Spenceville Firing Range

Situated within the Sierra Foothills, the Spenceville Wildlife Area boasts approximately 11,900 acres of the distinctive blue oak – gray pine woodland. Varying in elevation from 200 to 1,200 feet, this scenic wildlife area is neighbored by Beale Air Force Base on the west and privately owned ranches on its other three borders. A network of ponds, creeks, trails, and riparian zones paint a diverse landscape for visitors to explore.

Recreational Opportunities & Activities:

Fishing: Prime spots include Pittman, Horseshoe, Little Dry Creek, Wood Duck #1, Spring Plot, and Upper Jones Ponds, as well as Dry Creek, Little Dry Creek, and Cox Creek. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are particularly abundant.
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking Trails
Dog Training (map available upon request)
Equestrian Trail Riding: Access for horse riders at the designated camp area and the gates on Waldo Road near the corrals.
Bicycling: Designated routes on graveled administrative roads such as Pittman, Falls, Nichols, Jones, and county roads. All these routes are marked by white pipe gates.
Seasonal Camping
Hunting: Options include deer hunting, quail hunting, waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, bow hunting, hunting with shotguns, and hunting with rifles.

Facilities:

Seasonal Campgrounds

Special Notices:

The area is closed to all visitors during the first nine days of the spring turkey season, excluding special turkey permit holders.
Visitors are urged to familiarize themselves with all regulations related to the use of Department lands. Further details can be found in the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations booklet.

Reviews: Based on feedback from frequent visitors:

Strengths: This wildlife area is often commended for its free outdoor shooting range. Many reviewers found other visitors to be friendly, knowledgeable, and very conscious of safety norms. The scenic beauty of the area and its amenities for recreational shooting are also highlighted. Several mention it being worth the drive for its vast expanse and great location.
Weaknesses: Some visitors voiced concerns about the popularity of the place, especially on weekends, leading to overcrowding. This occasionally made it challenging to find a spot or table. A few also pointed out that while many people adhere to safety norms, there are occasional individuals who don’t, particularly during the deer season. It was also mentioned that the area could benefit from better maintenance in terms of cleanliness.