for details.
   • See Sacramento NWR Complex Regulations for Pheasants

2. In-Season Junior Waterfowl Hunt:

   • Sacramento NWR – December 14, 2024. On this day, all blinds at Sacramento NWR are reserved for junior hunters. Hunters must have a valid junior hunting license to apply. Only junior hunters are able to hunt during this event; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt in the assigned blinds area. Use a postcard to apply directly to the USFWS. For additional information, scroll down to the Junior and Youth Hunting section.
   • Delevan NWR – December 7, 2024. On this day, all blinds at Delevan NWR are reserved for junior hunters. Hunters must have a valid junior hunting license to apply; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt in the assigned blinds area. Use a postcard to apply directly to the USFWS. For additional information, scroll down to the Junior and Youth Hunting section.

3. Post-Season Youth Waterfowl Hunt:

   • February 1-2, 2025 - a post-season youth hunt is offered by the state on Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa/Sutter NWRs (Sutter will only be open on Sunday).  Reservation applications can be submitted through the CDFW website at least 17 days in advance of desired hunt day.  For additional information, see our Junior and Youth Hunting section.  Only youth hunters are able to hunt during this event; accompanying adults MAY NOT hunt.  Lottery will be the same as regular waterfowl season (see our Admissions Summary table).
   • Possible combinations on the reservation card - must include 1 non-hunting adult guardian:
     • 1 youth hunter and 1 non-shooter (non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 1 youth hunter and up to 2 non-shooters (1 non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 2 youth hunters and 1 non-shooter (non-shooter must be an adult guardian)
     • 2 youth hunters and 2 non-shooters (1 non-shooter must be an adult guardian)

4. Post-Season Veteran and Active-duty Military Hunt:

   • February 8-9, 2025 - a post-season veteran and active-duty military hunt is offered by the state on Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa/Sutter NWRs. Reservations applications can be submitted through the CDFW website at least 17 days in advance of desired hunt day. Only veterans and active duty military are able to hunt during this event; accompanying non-shooters MAY NOT hunt. Lottery will be the same as regular waterfowl season (see our Admissions Summary table).
   • Any person participating in this special hunt must possess and present upon demand verification of eligibility to participate. Acceptable verification includes a Veteran's ID Card, Military ID Card for active duty, DD Form 214 (honorable discharge), or a State-issued driver's license or Identification Card with Veteran Designation.
   • Possible combinations on the reservation card:
     • 1 veteran/military hunter and up to 2 non-shooters
     • 2 veteran/military hunters and up to 2 non-shooters
     • 3 veteran/military hunters and 1 non-shooter
     • 4 veteran/military hunters
   • Species bag limits: this special hunt will have the same species bag limits as the regular season, including the Special Management Area closure on white-fronted geese (Sacramento, Delevan and Colusa NWRs). See our Bag Limits section. The expanded goose bag limits for late-season geese Do Not Apply to Type A Hunt Areas (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter NWRs).

5. Special Veteran Hunt at Colusa NWR:

   • January 4, 2025. This special hunt is offered by California Waterfowl and selected qualifying hunters will have exclusive use of assigned ponds. Regular reservation holders for that day will only have access to the free roam area.

6. Special Mentored Spring Turkey Hunt:

   • A special Mentored Spring Turkey Hunt is supported at Sacramento and Delevan NWRs to connect with first-time hunters in the CDFW hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) program.  The Refuge does not administer this program but information may be posted here as it becomes available.

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JUNIOR AND YOUTH HUNTING

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What's a JUNIOR vs. YOUTH hunter?

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Junior Hunters are 16 and under and possess a Junior Hunting License. 
- Junior Hunting Licenses are issued to hunters who are less than 16 years old at the beginning of the license year (July 1). 

Youth Hunters are 16 or 17 and possess an Adult Hunting License.
- Adult Hunting Licenses are issued to hunters who turn 16 on, or before, the beginning of the license year (July 1).

Adult Hunters are 18 or older and posses an Adult Hunting License.

Special Hunts for Juniors/Youths: 

In December, two IN-SEASON JUNIOR HUNTS are offered at Sacramento/Delevan NWRs:

• Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Delevan NWR  
• Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Sacramento NWR

Eligibility: Each applicant must possess a Junior Hunting license. Youth hunters with Adult Hunting licenses are not eligible.

Application Process: 

1. Reservation applications must be submitted by mail, and postmarked between September 1 - November 15. 
   1. Mailing your applications earlier in this window is encouraged!
2. Junior hunters may apply for both refuge hunts by creating one standard U.S. Postal Service postcard (any type of postcard) OR an index card per refuge they're applying to hunt.
3. On each postcard/index card, we need the following information typed or written clearly:
   1. The refuge (Sacramento NWR or Delevan NWR) you're applying to hunt.
   2. The full name, full address (street, city, state, zip code), telephone number, and GO ID number for each junior hunter applying. Up to two junior hunters may apply per card.
   3. Heads Up: One adult (18 years of age or older) MUST accompany up to two juniors but no more than four people can occupy one blind.
4. Mail postcards to: 
   Refuge Manager
   Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
   752 County Road 99W, Willows, CA 95988
   1. If you're mailing your postcards/index cards in an envelope, you can mail one envelope with both cards. 
5. Those not receiving a numbered permit (reservation) will be able to enter a lottery draw held at 5:15 a.m. on the morning of the hunt. Displays and activities pertaining to waterfowl management, hunting ethics, and hunting techniques will be available weather permitting.

In February, a POST-SEASON YOUTH HUNT is offered by the state on Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa/Sutter NWRs:

• Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Sacramento, Delevan and Colusa NWRs 
• Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter NWRs

TO APPLY:

1. To be eligible, applicant must be age 17 or younger at the time of the event, and can possess either a Junior or Adult Hunting license.  Individuals 18 years and older are not eligible.
2. Reservation applications are accepted through CDFW, using their online reservation system at least 17 days prior to the hunt date.
3. Reservations will be the same as the regular waterfowl season (see our Admissions Summary table).
4. Lottery will be the same as regular waterfowl season (see our Admissions Summary table)
5. At these events, all junior/youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult guardian.  Accompanying adults may not hunt during Youth Hunt Events.
6. White-fronted Goose Special Management Area - make sure to review our White-fronted Goose Special Management Area section (includes Sacramento/Delevan/Colusa) = a daily bag limit of 3 white-fronts will be allowed during the Youth Hunt.

Special Areas for Juniors/Youths:

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• Delevan NWR: offers 1 Assigned Pond (AP 11) for Junior Hunters.

1. This AP will be given to the first interested party having a Junior Hunter, following the standard admission process.  This AP is for hunting parties with a Junior Hunter only, and will not be filled by adult hunting parties. 
2. Accompanying adults may hunt along with the Junior Hunters, as long as it is not during a Junior/Youth Hunting Event (see above).

• Colusa NWR: offers 1 Assigned Pond (AP 10) for Junior Hunters.

1. This AP will be given to the first interested party having a Junior Hunter, following the standard admission process.  This AP is for hunting parties with a Junior Hunter only, and will not be filled by adult hunting parties. 
2. Accompanying adults may hunt along with the Junior Hunters, as long as it is not during a Junior/Youth Hunting Event (see above).

• Sacramento River NWR - Codora Unit:  The Codora Unit is open only to junior hunters, only on weekends, from August 15 - May 31. Junior must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults may not hunt along with the Junior Hunters. 

Frequently-asked Questions

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MOBILITY-IMPAIRED HUNTING

Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodation Procedures

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I. Definition of “Mobility Impaired”

A "Mobility Impaired” hunter is defined as a person who has been issued one of the following:

1. A Department of Motor Vehicles Mobility Impaired License Plate
2. A Permanent Parking Placard Identification Card**
3. A “Mobility Impaired Veteran” License Plate
4. A valid “Mobility Impaired Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License” (FG Form 1460).
    

**The blue plastic “Mobility Impaired Parking Placard” may not be substituted for the required identification which bears the name of the mobility impaired person. Mobility impaired hunters must provide the registration certificate for DMV issued mobility impaired license plates. Any person who possesses a valid Mobility Impaired Persons Motor Vehicle Hunting License (FG 1460), issued by the CDFW, is qualified to enter under the “reasonable accommodation procedures”. Use of a motor vehicle is limited to the procedures described below.

II. Methods of Entry & Daily Processing (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter NWRs)

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a. MOBILITY-IMPAIRED RESERVATIONS

 - To Obtain an MI Reservation:

A hunter must apply for a reservation at least 17 days in advance of desired hunt day.  Please see the Admissions Methods section for information on how to attain reservations.

 - Daily MI Reservation Processing:

Mobility Impaired reservations on Sacramento and Delevan National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) will be processed starting 2 ½ hours before waterfowl shoot time until 1 ½ hours before waterfowl shoot time. On Colusa and Sutter NWRs, MI reservations will be processed starting 2 hours before waterfowl shoot time until 1 hour before waterfowl shoot time. 

Hunters holding MI hunter reservations issued by California Department of Fish & Wildlife License and Revenue Branch will be processed first according to the following procedures:

1. Numbered reservations will be called in sequence.
2. MI hunters must provide proof of eligibility as described in “Definition of Mobility Impaired”. 

The reservation holder (junior or adult) must have the appropriate documentation (see above) to access MI hunting sites.

b. MOBILITY-IMPAIRED LOTTERY

 - To Obtain an MI Lottery Number:

A hunter can enter one refuge's lottery per hunt day by going to that refuge's check station between 6:00-8:00 pm the night before the desired hunt day.  Please see the Admissions Methods section for information on how to participate in the lottery.

 - Daily MI Lottery Processing: 

1.  After the cut-off time for reservations and prior to calling other hunters, the area manager may issue any vacant MI hunting sites to MI hunters in the "lottery line”.
2. To be eligible for a MI site the MI hunter’s name must appear on the front of the lottery card and the MI box must be marked. It is the hunter’s responsibility to check the appropriate MI box on the lottery entry card or request that the MI box be marked if the check station staff is filling out their card.
3. If there is more than one MI hunter in the lottery line who has checked the MI entry box, the lowest number will have first choice.
4. However, if there are no vacant or desirable MI Blinds, or MI Assigned Ponds, these hunters may be placed on the MI “blind waiting” or “pond waiting” list.
5. MI hunters who have checked the MI Entry Box may not have access to a non mobility-impaired blind site for the hunt day. They may choose to go to free roam when their number is called along with the standard lottery hunters.
6. MI hunters entering the lottery through the standard process, with the MI Entry Box unchecked, will be processed as any other hunter in the lottery line and are not eligible for access to MI sites.
7. MI hunters who wish to use their non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors may gain entry to the free roam areas (except Colusa and Sutter NWRs) by using accessible boat ramps through the standard reservation and lottery draw systems.

III. Methods of Entry (Sacramento River NWR)

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• There are two Sacramento River MI blinds available by RESERVATION ONLY on the Rio Vista and Sul Norte Units to hunt turkey, deer, and feral pig. 
• Reservations are available on a first-come, first-reservation basis seven days a week during the appropriate season.
• Reservations can be made by submitting this application at least 3 business days prior to your desired reservation date:  Sacramento River NWR's Mobility Impaired Reservation Application. The form can be emailed, faxed, mailed, or dropped of at the visitor center. Hunters must provide proper mobility impaired paperwork. For additional access needs, please contact the refuge manager at 530-934-2801.
• Reservation-holders will receive a gate code permitting them to drive into the area to park near the blind. See the Unit maps for blind locations.
• There are no hunter check stations on the Sacramento River NWR.  
• There are no hunting fees or hunter quotas, and specified refuge lands are open to hunting and fishing in the appropriate season.
• Review the Sacramento River NWR - Hunting page for detailed information on areas open to hunting, species, firearms, and regulations.
• Please see the River Hunting FAQs section on our Hunting page for answers to frequent questions about hunting on the Sacramento River NWR.

IV. Refilling Mobility Impaired Blinds (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter NWRs)

• Sacramento NWR – 5D, 23D, 27D and 9 D may be refilled by MI hunters until 3:00 p.m.
• Delevan NWR- Blinds 13D, 29D and 30D may be refilled by MI hunters until 3:00 p.m.
• Colusa NWR – Ponds P2A and P2B may be refilled by MI hunters until 3:00 p.m.
• Sutter NWR – Pond 6D may be refilled by MI hunters until 3:00 p.m.

V. ATV Use (Sacramento and Delevan NWRs only)

1. Only MI hunters may use ATVs and only for access to designated hunting sites.
2. A helmet must be worn while driving the ATV.
3. A driver must provide proof of completion of ATV safety training.

VI. Other

• MI hunters desiring special accommodations should use the above procedures. MI hunters who want to hunt without any accommodations, and do not need assistance, are welcome to enter the hunting area under standard procedures.
• During the in-season junior hunts and post season youth hunts, junior/youth hunters may access the MI hunting sites via the lottery process, if they have a guardian with a permanent disability and the MI sites 
• Find More Information on:  Information, Eligibility and Applications for Mobility Impaired Hunters for type-A areas in California (link to CDFW site) 

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MOBILITY-IMPAIRED HUNTER OPPORTUNITIES

Please see the MI Reasonable Accommodation Procedures section for:
   - Definition of Mobility-Impaired
   - Methods of Entry (reservation, lottery)
   - MI Blind Refills
   - ATV policy

Free Roam

Free roam area on waterfowl refuge sites are accessed via walking, wheelchair, or by any other non-motorized conveyance.

Mobility-Impaired Waterfowl Blinds/Sites:

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Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: two spaced blind sites, one assigned pond, and two Xfowler moveable blinds designated for mobility-impaired hunters.

Sacramento NWR - Boat Accessibility:

• Two boat launches are available for disabled hunters. 
• Boats can be used at AP 27D and free roam T38:1 from parking lot C. 
• Electric motors or manual boats are required. No gas motors are permitted.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Mobility Impaired Blind Information

Blind Location	Description and Access	Capacity	Photos
Sacramento NWR - 5D	Spaced Blind: concrete pad with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. Access is hard-packed gravel. May be accessed by motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV).  Vehicle access goes right to blind location.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs  4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details
Sacramento NWR - 9D	The Xfowler floating blind is an 8’x10’ blind with 2 chairs, designed to float in very shallow water, and can be pulled easily across the pond by an able-bodied hunting partner. Hunters will drive from parking lot D to the west (following signs to blind 9D) to the loading and unloading area: At this location, the hunting party may drop off hunting gear and the hunter with the disability but then must return the vehicle to parking lot D. From the loading and unloading area, a 132-yard hard packed gravel trail will lead hunters to the floating blind docking station.  At the floating blind, fold down the ramp from the floating blind and load your hunting gear and the hunter with a disability.  Once you have everything loaded, a member of the hunting party can pull the blind 130 yards to the assigned hunting location at an island.  Access to the assigned hunting tule island will have an underwater gravel path lined with guide stakes leading to the hunting location. The 4-person concrete pit blind will remain at the old Blind 9 location permitting hunters to use either blind. When hunters choose blind 9D through the reservation, lottery, or first-come first-serve process, they will be given a combination to the lock on the floating blind at the docking station. They will be responsible for locking the floating blind at the docking station after they have finished hunting for the day.	Xfowler floating blind (2 chairs) and one 4-person concrete pit blind	Image Details
Sacramento NWR - 23D	Spaced blind: concrete pad with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles Access is hard-packed gravel May be accessed by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 90-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs  4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details
Sacramento NWR - AP 27D	Assigned pond with a boat launch, which allows hunters the opportunity to hunt outside of the blind. Xfowler floating blind is an 8’x10’ blind with 2 chairs, designed to float in very shallow water, and can be pulled easily across the pond by an able-bodied hunting partner. Stand-up blind has bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles, and is accessed via a submerged packed gravel path through the water. May be access by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 140-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	Xfowler floating blind with two chairs and one 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs. 4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: Three spaced blind sites designated for mobility-impaired hunters

Delevan NWR - Boat Accessibility: 

• Two boat launches are available for disabled hunters in free roam. 
• Access is from parking lot C and can access T34.3 and T33. 
• Electric motors or manual boats are required. No gas motors are permitted.

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge Mobility Impaired Blind Information

Blind Location	Description and Access	Capacity	Photos
Delevan NWR - 13D	Spaced blind: bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. Access is hard-packed gravel. May be accessed by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 100-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs  4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details
Delevan NWR - 29D	Spaced blind: bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. Access is hard-packed gravel May be accessed by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 37-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs. 4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind.	Image Details
Delevan NWR - 30D	Spaced blind: bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. Access is hard-packed gravel. May be access by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 37-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	Two 2-person stand-up blinds with two chairs. 4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind.	Image Details

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: Two assigned ponds designated for mobility-impaired hunters. 

Colusa NWR - Boat Accessibility: 

• Disabled hunters may access P2A and P2B via boat. 
• The boat launch is accessible from the disabled parking lot. 
• Electric motors or manual boats are required. No gas motors are permitted.

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Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Mobility Impaired Blind Information

Blind Location	Description and Access	Capacity	Photos
Colusa NWR - AP P2A	Assigned pond with a boat launch, constructed on an island. Island-blind has bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. The floating Xfowler blind is anchored at the boat launch in the parking lot to access P2A. Hunters are permitted to move the floating blind anywhere within the assigned pond boundary and must return it to the parking lot when their hunt is completed. Access to the island-blind requires a 364 yard (0.2 mile) walk from the parking lot, of which 201 yards are on a gravel road and 163 yards are on a submerged packed gravel path through the water, marked with guides stakes and reflective tape. P2A is also accessible via boat from the boat launch at the mobility-impaired parking lot.	Xfowler floating blind and one 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs 4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details Image Details
Colusa NWR - AP P2B	Assigned pond with a boat launch Bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles. Access is hard-packed gravel. May be accessed by a motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV). It is a 102-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site. P2B is also accessible via boat from the boat launch at the mobility-impaired parking lot. Electric motors or manual boats are required. No gas motors are permitted.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs. 4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details Image Details

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: One assigned pond designated for mobility-impaired hunters, which includes one blind.

Sutter NWR - Boat Accessibility: 

• Hunters may use the boat launch in the disabled hunter parking lot 
• Electric motors or manual boats are required. No gas motors are permitted.

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge Mobility Impaired Blind Information

Blind Location	Description and Access	Capacity	Photos
Sutter NWR - AP 6D	Assigned pond with a boat launch. Blind has bike-track flooring with wire fencing, camouflaged with fast grass and tule bundles Access is hard-packed gravel May access by motor vehicle or ATV (see the Mobility-Impaired Reasonable Accommodations section for specific information on using an ATV).  It is a 150-yard walk from the loading and unloading area to the blind site.	One 2-person stand-up blind with two chairs  4 people total can hunt here - 2 people in the blind, 2 people outside the blind	Image Details

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Mobility-Impaired Turkey, Deer, and Feral Pig Blinds (Sacramento River):

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Sacramento River NWR

Two Mobility-Impaired blinds are available on the Sacramento River NWR via reservation to hunt turkey, deer, and feral pig.  Please see the MI Admissions section for information on how to reserve the MI Blinds at Rio Vista and Sul Norte Units.  

Blind Location	Description	Photo(s)
Rio Vista Unit (Tehama County) of the Sacramento River NWR	A packed gravel trail with a hunting blind developed for turkey hunting. The pad and trail to the blind are packed gravel.  The blind is constructed of wood and metal frame, hog wire siding and has camouflaged netting attached.  There are four shooting slots cut into the siding and brush material for natural concealment on the outside.  Disabled hunters with a reservation will be able to drive in to access the blind. Hunting on Rio Vista for able-bodied hunters is by boat access only.   *This blind was not created for dove hunting (surrounded by trees).	Image Details
Sul Norte Unit (Glenn County) of the Sacramento River NWR	The pad and trail are packed gravel. The blind is constructed of wood and metal frame, hog wire siding, and it is brushed with natural material.  There are four shooting slots cut into the siding and brush material for natural concealment.	Image Details Image Details

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