Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to the ecological reserve will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:
2024 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)
Saturday, Nov. 30
Thursday, Dec. 5
Saturday, Dec. 14
Thursday, Dec. 19
Saturday, Dec. 28
2025 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)
Thursday, Jan. 2
Saturday, Jan. 11
Thursday, Jan. 16
Saturday, Jan. 25
“Eden Landing is part of the largest wetlands restoration on the West Coast — 15,100 acres in the South Bay — and waterfowl hunts on this land are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed,” said CDFW Wildlife and Unstaffed Lands Manager John Krause. “These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest.”
Adult hunters must have a valid California hunting license, Federal Duck Stamp, California Duck Validation and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Youth hunters must have a valid Junior Hunting License, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation and, if 16 or older, also possess a Federal Duck Stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).
There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.
Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.
Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at www.southbayrestoration.org.
