Hunting in San Francisco Bay

Can you really hunt in San Francisco? Well, not really. You can’t hunt under the Golden Gate Bridge or next to Alcatraz. However, there is a rich history of waterfowl hunting in the San Francisco Bay, delta, and its estuaries.

If you look at marine charts of the area, it’s easy to find marked points of the duck blinds of yore. Some are still standing while others left no evidence. These blinds target a wide range of waterfowl that the pacific flyway has to offer, from mallards to buffleheads and geese as well.

Many man hours went into build these blinds on public navigable waters. To this day, there are still a few carrying on the tradition. It’s a tough endeavor fighting the tide swings and weather. You also risk someone else using the blind when you’re not there.

Nowadays, floating or boat blinds offer a more controlled environment. The downside is a bumpy platform while trying to shoot, which adds a little bit more adventure to shooting ducks.

There are also public refuges accessible by foot scattered throughout the bay. Having a dog, kayak, or jon boat increase your range and accessibility at these locations. The checkpoints are open only on certain days while public navigable waters are open to hunting 7 days a week during the open waterfowl season.

San Francisco Bay’s historic hunting grounds are an experience like no other. If you want to help support the local community who volunteer to preserve the opportunities, join Delta Waterfowl. Call or text the East Bay chapter director, Brock Gardner, for more information at (225) 302-2309.

Photo credit: Billy Roark with Al Perkins and John Davenport. Justin Wilson not shown.