Los Banos, California - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for a limited number of deer and pig hunt access permits on opening weekend, August 8-9, in Zone A for the general season. The locations for this hunt include Upper and Lower Cottonwood Creek and the San Luis Reservoir wildlife areas in western Merced County.

Reservations are required for access to the wildlife areas and only 30 permits will be issued for each day.

Interested hunters can obtain an application by calling CDFW’s Los Banos office at (209) 826-0463 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The application is also online at http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/lands/wa/region4/cottonwoodcreek.html. Only official applications will be accepted.

Applicants can apply for a one-day hunt on one area only (not for both days or for multiple areas). Junior license holders must apply with an adult hunter. Up to three persons may apply as one party by including all required information on the 2015 Zone A application form.

Completed applications should be submitted via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to CDFW’s Los Banos office at 18110 W. Henry Miller Ave., Los Banos, CA 93635. Applications must be received before 4:30 p.m. on July 3.

Reservations will be selected by a computerized drawing on July 6 at 11 a.m. at the Los Banos office. The drawing will be open to the public and successful applicants will be notified by mail within five business days.