Veteran Hunt Program

California Waterfowl Association started as the Duck Hunters Association of California with one goal: influence hunting regulations. Eighty years later, it's evolved into a comprehensive conservation organization managing wetland habitat across the state while maintaining its core mission of supporting sustainable waterfowl hunting.

"California has lost as much as 95% of its historic wetlands. Much of what remains today exists only because duck hunters saved it, starting as long ago as the 1880s."

CWA operates across three primary areas:

Habitat Restoration & Wetland Management - Millions in annual spending on wetland improvement projects across California's landscape—from the Klamath Basin to the Imperial Valley - Owns and manages duck clubs: Grizzly Ranch and Denverton (Suisun Marsh), Goose Lake units (Tulare Basin), Quimby Island (California Delta), Butte Creek Island Ranch (Butte Sink), and Sanborn Slough - Coordinates statewide programs including wood duck nest box deployment (950,000+ ducklings fledged from CWA boxes), mallard egg salvage, rice levee work, delayed wheat harvest, and nesting bird habitat incentives - Staff deploys across the state to band pintails and mallards for research supporting sustainable hunting seasons

Hunter Training & Access - Hunt Program provides private-land hunting opportunities to approximately 2,000 members annually—addressing the critical shortage of accessible hunting land - Hunter education events include classroom instruction, exams required for California hunting licenses, and mentored hunts for beginners - Hunter development programs for new hunters who've completed hunter ed but need hands-on experience - Women's hunt program taught in supportive, women-only environments - Summer multi-day camps teaching hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills to kids - Loaner firearms and gear (waders, jackets) available so new hunters can try before buying - Emphasis on safe gun handling and shooting instruction at all events

Public Policy & Advocacy - Works at federal, state, and local levels to ensure hunting-friendly regulations and adequate water supplies for wetlands - Participates in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Flyway Council processes and California Fish and Game Commission proceedings - Recent wins: expanded eligibility for reduced-cost youth licenses, early fall and spring goose seasons, hunter exemption from California's long gun safety test when showing hunting license - Maintains Regulations and Traditions Committee (meets twice yearly, usually April and September in Sacramento area) - Coordinates annual Lobby Day at California state Capitol where hunters meet directly with lawmakers - Action alert system helps members contact representatives on critical legislation

Early 1980s research partnership with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (then Fish and Game) revealed a critical finding: 60-70% of mallards taken by hunters in California were hatched and reared in California itself. This challenged conventional thinking that northern breeding grounds drove duck populations during California winters. The discovery shifted CWA's focus toward local breeding habitat restoration.

Free educational materials and guides available online: - New Hunter Checklist for first-time hunt prep - Shotgun buying guides - Online Hunter Education Resources - Gun Storage Check—detailed firearm safety storage information - How-to video series and podcast episodes covering legal requirements, budget-friendly gear, effective shooting, and public land hunting strategies

CWA leverages member contributions to secure major public and private grants funding thousands of acres of habitat work annually. Membership funds directly support wetland restoration, hunter training, advocacy efforts, and research.

• •Phone: (916) 648-1406
• •Fax: (916) 648-1406
• •Address: 1346 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95678
• •Website: calwaterfowl.org