Sacramento Valley refuges
Rice, refuge draws, and the hunts that make a Tuesday storm worth calling in sick. This is the valley's duck country, and it fills up.
The ground
Gray Lodge, Sacramento, Colusa, Delevan, and the rice around them are the winter calendar for a valley hunter. Pits, walk-in units, and private ground all fish the same birds.
A midweek northwest wind and a reservation beat a sunny Saturday with a full parking lot. We say that every year because it stays true.
How we hunt it
Non-lead shot, a license that is current, and a dog that will sit. If the dog will not sit, leave the dog. The refuge is not the place to find out.
Watch the draw window like a weather radar. The desk flags when reservations are moving. You still have to click the button.
Before you go
HIP, federal duck stamp when it applies, state license, and the refuge's own rules for that unit. Shells in the vest, not a new box you meant to pattern.
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.