The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) just opened up a golden opportunity: limited deer hunting access at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve. If you’ve been hunting public ground for years, this could be your chance to explore a special reserve with solid opportunity and fewer crowds.
What’s Open, When, and Where
A Zone (Arno Unit) – West of Hwy 99; general-season hunt, mid-July through September.
D-5 Zone (Dillard Unit) – East of Hwy 99; runs mid-August through early November.
That means four one-week windows in each zone. Up to two hunters per permit, and just eight total permits in the mix for 2025.
Gear Rules
- A-Zone archery only during its archery season; D-5 archery season matches that rule too.
- General seasons: archery or shotguns using non-lead slugs.
- No rifles, pistols, or muzzleloaders.
Harvest Limits
Bag just one legal buck per hunter for each permit week.
Why This Hunt Should Be on Your Radar
- Public land rarely this open
This is private access to an ecological reserve that normally doesn’t allow hunting. Even with eight permits, density stays low. - Experiment since 2021
The program began in 2021 with just three permits. It doubled in 2022 and expanded again in 2025 after proving both safe and popular. - Younger herd opportunity
Reserves like this often support healthier deer populations. One legal buck? Yep, quality chances. - Close calls close to home
Located right by Highway 99 in Sacramento County. Ideal for local hunters—and those willing to make the drive.
How to Apply
You’ll need to get your draw application filled out and sent in on time.
Download the forms directly from CDFW’s Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve page or request one by calling CDFW Rancho Cordova at (916) 358-2900, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Email your application to Dustin.Wallis@wildlife.ca.gov or mail it to:
CDFW Rancho Cordova Office
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Deadlines to remember:
- A-Zone: applications due by 2 p.m., July 7, 2025
- D-5 Zone: due by 2 p.m., August 4, 2025
Expect a computerized random drawing. Winners are contacted within two business days via email, call, or text—but not by phone—and you’ll score maps and special instructions before your hunt.
Rules & Important Details
Party size: Up to two hunters per application
Junior hunters: Those aged 12+ may apply if hunting with an adult
One application per person: Applying more than once—or appearing on multiple apps—means disqualification
Tags required:
- A-Zone needs the proper A-Zone deer tag
- D-5 needs a D-3–5 Zone or Archery-Only deer tag
- Everyone needs the 2025–26 California hunting license
Tips From the Field
Mark your calendar and double-check your zone and weapon eligibility
Start plotting the reserve boundary around Arno and Dillard Units—know where you can and can’t go
Practice slug shooting if you’re going shotgun. No lead ammo, and shot patterns with slugs need tuning
Plan logistics early: If drawn during summer, gear up for heat. Early-November hunts? Prepare for mud and shorter daylight
Map and instructions come later, so scout early or partner with fellow hunters to save time
Bottom Line
If you’re chasing a quality, less-crowded public land deer hunt in California, this is a strong bet. A small draw pool, tight weapon rules, and just one buck per hunter keep things fair. Just don’t miss those July and August deadlines.
Useful Links
Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve permits and forms – https://wildlife.ca.gov
Weapon regulations and tags – See the 2025 CDFW deer regulations pamphlet
Contact CDFW Rancho Cordova at (916) 358-2900
