The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering wild pig hunting opportunities in March and April at the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

CDFW will be holding the limited-entry, permit-only hunts to control a small population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. Joice Island is a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, brush and standing water.

Three hunters will be drawn for eight consecutive weekends for a total of 24 hunters. The first hunt weekend, March 3-4, will be reserved for apprentice hunters holding junior licenses, ages 12 to 17. The following seven weekends – March 10-11, March 17-18, March 24-25, March 31-April 1, April 7-8, April 14-15 and April 21-22 – will be open to both adult license holders and junior license holders. There is no charge to apply.

To apply for both the apprentice and general hunts, please visit CDFW’s Apprentice Hunts webpage and either log in or create a new account. Once you navigate the drop-down menus, apply for the weekend of your choice. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Permits with maps and additional information will be emailed to successful applicants.

Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Junior license holders receiving a permit must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Hunters may only use shotguns with nonlead slugs or archery equipment. Dogs and bicycles will not be allowed.

CDFW reserves the right to cancel any of these hunts and close the area to the public without prior notification in the event of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

For more information, please contact CDFW at (707) 425-3828.