Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve is 1,457 acres of CDFW land in Kern County, in CDFW's Central Region, one of the ecological reserves where Title 14, Section 630(d) makes hunting a designated public use. CDFW's rule for it: Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. It lies in deer Zone A, where CDFW estimates 9,184 deer were taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Rules: CDFW's 2026-2027 land use regulations (updated July 1, 2026). Boundary and acres: CDFW. Zones: CDFW. Land around it: CPAD 2026a.
CDFW landButtonwillow ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 1,457 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 4, Central Region |
| County | Kern |
| Hunting | Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. |
| Deer zone | Zone A |
| Nearest towns | Buttonwillow (3 mi), Stebbins (4 mi) and Smith Corner (6 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
CDFW lists no rules for Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve beyond those for every ecological reserve (Sections 550 and 630).
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve has maps and contacts. Deer, elk and pronghorn hunting also follow the zone's own season and tag.
What does CDFW say about Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve is approximately 1,400 acres. A prairie falcon has been observed on the site, as well as black-tailed hares, cottontails and many species of birds including meadowlarks, mourning doves, turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks. Many of the adjacent lands are intensively farmed in alfalfa, cotton, milo or orchard crops.
From CDFW's page for Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Buttonwillow ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone A | 1,457 | 9,184 deer taken in 2025, 34.2% hunter success; 2026 general season August 8 to September 20 |
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 1,457 acres of CDFW land.
How do you get to Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: Hwy 58 E of Buttonwillow. N on Brandt Rd. Reserve at intersect of Seventh Standard and Brandt Roads.
Highways within 8 miles: I-5, CA 43 and CA 58. Nearest towns: Buttonwillow (3 miles), Stebbins (4 miles), Smith Corner (6 miles) and Mexican Colony (6 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
Yes, within CDFW's limits in Section 630(d): Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. Hunting is prohibited on any ecological reserve that section does not list.
Can you camp on Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve in?
All of it is in deer Zone A, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 9,184 deer were taken in Zone A in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve?
Buttonwillow (3 miles), Stebbins (4 miles) and Smith Corner (6 miles), by the Census Bureau's places.
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Where these facts come from
- Rules: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations.
- Boundary and acres: CDFW public access lands (BIOS ds3077); CDFW, Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve.
- Zones: CDFW BIOS zone layers. Surrounding public land: California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) 2026a.
- Deer harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025).
FilledTag is not part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.