Guide to Hunting the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting is a huge activity around Orland, CA. Being in between several metropolitan areas, it makes sense that our county would be a beacon of nature, relaxation, and game hunting. 

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex has four different wildlife areas reserved for birdwatching and hunting, and each one of these premier hunting spots is a short drive from The Parkway RV Resort and Campground. We plan to go through the refuges and highlight their attractions.

Refuge Passes are required for all of these hunting spots ($5.40 per person). 

You can also buy the Federal Duck Stamp for each person in your party, which gives you access to all the refuges ($25 each).

Sacramento Wildlife Refuge

Renowned for its amazing waterfowl hunting, the Sacramento Valley is the place to visit during California duck season. The Sacramento Wildlife Refuge is the largest of the various plots scattered throughout northern California. 

In a single year, they see around 500,000 ducks, and 250,000 geese at this specific refuge, but there’s many other kinds of birds for guests interested in birdwatching over hunting. There are also two different nature trails like the Wetland Wak and the Logan Creek Trail. They are open from February - June, so don’t miss out on them!

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

The Colusa Refuge is the second closest wildlife area near The Parkway RV Resort, and while it’s a bit smaller than the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge, it still is a magnet for ducks, geese, birds of prey, and everything in between.

There are two trails here: The Wetlands Discovery Trail and the Native Garden Trail. Both are incredibly short (not even a mile total), but show off the natural environment of Colusa. It’s a great hunting location too!

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

Sutter Wildlife Refuge is an awesome place for photographers, hunters, and bird watchers alike. Sutter has three trails each with a good length, but they are all considered easy. It’s definitely the hiker’s favorite place to visit out of all these wildlife refuges. Our favorite is the Riparian Loop Trail, a two mile walk through the beautiful wetlands.

Dogs are allowed on the trails, but make sure they have a leash.

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

This is by far the least visited wildlife refuge by tourists, as wildlife viewing is limited and there are no trails to speak of. If you want to go on a photography trip or hunting trip, you need to schedule a reservation. You can do so here.

Book a Reservation For Hunting!

Book a Photography Reservation

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

What regulations do I need to know about to go hunting in California?

Because California is pretty well-known for its regulations on guns, hunting, and many other things, some of our guests have been hesitant to get involved in the sport here. However, so long as you read up on some of the hunting regulations, you should be fine, and you’ll see that hunting in CA is no different than most other places.

How much are California Hunting Licenses?

Before you’re able to explore these beautiful outdoor wildlife havens, you should first grab a California Hunting License. These range in price depending on your residency, time you plan to use it, and other personal factors.

Prices

Resident Hunting License: $58.58

Nonresident Hunting License: $204.69

Junior Hunting License (15 or younger): $15.38

Two-Day Nonresident Hunting License: $58.58

Federal Duck Stamp: $25

Just because you bought a hunting license, some tags may be necessary for certain kinds of animals. Some of these animals are deer, bear, elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.

Find a Place to Stay for Your Hunting Trip

Sometimes you just need to get away for a while in the great outdoors. Come camping with us at The Parkway RV Resort and Campground for your hunting adventures. Not only are we just a short drive from every one of these prime hunting spots, but we have great amenities and keep you hanging in the countryside so you can stay out of the city. Check our accommodations today!