Contact

Lake Sonoma Visitor Center: 707-431-4533
Fax: 707-431-0313

Lake Sonoma
3333 Skaggs Springs Rd
Geyserville, CA 95441

Hunting at Lake Sonoma

Lake Sonoma 2020-2021

Feral Pig Hunting Information

Archery and Crossbow Hunting Only

Hunting dates are as follows: November 9, 2020 - March 21, 2021

Hunters will initially be required to register for hunting through one of the following sales locations: Lake Sonoma Resort & Marina, Turra’s Back Room Archery Shop in Santa Rosa or West Coast Archery  Shop in Petaluma and Dixon.

No registration available at Park Headquarters, Visitor Centers, or Campground.

The check-in and harvest reporting is done via email/text this year. If you cannot email/text. You cannot hunt.

NOTE: The hunting property pass when properly displayed will be honored as a day use fee pass at Lake Sonoma only during the hunt dates (11/09/20 – 03/21/21).  USACE camping and Lake Sonoma Marina fees still apply.

Liberty Glen car camping is temporarily closed, check the website for updates throughout the season.

ALL USACE camping at Lake Sonoma is through reservation only. The Liberty Glen campground gate is kept locked at all hours; campers will be provided a gate combination after making reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  Walk in camping is not allowed at these campgrounds however the Marina has both tent and RV camping available for walk-ins.

Previous years’ hunters must register for the 2020-2021 season.  The Friends of Lake Sonoma non-profit group will be coordinating hunt registration and will charge $35 to complete the process.  The money will be used for registration costs, educational materials, and land stewardship projects within the park.

When registering hunters will be required to show a valid driver’s license, valid CDFW hunting license, and CDFW pig tag(s). They will then be issued a Lake Sonoma hunting property pass and given a brief orientation on hunting at the park.  There is no maximum number of hunters for this hunt.  You will also be asked to fill in a hunter check-in form on the days you hunt. Simply drop this in one of the park fee vaults when you arrive. You only need to drop off the bottom portion of the form when you get a pig. This allows us to track how successful the hunt season is. Additional check-in slips are available outside Visitor Center and Liberty Glen kiosk.

  • Stay within park boundaries even if an injured animal crosses onto private land. Park rangers may not see you but our neighbors do and they are very vocal in their disapproval of trespass.
  • Hunting stands and game cameras are permitted provided that they do not permanently scar the trees.
  • Hunters are subject to all park rules and regulations, all county, state, and local laws, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations.
  • In accordance with California hunting regulations, feeding (baiting) of pigs is strictly prohibited.  
  • Dogs may not be used while hunting.
  • Hunters may not possess a firearm (including a sidearm) while in the field.
  • Pigs must be gutted at least 100 yards away from any man-made structure, trail or campground. Do not dispose of entrails in garbage cans; leave them in the field.
  • Hunters are required to possess a valid hunting license on their person and have pig tags with them while hunting.

Commonly asked questions:

Where are the pigs?

A: Signs of pig activity can be seen in all areas of the park but to be successful hunter you will really need to spend some time in the field to see for yourself. The Hog hunting forum at www.jesseshunting.com is also an excellent source of information from both hunters and park staff. For more information on behavior, biology and how to hunt wild pigs see the CDFW’s Guide to Hunting Wild Pigs in California (PDF) at wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Wild-Pig.

Can I carry a side arm while hunting?

A: No, you will have to rely on your skill and judgment in making a shot with your bow or cross bow.

Can I use the fire roads and trails in the park?

A: You may hike on any fire road or trail within the park to access hunting grounds. However you may not operate any motorized vehicle at any time or use horses if the trails are closed for the rainy season. Also, you may not follow a fire road onto adjacent private property.

If I’m hunting for several days in a row, do I have to check in every day?

A: No, you only need to check in on the first day of a multi-day hunt. We only ask that complete the check-out process via email. This is a mandatory part of hunting at Lake Sonoma.

How do I check in via text message?

A: Most phones deliver texts to email accounts. Type Sonoma.Pighunts@usace.army.mil into where you normally put the phone number you are texting. Send us test text to the email!

If you have more questions – email us at Sonoma.pighunts@usace.army.mil

Lake Sonoma Visitor Center at 707-431-4533; lakesonomavc@outlook.com

Park Ranger Emily Kohl at 707-431-4533; Emily.T.Kohl@usace.army.mil

Park Ranger Brian Emmons at 707-431-4523

PIG HUNT MAP