The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering pig hunting opportunities in March and April at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

CDFW will be holding the limited-entry, permit-only hunts to control a small population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. Joice Island is a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, some brush and standing water.

Three hunters will be drawn for eight consecutive weekends, for a total of 24 hunters. The first weekend, March 4-5, will be reserved for apprentice hunters (ages 12-17 with Junior License) only. The following seven weekends (March 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, and April 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23) are open to both adults and apprentice hunters.

This is the first year that applications must be submitted online. Applications can be found at dfg.ca.gov/dfgspecialhunts/default.aspx. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The drawing will be held the morning of Feb. 15.

Permits with maps and additional information will be emailed to successful applicants.

Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Hunters may only use shotguns with nonlead slugs or archery equipment. Dogs and bicycles will not be allowed.

CDFW reserves the right to cancel this hunt and close the area to the public without prior notification, in the event of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

For more information, please contact CDFW at (707) 425-3828.