Hunt unit · Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Merced Unit Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Merced Unit is one of 3 mapped hunt units on Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County, CA. It covers approximately 660 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
Merced Unit map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to California regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Game at Merced NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Merced Unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the Merced Unit
- Decimal
37.18037, -120.64558- DMS
37°10′49.3″N 120°38′44.1″W
Nearest towns
- Merced, CA12 mi SW of town
- Los Banos, CA14 mi NE of town
- Modesto, CA37 mi SE of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Merced Unit
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Los Angeles local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:02 AM | 6:32 AM | 7:33 PM | 13h 01m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:13 AM | 6:43 AM | 7:12 PM | 12h 29m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:26 AM | 6:56 AM | 6:47 PM | 11h 51m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:39 AM | 7:09 AM | 6:27 PM | 11h 18m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:56 AM | 6:26 AM | 5:06 PM | 10h 40m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:11 AM | 6:41 AM | 4:53 PM | 10h 13m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 4:46 PM | 9h 49m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 4:46 PM | 9h 38m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 4:54 PM | 9h 39m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 5:07 PM | 9h 52m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:36 AM | 7:06 AM | 5:25 PM | 10h 19m |
Computed for 37.180, -120.646 (PDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Merced NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lonetree Unit | !Special regs | 1,242 | — |
| Closed | ✕Closed | 1,921 | — |