Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to ELER will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:

2022 hunts (5:00 a.m. check-in)

• Saturday, Nov. 12
• Tuesday, Nov. 22
• Saturday, Dec. 3
• Thursday, Dec. 8
• Saturday, Dec. 17
• Thursday, Dec. 22

2023 hunts (5:30 a.m. check-in)

• Saturday, Jan. 7
• Thursday, Jan. 12
• Saturday, Jan. 21
• Thursday, Jan. 26

“Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed. These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being most common harvest,” said CDFW’s ELER manager John Krause.

Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck stamp and Harvest Information Program validations. Juniors must have a junior hunting license and, if 16 or older, also possess a federal duck stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).

There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. ELER has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.

Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of ELER may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.

To access ELER from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.

Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at www.southbayrestoration.org.