By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Rio Linda and Elverta hunters looking for a unique opportunity to hunt this fall can now apply for limited-access deer hunts at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has opened applications for the reserve’s 2026 deer hunting program, offering a small number of permits for both A Zone and D-5 Zone deer seasons.
Located in southern Sacramento County, the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve has hosted a controlled public deer hunting program since 2021. The program has grown in popularity and remains limited to just eight week-long hunting periods each season to help manage wildlife while providing safe public access.
Eight Permits Available
CDFW will issue eight access permits this year:
- Four permits during the A Zone season
- Four permits during the D-5 Zone season
Each permit allows up to two hunters to participate during a designated one-week hunting period.
The A Zone hunts take place from July through September in the reserve’s Arno Unit, located west of Highway 99. D-5 Zone hunts are scheduled from mid-August through early November in the Dillard Unit, east of Highway 99.
Equipment Restrictions
Hunters should note that equipment restrictions are stricter than in many other hunting areas.
During the archery seasons, only archery equipment is permitted. During the general season, hunters may use archery equipment or shotguns loaded with nonlead slugs.
Rifles, handguns and muzzleloaders are not permitted within the reserve because of public safety considerations.
Each hunter is limited to one legal buck during their assigned hunting period.
Application Deadlines
Applications are being accepted now.
- A Zone (Arno Unit General Hunt): Applications must be received by 2 p.m. on July 13, 2026.
- D-5 Zone (Dillard Unit Archery and General Hunts): Applications must be received by 2 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2026.
Permits will be awarded through a computerized random drawing.
Hunters selected in the drawing will be notified by email, phone call or text message and will receive maps, access instructions and additional information before their hunt.
Who Can Apply?
Up to two hunters may apply together on a single application.
Junior hunters who are at least 12 years old may also participate if accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.
Each individual may appear on only one application. Anyone listed on multiple applications will be disqualified from the drawing.
Successful applicants must possess:
- A valid 2026-27 California hunting license
- The appropriate 2026 deer tag for the hunt they are selected to participate in
How to Apply
Applications can be downloaded from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve webpage or requested by calling the CDFW Rancho Cordova office at (916) 358-2900 during regular business hours.
Completed applications may be submitted by email or by mail to CDFW’s Rancho Cordova office.
What Hunters Should Know
The Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve offers one of the Sacramento region’s few controlled public hunting opportunities. Because only eight permits are issued each year, competition is typically high, but successful applicants gain access to habitat that is generally unavailable to the public.
For hunters in Rio Linda and Elverta, the reserve provides a nearby opportunity to pursue deer without traveling to the Sierra or Northern California hunting areas.
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