Permits Issued For Solano County Wild Pig Hunt

SOLANO COUNTY - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced it will be holding limited-entry, permit-only hunts to control a small population of wild pigs in Solano County. The hunts will be held the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area on the Joice Island Unit, a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, some brush and standing water.

The agency say a total of 24 two-day permits will be issued over the span of eight weekends. The first weekend, March 5-6, is an apprentice hunt for junior license holders only. Junior license holders must be at least 12 years old to participate in this hunt.

The following seven weekends – March 12-13, March 19-20, March 26-27, April 2-3, April 9-10, April 16-17 and April 23-24 – are general hunts, for which both adults and juniors may apply.

Three hunters will be drawn for each weekend, according to the CDFW. Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner, and must purchase a California pig tag prior to the hunt. Please note, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the property, and hunters may only use shotguns with slugs or archery equipment.

As of July 1, 2015, nonlead ammunition is required when hunting on all state wildlife areas and ecological reserves. Please plan accordingly. For more information, see the CDFW nonlead ammunition webpage.

All applicants must have a valid California hunting or junior hunting license. Applications must be received by close of business on Monday, Feb. 8. The drawing will be held on Feb. 11.

To apply for a permit, please mail a standard-size postcard to:

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area
Joice Island Pig Hunt
2548 Grizzly Island Road
Suisun City, CA 94585

Applicants must include the following information:

• Hunter’s name (applicants for the apprentice hunt must also include the name of an adult chaperone)
• Hunting license number
• Mailing address and phone number
• Desired hunt date

Each hunter may apply only one time and for only one date. Applications will be accepted for parties of up to two hunters, but the card must contain all information for both hunters. Incomplete cards and multiple entries will not be accepted. Successful applicants will receive their permit, a map and additional information in the mail.

The CDFW reserves the right to cancel the hunt and close the area to all public users without prior notification in the event of unforeseen circumstances, dangerous conditions or emergency situations.

For more information, please contact CDFW at (707) 425-3828.

(Image of wild pig at joice island via CDFW)