Overview
Volta Wildlife Area is approximately 3,800 acres of managed marsh and valley alkali shrub. Wildlife includes beaver, coyotes, cottontails and 150 species of birds including large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds.
Location
Directions
3/4 mi north of Volta on Ingomar Grade
From Hwy 152 take Hwy 33 north to Santa Nella, or from I-5 take the Santa Nella exit and proceed south on Hwy 33; turn east on Henry Miller Ave and travel east 4-1/2 mi; turn left over the railroad tracks and turn left again and proceed north about 3/4 mi on Ingomar Grade Rd.
Maps
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Fishing
Hunting: Waterfowl
Hunting: Upland Game Birds
Foot access only, except for permitted hunters during waterfowl season.
Hunting:
Type A: Volta Wildlife Area has restricted hunter access during waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. Adult hunters are required to purchase a Type A hunting pass in advance in order to exchange for an entry permit.
Hunt Map (PDF)
ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to changing weather, water availability and management needs, the flood up schedule may change at any time.
Area History
Beginning in 1949 a series of meetings were held throughout California to discuss acquisition of wetlands for State-owned waterfowl management areas. Purposes for acquisition included the economic necessity to protect agricultural crops from waterfowl depredation, the recognition of a need to protect waterfowl wintering habitat, and a desire to accommodate public waterfowl hunting. One result of these meetings was that Volta Wildlife Area was approved in concept.
In 1952, a lease agreement was initiated for the Department to manage the property, which has been renegotiated several times since. This property has been managed primarily as seasonally flooded wetland to provide the habitat needs of migratory waterfowl and associated species. It was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1973.
Los Banos office: (209) 826-0463 or LosBanosWA@wildlife.ca.gov