September 1, 2021 - All calendar items are subject to change as we navigate the changing conditions and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to adhere to 
all safety protocols including physical distancing, wearing masks and frequent hand washing. For information on how to get vaccinated in California, please visit myturn.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or wildfire damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Hunting Opportunities. The SHARE program is offering new wild pig hunts on the east shore of Lake Berryessa. Deer, pig, bear, waterfowl and upland game hunting are also available this fall through SHARE. An $11.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Various Days — General Bear Season Opening in Select Deer Zones. General black bear season will open concurrently with the general deer hunting season in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 and extend through Dec. 26. Please note these deer zones have varying opening season dates. For those portions of deer hunting zones X-1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season opens on Oct. 9 and extends through Dec. 26. CDFW shall close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. For daily updates on reported bear harvest, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear or call toll-free (888) 277-6398. Please visit fgc.ca.gov/Regulations/Current/Mammals(opens in new tab) for a description of the current mammal hunting regulations. All hunters must get their tag validated and present the bear head for tooth extraction by CDFW personnel.
Various Days — Bat Talk and Walk Events, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Join Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Walk to learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals and watch the “flyout” of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California! These events are held on various dates from June to September. For more information and to register, please visit www.yolobasin.org/bats2021(opens in new tab).
Various Days — Volunteer Docent Training: Discover the Flyway School Program, 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 7, 9, 13, 15 and 17. Become a Discover the Flyway docent with Yolo Basin Foundation and provide virtual and in-person learning opportunities for K-12th grade students. The goal of Discover the Flyway is to offer children a meaningful outdoor experience that will give them an appreciation for the wetlands, agriculture and wildlife of the Central Valley. By becoming a Discover the Flyway docent, you can help teachers and students connect to nature, learn about science, protect wetlands and get involved in conservation. To register for training, fill out a volunteer application at www.yolobasin.org/volunteer(opens in new tab) and sign up for the training dates. Please contact Education Coordinator Heidi Satter at hsatter@yolobasin.org with questions.
Various Days — Ecological Reserve Tours at Elkhorn Slough, 10:00 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, please visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours(opens in new tab).
1 — Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove Early Season Opens, extending through September 15. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
1 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., via Microsoft Teams. The public is welcome. For more information, please visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
4 — Free Fishing Day. The second of two Free Fishing Days being offered by CDFW in 2021 is scheduled Sept. 4. While all fishing regulations – such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures – remain in effect, anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license on Free Fishing days. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days.
4 — California Biodiversity Day 2021 at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 9 to 11:30 a.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Join CDFW in a guided Bug Extravaganza on the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area as we showcase the beauty and diversity of these small but important animals. In celebration of California Biodiversity Day 2021 on Sept. 7, this citizen-based science event will document wildlife species using the iNaturalist app. All county and state public health guidelines will be followed and social distancing protocols will be in place during this event. Maximum attendance is 15 people. For more information, please call (530) 846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
4 — Tour of the Davis Wetlands, 3 to 5 p.m., Road 30, Davis (95618). Join Yolo Basin Foundation docents for this monthly tour of the City of Davis Wetlands. The tours are appropriate for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts and birders. The group will caravan along the hard-packed gravel roads of the auto tour route. Several stops will be made along the way providing guests with a closer look at the many species of birds that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands. Registration is required to attend. For more information and to register, please visit www.yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours(opens in new tab).
4 & 5 — Kids Fishing Event at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair, Tri-County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra Street, Bishop (93514). Times will be updated to the Eastern Sierra Area: Fishing in the City page. Children under the age of 16 will have the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout in the fairground ponds with the help of CDFW staff and volunteers. All fish that are caught will be cleaned on site and ready to take home for dinner! Each group of young anglers has 10 minutes to fish before a new group of participants cycles in. Each child is allowed only one catch, but they may try as many times as they like until they catch a fish, or until the end of the fishing event. This event lasts 1.5 hours, both on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the fair and participation in the Kids Fishing Derby is free. Other events at the fairgrounds may have associated costs. The Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds & Event Center will be following all state and county recommendations regarding the health and safety of all event attendees. For information and updates on the Tri-County fair, including daily schedules of events, please visit the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair webpage at tricountyfair.com/fair(opens in new tab). For more information about the Kids Fishing Derby, please contact Julia Cherenzia at Julia.Cherenzia@wildlife.ca.gov.
4-12 — Nimbus Fish Hatchery Scavenger Hunt. This California Biodiversity Week event is an in-person, self-guided scavenger hunt for known biological species at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and along its Discovery Trail. Participants use the iNaturalist app to find and document at least 25 species. This event is geared toward beginner wildlife observers by listing exact species to find and guiding them to the species known location. The scavenger hunt is available in both English and Spanish. Bring ample drinking water, as the visitor center remains closed. For more information, please contact Genelle Treaster at Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
4-12 — Bioblitz at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. This California Biodiversity Week event features a self-guided, in-person citizen science Bioblitz using the iNaturalist app at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. Participants use the guidance of the app to photograph and document biological species they encounter. The reserve is known for its spectacular spring wildflower bloom, but even in the dry season, life abounds. This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to document the diverse species living at the reserve, while being outside and enjoying nature! Bring ample drinking water and wear sturdy shoes. For more information, please contact Genelle Treaster at Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
7 — California Biodiversity Day. California Biodiversity Day takes place on Sept. 7 of each year, marking the anniversary of the launch of the California Biodiversity Initiative in 2018. This annual event celebrates our state’s exceptional biodiversity, while also encouraging actions to protect it. This year, we are excited to have many partners joining us to host California Biodiversity Day events from Sept. 4-12. Please check out resources.ca.gov/biodiversityday2021(opens in new tab) to see how you can participate!
11 — California Biodiversity Week Bioblitz at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 9:30 to 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Help scientists document California's biodiversity! Scientists want to know what lives in California’s diverse habitats and you can lend your hand to the effort. Guided by a reserve naturalist, Bioblitz participants will use the iNaturalist community science app to collect photos of organisms in the reserve’s grassland and freshwater habitats. For more details and to register, please visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).
11 — Sooty (Blue) Grouse General Season Opens, extending through Oct. 11. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
11 — White-tailed Ptarmigan General and Archery Season Opens, extending through Sept. 19. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
11 — Mountain Quail General Season Opens in Zone Q1, extending through Oct. 15. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
11 —Tree Squirrel General Season Opens, extending through Jan. 30, 2022. For more information on small game seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
12 — California Biodiversity Day Bioblitz at Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). Using the iNaturalist app, this free public event focuses on observing and identifying as many species as possible and helps to provide a “snapshot” of species diversity, giving researchers and the local community baseline data which may be used to observe change over time. It is ideal for participants 12 years and older, including students, teachers, community members, volunteers and environmental educators! Please remember to stay on designated roads, sidewalks and trails and follow all Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve regulations. To participate, please visit www.inaturalist.org/projects/ca-biodiversity-day-2021-upper-newport-bay(opens in new tab). For more information, please email Leslie.Kretschmar@wildlife.ca.gov.
13 — Feather River Fish Hatchery Ladder Opening, 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville (95965). The ladder will open Sept. 13 and salmon spawning will begin the following week, continuing through approximately mid-November. The underwater viewing windows and observation platform at the base of the fish barrier dam are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The spawning room and fish rearing ponds are temporarily closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For more information, please call (530) 538-2222 or visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/hatcheries/feather-river.
16 — Exploring Scaled Management for the California Halibut Fishery Webinar Series: Commercial Fishery, 4 to 6 p.m. This is the second of three webinars being offered by CDFW to learn about and discuss California halibut, which has been identified by CDFW as a high-priority fishery for scaled management attention. Please visit the CDFW California Halibut Scaled Management Process and Marine Management News(opens in new tab) webpages for additional information about California halibut and the scaled management process, including this webinar series. Agendas and materials will be shared and posted in advance of webinars. To help us prepare for the webinar discussions, please RSVP for the second webinar by Thursday, Sept. 9 by emailing mlmafisheriesmgmt@wildlife.ca.gov.
16 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, time to be determined. The meeting is to be held via webinar/teleconference due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
18 — General Deer Season Opens. General deer season opens in zones B1-3, B5, B6, C1-4, D6, D7, X9a, X9b and X12. Hunters should check for area closures and restrictions before heading to their destination. For information on land closures, please contact the agency in charge of the land you will be hunting. More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer. Please remember to report your deer tags! All deer tags you purchase, whether you hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2022, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are also required to report by Jan. 31, 2022. Please visit www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/customersearch/begin(opens in new tab) for information on reporting. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
18 — Band-tailed Pigeon Season Opens in the North Zone, extending through Sept. 26. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
18 — Great American River Clean Up, 9 a.m. to noon, Nimbus Hatchery, 2001 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova (95670). Join us to remove trash along the American River Parkway and riverbanks near Nimbus Hatchery. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Please bring water, sunscreen and snacks. For more information and to register, please visit apps.arpf.org/volunteer-opportunities?VO=96(opens in new tab).
18 & 19 — Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days for Northeastern California Zone. To participate, hunters must be 17 years of age or younger and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age or older. People should contact the wildlife area or national wildlife refuge they wish to hunt for details. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
20 — Moonrise Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). The pink and orange hues of the sunset reflect in the still water of the wetlands. Diurnal bird species take off to their roosts, showcasing their silhouettes against the fading sunlight. The moon rises slowly over the rice fields and marshes, creating a beautiful glow as moonlight streams over the nocturnal birds flying out to feast. Registration is required to attend and is limited to 30 guests. For more information and to register, please visit www.yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours(opens in new tab).
23 — Exploring Scaled Management for the California Halibut Fishery Webinar Series: Webinar Highlights and Looking Ahead, 4 to 6 p.m. This is the last of three webinars being offered by CDFW to learn about and discuss California halibut, which has been identified by CDFW as a high-priority fishery for scaled management attention. Please visit the CDFW California Halibut Scaled Management Process and Marine Management News(opens in new tab) webpages for additional information about California halibut and the scaled management process, including this webinar series. Agendas and materials will be shared and posted in advance of webinars. To help us prepare for the webinar discussions, please RSVP for the final webinar by Thursday, Sept. 16 by emailing mlmafisheriesmgmt@wildlife.ca.gov.
25 — General Deer Season Opens. General deer season opens in zones D3-5, D8-10, X8 and X10. Hunters should check for area closures and restrictions before heading to their destination. For information on land closures, please contact the agency in charge of the land you will be hunting. More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer. Please remember to report your deer tags! All deer tags you purchase, whether you hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2022, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are also required to report by Jan. 31, 2022. Please visit www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/customersearch/begin(opens in new tab) for information on reporting. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
25 — Quail General Season Opens in Zone Q2 (all quail species), extending through Jan. 30, 2022. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
25 — Elkhorn Slough Virtual Open House, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dive deeper into the Elkhorn Slough Reserve at our virtual open house! Follow along with nature craft tutorials, explore behind the scenes at the reserve’s nursery and hear from researchers about the science of the slough. For a full lineup of activities and information about participating, please visit the online calendar of events at www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).
25 — Volunteer Docent Training for Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Tours, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Become a wetland tour docent to lead and assist with tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Being a volunteer tour docent is an excellent way to observe and enjoy the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area regularly, while providing an important service to the public unfamiliar with the area. Practice your public speaking skills, increase your knowledge of wetland flora and fauna, and gain experience facilitating public tours! To register for the training, fill out a volunteer application at www.yolobasin.org/volunteer(opens in new tab) then register for the Wetland Tour Docent training date. Please reach out to Sabreena Britt, Volunteer Coordinator, at sbritt@yolobasin.org with any questions.
30 — Last Day of Recreational Ocean Salmon Season from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico Border. All recreational ocean salmon fishing south of Pigeon Point will be closed for the remainder of the year. Recreational ocean salmon fishing remains open between 40°10’ latitude and Pigeon Point. For more information, please visit the ocean salmon webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/regulations/salmon or call either the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825.
Source: CDFW - Photo credit: CDFW
