Beginning Thursday, Nov. 20, hunters can participate in waterfowl hunts on Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing in Hayward. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the ecological reserve features restored salt pond habitat.

Access to the ecological reserve will require no entry fee and be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:

2025 hunts (4:30 a.m. check-in)

Thursday, Nov. 20; Saturday, Nov. 29; Thursday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 13; Thursday, Dec. 18; and Saturday, Dec. 27.

2026 hunts (4:30 a.m. check-in)

Tuesday, Jan. 6; Saturday, Jan. 10; Thursday, Jan. 15; and Saturday, Jan. 24.

“These hunts typically have a two- to three-bird average per hunter with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest,” said Wildlife Biologist and Reserve Manager Garrett Allen. “Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no entry fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed.”

Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck validation and Harvest Information Program validations. Junior hunters must have a junior license 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. The ecological reserve 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 the ecological reserve may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.

Additional public access opportunities at the reserve 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.