Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area: hunting rules and map
Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area is 153 acres of CDFW land in Siskiyou County, in CDFW's Northern Region. Title 14, Section 551 lists it as Type C: open daily for hunting all legal species without a hunting pass, except where CDFW's area rules say otherwise. It lies in deer Zone B2, where CDFW estimates 3,565 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 landCantara-Ney Springs WADeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 153 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 1, Northern Region |
| County | Siskiyou |
| Wildlife area type | Type C |
| Camping | Not listed in section 551(m), so not allowed |
| Deer zone | Zone B2 |
| Elk zone | Marble Mountains |
| Nearest towns | Dunsmuir (3 mi), Mount Shasta (4 mi) and Castella (6 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
As a Type C area, Cantara-Ney Springs WA needs no hunting pass.
CDFW lists no rules for Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area beyond those for every wildlife area (Sections 550 and 551).
Source: CDFW 2026-2027 Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations, Title 14, Section 551. CDFW's page for Cantara-Ney Springs 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 Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
The Cantara / Ney Springs Wildlife Area was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1996. It consists of two areas along the upper Sacramento River and includes 154 acres of mixed conifer, hardwoods and riparian vegetation. Species of interest include osprey, kingfisher, herons, and many species of migratory songbirds. The two parcels (Cantara and Ney Springs) both provide access to the river. Both access points are very scenic and provide access to excellent fishing opportunities.
On hunting, CDFW's page says: Deer, bear, waterfowl, and band-tailed pigeon may be present.
CDFW lists big game, small game and upland game birds hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing, hiking trails and fishing.
Facilities, in CDFW's words: Picnic tables are available at the Ney Springs location.
From CDFW's page for Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the wildlife area alone.
| Zone | Acres of Cantara-Ney Springs WA in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone B2 | 153 | 3,565 deer taken in 2025, 32.5% hunter success; 2026 general season September 19 to October 25 |
| Marble Mountains elk zone | 153 | 34 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 Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 13,785 acres of national forest and 210 acres of CDFW land.
How do you get to Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
CDFW's directions: River access is easier at the Cantara Loop access point with no steep slopes, and travel on foot up and down the river is easier.
CDFW's location note: 3 miles south of Mt. Shasta City on the Sacramento River. Highways within 8 miles: I-5 and CA 89. Nearest towns: Dunsmuir (3 miles), Mount Shasta (4 miles), Castella (6 miles) and McCloud (8 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
Yes. Section 551 lists it as Type C. Type C areas are open daily for all legal species, unless CDFW's area rules say otherwise.
Can you camp on Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
No. Section 551(m) does not list Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area, and camping is prohibited on wildlife areas it does not list (Section 550(p)).
Which deer zone is Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in deer Zone B2, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 3,565 deer were taken in Zone B2 in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area?
Dunsmuir (3 miles), Mount Shasta (4 miles) and Castella (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, Cantara-Ney Springs 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.