Hunt unit · Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Sun River Unit Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit requiredYouth opportunity

The Sun River Unit is one of 2 mapped hunt units on Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Sacramento County, CA. It covers approximately 174 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. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
174acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Sacramento Countycounty

Sun River Unit map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

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.

Refuge permit required. Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit. Obtain via: Mail, Visitor Center.

Waterfowl Hunting, permit is acquired through mail or Visitor Center.

🧒 Two blinds are available for youth hunters. In addition there is a post season youth hunt.

Game at Stone Lakes 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 Sun River Unit

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Destination: center of the Sun River Unit

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Decimal
38.33511, -121.49463
DMS
38°20′06.4″N 121°29′40.7″W

Nearest towns

  • Sacramento, CA17 mi S of town
  • Stockton, CA28 mi NW of town
  • Modesto, CA55 mi NW 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 Sun River Unit

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*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

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:04 AM6:34 AM7:38 PM13h 03m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:16 AM6:46 AM7:16 PM12h 30m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:30 AM7:00 AM6:50 PM11h 50m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:43 AM7:13 AM6:29 PM11h 16m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:01 AM6:31 AM5:07 PM10h 37m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:16 AM6:46 AM4:54 PM10h 08m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:33 AM7:03 AM4:46 PM9h 43m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:45 AM7:15 AM4:46 PM9h 31m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:52 AM7:22 AM4:55 PM9h 32m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:51 AM7:21 AM5:07 PM9h 46m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:41 AM7:11 AM5:26 PM10h 15m

Computed for 38.335, -121.495 (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 Stone Lakes NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
ClosedClosed6,337Required

Back to Stone Lakes NWR →