California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8, Section 550 - General Regulations for Public Use on All Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands | California Code of Regulations

(a) All department land, except for fishing access and public access lands, is closed to visitor access and use until and unless the land is opened for a use or uses through regulations adopted by the commission in sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, 630, and 702 of these regulations. The commission determines whether proposed designations and uses are consistent with the authorizing and reference statutes listed at the end of this section and the purposes for which the lands were acquired. Each proposed designation or use is subject to review pursuant to state and federal regulatory requirements prior to being authorized.

(b) Definitions.

(1) "Department land" is defined as:

(A) any state-owned real property over which the department has jurisdiction and management authority;

(B) real property over which the department has management authority through a current lease, memorandum of understanding, management agreement, or similar document;

(C) real property designated by the commission as a wildlife area (Section 551 of these regulations);

(D) real property designated by the commission as an ecological reserve (Section 630 of these regulations);

(E) real property held or administered by the department as a fishing access;

(F) real property held or administered by the department as a public access;

(G) real property designated by the commission as a public shooting area.

(2) "Compatible uses" is defined as uses that are consistent with the purposes and management of a particular department land. Predominant compatible uses on department lands are hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, wildlife photography, environmental education and/or environmental research.

(3) "Environmental education" is defined as:

(A) department administered or sponsored interpretive programs offered to the public; or

(B) activities to increase the understanding and appreciation of wildlife and the natural environment conducted by organized youth or school groups.

(4) "Environmental research" is defined as the field study of biological, physical, or cultural processes or values with the primary purpose of improving the understanding of the natural environment.

(5) "Visitor" is defined as any person, other than a department employee or designee performing official duties, who enters department land.

(6) "Entry permit" is defined as a permit which allows entry to specified department land for department-authorized activities where general access is restricted per subsection 550(c)(2)(D). Entry permits may require payment of a fee to the department.

(7) "Hunting Pass" is defined as a proof of payment of a fee that must be presented by a visitor in order to obtain an entry permit to hunt on specified department lands.

(8) "Lands Pass" is defined as a proof of payment of a fee for entry for authorized uses other than hunting that is required of visitors who are not carrying a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license on department lands listed in subsections 551(w) and 630(c).

(9) "Special use" is defined as an activity, use, event or gathering on department land that is not authorized in sections 550, 551 or 630 of these regulations but which may be allowed with written authorization from the department; typically in the form of a Special Use Permit. When allowed, special uses occur on a limited basis as defined in the Special Use Permit or other authorizing document. An authorized special use on department land shall not conflict with the normal uses, purposes or management of the department land.

(10) "Reservation" is defined as a randomly drawn application that assures entry onto a wildlife area, when presented with the appropriate entry pass as specified in Section 550.5(c), if applicable.

(11) "Non-shooter" is defined as a visitor who accompanies a hunter in the field or remains at a designated parking area.

(12) "Fishing" for the purposes of department land is defined as angling as defined in Section 1.05 of these regulations, or as taking fish on department wildlife areas using bow and arrow fishing tackle as defined in Section 1.23 of these regulations.

(13) "Hunting" for the purposes of department land is defined as the legal take (as take is defined in Fish and Game Code Section 86) of wildlife species pursuant to sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 of these regulations, in addition to the general hunting regulations for seasons and method of take. The provisions of sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 shall have precedence over general hunting regulations on department land where there may be differences between them.

(14) "Camping" for the purposes of department land is defined as an overnight or after-hours visitor stay which may include a vehicle, trailer, motor home, boat, tent, or any other type of vehicle or shelter.

(15) "Wildlife viewing" for the purposes of department land is defined as pedestrian use of roads or designated trails when and where authorized by the department.

(16) "Dog training" for the purposes of department land is defined as the noncommercial act of training a hunting dog to improve the dog's performance in hunting migratory or upland game birds and retrieval of downed game, and to enhance the hunting experience.

(17) "Dog trial" for the purposes of department land is defined as an organized competitive or scored event for testing hunting dog performance.

(18) "Upland game birds" for the purpose of department land is defined as the upland game bird species listed in Fish and Game Code Section 3683.

(c) Visitor Entry and Responsibilities.

(1) Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to fishing, hunting, and use of department land. These regulations are incorporated by reference into and become a condition of all visitor entry, passes, entry permits, and special use permits. Failure to comply with any such regulations is a violation of this section.

(2) Visitor entry onto department land is at the discretion of the department, which may limit entry as it deems appropriate, to manage and protect fish, wildlife, native plants, habitats and other natural resources. Entry may require payment of a fee, a pass and/or an entry permit as provided in subsection 550.5(c).

(A) Visitor entry, where authorized or designated, is for activities authorized according to sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, or 630 of these regulations. It shall be unlawful to enter or use department land without complying with the applicable sections of these regulations.

(B) All visitors shall present and show valid entry permits; day, season or annual passes; licenses; and all fish and game taken on department land at the checking station or upon the request of any department employee. Visitors shall return all entry permits to the checking station or point of entry upon leaving department land.

(C) Visitor entry is authorized only from sunrise to sunset except during department-authorized hunting or fishing opportunities when access to hunting and fishing sites at other times may be permitted.

(D) The department may close all or portions of department land to visitors entirely, seasonally, or to specific activities or uses, and may limit the number of visitors entering an area for safety reasons, to reduce crowding, to avoid or reduce environmental disturbance, to limit the take of species, or to protect natural or cultural resources. Designated closures and use restrictions for specific properties are provided in sections 551 (for wildlife areas) and 630 (for ecological reserves) of these regulations.

1. The department may close any department land, or portion thereof, to any or all visitor use or access, without notice, by posting closed signs.

2. No visitor(s), other than those possessing written authorization from the department, shall enter or access any department land or portion thereof which is closed to visitors, including areas posted with closed signs and seasonally closed areas. This restriction does not apply to department employees or designees in the performance of official duties.

3. On all Type A and Type B wildlife areas during the waterfowl and pheasant seasons, no entry permits will be issued after 3:00 p.m.

(E) On department land where entry and exit sites are designated by the department, no visitor shall enter or leave the land except at those designated sites.

(F) It shall be unlawful for a visitor to enter any department land or portion thereof where the department has restricted visitor entry without a valid entry permit or pass. Subsection 550.5(c) specifies how to obtain an entry permit or pass.

1. Where a fee is required for entry, a pass must be purchased in advance through the department's Automated License Data System. Passes are sold by license agents, department license sales offices, or online at www.wildlife.ca.gov.

2. Where an entry permit is required for hunting, a hunting pass must be presented with photo identification at the time of entry for issuance of an entry permit. Entry permits are available and issued by the department only at the area checking station, point of entry, or by mail for successful special drawing applicants.

3. Rules regarding entry and reservation fees required for hunting on certain wildlife areas are in subsection 550.5(c) and Section 702 of these regulations.

4. Where a fee is required for entry for authorized uses other than hunting, a Lands Pass must be purchased in advance. Additional rules for Lands Passes are in subsection 550.5(c) of these regulations.

(3) Daily Entry Permit Revocations, Refusals, and Ejections. Employees of the department are authorized to refuse entry or issuance of entry permits, revoke permits and/or eject any visitor from department land for violation of any regulations, drug or alcohol intoxication, disorderly conduct, or for any reason when it appears that the general safety or welfare of the property or persons thereon is threatened. The decision and duration of revocation, in such respect, of any department employee assigned management or enforcement responsibilities for the area shall be final.

(A) Visitors found to violate any such refusal, revocation or ejection may be cited and fined.

(B) Visitors affected by this subsection may appeal such actions to the commission.

(4) Electric bicycles and motorized transportation devices (including but not limited to motorized bicycles, scooters, and carts) are prohibited on all department lands except where posted as allowed. The department may allow electric bicycles in particular areas based on the purposes for the department land; the infrastructure, capacity, and staffing available to support the activity; human safety considerations; and/or the protection of natural resources.

(5) Penalties.

(A) A visitor's failure to comply with sections 550, 551, 552 or 630 of these regulations may result in any or all of the following:

1. denial of permission to enter department lands;

2. revocation of any pass and/or permit already issued;

3. ejection from department lands for up to one calendar year from the date of discovery; and

4. citation or arrest under applicable provisions of the Fish and Game Code or these regulations.

(B) proceeding under any of the above provisions shall not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

(d) Special Use Permits. Any person, group, organization, agency or company wishing to request approval of a special use, as defined in subsection 550(b)(9), on any department land shall submit a Permit Application for Special Use of Department Lands and the permit fee as specified in Section 702 of these regulations to the department. Additional regulations that apply to Special Use Permits are located in Section 550.5 of these regulations. Department review and issuance is dependent upon staffing availability. If the department determines that the requested special use can be conducted in a manner that is not in conflict with current uses, management, or purposes of the department land on which the special use is proposed, the department may issue a special use permit.

(1) The department will charge fees to recover the department's reasonable costs to review and issue Special Use Permits.

(2) Conditions of issuance of the Special Use Permit may include a requirement to reimburse the department for any staff time or other costs related to the special use.

(3) All permittees shall observe and comply with all local, state and federal laws, regulations, requirements, terms, and conditions applicable to the special use.

(4) The Special Use Permit must be approved in writing by the department and in possession of the permittee prior to entering, and during the use of, department land.

(e) Environmental Education. Environmental education activities on department land shall be conducted only under written authorization from the regional manager or designee and coordinated with the area manager.

(1) If a purpose of the environmental education activity is to generate revenue for a person, entity or organization, the written authorization shall be in the form of a Special Use Permit.

(f) Research. Environmental research on department land shall be conducted only under written authorization from the regional manager or designee. Authorization may be given if the department determines that the environmental research and associated activities are compatible with current uses, management and purposes of the property. Conditions of approval may include, but are not limited to:

(1) proof of all necessary collecting permits;

(2) submission of written progress reports to the department;

(3) a schedule of activities and deliverables;

(4) provision of electronic copies of geospatial and all other field data and reports in a digital format specified by the department; and

(5) submission of copies of Natural Diversity Database field data forms for species tracked by the department.

(g) Protection of Resources. Except for the take of fish and/or wildlife in compliance with general and site-specific hunting and fishing regulations, or under written authorization from the department to conduct environmental research or environmental education, no visitor shall:

(1) mine or disturb geological formations, archeological, cultural or anthropological artifacts, structures, or resources;

(2) take or disturb any bird nest, or eggs thereof;

(3) cut, saw, trim, remove, or disturb any plant, mammal, fish, mollusk, crustacean, amphibian, reptile, soil, sand, gravel, rock, mineral, or any other form of plant or animal life on department land, except that non-woody vegetation may be cut and used for temporary hunting blinds; or

(4) construct or build any type of structure, including those made of vegetation (except as provided in subsection 550(g)(3)) or any other type of material, on department land except as may be specifically authorized by a Special Use Permit.

(h) Fishing. Fishing (as defined in subsection 550(b)(12)) on department land shall be allowed except as otherwise stated in subsections 551(o), 551(y) or 630(e) of these regulations, or when the area is closed according to these regulations or posted by the department with signs that prohibit entry or fishing.

(1) Fishing shall be conducted in accordance with general fishing regulations, except that it shall be limited to fishing from the shore unless boating facilities and/or areas for boats or other floating devices are designated or as allowed in subsections 551(o), 551(y) or 630(e) of these regulations.

(2) No visitor shall take fish (as defined in Fish and Game Code Section 45) from department land for commercial purposes.

(i) Regional Manager's Authority.

(1) The regional manager or their designee shall have the authority to place temporary restrictions on visitor use of department land for the purposes of protecting public health and safety or natural resources when circumstances warrant additional restrictions, and where such restrictions are not provided in sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 of these regulations.

(2) On state wildlife areas, the regional manager may authorize junior pheasant hunts during or outside the general pheasant season and may authorize junior turkey hunts during the regular season.

(3) For Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area only, the Regional Manager may determine whether decoys may be left in the field.

(j) Wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography are allowed on department land except when the property or portion of the property is specifically closed.

(1) Photography, videography, or filming of any type for commercial (profit or sale) purposes on or of department land requires a Special Use Permit from the department and a permit from the California Film Commission, pursuant to Government Code section 14998.8, et seq. The department shall not authorize or issue a Special Use Permit for any commercial photography, videography, or filming of any type without a valid permit from the California Film Commission.

(k) Introduction of Species. Visitors are prohibited from releasing, introducing, or transplanting animal or plant species, including domestic or domesticated species, onto or within department land or waters without a valid permit issued by the department or except as authorized for dog training in a designated area.

(l) Feeding of Wildlife. Visitors are prohibited from feeding fish or wildlife except as part of an otherwise legal activity, such as fishing in compliance with general fishing regulations, and Section 550(h).

(m) Pets. Visitors are prohibited from bringing pets, including but not limited to dogs and cats, onto department land except on a leash of less than ten feet or inside a motor vehicle, unless otherwise prohibited or restricted in subsections 551(o) or 630(h) of these regulations, or by prohibitions posted on the department land. Visitors may use dogs for hunting during an open season for an authorized species pursuant to subsection (n) of this section, unless otherwise prohibited.

(n) Use of Dogs for Hunting, Training and Dog Trials. The department may prohibit or restrict dog training, dog trials, or the use of dogs for any purpose on any department land. While in parking lots or checking stations, dogs must be leashed. While engaged in authorized hunting, training or dog trials, dogs may be off leash. On wildlife areas, while in transit between parking lots or check stations and the areas where authorized hunting, training or dog trials take place, dogs may be off leash but must be kept within ten feet of their owner or handler. On ecological reserves, when not engaged in authorized hunting, training or dog trials, dogs must be controlled per subsection (m) of this section.

(1) Dog training is allowed only on department lands with designated dog training areas as identified in subsections 551(i) and 630(i) of these regulations and, pursuant to those subsections, may require written authorization.

(2) Dog trials are authorized on department land identified in subsection 551(i) of these regulations and require a Special Use Permit pursuant to subsection 550.5(d) of these regulations.

(3) The use of dogs for hunting mammals or training or trialing to prepare for or simulate hunting mammals on department land is subject to the provisions of Section 265 of these regulations.

(4) Additional site-specific regulations pertaining to dogs apply as specified in subsection 551(o) of these regulations.

(o) Horses, Pack Stock, and Horseback Riding. Recreational use of horses is allowed on department lands designated as wildlife areas except when the area is specifically closed or as specified in subsection 551 (l) of these regulations. The recreational use of horses is prohibited on all other department lands except lands with department-designated horse trails or areas identified in subsection 630(g) of these regulations.

(p) Camping, Motorhomes, and Camp Trailers.

(1) No visitor shall camp, including on a boat, on any department land except on those wildlife areas where the department has designated campsites or camping areas, as provided in subsection 551(m) and Section 552 of these regulations. Within these wildlife areas, camping shall occur only in the department-designated campsites or areas. Camping, where authorized, may be conducted for up to seven consecutive nights and for a total of no more than fourteen nights per calendar year.

(2) The department may provide written authorization to camp outside of designated camping areas for authorized research, monitoring or management purposes. Such written authorization shall be in the immediate possession of the authorized person(s) at all times while on department land.

(3) Campers, camp trailers and motorhomes are prohibited on department lands except on those lands with department-designated camp trailer or motorhome accessible camping or parking areas.

(A) Visitors who wish to camp must register their camper, camp trailer or motorhome at the checking station or appropriate office and are limited to one camper, camp trailer or motorhome per registrant in the parking area. Utility trailers and cargo trailers are prohibited in designated camper, camp trailer and motorhome accessible camping and parking areas unless specifically authorized under a Special Use Permit.

(B) Parking areas are for visitor use only. The visitor responsible for the registered camper, camp trailer or motorhome shall show proof of use of the area within the previous seven days upon request. Failure to do so may result in citation and removal of the truck and camper, camp trailer or motorhome at the owner's expense.

(C) Campers, camp trailers and motorhomes over 30 feet in length are prohibited on all department lands.

(D) Tow vehicles for camp trailers must be stowed in designated vehicle parking lots.

(4) Camping is prohibited on all department lands designated as ecological reserves.

(q) Fires.

(1) Except as further restricted in subsection 551(n) of these regulations, fires are restricted to portable gas stoves, charcoal briquette barbeques, or fireplaces or pits developed by the department for visitor use, within department-designated campsites or camping areas on those lands designated as wildlife areas.

(2) Visitors are prohibited from using any form of fire on other department lands, including but not limited to wildlife areas that do not include designated campsites or camping areas and those lands designated as ecological reserves.

(3) No fire shall be left unattended and all fires shall be completely extinguished by the visitor before leaving the site.

(r) Hazardous Substances. No visitor shall apply, leave, dump, bury, release or dispose of any pesticide, herbicide, or hazardous substance, material or waste in, on, or from department land.

(s) Farming or Grazing. Unauthorized farming or grazing (including but not limited to cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and hogs) and associated activities on department land are prohibited.

(t) Vandalism. No visitor shall tamper with, deface, damage, destroy or remove any property not their own when such property is located within any department land.

(u) Signs and Markers. No visitor shall tamper with, deface, damage, destroy or remove any barrier, sign, signpost, trail marker, or signboard on any department land. No visitor shall place any sign, flagging, or marking of any kind on any department land without prior written authorization from the department.

(v) Litter. It shall be unlawful to leave, deposit, drop, dump, bury, or scatter any bottles, cans, glass (including broken glass), feathers, hides, carcasses, targets, shells, casings, vegetation, earth, rock, waste, sewage, cigarettes, cigars, or other debris or trash ("refuse") on any department land except in a receptacle or area designated for that purpose. Where no designated receptacles are provided, visitors must remove all refuse from the area.

(1) Visitors shall remove all of their personal equipment and belongings from department land daily. Failure to do so may result in unremoved items being deemed litter and disposed of.

(w) Fireworks/Explosives. No visitor shall import, possess or use fireworks, explosives or incendiary devices of any type on any department land unless authorized under permit by the department for management purposes.

(x) Possession and Use of Alcohol, Marijuana, and Controlled Substances.

(1) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol while in the field hunting. For the purpose of this section, "in the field" is defined as all areas of department land except designated parking and camping areas. Visitors under the influence of alcohol to a level determined to be unsafe may be cited and ejected per section 550(c)(3).

(2) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence of marijuana on any department land. Visitors in possession of medical marijuana cards and/or other legal authorization to possess marijuana for medical purposes (per Health and Safety Code sections 11362.7 through 11362.83) may only possess marijuana in that visitor's transport vehicle. Visitors with authorization to possess marijuana may not use it or be under its influence on department land. Visitors using or determined to be under the influence of marijuana on department land, or in possession of marijuana in violation of this section, may be cited and ejected per section 550(c)(3).

(3) No visitor shall possess, use, or be under the influence of any illicit controlled substance on any department land. Visitors possessing, using or under the influence of any illicit controlled substance on any department land may be cited and ejected per section 550(c)(3). Illicit controlled substances for purposes of this regulation are those substances where no medical authorization exists and no legal authorization allows possession for legitimate use of the substance.

(y) Motor Vehicles.

(1) Visitors are prohibited from driving or operating any motor vehicle or trailer on department lands except on designated roads.

(2) Visitors are prohibited from stopping any motor vehicle between designated parking areas to drop off passengers or hunting equipment.

(3) On department lands where auto tour routes are provided, visitors shall use any pullouts or wide spots along the route to stop and view wildlife rather than block the road for other visitors.

(4) Designated parking areas are for visitor use only. Parking motor vehicles and trailers outside of designated parking areas is prohibited except for special use or research permittees who may be authorized otherwise. Utility, flatbed, cargo, or similar trailers are prohibited on department lands except as authorized under a Special Use Permit.

(5) No visitor shall operate a motor vehicle carelessly in willful disregard of the rights or safety of others, or without due caution, or at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger any person, property, natural resources, or wildlife on department lands.

(6) Operators of motor vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph, unless otherwise posted, and shall comply with traffic and other signs posted on department lands.

(7) The use of off highway vehicles (OHV's), all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), motorcycles, and snowmobiles is prohibited on all department land, except where authorized and designated in subsection 551(k) of these regulations.

(z) Boats and Swimming.

(1) The department may restrict the use and operation of boats, boat motors, and floating devices ("boating") on department lands to protect natural resources or provide for the orderly operation of compatible uses on these areas. Boating restrictions may include but are not limited to, prohibitions on use and operation or, if boating is allowed, limiting boat speeds and/or motor size and type. During the times waterfowl are present, the provisions of Section 251 of these regulations, which prohibits pursuit or shooting of birds or mammals from a motor driven vehicle (including but not limited to motorboats, airboats, or sailboats) also apply.

(2) Boats and floating devices are generally allowed on wildlife areas, except as restricted or prohibited in subsection 551 (l) and Section 552 of these regulations. Boats are generally prohibited on ecological reserves except as provided in subsection 630(f) of these regulations. Where boats and/or floating devices are allowed on department land, they shall be used subject to the following regulations:

(A) no visitor shall operate a vessel carelessly in willful disregard of the rights or safety of others, or without due caution, or at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger any person, property, or wildlife;

(B) where launch sites are designated by the department, all boats must be launched and removed from those sites;

(C) any boat trailer shall remain attached to the tow vehicle and be stowed in a designated parking area;

(D) all visitors shall remove their boats or floating devices from the water or beach when instructed to do so by an employee of the department. Any peace officer may remove the boat or floating device of any visitor who has been instructed to remove it from the water or beach and fails to comply with that instruction;

(E) the use of boats or other floating devices may be restricted to certain zones designated by the department;

(F) boat speed shall not exceed five miles per hour unless otherwise posted; and

(G) any peace officer may remove any boat or floating device that is left unattended on department land or in the water in excess of 72 hours.

(3) Swimming is prohibited on department lands except where designated and authorized in subsection 630(f) of these regulations.

(aa) Aircraft. No visitor shall operate any aircraft, drone, or other unmanned aircraft system (UAS), hovercraft, or hot air balloon within department lands except as authorized by a Special Use Permit issued by the department.

(bb) Bicycles and bike riding are prohibited on department lands except where authorized and designated in subsection 551(j), Section 552, and subsection 630(g) of these regulations.

(1) On department lands where trails or roads have been designated for bicycles, no visitor shall ride, operate, leave, or park a bicycle except on those designated areas.

(cc) Firearms, Archery, and Other Propulsive Equipment.

(1) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm by an active peace officer listed in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code or a retired peace officer in lawful possession of an identification certificate issued pursuant to Penal Code Section 25455 authorizing the retired officer to carry a concealed firearm. Nor shall this section prohibit the lawful possession of a concealed firearm pursuant to a concealed carry permit issued pursuant to Penal Code Section 26150 or 26155.

(2) Possession, discharge, and use of firearms or archery equipment is prohibited on department lands except within department-designated hunting areas or shooting sites, or with a permit issued by the department, or as authorized for dog training in a designated area, or when fishing with bow and arrow tackle as defined in subsection 550(b)(12) and allowed in subsection 550(h). This prohibition includes air or gas operated devices or guns and all other propulsive devices.

(3) General (Non Hunting) Uses

(A) The use of glass or porcelain targets is prohibited on all department lands. Clay targets shall be used only at designated shooting sites where their use is allowed.

(B) Designated shooting sites are open daily from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise listed in subsections 551(v) or 630(j) of these regulations.

(C) Except as otherwise provided, an adult supervised youth may possess and discharge a BB gun on any wildlife area. A BB gun is not an authorized method of take and may not be used to take wildlife on any wildlife area. A BB gun is defined as an air and/or spring-actuated rifle similar to Daisy BB gun models 96 (Timberwolf), 105 (Buck), or 1938 (Red Ryder), firing a spherical BB no larger than 0.177 inches in diameter (4.5 mm) at a muzzle velocity no greater than 350 feet per second. For the purpose of this section a youth is defined as a visitor under the age of 16.

(4) Hunting Method of Take. Where hunting is allowed, it shall be conducted in accordance with general hunting regulations and subject to sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, and 630 of these regulations.

(A) Possession or discharge of shotguns larger than twelve gauge is prohibited on all department lands designated as Type A or Type B wildlife areas.

(B) Except for bow and arrow tackle as defined subsection 550(b)(12) and allowed in subsection 550(h), or as otherwise provided, no rifles, pellet or BB guns, combination rifle-shotguns, pistols, archery equipment, or revolvers shall be possessed in the field or discharged on any Type A or Type B wildlife areas. All legal firearms and archery equipment may be used on Type C wildlife areas unless prohibited in subsection 551(r) of these regulations. Firearms and archery equipment may be used on ecological reserves where hunting is authorized in subsection 630(d) of these regulations, subject to any restrictions therein.

(C) The use or possession of shot size larger than T in steel or BB in non-toxic (other than steel) shot is prohibited on all department lands and national wildlife refuges. On those department lands where big game species may be hunted, shotguns with slugs may be used.

(D) A hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field on Type A wildlife areas during the waterfowl season unless otherwise provided for in subsection 551(o) of these regulations. Subsection 551(o) also specifies additional wildlife areas where a hunter shall not possess more than 25 shot shells in the field during the waterfowl season. Only those visitors possessing a valid hunting permit for that day may possess ammunition in the field.

(E) It shall be unlawful to take wildlife except in compliance with the non-toxic shot and certified nonlead projectile requirements of Section 250.1 of these regulations.

(F) Except for bow and arrow tackle defined in subsection 550(b)(12) and allowed in subsection 550(h), archery equipment shall not be used during the waterfowl and pheasant seasons on Type A or Type B wildlife areas, unless provided in subsection 551(u) of these regulations.

(G) Loaded firearms, as defined in Fish and Game Code Section 2006 or Section 25850 of the Penal Code, are prohibited in parking lots, visitor areas, checking stations, and any other facility on department lands.

(dd) Falconry.

(1) On ecological reserves, falconry is prohibited.

(2) On Type C wildlife areas, raptors may be used to take legal game in accordance with general hunting and falconry regulations.

(3) On Type A and Type B wildlife areas, raptors may be used to take legal game only from the first Saturday following the end of the waterfowl season through the end of the falconry pheasant season. Raptors may be used only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.

(ee) Woodcutting. Woodcutting is prohibited on all department lands.