Fall River Resource Conservation District
The Fall River Resource Conservation District has implemented hunting programs for the McArthur Range Management Area (McArthur Swamp) and Fall River Mills Ag Unit. All persons interested in hunting on McArthur Swamp will be required to obtain a permit and have it in their possession while hunting. Purchase your McArthur Swamp hunting permits here!
Hunting on Fall River Mills Ag Unit is only permitted to hunters who have drawn a CDFW SHARE tag. For more information on SHARE hunts visit click here.
McArthur Swamp Hunting Rules and Regulations:
All hunters, age 17 and older, are required to purchase a permit to hunt on the property. Youth hunters, age 16 and under, may hunt for free only when accompanied by a permitted adult. The RCD Reserves the right to refuse access to anyone and to eject any person for disorderly conduct or any other reason that endangers the safety or welfare of the area, or other permittees. The decision of the authorized employee or representative of the RCD shall be finale.
Cost of permits are as follows:
Season: $55.00
Weekend: $30.00
Day: $20.00
Permitted hunting days are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. All California Department of Fish and Wildlife laws and regulations apply. Permits are valid for waterfowl, upland game bird and small game mammal hunting throughout the year as allowed by CA law. Big game hunting is only permitted on the property through CDFW SHARE hunts. Hunting season is from July 1st-June 30th of the following year. Predator hunting (coyote) on the property is only permissible during the non-grazing season (December 1st – March 31st ) by use of shotguns or 22 caliber and smaller style rifles. Predator hunting (coyote) is not permissible during the grazing season (April 1st – November 30th ).
The area is closed to all hunters on SHARE hunt weekends, only hunters who have drawn a SHARE tag may hunt the property on the dates specified below for the 2024/25 season:
- October 26-27
- January 11-12
For information on CDFW SHARE hunts visit:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share
Hunting the area known as the “Snake Pond” is not permitted to general permit holders and is only permitted by special lease. For lease details see below:
All permit hunters will be required to sign a release of liability and will be provided with a map of the area. It is the intent of the RCD to improve the hunting on the area and your permit fees will be utilized in this manner. Trespassing hunters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. More
information is available by emailing fallriverrcd@citlink.net or calling (530)336-6591.
Fall River Mills Ag Unit Hunting Rules and Regulations:
The Fall River Mills AG Unit is approximately 463 acres of woodland and grassland along Fall River Lake in eastern Shasta County. Hunting on the Fall River Mills Planning Unit is only permissible to hunters who have been drawn through the CDFW SHARE program. Two A3 deer hunts will be drawn through the CDFW SHARE program each year. Trespass hunters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For more information on the CDFW SHARE hunts click here.
The RCD Reserves the right to refuse access to anyone and to eject any person for disorderly conduct or any other reason that endangers the safety or welfare of the area, or other permittees. The decision of the authorized employee or representative of the RCD shall be final.
“Snake Pond” Waterfowl Hunting Blinds for Lease:
Each year the Fall River RCD holds a drawing for the annual lease of two, 2-man duck blinds, at the Snake Pond for the regular and late seasons. Interested parties must contact RCD staff at
(530) 336-6591 or email to submit their name and phone number prior to close of business on the date provided. Hunters will be required to follow all CDFW laws and regulations and must be in possession of a valid hunting license and appropriate waterfowl stamps. Sub-leasing the blinds will not be allowed. All hunters will be required to sign a release of liability along with lease agreement. Each year, Fall River RCD, donates a 2-day junior duck hunt at the Snake Pond. The RCD Range Manager will coordinate the junior duck hunt around lessee’s hunting days.
Resources
Hunting Safety Tips
Things to keep in mind for overall safety while hunting on any of the RCD properties:
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Treat every firearm as though it was loaded.
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Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open unless actively hunting or preparing to shoot.
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Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
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Be sure of your target before pulling the trigger.
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Never point the firearm at something you do not want to shoot.
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Never climb a fence, tree, jump a ditch, or pass your firearm to another person while loaded.
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Always be aware of your surroundings, other hunters and passing vehicles to ensure they do not accidently enter your line of fire.
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Never handle a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Do not shoot at flat hard surfaces or water.
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Wear necessary safety glasses, ear protection and identifying clothing.
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Protect your firearms from misuse by untrained, unqualified, or incompetent individuals.
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Obey all laws regarding to transportation of firearms.
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Store your unloaded firearm and ammunition separately in areas inaccessible to children or unauthorized individuals.
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Ensure that all ammunition is intended for the firearm at hand, do not use anything other than commercially manufactured ammunition.
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Be sure that all accessories are compatible with the firearm and that they do not interfere with safe operation.
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Stay in designated hunting areas, do not enter into areas heavily used by non-hunters.
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Be courteous and respectful towards other hunters and non-hunters.
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Make yourself known to other hunters/non-hunters within your vicinity.
Tips for Non-hunters entering the Property:
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Be aware of hunting seasons and areas open to hunting.
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Stay on designated roads/trails.
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Wear bright clothing (blaze orange or fluorescent colors) to ensure you are easily visible.
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Keep dogs on leash, dress your dogs in bright colored (blaze orange or fluorescent colors) collars or vests.
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Make yourself known. If you hear shooting in your vicinity, alert hunters that you are nearby.
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Be courteous and respectful of other individuals enjoying the property for recreational purposes. Do not intentionally disturb wildlife or cause conflict.