Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, 11 miles north of Monterey, conserves the place where the Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay is recognized as providing habitat for some of the most interesting wildlife in the country. The migrating humpback and right whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and pelicans attract the most attention. But this bay is also important for a variety of bird species, including migrating waterfowl. Portions of the refuge are open to public hunting for waterfowl. Waterfowl hunting is allowed along the southeast bank of the Salinas River, within the posted boundaries of the hunt area.
Hunt Area
Hunting is allowed within the posted boundaries of the hunt area. Shooting is only allowed along the bank of the Salinas River on the southeast portion of the refuge toward the river. Access to hunt area is by foot only. Shooting from the river toward the refuge river bank is prohibited. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
Hunting Season and Hours
Waterfowl hunting season extends from approximately mid-October to mid-January. Specific dates can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. During the season, hunting is permitted on the refuge daily from one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.
Huntable Species
Only ducks, geese, coots, and common moorhens may be hunted on the refuge. All other wildlife is protected.
Retrieval Dogs
Only dogs engaged in hunting activities in the hunt area of the refuge during the waterfowl season are permitted. Hunters must keep their dog(s) under their immediate control at all times. Dogs may not be trained on the refuge. All other dogs and pets are prohibited.
Retrieving Zones
Hunters may use dogs or inflatables to enter closed areas of the refuge to retrieve downed birds, provided that they leave all weapons on the bank.
Licenses
All hunters must carry a valid California hunting license. Hunters 16 years or older must also possess a valid, signed, Federal Duck Stamp, a State Duck Stamp, and the Harvest Information Program participation stamp.
Additional Permits and Reservations
None Required.
Bag and Possession Limits
Hunting limits vary from year to year. Please check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's website for up-to-date information.
Weapons and Ammunition
Only legal shotguns are permitted in the designated hunt area during the waterfowl hunting season. Firearms must be unloaded until you are in the designated hunt area. Hunters may possess only approved non-toxic shot shells in quantities of 25 or less while on the refuge.
Accidents
All accidents and injuries occurring on the refuge must be immediately reported to the Refuge Manager.
Removal of Personal Property
Decoys and other personal property, including blinds, must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day. Hunters must remove all trash, including shotshell hulls, when leaving hunting areas. Please refrain from using vegetation to create blinds.
Alcohol
Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
Camping, Campfires, and Overnight Parking
Prohibited