Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve is 5,594 acres of CDFW land in Santa Clara County, in CDFW's Bay Delta Region, one of the ecological reserves where Title 14, Section 630(d) makes hunting a designated public use. CDFW's rule for it: Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities 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 landState parkCanada de Los Osos ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 5,594 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 3, Bay Delta Region |
| County | Santa Clara |
| Hunting | Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. |
| Deer zone | Zone A |
| Elk zone | Santa Clara |
| Nearest towns | Gilroy (9 mi), San Martin (10 mi) and Hollister (12 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
| Rule | Unit | CDFW's words |
|---|---|---|
| Closures and restrictions | Whole area | Closed to all visitor use/access except for special opportunities as provided in subsections 630(d)(9) and 630(e)(9) of these regulations. |
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Canada de Los Osos 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 Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
This approximately 5,800-acre property has a mix of annual grasslands, oak and montane woodland, chaparral, riparian and wetland habitats, with numerous springs and ponds. Raptors, including golden eagles, nest throughout the region and wintering bald eagles are occasionally seen. Several bat species use the area throughout the year. Other wildlife species found on the property include mountain lions, black-tailed deer, wild pigs, wild turkeys, California quail, and Neotropical migrant songbirds.
On hunting, CDFW's page says: See Cañada de los Osos Apprentice Junior Hunts.
CDFW lists small game and upland game birds hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing.
From CDFW's page for Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Canada de Los Osos ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone A | 5,594 | 9,184 deer taken in 2025, 34.2% hunter success; 2026 general season August 8 to September 20 |
| Santa Clara elk zone | 5,594 | 0 elk taken in 2022 |
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025); CDFW Elk Hunt Statistics. Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 18,790 acres of state park land and 5,588 acres of CDFW land.
How do you get to Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: Hwy 152 east of Gilroy to Canada Road to Jamieson Road and Elephant Head Ridge Road
CDFW's location note: 6 miles east of Gilroy at southern edge of Henry Coe State Park. Highways within 8 miles: CA 152, CA 156, US 101 and CA 25. Nearest towns: Gilroy (9 miles), San Martin (10 miles), Hollister (12 miles) and Morgan Hill (13 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
Yes, within CDFW's limits in Section 630(d): Allowed but only as part of department special opportunities 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 Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Canada de Los Osos 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 Canada de Los Osos Ecological Reserve?
Gilroy (9 miles), San Martin (10 miles) and Hollister (12 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, Canada de Los Osos 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.