Lake Sonoma Pig and Deer Hunting
Pig Hunting
Pig hunting season begins Nov. 11, 2023! Hunting is limited to specific areas of the park and is self-guided. Only archery and crossbow hunting is allowed. No guns are allowed at Lake Sonoma. Special credentials are needed to hunt pigs at Lake Sonoma. Hunters with a current driver license, a valid California hunting license and pig tags can purchase credentials at the following locations:
Lake Sonoma Marina (open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Turra's Backroom Archery Shop, 3260 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa
West Coast Archery Shop, 2040 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma
Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma (Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
By Email: lakesonomavc@outlook.com
The permit fee is $35. A valid drivers license, hunting license and pig tag must be provided at the time of purchase. Permits are available now.
Certain areas of the recreational area will be off limits this season due to rising lake levels. Complete details on access and hunting rules will be provided with the orientation materials once hunters register for their hunting pass.
If you are planning to camp at Lake Sonoma while hunting, please make your reservations in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Walk-in camping is only available through the Lake Sonoma Marina & Resort, which has tent camping and RV camping. Contact the Marina at 707-433-2200.
NOTE: Check-in and harvest reporting must be done via email at Sonoma.Pighunts@usace.army.mil. If you cannot email, you cannot hunt. Properly displayed hunting credentials (property passes) will cover day use fees during the hunting season.
Guided Pig Hunts
Jayson Collard, avid hunter and the director of the Friends of Lake Sonoma hunting program, will once again offer guided pig hunts for the 2023-2024 season. Cost for the a guided pig hunt is $650. Reservations should be made with Jayson via email at inatriangle@yahoo.com.
Guided Deer Hunting
Deer hunting is allowed at Lake Sonoma on a limited basis to help control the deer population. Each year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts a survey of the of the herd at Lake Sonoma to determine the maximum number of bucks that can be taken. Areas of the park that have been closed for decades are now open only for deer hunting.
The season begins each year in mid-July and runs through mid-September.
Deer hunting is by archery or crossbow only and is semi-guided by Jayson Collard, a volunteer and member of the Friends of Lake Sonoma Board of Directors.
Hunters must have a California A-zone deer tag and a pig tag.
Deer hunts are $850 for one day and $1,400 for two days. Each hunter is allowed to take a pig as well as a deer.
NOTE: Deer hunts sell out quickly If you would like to reserve a hunt for 2024, please contact Jayson Collard via email at inatriangle@yahoo.com.
Hunting Fees
All fees associated with the pig and deer hunts are donated to the Friends of Lake Sonoma for park maintenance and programs. We greatly appreciate your support!