By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (May 10, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. (InEDC) — The California Fish and Game Commission has approved significant changes to hunting and fishing regulations, impacting northern pintail duck hunters and barred sand bass anglers across the state, including El Dorado County.
For the first time since 1997, the daily bag limit for northern pintail ducks will increase from one to three birds for the 2025–26 waterfowl season. This decision follows the adoption of a new interim harvest strategy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in May 2024, which incorporates over a decade of enhanced population modeling and monitoring data. The strategy aims to balance hunting opportunities with long-term conservation goals.
“This change reflects years of advocacy and scientific collaboration,” said Mark Hennelly, Vice President for Advocacy at California Waterfowl Association (CWA). “California hunters, who host about 60% of the continental pintail population each winter, will particularly benefit from this updated regulation.”
Despite a reported 11% decline in the pintail breeding population from 2023, the USFWS determined that habitat conditions have a more significant impact on population health than regulated hunting. The new strategy will be implemented on an interim basis and monitored annually to assess its effectiveness.
In contrast, the Commission is considering reducing the daily bag limit for barred sand bass from five to four fish to address concerns about population sustainability. The current regulations, established in 2013, set a minimum size limit of 14 inches and a combined daily bag limit of five fish across kelp bass, barred sand bass, and spotted sand bass.
Public feedback has been mixed. Some anglers and local officials, including the Dana Point City Council, have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact on recreational fishing and related businesses. “Barred sand bass is a sought-after species for many anglers and fishing charter operators,” stated Dana Point Mayor Matthew Pagano. “A reduction in bag limits could impact livelihoods and discourage recreational fishing participation.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Commission is expected to make a final decision on the barred sand bass regulations during its April 16–17 meeting. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the discussion to ensure a balanced approach that considers both conservation efforts and the interests of the fishing community.
