Youngsters who are interested in participating in the special event scheduled for the Feb. 5-6, 2005 weekend may hunt wherever the hunter has legal access, whether private or public lands. The special weekend is an extension of waterfowl season only for youths. This special hunt is one of the most anticipated of the year and has been a highlight for young hunters in recent seasons. Many state wildlife areas and federal refuges will be open for hunting through the normal reservation system in addition to walk-ons. To hunt the wildlife areas and refuges, apply using the normal reservation system with the junior hunter’s hunting license number. Use a one- or five-choice waterfowl reservation application, which is available from hunting license agents and DFG offices.

“Reservations are not generally required at most areas - only the most popular fill,” said
Glenn Underwood of DFG’s License and Revenue Branch. “We hope that parents will get their kids involved because kids have really enjoyed this special hunt in the past.”

To hunt, juniors must have completed a Hunter Education course and possess a valid California Junior Hunting License. They are not required to have state or federal duck stamps. A non-shooting adult age 18 or older must accompany the youth hunter. The Northeastern California zone will not be open to hunting during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day. Another note: Howard Slough Wildlife Area and Sutter National Wildlife Refuge will be closed due to consistent flooding from year to year.