The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering wild pig hunts in March and April at the Joice Island Unit of Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

The 2020 Joice Island pig hunt drawings will be administered online exclusively. CDFW is accepting applications until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.

To apply for either the apprentice or general hunts, visit CDFW’s Apprentice Hunts webpage and either log in or create a new account. Use the drop-down menus to apply for the weekend of your choice. Permits with maps and additional information will be e-mailed to selected applicants.

“This is a unique opportunity to apply for a wild pig hunt with no application fee,” said CDFW Bay Delta Region Environmental Scientist Orlando Rocha.

The limited-entry, permit-only hunts help control a small population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit, a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, brush and standing water. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license and wild pig tag and may only use shotguns with non-lead slugs or archery equipment. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed.

Four hunters will be drawn for eight consecutive weekends for a total of 32 hunters. The first hunt weekend will be reserved for apprentice hunters holding junior licenses, age 12 to 17. There is no charge to apply, but applicants may only apply for one hunt weekend.

Apprentice Hunt Weekend - Junior License Holders Age 12 to 17: March 7-8.

General Hunt Weekends - Adults and Junior License Holders: March 14-15, March 21-22, March 28-29, April 4-5, April 11-12, April 18-19, April 25-26.

Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Junior license holders receiving a permit must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

CDFW reserves the right to cancel hunts and close the area to the public without prior notification due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

For more information call the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area main office at 707-425-3828.