WATERFOWL FAQs (2026)
When and where will the registration forms be available?
Registration will be available on the Parks and Recreation website at: www.stancountyparks.com/duckblind on Sunday, June 21, 2026 through July 26, 2026 @11:59pm
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee will remain the same as prior years: $50 per person, per reservoir.
Where do I find my hunting license number?
It’s the eleven digit number that starts with the letter “D” and it’s located below the barcode on your license.
DO NOT use the “GO ID” number
DO NOT include dashes
How do we pay the $50 registration fee?
Payments must be made during the online registration process.
Please make sure to have the following information:
Hunter’s Name
Hunter’s E-mail Address
Hunter’s Date of Birth
Hunter’s Hunting License Number (i.e. D-0000000000-1)
Visit our office at the address above, during business hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) to use our kiosk for account creation.
***We cannot take credit card payments over the phone at this time***
***No cash payments, all payments must be made through the registration site***
How do I know payment for my registration has been received?
You will receive an e-mail confirmation/receipt for your payment.
Can I pay with a check?
No, payment can only be made by card as the entire process is online.
Will I need to complete a separate form for each reservoir?
Yes, registration for each reservoir is a separate item. This is needed in order for the system to separate each registration form by reservoir and allow us to draw for each reservoir independently.
How will the Waterfowl Coordinator know who the hunters/registrants are that I am paying for?
Each hunter is responsible for ensuring they are registered for the draw. Every registrant must have a unique email account in the system, this allows us to confirm that each user is a single person. Terms of the draw will need to be agreed to for each applicant.
What if I forget to pay after completing my registration form?
Payments must be received at the time of registration. If payment is not submitted at that time, the item will eventually be removed from your shopping cart and you will not receive a confirmation e-mail.
How will the selection of registrants work?
Applicants will be randomly assigned a number. Once assigned, Applicants will be organized from lowest to highest. The lowest numbers assigned will be designated the winners for each respective reservoir draw. This is done by an independent staff member in our Department who has no personal interest in the draw nor does this person know or is familiar with anyone participating in the draw.
How many blinds will be available for Modesto Reservoir? How many for Turlock Lake?
20 for Modesto and 20 for Turlock Lake. Note - 3 alternates will be chosen for each location should any spots become available.
Will there be a list published of all the winners in order of reservoir choice and will they be listed by name or hunting license number?
Yes, the winners will be listed on our website: stancountyparks.com/waterfowl on July 31st, 2026 by 5:00pm.
All Applicants will also receive an e-mail indicating whether or not they were selected.
So if all the pinning (up to the limited number of blinds allowed) is not accomplished on August 5th, will we have the opportunity to pin a site?
Yes. This will be done by appointment only. Please call the administration office on August 6th for details.
How will the first-come, first-serve work?
First-come, first-serve is only for the blind locations that the initial winners did not select. After the pinning, maps of pinned locations at each reservoir will be posted on stancountyparks.com/waterfowl.
What is the cost I would have to pay up front if I win the draw?
A non-refundable waterfowl blind permit fee of $500 will be charged. This fee allows the permittee unlimited entry and launch pass privileges for one vehicle and one boat during the season. (Pursuant to Stanislaus County Code Section 18.12.050)
A refundable Blind Removal deposit fee of $300 will also be charged. The deposit shall be refunded to the applicant upon proper removal of the blind. (Pursuant to Stanislaus County Code Section 18.12.050)