Waterfowl Hunting on Kern NWR
Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America鈥檚 heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. Kern National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1960, when Kern County sportsmen became alarmed when the area and number of wetlands decreased during the 1930鈥檚 and 1940鈥檚 due to the escalating development in the area that reduced wintering waterfowl habitat. Currently Kern NWR is the only public waterfowl hunt area in this portion of the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
When development of the Kern NWR began in the early 1960鈥檚, ten wells were drilled throughout the Refuge to provide a source of water for wetland management purposes. The production rate of the wells did not meet the needs of the Refuge鈥檚 habitat and electrical costs in addition to low water quality prohibited the Service from using this groundwater as a sole source for habitat management.
Since the wells were cost prohibited, the Service began purchasing fall and spring irrigation water from local water districts when available. In years of normal rainfall and when budgets permitted, sufficient water was purchased to flood less than 2,500 acres of fall and winter habitat at a cost exceeding $250,000. In years of limited water availability, less than 1,200 acres were flooded, and this habitat was not available until late in the fall or early winter, far too late for the early fall migrant ducks that use the area.
With the passage of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) in 1992, wetlands were identified as a key component of wildlife protection and enhancement in the central valley, and specified actions to further assess water needs and supply opportunities. Under the provisions of the CVPIA, Kern NWR was provided and annual allocation of 25,000-acre feet of surface water for wetland management purposes and is the only source of wetland water after abandoning the wells. The annual allocations are highly variable from year to year and depend on the hydrological conditions throughout the state. Water allocations are administered to the Refuge by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Only since the passage of CVPIA has the amount of water delivered to Kern NWR been consistent and of sufficient volume to provide adequate wetland habitat for migratory waterfowl and waterbirds. With this water, the Refuge is able to flood 3,000-6,400 acres sequentially over a 3鈥�5 month period beginning in mid-August depending on water allocated to the Refuge.
2025-2026 Waterfowl Season Update:
For the 2025/2026 waterfowl hunting season, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation allocated Kern NWR 14,070-acre feet of water or 56% of our full allocation. For the 24/25 waterfowl season, Kern NWR was allocated 15,285-acre feet, but other CVPIA refuges were able to re-allocated 4,000-acre feet to Kern NWR bringing our total to 19,285-acre feet or 77% of our full allocation. So far there is no reallocated water to Kern NWR so there is a 27% decrease of water from the 24/25 waterfowl season to the 25/26 waterfowl season. This decrease in water will negatively impact the hunting opportunities on the refuge unless additional water is allocated or reallocated to the Kern NWR. With the current 14,070-acre feet allocation, management estimates 3,300 acres will be flooded by the end of the season and peak hunter quota is estimated at 69 hunters versus 143 peak hunter quota for the 24/25 season.
We do plan on having the waterfowl hunting opener on October 18, 2025. Due to continued staff shortages, Kern NWR will not be posting hunt results on this website. Hunt results will be posted on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. See link below under "Additional Information." A printout of the latest hunt results will be available in the hunter check station. Kern NWR will continue to update hunter quotas and areas that are open to hunting on this website.
Waterfowl Hunting Overview
The Kern National Wildlife Refuge has offered waterfowl hunting since 1960 and is the only public waterfowl hunt area in this portion of the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Hunting is permitted on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the waterfowl hunt season starting in October and ending in late January. For authorized species check the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife Regulations. The refuge has a total of 23 hunting blinds, assigned ponds, and 2 wheelchair accessible or ADA compliant blinds spread throughout over 1000 acres of moist soil wetlands. A maximum of four hunters are allowed per blind. Kern Refuge also provides up to 1,953 acres of free roam hunt area. The maximum hunter density in this area in one hunter per 20 acres. Under ideal conditions when water is available, the refuge can provide hunting opportunities for up to 160 hunters. Contact the refuge for specific quota numbers assigned to free roam units.
2025-2026 Hunt Zone and Hunter Quotas
Hunter Quota: TBD
Free Roam: TBD
Assigned Ponds: TBD
Space Blinds: TBD
ADA Blinds: TBD
Reservations Issued: TBD
Youth Waterfowl Hunting
Kern National Wildlife Refuge offers youth hunters age 16 and under on July 1, with an opportunity to hunt waterfowl after the regular waterfowl hunting season has closed. This special hunt is one of the most anticipated of the year and has been a highlight for young hunters at the Refuge for many years. The special hunts take place in the Southern San Joaquin, Southern California, and Balance of the State Zones. Youth hunters who are interested in participating in the special event may hunt wherever they have legal access, whether private or public lands. A non shooting adult age 18 or older must accompany the youth hunter. Many state wildlife areas and federal wildlife refuges will be open for hunting through the normal reservation system in addition to walk-on's. Youth hunters who applied for regular season hunts using a season-long application must apply separately for these special hunts. This years youth waterfowl hunt will be on February 7, 2026. Reservation applications can be submitted through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife . A lottery draw will be conducted the morning of the hunt for those without a reservation.
2025-2026 Youth Waterfowl Hunt Zone and Hunter Quotas
Hunter Quota: TBD
Free Roam: TBD
Assigned Ponds: TBD
Space Blinds: TBD
ADA Blinds: TBD
Reservations Issued: TBD
Veterans waterfowl Hunt
A post-season veteran and active-duty military hunt is offered by the state on Kern NWR. This years veterans hunt will be on January 31, 2026. Reservations applications can be submitted through the . Only veterans and active duty military are able to hunt. A lottery draw will be conducted the morning of the hunt for those without a reservation.
2025-2026 Veterans Waterfowl Hunt Zone and Hunter Quotas
Hunter Quota: TBD
Free Roam: TBD
Assigned Ponds: TBD
Space Blinds: TBD
ADA Blinds: TBD
Reservations Issued: TBD
Mobility Impaired Hunters
Depending upon water availability, a total of three wheelchair accessible blinds are available for disabled hunters. If these blinds have not been taken by reservation holders, the blinds will be filled by hunters meeting the applicable requirements and that participate in the lottery drawing held 2 hours before shoot time.
Assigned Ponds
Assigned ponds will allow hunters to move around within the levees of the assigned pond and are not restricted to the island blinds. Hunting parties will be able to spread out throughout the assigned pond, or stay grouped up. There is no hunting within 100 feet from the assigned pond levees or roads. For more information about hunting party combinations please scroll down to the Hunting Party Combinations section.
Space Blind Sites
Each blind site will be marked by a numbered post. All persons assigned to a blind must remain within 100 feet of the numbered post. All shooting shall be done from this location except when pursuing cripples. This means that it is illegal to shoot at free-flying birds from outside of the 100 foot limit. No hunting within 100 feet from the levees or roads.
Free Roam
Allows unrestricted hunter movement, with variable hunting locations. It requires the hunter to have a knowledge and understanding (most often based on specific refuge experience) of the refuge habitats and corresponding cover types, bird use, and flight patterns given certain weather conditions, in order to be successful. No hunting within 100 feet from the levees or roads.
Licenses, Reservations, Stamps, and Regulations
No purchases will be made at the Kern NWR check station. To hunt on Kern NWR please have the following licenses and validations: Hunting License, Federal Duck Stamp (required for hunters over the age of 16), California Duck Validation (not required for junior license holders), Hunting Information Program Validation (no cost), and Type-A Hunting Pass (either one day pass, two day pass, or season pass). Junior hunters are exempt from permit requirements. The daily quota of hunters shall be filled first by those holding advance reservations, which are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters with reservations must present their reservation at the hunter check station on the refuge 2陆 hours before local shoot time. Vacancies occurring from no show reservation holders and from hunters leaving the area shall be filled according to the order established in the stand by drawing which occurs 2 hours before shoot time, the day of the hunt, and is performed at the refuge's hunter check station. It is up to the hunter to know when legal shoot time is. Hunters are permitted to enter only the assigned blind site, assigned pond, or free roam unit for which the hunting permit is issued. All hunters are required to check out at the refuge hunter check station, report hunt results, and return their permits before leaving the area.
Hunting Party Combinations
Adults (18 years or older) may supervise up to 2 minors.
- Space Blinds: A reservation shall assure entry for up to 4 persons total. The following combinations are only allowed; 1 adult hunter, 2 adult hunters, 3 adult hunters, 4 adult hunters, 1 adult hunter and 2 juniors, 2 adult hunters and 2 juniors, 3 adult hunters and 1 junior, 1 adult hunter and 2 nonshooters, 1 adult hunter and 3 nonshooters, 2 adult hunters and 2 nonshooters.
- Free Roam: A reservation shall assure entry for up to 6 persons. The following combinations are only allowed; 1 adult hunter, 2 adult hunters, 1 adult hunter and 2 juniors, 1 adult hunter and 1 nonshooter, or 2 adult hunters and 4 juniors.
- Assigned Ponds: Assigned ponds will allow hunters to move around within the levees of the assigned pond and are not restricted to the island blinds. Hunting parties will be able to spread out throughout the assigned pond, or stay grouped up. There is no hunting within 100 feet of the assigned pond levees. Only one hunting party will be allowed in the assigned ponds. A reservation shall assure entry for up to 4 persons total. The following combinations are only allowed; 1 adult hunter, 2 adult hunters, 3 adult hunters, 4 adult hunters, 1 adult hunter and 2 juniors, 2 adult hunters and 2 juniors, 3 adult hunters and 1 junior, 1 adult hunter and 2 nonshooters, 1 adult hunter and 3 nonshooters, 2 adult hunters and 2 nonshooters.
Non Hunt Days
On days when hunting is not permitted, please remain on the designated tour routes and trails. Access to the hunting zone is only allowed on authorized hunt days with a valid permit.
General Regulations
SPECIES AND HUNT DAYS-Waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, and common moorhens) hunting will be permitted each Saturday and Wednesday during the state waterfowl season. Hunting of all other species of wildlife is prohibited. Pheasant hunting is only permitted incidental to waterfowl hunting in the FREE ROAM AREAS (Units 1, 1A, 2, and 2A), only to hunters assigned to these areas, each Saturday and Wednesday during the pheasant season. Pheasant hunting is not permitted on Kern NWR unless the FREE ROAM AREAS are open to waterfowl hunting.
SEASON LENGTH, BAG LIMIT AND HOURS- Season dates, bag limits and hunting hours will conform to all current state and federal regulations.
AREA CAPACITY AND REFILLS-Area capacity will be determined by total acreage of habitat flooded prior to the hunt day. Each hunt party will be assigned no more than one available hunting area. Vacant, available hunt areas will be offered to the next hunt party on the wait list, until 2:00p.m.
RESERVATION HUNTING 鈥� Registration and hunt area assignment for reservation holders will begin 2 陆 hours before shoot time Reservation cards, issued by CDFW will have a number indicating the reservation holder鈥檚 place in the assignment order. Reservation holders who arrive after their number has been called will be assigned a hunt area after all other reservation holders. Reservation holders who arrive after the hunter capacity is met will wait until a vacancy is available.
STANDBY HUNTING 鈥� STANDBY HUNTERS (Lottery Draw) are any hunters without a reservation. Each party of standby hunters must fill out a registration card and submit it to the check station. Each hunter may only register on one registration card per day. A random lottery will determine the order in which STANDBY HUNTERS are assigned a hunt blind or area. Hunters who wish to participate in the lottery must submit their registration card to the registration box, at the check station, no later than two hours before shoot time. STANDBY HUNTERS not selected before the refuge capacity is met will be placed on the STANDBY LIST in the order they are called. Parties not present when their registration card is pulled, will lose their place on the STANDBY LIST and will be moved to the end of the list.
ADA BLINDS 鈥� There are two ADA accessible blinds. ADA blinds not filled by reservation holders will be filled by applicable STANDBY ADA HUNTERS in order of the STANDBY LIST. ADA applicable HUNT PARTIES may drive one vehicle to their ADA BLIND for transport of people and equipment but must leave the vehicle parked in Lot 1 or Lot 2 during hunt hours.
Special Regulations
LEAD FREE SHOT- Only approved non-toxic shot may be used or possessed in the field.
SHELL LIMITATION- Each hunter shall possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
SPACED BLINDS and ADA BLINDS- Hunters assigned to SPACED BLINDS and ADA BLINDS must remain within 100 feet of the numbered post marking the blind while shooting. The exception being to chase crippled birds.
ASSIGNED PONDS and FREE ROAM AREAS- Hunters are restricted to shooting within the levees of the ASSIGNED POND or FREE ROAM AREA they are assigned to. Hunters must be at minimum 100 feet from levees and roads while shooting. The exception being to chase crippled birds.
LOADED FIRERARMS- Hunters must travel to and from assigned parking areas and assigned blinds with firearms unloaded. Shooting while on levees is prohibited unless from within 100 feet of a blind located on a levee.
PARKING- Hunters must park in the Check Station Lot, Lot 1, or Lot 2. Firearms must remain unloaded in all parking lots.
BOATS- Boats are encouraged in FREE ROAM areas where water may be deep. Boats are permitted in the FREE ROAM areas only. Motorized boats of any kind are prohibited.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES- The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
NO BICYCLES or E-BIKES- Low visibility, two-way traffic, and dangerous road conditions create substantial hazards for bicycles and e-bikes
FIRES- No solid fuel fires (including, but not limited to wood and charcoal) are permitted. Portable gas stoves may only be used in parking lots or picnic areas and must use liquid, gas fuel tanks with a capacity no larger than 16 ounces.
CAMPING- No camping is permitted on Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
Additional Information
For more information regarding hunting regulations, shooting hours, daily bag limits, etc...please click on the following link for the California Hunting Regulations
