DFG announces short-term closure of Grizzly Island for elk hunt

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Beginning July 27 the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will temporarily close part of Grizzly Island Wildlife Area for the annual tule elk hunt. The Grizzly Island Unit of the Grizzly Island wildlife area will be closed through Sept. 13, during which time only persons with authorized hunt elk tags will be allowed.

The Fish and Game Commission has authorized 10 tags for this hunt - nine by lottery (including one junior tag) and one by auction.

A native California species, tule elk once numbered in the hundreds of thousands throughout the Central Valley and woodland areas of the state. By 1860, the tule elk population was reduced to only a few animals due to disruption of their habitat and the demand for meat by prospectors during the Gold Rush.

Since the 1970s, DFG has worked to re-establish these herds, and the tule elk population has now rebounded to more than 3,800 animals in 22 herds around the state. The Grizzly Island tule elk herd started from seven animals that were relocated from Tupman (Kern County) in 1977. In the absence of predators and disease in the area, the number of elk eventually increased to more than 100, which is beyond the optimal level.

During the temporary closure, DFG recommends visiting the following alternative areas for hiking, nature viewing, dog training and fishing opportunities within the Suisun Marsh:

• Hill Slough Wildlife Area: located on Grizzly Island Road, right off of Highway 12 in Suisun, before the one-lane bridge.
• Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve: located at the foot of Kellogg Street in Suisun City, near the marina.
• Belden's Landing Fishing Access and Boat Launch Ramp: located on Grizzly Island Road.
• Island Slough Fishing Access: located on Grizzly Island Road.

For more information, call the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area at (707) 425-3828.

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