Sacramento, California – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering limited-entry wild pig hunting opportunities at the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County during March, April, and May 2026.[1][2][3]
Joice Island, a 2,150-acre wetland area featuring thick cattails, tules, brush, and standing water, provides a challenging environment for these permit-only hunts aimed at controlling the local wild pig population. Part of the expansive Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, which spans approximately 12,900 acres within the Suisun Marsh—the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the United States at 88,000 acres—this unit supports diverse wildlife including tule elk, rabbits, pheasants, and waterfowl, sustaining over 100,000 birds annually through managed seasonal ponds.[4]
Hunters interested in participating must apply through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website. Applications are due February 14, 2026, for March hunts; March 14, 2026, for April hunts; and April 11, 2026, for May hunts. A $2.98 fee applies for each hunter per hunt period, with applicants able to enter for up to three hunts within each period. Selected hunters will be drawn for one hunt per period, and all must possess a draw-issued permit, a valid California hunting license, and a wild pig validation.[5]
The hunts accommodate four hunters per weekend over a 13-week season, with a maximum hunting party size of two. Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Only shotguns loaded with nonlead slugs or archery equipment are permitted; dogs and bicycles are prohibited. These restrictions ensure safety and minimize disturbance in the sensitive wetland habitat.[6][7]
The first weekend, March 7-8, 2026, is reserved exclusively for apprentice hunters aged 12 to 15 holding junior hunting licenses. These young participants must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, who does not need to be a licensed hunter. This apprentice hunter opportunity aligns with CDFW’s efforts to introduce youth to ethical hunting practices under supervision.
Subsequent general hunt weekends open to both adults and junior license holders are scheduled as follows:
- March 14-15
- March 21-22
- March 28-29
- April 4-5
- April 11-12
- April 18-19
- April 25-26
- May 2-3
- May 9-10
- May 16-17
- May 23-24
- May 30-31
All members of a hunting party must apply using the party ID from the party leader.[8]
CDFW emphasizes that the department reserves the right to cancel any hunts or close the area due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, including Joice Island, requires visitors to sign in at the visitor booth and adhere to public use regulations, such as leashing dogs and prohibiting drones without permits. Access is via Grizzly Island Road, approximately 11 miles from Highway 12, though limited cellular service is available.[9]
These special hunts complement statewide wild pig management efforts. Wild pigs can be hunted year-round across California with no bag or possession limit, requiring only a hunting license and wild pig validation. Hunters must report harvests via the Automated License Data System within 60 days of the license year end. Similar controlled hunts occur at other public lands like Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve and Tehama Wildlife Area, highlighting CDFW’s commitment to population control on wildlife areas.[10][11]
For additional details on Joice Island hunts or statewide wild pig opportunities, visit CDFW’s wild pig hunt information page. Questions can be directed to (707) 425-3828. Media contacts include Orlando Rocha at the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area and Krysten Kellum in CDFW Communications at (916) 825-7120.[12]
The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area offers diverse recreational pursuits beyond pig hunts, including waterfowl and pheasant hunting by reservation, tule elk draws, and wildlife viewing on 75 miles of roads and trails. Approximately 7,900 acres are open to hunting, supporting conservation of species like the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse in this vital estuarine ecosystem.[13]
For more information, visit California Department of Fish and Wildlife.