Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area: hunting rules and map
Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area is 2,407 acres of CDFW land in Sierra County, in CDFW's North Central 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 X7a, where CDFW estimates 52 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 landSmithneck Creek WADeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 2,407 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 2, North Central Region |
| County | Sierra |
| Wildlife area type | Type C |
| Camping | Not listed in section 551(m), so not allowed |
| Deer zone | Zone X7a |
| Nearest towns | Sierra Brooks (next to it), Loyalton (2 mi) and Sierraville (8 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
As a Type C area, Smithneck Creek WA needs no hunting pass.
CDFW lists no rules for Smithneck Creek 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 Smithneck 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 Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
The approximately 1,400-acre Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area consists of a variety of habitats typical of the east side of the Sierra. The sagebrush-bitterbrush habitat is a critical deer winter-range area for migratory deer. Limited stands of yellow pine, mountain mahogany and juniper provide additional habitat for resident deer. Wet and dry meadows are found along Bear Valley Creek. Riparian habitat consisting of alders, willows and aspen provide cover along Bear Valley, Smithneck and Badenaugh Creeks for both game and non-game wildlife.
Some of the species which may be viewed include goshawks, falcons, a variety of warbler species, and snowshoe hares. Mountain lion tracks are often seen imprinted in muddy areas near streams.
On hunting, CDFW's page says: Deer, bear, rabbit, quail, and dove may be present. Opportunities are limited by the safety considerations for residents of the Sierra Brooks Subdivision, which is bordered on three sides by the Wildlife Area.
CDFW lists big game and upland game birds hunting for the area, and also fishing, wildlife viewing and hiking trails.
From CDFW's page for Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the wildlife area alone.
| Zone | Acres of Smithneck Creek WA in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone X7a | 2,407 | 52 deer taken in 2025, 23.4% hunter success; 2026 general season October 3 to 18 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of Smithneck Creek WA: hunt A-13 (Zone X-7a Archery Hunt) and hunt J-19 (Zone X-7a 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 Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 33,645 acres of national forest, 6,172 acres of CDFW land and 2,330 acres of BLM land.
How do you get to Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
CDFW's location note: Approximately 1 mile southeast of Loyalton and 3 miles south of State Route 49 surrounding the Sierra Brooks subdivision. Highways within 8 miles: CA 49 and CA 89. Nearest towns: Sierra Brooks (next to it), Loyalton (2 miles), Sierraville (8 miles) and Chilcoot-Vinton (10 miles). CDFW's page for the area gives directions and parking.
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Smithneck Creek 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 Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
No. Section 551(m) does not list Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area, and camping is prohibited on wildlife areas it does not list (Section 550(p)).
Which deer zone is Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in deer Zone X7a, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 52 deer were taken in Zone X7a in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area?
Sierra Brooks (next to it), Loyalton (2 miles) and Sierraville (8 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, Smithneck 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.