By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Oct. 20, 2026
For Rio Linda and Elverta hunters, it’s time to check the decoys, get the gear ready and see whether the dog remembers as much as you hope.
California’s 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 24, in most zones, and state wildlife biologists say favorable early wetland conditions could give hunters a strong start.
Then comes the familiar waiting game: When will colder weather push migrating birds south? Which fields will have water? Will that refuge reservation finally come through?
Those answers will unfold over the coming months. For opening weekend, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife points to encouraging conditions for locally nesting ducks.
“We had abundant spring rains along with carryover water late last year that created favorable habitat conditions for nesting ducks and our managed wetlands,” said CDFW Waterfowl Program Biologist Melanie Weaver.
Those local birds account for much of the early-season harvest, Weaver said, before wintering waterfowl arrive later in the season.
Check the rules before heading out
In the Balance of State Zone, which includes the Sacramento area, the regular duck season runs Oct. 24 through Jan. 31. Scaup season opens later, on Nov. 7. Other zones and special hunting areas have different schedules and restrictions.
Hunters should review the current regulations for their destination, including species-specific bag limits, shooting hours and access requirements.
Public hunting opportunities are available at more than two dozen national wildlife refuges, wildlife areas and ecological reserves. Reservation procedures and local rules vary, so a little homework now can save an unwelcome surprise before sunrise.
CDFW advises hunters to purchase required licenses, validations and passes in advance and check for closures before traveling. Purchases are available through the department’s online licensing system, license agents, select CDFW offices or telephone sales at 800-565-1458.
Pheasant hunters: Mark Nov. 14
For many hunters around Rio Linda and Elverta, fall also means a walk through the fields behind a good bird dog.
California’s general pheasant season opens Saturday, Nov. 14, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 27.
The daily bag limit is two male pheasants on opening weekend, Nov. 14–15, increasing to three males per day beginning Nov. 16. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Female pheasants may not be taken during the general season.
Hunters need a valid hunting license and an upland game bird validation, unless hunting under a junior hunting license. Nonlead ammunition is required when hunting with a firearm.
Before heading out, confirm access, permission and any special rules for the property or wildlife area you plan to hunt. Full details are available on CDFW’s upland game bird hunting page.
Protect your birds, your dog and your backyard flock
CDFW is reminding hunters that highly pathogenic avian influenza, including H5N1, continues to circulate among wild waterbirds.
The department advises taking precautions when handling harvested birds and cleaning equipment. Dress birds in a well-ventilated area away from chickens and other pet birds, and do not feed dogs or other animals raw meat or organs from harvested waterfowl.
Hunters should review CDFW’s wildlife health guidance before the season.
Don’t give invasive mussels a ride
Duck boats and wet hunting equipment can also transport invasive golden mussels between waterways. Mud, debris and retained water can carry unwanted hitchhikers.
CDFW urges hunters to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment after every outing. Contact the refuge, wildlife area or waterbody manager before launching to check inspection requirements and potential closures, and review whether your vessel requires a Mussel Fee Sticker.
A few minutes spent cleaning up after the hunt can help protect the marshes and waterways we’ll want to return to next season.
Plan your hunt:
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