Waterfowl hunting is offered seasonally at two of the San Diego City Lakes-- Barrett and Sutherland. The season for the Southern California Zone generally runs from October through January. Season dates and bag limits are established annually by the California Department of Fish and Game within framework established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Barrett is hunted on Wednesdays and Saturdays while Sutherland is hunted on Thursdays and Sundays. The Hunting Report is updated weekly.

Reservations are sold in advance for the entire season, usually on the first or second Saturday in October, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are issued only to persons 16 years of age or older, and in possesion of a current State of California Hunting License.

Thereafter, in-person reservations may be made at the Water Operations office, San Vicente Substation, 12375 Moreno Ave., Lakeside, CA 92040-1135. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In-person reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

The fee for each reservation is $20 and covers the cost of the hunting area and rental rowboat or boat launch. Hunters are encouraged to bring outboard motors up to 25 horsepower. Hunting trespass permits, required of every person, are $10 each for adults and $5 each for children 8-15 years of age, and must be obtained at the lake on the morning of each hunt from the City attendant. Hunters must obtain a State license before they'll be allowed to hunt on City property.

No refund for confirmed reservations will be made under any circumstances. For further information, call (619) 668-2050 or mail request to: City of San Diego, "Duck Reservations" 12375 Moreno Ave., Lakeside, CA 92040-1135, or E-mail ssmith@sandiego.gov.

Each City lake is divided into hunting areas, i.e. a section of shoreline numerically identified with shoreline limits indicated by numbered sign posts. The location of each area is selected on the basis of safety and hunting efficiency.

Each individual reservation entitles the holder (and up to two guests) to the use of one hunting area. No more than one hunting area per day will be assigned to an individual. The specific hunting area assigned per hunter or hunting group is determined only on the morning of the hunt by lottery system. Within each hunting area, there may be some amount of natural shoreline brush and cover which can be fashioned into a blind by the hunting group. Hunters may bring a portable blind and install it within their hunting area.

Reservation holders report to the boat dock two hours before sunrise at Sutherland. For Barrett report to the gate on Lyons Valley Road two and one-half to three hours before sunrise Legal shooting begins one-half hour before sunrise. All hunters must return to the dock by 11:30 a.m. and be off the premises by noon. After 9 a.m., hunters may engage in boat hunting but will not be permitted within 100 yards of other hunters or the boat dock.

Non-toxic shot is required. Possession of lead shot while waterfowl hunting is prohibited by federal law.

Dogs will be allowed for retrieval of downed waterfowl at Barrett only. Dogs must have a current, valid license, and be kept on a leash while in the dock and parking lot areas.

Hunting is limited exclusively to waterfowl game species (ducks, geese, and coots/gallnules) and common snipe. Hunting of any other bird or mammal, whether a game or non-game species is not permitted. Target shooting, fishing and fishing tackle are prohibited.

All rules pertaining to the City lakes recreation program, as well as State and Federal hunting regulations, must be observed.Weekly hunting results will be available by calling the City Lakes Hunting & Fishing Hot Line at (619) 465-FISH.

To be added to the City's waterfowl hunting mailing list, please email your name and address to ssmith@sandiego.gov.

Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is offered from late March to early May at lake Sutherland. Reservations are distributed at the turkey tune-up, usually the last Saturday of February. To be added to the mailing list E-mail ssmith@sandiego.gov with your mailing address.