Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve: hunting rules and map
Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve is 1,773 acres of CDFW land in Monterey 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 landState parkElkhorn Slough ERDeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 1,773 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 4, Central Region |
| County | Monterey |
| Hunting | Allowed only at such times and in the specific areas designated by the department. |
| Deer zone | Zone A |
| Elk zone | Gabilan |
| Nearest towns | Elkhorn (next to it), Moss Landing (next to it) and Las Lomas (2 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Elkhorn Slough 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. Visitors must stay on established trails, paths, or other designated areas. The Reserve is closed to visitor access and use on Mondays and Tuesdays and all days from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. |
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 630. CDFW's page for Elkhorn Slough 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 Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve?
The Elkhorn Slough is a seasonal estuary featuring intertidal marshes, mudflats, eelgrass beds, and native oyster communities. More than 340 bird species, 100 fish species, and over 500 documented invertebrate species rely on its diverse habitats. The Slough also supports a thriving population of more than 100 Southern sea otters, which feed, rest, and raise their pups in its sheltered waters.
The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is located east of Hwy 1 and Moss Landing on the east side of Elkhorn Slough. The Reserve consists of over 1,700 acres of varied coastal habitats, from salt marsh to woodlands and grasslands, teeming with wildlife.
From CDFW's page for Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the reserve alone.
| Zone | Acres of Elkhorn Slough ER in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone A | 1,773 | 9,184 deer taken in 2025, 34.2% hunter success; 2026 general season August 8 to September 20 |
| Gabilan elk zone | 1,773 | Tags through the big game drawing |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Elkhorn Slough ER: hunt A-24 (Monterey Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt).
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 Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 2,587 acres of CDFW land and 536 acres of state park land.
How do you get to Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve?
CDFW's location note: 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 (Approximately 15 miles south of Santa Cruz). Highways within 8 miles: CA 1, US 101, CA 156, CA 129 and CA 152. Nearest towns: Elkhorn (next to it), Moss Landing (next to it), Las Lomas (2 miles) and Castroville (3 miles). CDFW's page for the area gives directions and parking.
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Elkhorn Slough 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 Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve?
No. Camping is prohibited on all CDFW ecological reserves (Section 550(p)(4)).
Which deer zone is Elkhorn Slough 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 Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve?
Elkhorn (next to it), Moss Landing (next to it) and Las Lomas (2 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, Elkhorn Slough 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.