Access permit applications open for pig, deer hunting in Merced County
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Applications are open for a limited number of deer and pig hunting access permits for opening weekend in Merced County, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced
According to the CDFW, the hunting access permits will be for the opening weekend between Aug. 10 and 11, in Zone A for the general season. Some locations for this hunt include Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek and the San Luis Reservoir wildlife areas.
Officials say this is not a special hunt, and the drawing is to control the number of hunters in these areas on opening weekend only.
Reservations are required for access to wildlife areas and only 30 permits will be issued for each day of the opening weekend.
The CDFW says hunters can apply online at Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area or San Luis Reservoir Wildlife Area webpages or request an access permit application by calling the CDFW Los Banos office at 209-826-0463 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Applications can also be submitted via email to Kimberly.Reynoso@wildlife.ca.gov, and/or mailed to CDFW’s Los Banos office at 18110 W. Henry Miller Avenue in Los Banos.
CDFW officials say only official applications will be accepted and must be received before 4 p.m. on July 5. Reservations will be selected by a computerized drawing at 11 a.m. on July 10, and the drawing will be open to the public. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within five working days of the drawing, and results will not be given over the phone.
Up to three people may apply as one party by including all the required information on the 2024 Zone A application form, according to officials. Junior license holders 12 and older may also apply if accompanied by an adult hunter.
Applicants may apply for a one-day hunt, in one area only. Officials say a hunter’s name may appear in the drawing only once, and if a hunter’s name and GO ID number appears on any other applications, they will be disqualified from all drawings.
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