Waterfowl
Ducks and geese on rice, refuge, and the rivers that feed them. NorCal winter is a waterfowl season if you are willing to be cold and early.
Where they work
Flooded rice, refuge units, and the private pits that book out when a storm is on the map. Scout the feed. Hunt the traffic between roost and feed, not a random ditch.
The rules that catch people
Non-lead shot. Plug in the gun. Stamps and HIP. Refuge reservations are not a suggestion. A dog that breaks is how you get a lecture and an empty strap.
Season splits and zone boundaries move. The Board is our summary. CDFW is the source.
In camp
A honest retriever, dry gloves, and a plan for the birds on ice before the diner. Goose legs want a smoke, not a boil. Duck breasts want a hot pan and a short rest.
Dates and rules on NorCalHunt are the desk's briefing notes. Confirm every season, tag, and refuge rule with CDFW before you leave the driveway.