The Department of Fish and Game, in cooperation with the Department of Water Resources, has been conducting non-fee limited-permit public pheasant hunts since 1993. In 1998, a non-fee late-season waterfowl hunt was implemented. These hunts are held on State holdings located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Lands used for this hunt were purchased with the State Water Project Contract Funds. These properties are only open to successful applicants during the respective seasons. The properties are not open to the public except for this special hunting opportunity. Trespassers will be cited and prosecuted.

For both hunting opportunities, shoot days are typically scheduled for Saturdays and Wednesdays only. Special hunting opportunities are available each year, but may vary each year.

The dates for the general pheasant hunts in 2008 are November 8, 12, 15, 19, 26, 29, and December 3, 6, 10, 13. The date for the women's hunt is November 9. Junior hunts will take place November 22 and 23.