West Walker River Wildlife Area: hunting rules and map
West Walker River Wildlife Area is 753 acres of CDFW land in Mono County, in CDFW's Inland Deserts 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 X12, where CDFW estimates 193 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 landWest Walker River WADeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 753 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 6, Inland Deserts Region |
| County | Mono |
| Wildlife area type | Type C |
| Camping | Not listed in section 551(m), so not allowed |
| Deer zone | Zone X12 |
| Nearest towns | Walker (next to it), Coleville (6 mi) and Topaz (10 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for West Walker River Wildlife Area?
As a Type C area, West Walker River WA needs no hunting pass.
CDFW lists no rules for West Walker River 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 West Walker River 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 West Walker River Wildlife Area?
West Walker River Wildlife Area is 767 acres of mostly riparian habitat. Streams, rivers and springs within this area provide excellent fawning habitat for mule deer. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1994.This area is a popular trout fishing destination.
On hunting, CDFW's page says: Type C: West Walker River Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.
CDFW lists big game hunting for the area, and also wildlife viewing and fishing.
From CDFW's page for West Walker River Wildlife Area, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is West Walker River Wildlife Area in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the wildlife area alone.
| Zone | Acres of West Walker River WA in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone X12 | 753 | 193 deer taken in 2025, 58.7% hunter success; 2026 general season September 19 to October 12 |
CDFW deer hunts whose ground includes part of West Walker River WA: hunt A-20 (Zone X-12 Archery Hunt).
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around West Walker River Wildlife Area?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 56,576 acres of national forest, 5,389 acres of CDFW land, 4,455 acres of BLM land and 201 acres of other state or federal land.
How do you get to West Walker River Wildlife Area?
Highways within 8 miles: US 395 and CA 108. Nearest towns: Walker (next to it), Coleville (6 miles), Topaz (10 miles) and Bridgeport (16 miles). CDFW's page for the area gives directions and parking.
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on West Walker River 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 West Walker River Wildlife Area?
No. Section 551(m) does not list West Walker River Wildlife Area, and camping is prohibited on wildlife areas it does not list (Section 550(p)).
Which deer zone is West Walker River Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in deer Zone X12, by CDFW's boundaries. CDFW estimates 193 deer were taken in Zone X12 in 2025, across the whole zone.
What is the closest town to West Walker River Wildlife Area?
Walker (next to it), Coleville (6 miles) and Topaz (10 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, West Walker River 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.