Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

Hunting at the BCCER

As part of the purchase agreement for the BCCER, Chico State Enterprises has cooperatively developed a program with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to allow hunting and fishing on a limited permit basis. This program provides a unique opportunity to gain access to property that would otherwise be closed to the general public.

The BCCER offers hunting opportunities for deer and turkey. Each person is allowed one application as the primary applicant, per hunt period. The BCCER is an educational facility. While reserve use is restricted during hunt seasons some overlap is unavoidable. Below are some general guidelines:

Registration for the Spring 2024 Turkey Hunt will open on January 22, 2024, and close on March 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. PST.

Go to the California Deer Association's website to register: 

CDA's Upcoming Hunts at the BCCER(opens in new window)

  • Hunters interested in applying for the drawing can also contact the CDA Sacramento office at (916) 575-7745 or the CDA Redding office at (530) 232-0505.
  • $10 per application and $50 if successfully drawn.
  • The drawing is only for a property access permit. All hunters must also have a valid California hunting license and appropriate deer tags and/or bird stamps before applying for any hunt on the BCCER.
  • All California Fish and Wildlife Code laws apply.
  • If drawn, each Hunter will be required to read, sign, and return the Hunting Regulations Form (PDF) and the Hunting Liability Release Form (PDF) prior to being issued a permit.
  • All persons under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the Minor Liability Release portion of the Hunting Liability Release Form and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Liability Release and Hunting Regulations forms must be submitted with a $50.00 per person access fee at least two weeks prior to the hunt period.
  • Hunting is restricted to the species for which the hunter has been issued a permit.
  • Shooting at any other species or target is strictly prohibited.
  • All hunters will report hunting results by scanning and sending their harvest reports to bpope2@csuchico.edu or by mailing tags to BCCER, Chico State Enterprises, 25 Main Street, Suite 103, Chico, CA 95929-0246.
  • No overnight camping or fires are allowed on the BCCER.
  • No ATVs, bicycles, or motorcycles are allowed.
  • All vehicles are required to stay on established roads and designated parking areas.
  • Hunting guests should be careful not to disturb or interfere with research areas or equipment.
  • Remove all shell casings and garbage.
  • All other rules and guidelines(opens in new window) for public use apply.
  • For any questions regarding the Hunt Program, please email Brian Pope at bpope2@csuchico.edu.