California Guide Service - Richmond, CA

Steve Windsor

Went out on 12/1/2024 after Sea Scoters with CGS and Melynda Dodds and her deck hand Meagan. Bluebird, flat pancake seas gave that bluebird/we're getting skunked vibe... Not even close to that. Great shoot, lots of action, no one near us, great crew, and I had a rare, zen moment with my Benelli where it was hard to miss. Started the day with a double on hens and highlighted it with a Scotch Double on drake Sea Scoters.

Melynda and crew are respectful of the outdoors, super safety conscious, positive and fun to hunt with. She hunts down cripples with skill, picks up spent casings religiously, and pays attention to boat and gun safety at all times. One of the best guided hunts I've been on. I'm bringing my daughters as soon as a day opens on her calendar!

jwlaw5

We've hunted with Mylinda and her amazing assistant Maddie several times now. Each and every time we've been out with them, it's been outstanding. They greet you in the parking lot, load all of your gear, make sure you're comfortable and off you go. The boat and all of their equipment is second to none. Customer service and safety always comes first but putting us on ducks is a close second. Every time we've been out, we all limited out! Mylinda and Maddie work tirelessly to ensure you have a good experience and have every opportunity to get your limit. We've hunted the grasslands for decades, but being out on the bay and shooting scoters is something everyone should try. It really is a unique experience, and the backdrop of the city is amazing. We've hunted with guides before, but the one thing that's unique about hunting on Mylinda's boat, is that it's just you, your family and/or your hunting buddies. Five stars all the way around! I highly recommend hunting with Mylinda and Maddie and we'll definitely be back again and again. Thank you for all the great hunts!

Jennifer Barton

It doesn't matter if it is your first time duck hunting, or 1000th... you'll have a heck of a good time with Melynda. She's a wonderful teacher when needed, professional, and the hardest working person I've ever met. The sea and diver ducks are a humbling, fast paced experience that everyone should try! She called in my first turkey for me as well! I recommend her wholeheartedly.

Ryan O'Leary

Capt. Melynda, Maddie, and Nova work their butts off & run a tight ship. They keep a great balance of professional & fun, and will do what it takes to get you on some birds(it’s up to you to shoot true and hit them). Book a hunt!! Go watch the sunrise from the middle of the SF Bay, share some stories & laughs with great people, and go home with a strap full of ducks.
-CA Guide Service Repeat Offender

Kelly Avila

This is the most incredible hunting experience, and I guarantee it will be unlike anything you’ve done!!! I book two spots every year, early season and late season. Captain Melynda knows her stuff and will get you on birds! She’s really fun and makes it a great experience! Watching her dog nova work is incredible. I have recommended this hunt to many of my friends and no one has ever been disappointed.! Melynda and her team are amazing! Book a spot before her season is filled!!

David Watkins

If your lookin to have a action packed sea duck hunt, then California Guide Service is the one. The boat is TOP NOTCH, with safety as number one priority when traveling & hunting. Perfect for beginners or the seasoned hunters looking to add a BEAUTIFUL sea duck to the wall.
Took out my 17yr old daughter & two buddies. We were so thick into the birds that we started to take only the drakes!!! Having to Monster Drakes mounted!!! It’s something that every waterfowl enthusiast should do. I’d highly recommend this outfit & look forward to booking again.
Thank You
David Watkins

Ryan Bair

Hunted sea ducks with CGS in early December with a friend of mine. We both limited out 7 surf scoters before noon and we’re back at the dock shortly after. Very comfortable boat. Great experience. Will be going back out with them next opportunity I get. Definitely worth the experience.

Sean Gamble

Best experiences I’ve had with a guide service for waterfowl. We hunted limits of the beautiful Surf Scoter with morning views of San Francisco bay. California Guide Service has top notch equipment making your boating venture safe and successful.
Our next hunt was for divers along the shores of the bay. CGS had us in the middle of more shot opportunities than any I’ve encountered. I was nervous knowing some of the divers have a limited bag limit. Melinda set my nerves at ease. She identified fast moving divers well before they came zipping into the decoys. I can’t wait for this years experience! Stay tuned