Access for hunting will occur on three weekends and two weekdays. Fifty permits will be drawn for each of these one-day hunts and each permit is good for two hunters. Junior hunters must possess a junior hunting license, and can take either another licensed junior hunter or a licensed adult hunter. Two junior hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. Vehicle access for the purpose of launching boats for waterfowl hunting will only be allowed on the hunt date.
The reserve is composed of former industrial salt ponds currently managed as low-salinity ponds to provide water bird habitat. Public access to the Reserve is currently limited to the public lottery waterfowl hunts. Drive-on and walk-on access for waterfowl hunting will be by permit only on the specified dates. Due to site conditions, a boat or a dog will be necessary for retrieval in the salt ponds for successful hunting.
To apply for one of these hunts, applicants need to submit a self-addressed envelope and a letter or postcard with the hunter’s name, address, telephone number, and hunting license number to:
California Department of Fish and Game
20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
ATTN: (Desired Month) ELER Hunt
Applicants may only submit a single application for each hunt period and applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the due date. They should indicate their first and second preference for hunt periods consisting of a Saturday and Wednesday. Applications received late, incomplete, or without a self-addressed envelope will not be considered in the draw. Successful applicants will receive additional information, including maps and special regulations, prior to their hunt.
The next hunt dates will be Saturday, December 11, and Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004. Applications must be received by November 24. Applicants should include ATTN: 2nd December ELER Hunt when addressing the envelope to the Department, and the day preference (Thursday or Saturday).
The last hunt will be January 29, 2005. Applications must be received by January 7, 2005. Applicants should include ATTN: January ELER Hunt when addressing the envelope to the Department.
Formal plans for public access opportunities at ELER in addition to hunting are underway as part of the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project. For more information, visit the web site at www.southbayrestoration.org.
Copyright © 2004 J & D Outdoor Communications. All rights reserved.