Hunting Opportunities At San Diego NWR Open On September 1

The following is courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Green field with mountain in background at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Photo By/Credit Johnathan Bradley/USFWS

Hunt Unit at San Diego NWR will OPEN September 1, 2025

Hunt Unit at San Diego NWR will OPEN September 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 season
Changes for the hunt unit as of 2025: removal of 25 shot shell restriction for upland game hunting.
 

For hunting related questions 
Please contact Refuge Manager Dwane Binns: 619-385-1190.

To Report a Poacher or Polluter
If you witness a poaching or polluting incident or any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such a violation, immediately dial the toll free CalTIP number 1-888-334-CALTIP (888 334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For any emergencies call 911

View Draft Hunt Plan and Code of Federal Regulations Change for 2025.

The species and date determination for hunting is made by considering the purposes for which the refuge was established, as well as the need to minimize conflicts with listed endangered and threatened species and their critical habitats. Hunting dates and bag limits for California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) seasons can be found on the CDFW hunting regulations website.

Quail, Archery Hunt OnlySeptember 1 to Same as State
Eurasian Collared DoveSeptember 1 to End of February
Brush and Cottontail RabbitsSeptember 1 to Same as State
JackrabbitSeptember 1 to End of February
Quail
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove
Mule Deer – General SeasonZone D-16Antlered Deer
Mule Deer – General SeasonHunt Number: G-13Antlerless Deer
Mule Deer – Muzzleloading rifleHunt Number: M-6Either Sex
Mule Deer – ArcheryHunt Number: A-22Either Sex
Map of San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Area by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The map shows areas that allow or don’t allow hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City/County, and Private land. Game type, species, CDFW Dates for 2022-2023 season, refuge dates, and daily bag limit/possession limit is described on the spreadsheet below the map. For assistance call the refuge manager at 619-385-1190.

Image Details

For further details, view the San Diego NWR Hunt Plan