Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve is 4,789 acres of CDFW land in Sacramento County, in CDFW's North 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.
BLMCDFW landNational wildlife refugeState parkOther state or federal landCosumnes River ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 4,789 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 2, North Central Region |
| County | Sacramento |
| Hunting | Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. |
| Deer zone | Zone A, Zone D5 |
| Nearest towns | Thornton (2 mi), Galt (3 mi) and Elk Grove (4 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
Section 630(d): Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department.
| Rule | Unit | CDFW's words |
|---|---|---|
| Closures and restrictions | Whole area | Pets are prohibited, except when they remain inside a motor vehicle. |
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Cosumnes River 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 Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
The Cosumnes River is the only unregulated river on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Because it remains undammed, it experiences the seasonal overbank flooding that was once a common feature of rivers in California's central valley. This flooding supports the natural growth of riparian and floodplain vegetation, which in turn serves as home to an astounding array of wildlife. More than 250 bird species, over 40 fish species, and approximately 230 plant species have been identified on the approximately 4,700 acre reserve. These include various species of egrets and herons, sandhill cranes, stilts and avocets, phoebes and flycatchers, and yellow and Wilson’s warblers. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 2003, and includes the Dillard, Arno, and McFarland Units.
CDFW lists big game hunting for the area, and also hiking trails and fishing.
Facilities, in CDFW's words: Restrooms available at the Visitor's Center
From CDFW's page for Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Cosumnes River ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone A | 4,060 | 9,184 deer taken in 2025, 34.2% hunter success; 2026 general season August 8 to September 20 |
| Deer Zone D5 | 730 | 2,484 deer taken in 2025, 19% hunter success; 2026 general season September 26 to November 1 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Cosumnes River ER: hunt J-18 (Pacific-Grizzly Flat Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 4,716 acres of CDFW land, 2,944 acres of other state or federal land, 2,024 acres of BLM land and 530 acres of state park land.
How do you get to Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's directions: From I-5 North: Take Interstate 5 to the Twin Cities Road exit (marked with a binoculars sign for wildlife viewing) about midway between Stockton and Sacramento. Take Twin Cities Road exit and go East for exactly one mile, to the first stop sign. Turn right at the first stop sign, onto Franklin Boulevard, for 1.7 miles. The Visitor Center is located on the left side of Franklin Boulevard.
CDFW's location note: Off Interstate 5 between Sacramento and Stockton. Highways within 8 miles: I-5, CA 99, CA 160, CA 104 and CA 220. Nearest towns: Thornton (2 miles), Galt (3 miles), Elk Grove (4 miles) and Walnut Grove (4 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Cosumnes River 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 Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve in?
Zone A (4,060 acres) and Zone D5 (730 acres), 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 Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve?
Thornton (2 miles), Galt (3 miles) and Elk Grove (4 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, Cosumnes River 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.