Delta Waterfowl Celebrates Signing of Critical Bill For California Waterfowl Hunters

Going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, SB1226 protects hunters’ rights to use navigable waters in line with the California Constitution

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, California hunters will be permitted to leave the marked boundaries of a waterway and hunt flooded waters, provided they do not trespass on private property and maintain a minimum distance of 150 yards from any residence or building.  This legislation, SB1226, was signed by Gov. Newsom on Aug. 19, 2024.

Currently, under California state law, an individual must stay within the marked boundaries of a refuge, river, delta, or any other body of water to hunt, even if the location is flooded over. This restriction will remain in effect for an ample portion of the 2024-2025 waterfowl seasons.

“By clarifying a complex issue, this legislation will help reinforce the constitutional rights of California duck hunters to access navigable waters while hunting, all while continuing to respect private property rights,” said Christopher Hoon, Delta’s manager of government affairs for the Pacific Flyway. “Delta Waterfowl applauds Senator Cortese for his leadership on this bill, which will have longstanding positive effects on California duck hunters.”

This legislation was drafted to resolve a conflict between the Fish and Game Code and a 1985 State Attorney General’s Opinion. The State Attorney General in 1985 determined that hunting is an integral part of the public right of navigation and that restrictions on hunting navigable floodwaters are unconstitutional as they conflict with Article X, Section IV, of the California Constitution, which mandates the State Legislature to protect public access to navigable waters.

Delta Waterfowl’s policy team has worked diligently in support of SB1226 to impact this legislation, recognizing the significant impact it will have on duck hunters throughout California.

Prior to landing on the Governor’s desk, SB1226 passed through the legislature by unanimous decision, recording a pass in the Senate with a vote of 38-0 on May 2, 2024, and passing through the Assembly three months later with a vote of 71-0 on Aug. 8. The Duck Hunters Organization joined nineteen other conservation organizations in sending letters of support for this critical bill.

For more information, contact Christopher Hoon, manager of government affairs – Pacific Flyway, at choon@deltawaterfowl.org. —Christy Sweigart