Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: hunting rules and map
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is 16,601 acres of CDFW land in Yolo County, in CDFW's Bay Delta Region. Title 14, Section 551 lists it as Type A: hunter access is restricted in waterfowl season and a hunting pass is needed. 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 parkOther state or federal landYolo Bypass WADeer zone lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 16,601 acres (CDFW boundary) |
|---|---|
| CDFW region | Region 3, Bay Delta Region |
| County | Yolo |
| Wildlife area type | Type A |
| Closures | Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season through one week after the end of waterfowl season except those areas designated for wildlife viewing purposes. |
| Camping | Not listed in section 551(m), so not allowed |
| Deer zone | Zone A |
| Nearest towns | El Macero (next to it), West Sacramento (2 mi) and Davis (4 mi) |
What are CDFW's rules for Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
As a Type A area, Yolo Bypass WA needs a hunting pass bought in advance and exchanged for an entry permit in waterfowl season, with set shoot days (Section 551(e)).
| Rule | Unit | CDFW's words |
|---|---|---|
| Closures and restrictions | Whole area | Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season through one week after the end of waterfowl season except those areas designated for wildlife viewing purposes. Pheasant hunting is prohibited in assigned blind areas. |
| 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 Yolo Bypass 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 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
A short distance from the University of California, Davis, and downtown Sacramento, the wetlands and uplands of Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are a natural haven for numerous species of birds, bats and other Sacramento Valley wildlife. Popular activities here include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting and nature education programs.
(Approximately 10 miles west of Sacramento)
From CDFW's page for Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, read October 2026.
Which hunt zones is Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in?
CDFW's numbers for each zone are for the whole zone, not the wildlife area alone.
| Zone | Acres of Yolo Bypass WA in it | CDFW's latest numbers for the zone |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Zone A | 16,601 | 9,184 deer taken in 2025, 34.2% hunter success; 2026 general season August 8 to September 20 |
Harvest: CDFW California Deer Harvest Statistics (2020 to 2025). Acres measured by FilledTag from CDFW's boundaries.
What public land is around Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
Within 4 miles of its boundary, CPAD 2026a maps 18,809 acres of CDFW land and 432 acres of other state or federal land.
How do you get to Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
CDFW's directions: Eastbound on I-80: Take the East Chiles Road exit and travel east one-quarter mile to the west levee access. Westbound on I-80: Take the County Road 32A East Chiles Road exit immediately west of the western end of the Yolo Causeway. Turn right at the stop sign and head south under the freeway to the west levee access. Wildlife Area Contact: (530) 757-2461 Bay Delta Region Fairfield Office: (707) 428-2002
Highways within 8 miles: I-5, I-80, CA 16, CA 99 and CA 160. Nearest towns: El Macero (next to it), West Sacramento (2 miles), Davis (4 miles) and Clarksburg (4 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
Yes. Section 551 lists it as Type A. CDFW's closure: Closed to all non-hunting uses from two weeks prior to opening of waterfowl season through one week after the end of waterfowl season except those areas designated for wildlife viewing purposes. Pheasant hunting is prohibited in assigned blind areas.
Can you camp on Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
No. Section 551(m) does not list Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and camping is prohibited on wildlife areas it does not list (Section 550(p)).
Which deer zone is Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area 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 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area?
El Macero (next to it), West Sacramento (2 miles) and Davis (4 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, Yolo Bypass 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.