Naval Base Ventura County Waterfowl Hunting Program Page Last modified - Sept 20, 2025

This page updated for 2025-26 season.

There is important information about changes to Blinds 16, 18, 39, and 70-73 listed below.  Please take note.
These blinds must be taken down or restored to the "unused" condition after each use

Hunting Season begins in October each year.

NBVC Point Mugu is located within the Pacific Flyway and is comprised of approximately 2300 acres of wetland habitat. Consequently, there is a great variety and abundance of waterfowl species present during the fall and winter. NBVC Point Mugu complies with the State of California Department of Fish and Game waterfowl hunting regulations. The season is typically from mid-October through the end of January.

1. NBVC Environmental Operational Procedure: Waterfowl Hunting outlines the waterfowl hunting regulations aboard NBVC Point Mugu.
2. The Waterfowl Hunting Annual Information Notice outlines any changes or important information for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season, as well as the authorized hunting dates and times.  Hunting is allowed only on Wednesdays (prior to 0700), Saturdays, and Sundays.
3. Hunting is authorized in designated areas only to minimize any potential negative impact to protected and endangered species found at NBVC. Hunters found in violation of the Endangered Species Act or Migratory Bird Treaty Act are subject to fine and/or imprisonment. 
4. For weekly blind assignments all eligible hunters must submit their Request for Duck Blind Assignment  each Monday no later than 1100 if using the drop box or by 0700 if emailed.
5. Blind locations are depicted here.
6. Pre-season blind repairs are an opportunity for eligible hunters to earn preferred hunting chits - see info at bottom of page

   
Any questions regarding the NBVC Waterfowl Hunting Program should be directed to the NBVC Waterfowl Committee at 805-890-7245 during the mid-Oct to mid-Feb hunting season or to the Environmental Division at 805-989-3808 during the off season. You may also email us at the address listed near the bottom of this page

Hunter Eligibility Requirements

Personnel eligible to hunt waterfowl aboard NBVC Point Mugu include active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel; current and retired DOD civil service personnel; and NBVC contractor personnel with an NBVC photo ID badge. At least one week in advance of their first hunt day, all personnel shall:

1. Complete a Hunter and Shotgun Registration Form for all shotguns prior to bringing them aboard NBVC Point Mugu, for hunting. Non-registered shotguns are not allowed aboard NBVC Point Mugu. All hunting shotguns shall remain cased, unloaded, and secured in the hunter's vehicle, and only removed for use in hunting areas.
2. Download the NBVC Waterfowl Hunting Regulation Test and the Waterfowl ID test.  - and fill in the Answer Sheet on the next line
3. Submit the completed answer sheet to the Waterfowl Committee by mail, email or drop off in either of the Waterfowl Drop boxes (inside building 632 or outside as depicted in the regulations). 
4. New hunters (not including guests) must appear in person in order to complete a hunting area tour.
5. Submit a copy of California hunting license with HIP and waterfowl validation plus federal waterfowl hunting stamp unless presented in person to a Waterfowl Committee member.
6. Submit a signed DD2760 before a blind will be assigned.
7. First time hunters must view the NBVC introductory waterfowl hunting video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfxaVgEUmLo&feature=youtu.be

Details about specific blinds which are different from most others

Blind 16: 

• Has a split shooting day, so it must be identified as "16 AM" or "16 PM" on blind request sheet
• Has bird spikes to prevent birds from roosting - these may be pivoted down (outward) during shooting, but if so MUST be pivoted back up after each use.
• 

Blind 18:

• Reduced in height - bring own seating - may have to re-arrange camo net

Blind 39:

• Reduced in Height - should be able to use very low seat but bring your own if you want normal height
• Front and back are hinged inward and laid flat - they must be pivoted up
• The "right" (North) side is detached and laid on ground. It serves as a stabilizer for the front and back via large eye hooks when pivoted up
• The "Left" (South) side is hinged outward and serves both as entrance/exit and as a stabilizer for the front and back via large eye hooks when pivoted up

Blinds 70-73:

• PVC Frames with camo net attached need to be raised, tubes placed on orange posts and taken down after each use
• Bring your own seat
• 

Waterfowl and Other Bird Identification

Other Waterfowl Study Guides

Ducks at a Distance – This is good information to provide duck/goose identification training. It contains more than just what we test for.

Here is Ducks at a Distance in PDF format - if you desire offline study or to print & take into field.

Another excellent study guide is "The LeMaster Method" of waterfowl identification - it is about $10 in a small durable field sized spiral bound booklet.  It has larger duck bill photos than "Ducks at a Distance" has.

Salt Marsh Birds Beak - Endangered Plant to avoid:

NBVC Waterfowl Hunting Notice for Blind Repair:

All persons eligible to hunt waterfowl aboard NBVC Point Mugu ALONE are invited to participate in the annual repair of hunting blinds. Personnel eligible to hunt waterfowl ALONE include active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel; current and retired DOD civil service personnel; and NBVC contractor personnel with an NBVC photo ID (CAC) badge. Guest hunters will NOT be accepted as volunteers but may accompany and help a selected volunteer. Volunteers must have had at least one season hunting at Pt Mugu so that they are familiar with the regulations and the hunting area(s)

1. You  MAY NOT sign up someone else.
2. Volunteers will be accepted ONLY during the month of of August (not before).
3. There are a limited number of blinds in need of repair; therefore, volunteers will be taken on a "first come, first served" basis.
4. Volunteers will be notified of their assignments in early September and work must be completed by the end of the month unless given an extension
5. Blind repairs may only take place on weekends (Saturday / Sunday)
6. Volunteers earn six (6) blind request priority chits to be used during the hunting season to increase their chances of getting a desired blind assignment.
7. Submit your name and phone number(s) to the Waterfowl Committee at:

   

Questions:     NBVC Environmental (805) 989-3808