7
Daily duck limit
4
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$47.51
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesPacific Flyway Zone 1: Oct 19–Jan 31; Zone 2: Oct 26–Jan 31; Zone 3: Nov 2–Jan 31; Zone 4 (Valley): Oct 19–Jan 31; Zone 5 (Southern): Oct 26–Jan 31
FlywayPacific Flyway
Zone InformationCalifornia has five Pacific Flyway duck hunting zones aligned with habitat types: Northern California (Zone 1), interior mountain valleys (Zone 2), coastal areas (Zone 3), Central Valley (Zone 4), and southern California (Zone 5). The Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley are the state's primary rice and waterfowl habitat zone. The Sacramento NWR complex is at the center of California's duck hunting universe.
Species NotesDucks: 7/day; mallard 5 (2 hens); pintail 2; canvasback 3; redhead 5; scaup 2; wood duck 2. Geese: Canada/cackling 4/day combined; white-fronted (specklebelly) 10/day; snow/blue/Ross's 20/day. Nontoxic shot required statewide.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
State Waterfowl Stamp
✅ Required ($14.37)
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration is required annually for all waterfowl hunters at no cost. Register online at wildlife.ca.gov or at any license vendor. California's state duck stamp ($14.37) is required in addition to HIP and the federal duck stamp. Lead shot is prohibited statewide for all hunting in California.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a California hunting license ($61.82 resident) from California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
4
Purchase the California Waterfowl Stamp ($14.37) — required in addition to your hunting license.
Additional Notes: California's Central Valley is the most important wintering area for Pacific Flyway waterfowl, with the Sacramento Valley rice fields and the San Joaquin Valley wetlands providing habitat for millions of ducks and geese each winter. The Sacramento NWR complex hosts spectacular specklebelly goose concentrations that can exceed 100,000 birds. California's highest-in-the-nation duck license fees reflect intense demand and fund substantial wetland habitat programs through the CalDuck Fund. Sutter NWR, Colusa NWR, and the Delevan NWR round out one of the most impressive public hunting and wildlife viewing landscapes in the country. The state's nontoxic shot requirement has been in place longer than any other state.
Buy CA License — California Department of Fish and Wildlife