Only persons authorized by DFG will be allowed on the wildlife area during this time.

Tule elk, a species native to California, once roamed the Central Valley and woodland areas of California. By 1860, however, the population was reduced from an estimated 500,000 elk to only a few animals due to disruption of their habitat and the demand for meat by Gold Rush-era prospectors.

Since the 1970s, DFG has worked to re-establish these herds, and California’s statewide tule elk population has now rebounded to more than 3,600 animals in 22 herds. The Grizzly Island tule elk herd started from seven animals, which were relocated from Tupman (Kern County) in 1977. In the absence of predators and disease on the wildlife area, herd numbers increased beyond expected levels. At the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, the herd size is approximately 150, about 50 more than DFG’s population goal.

Hunting and relocation programs are intended to maintain tule elk herd populations at the desired size, which helps prevent health and food supply problems. Five successful capture efforts have taken place at Grizzly Island, resulting in the relocation of more than 160 elk to other areas in California. DFG will continue to relocate tule elk as suitable habitat sites are identified. However, suitable habitat sites are becoming more difficult to find and relocation is expensive. The state’s tule elk hunting program generates dollars that fund capture, relocation and establishment of new herds statewide.

During Grizzly Island’s closure, DFG recommends visiting the following alternate areas for hiking, nature viewing, dog training and fishing opportunities within the Suisun Marsh:

• Hill Slough Wildlife Area: Located on Grizzly Island Road, off Highway
12 in Suisun, prior to the one-lane bridge;

• Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve: Located at the foot of Kellogg
Street in Suisun City, near the marina;

• Belden’s Landing Fishing Access and Boat Launch Ramp: Located on
Grizzly Island Road;

• Island Slough Fishing Access: Located on Grizzly Island Road.

For more information, call Grizzly Island Wildlife Area at (707) 425-3828.