Ash Creek Wildlife Area: hunting rules and map
Ash Creek Wildlife Area is 14,566 acres of CDFW land in Lassen and Modoc counties, in CDFW's Northern Region. Title 14, Section 551 lists it as Type B: hunter access is restricted in waterfowl season and a hunting pass is needed. It lies in deer Zone X3a, where CDFW estimates 209 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.
National forestBLMCDFW landOther state or federal landAsh Creek WADeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 14,566 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 1, Northern Region |
| Counties | Lassen and Modoc |
| Wildlife area type | Type B |
| Closures | Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season, except for access to angling from Bassett Road through September 30. |
| Camping | Allowed. |
| Deer zone | Zone X3a |
| Elk zone | Northeastern |
| Pronghorn zone | Pronghorn Zone 5 (Big Valley) |
| Nearest towns | Adin (next to it), Bieber (next to it) and Lookout (2 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
As a Type B area, Ash Creek WA needs a Type A or Type B season hunting pass in waterfowl season, with set shoot days (Section 551(e)).
| Rule | Unit | CDFW's words |
|---|---|---|
| Camping | Whole area | Allowed. |
| Closures and restrictions | Whole area | Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season, except for access to angling from Bassett Road through September 30. During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only. |
| Additional hunting: Pronghorn antelope | Whole area | Allowed only with an Apprentice Zone 5 - Big Valley tag available through the big game drawing. |
| Lands pass | Whole area | Listed in section 551(w): a visitor must carry a valid Lands Pass, or a valid hunting or fishing license, to enter. |
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 551. CDFW's page for Ash Creek Wildlife Area has maps and contacts. Deer, elk and pronghorn hunting also follow the zone's own season and tag.
What does CDFW say about Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
Ash Creek Wildlife Area, located in rural norteastern California, is one of the most remote and pristine of all CDFW-managed lands. This varied landscape of natural wetlands, vernal pools and upland sagebrush country is home to many animals, such as pronghorn antelope, bobcat and numerous bird species. Fishing, hunting, camping and hiking are among the most popular activities here.
CDFW lists small game, upland game birds and waterfowl hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing, hiking trails and fishing.
Facilities, in CDFW's words: The primary staffed location on the property is the Wildlife Area office at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299). Facility improvements on this land include parking lots, access roads, hiking trails, restrooms and an informational kiosk.
From CDFW's page for Ash Creek Wildlife Area, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Ash Creek Wildlife Area in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the wildlife area alone.
| Zone | Acres of Ash Creek WA in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone X3a | 14,565 | 209 deer taken in 2025, 63% hunter success; 2026 general season October 3 to 18 |
| Northeastern elk zone | 14,566 | 26 elk taken in 2022 |
| Pronghorn Zone 5 (Big Valley) | 14,566 | 12 pronghorn taken in 2023 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Ash Creek WA: hunt A-5 (Zone X-3a Archery Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025); CDFW Elk Hunt Statistics; CDFW Pronghorn Hunt Statistics. Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 14,690 acres of CDFW land, 8,932 acres of national forest, 8,432 acres of BLM land and 343 acres of other state or federal land.
How do you get to Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
CDFW's directions: The Wildlife Area office is at 659-695 Lassen State Highway (Highway 299), east of Bieber. From Highway 299 at the town of Bieber, take Bieber Lookout Road north; from Highway 299 at the town of Adin, take Lookout Road west.
CDFW's location note: Highway 299, 4 miles northeast of Bieber. Highways within 8 miles: CA 299 and CA 139. Nearest towns: Adin (next to it), Bieber (next to it), Lookout (2 miles) and Nubieber (4 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
Yes. Section 551 lists it as Type B. CDFW's closure: Closed to all public uses from September 16 until the opening of waterfowl season, except for access to angling from Bassett Road through September 30. During the waterfowl and pheasant hunt seasons, the wildlife area is closed to all public use with the exception of Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays for hunting only.
Can you camp on Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
CDFW's rule: Allowed. Where camping is allowed, a visitor may stay up to seven nights in a row and fourteen nights a year (Section 550(p)).
Which deer zone is Ash Creek Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in deer Zone X3a, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 209 deer were taken in Zone X3a in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Ash Creek Wildlife Area?
Adin (next to it), Bieber (next to it) and Lookout (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, Ash Creek Wildlife Area.
- 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.