A wild turkey in Mariposa County
Credit: Linda Gast/Sierra Sun Times file photo

All calendar items are subject to change.

November 1, 2024 - Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm 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 Deadlines for Multiple Hunting Opportunities. Wild pig, deer, bear, turkey, dove and quail hunts are available through the SHARE program, with two new hunts this fall. Juniors can apply for two guided deer hunts on Catalina Island and hunters may apply for a four-person blind for waterfowl hunting in Yolo County. A $13.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.

Various Days — Tundra Swan Tours. Celebrate the bird migration on the Pacific Flyway this fall and winter! CDFW’s wildly popular swan tours are set for selective Saturdays, November through early-January. Held in partnership with Mathews Rice Operation, the free tours transverse privately-owned flooded rice fields north of Marysville. This area boasts one of the largest overwintering populations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. To register, visit register-ed.com/programs/california/273-tundra-swan-tours(opens in new tab). For more information, contact genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.

Various Days — Guided Wetland Tours by Reservation at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a 2/3-mile route through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. General information includes wildlife identification, behavior patterns and conservation efforts. The experience can be catered to include requested information. Each tour is limited to 30 people. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. Come prepared and be respectful of other visitors. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.

Weekends — Guided Wildlife Tours at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 12:30 p.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). This hour-and-a-half tour will stroll a third of a mile to an elevated viewing deck where participants will have a bird’s-eye view of wildlife. Visitors often encounter hawks, herons, turtles, cormorants, swallows and much more. This is one of the premier birding spots in Northern California, as migratory ducks and geese usually take the spotlight. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. To sign up, visit the Eventbrite registration page(opens in new tab). To purchase a Lands Pass, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass. There is a limit of 25 people per tour. Come prepared and be respectful of other visitors. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.

Weekends — Guided Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).

1 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/11/1/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab). 

2 — Early Bird Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join the reserve's naturalists every first Saturday to learn about the birds of the Elkhorn Slough. This tour is appropriate for birders from beginner to advanced and is recommended for individuals ages 15 and older. The tour meets at the reserve's visitor center, but depending on recent sightings, the group may walk the trails or caravan out to adjacent parks and natural spaces. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).

2 — General Deer Season Opens in Zone D12. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.

3 — General Deer Season Closes in Zones D3-7, D17 and D19. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.

3 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Explore the wonder of nature in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Friends of Ballona Wetlands docents will lead participants through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve while explaining its history and ecology. Enjoy the unique native plants on the journey through different habitats. Participants might even meet some of the local wildlife. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/11/3/2024-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab). 

3 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 3-5 p.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland (95776). The city of Davis wetlands tours are held on the first Sunday of each month and will meet at the city of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant. These tours are a great opportunity to birdwatch, learn about native ecosystems and take pictures of wildlife. For more information, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours(opens in new tab) or contact volunteer@yolobasin.org.

4 — White Goose Season Opens in the Imperial County Special Management Area (extends through Jan. 31). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

4 — Wildlife Conservation Board 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Workshop, 1-4 p.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, 715 P St., Second Floor Conference Rooms 2-221B&C, Sacramento (95814). This in-person workshop is for the public to provide input on WCB’s goals and objectives for the next five years. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab). 

5 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Intro to Women's Firearm Safety 101, 6-7 p.m. The presenter of this webinar specializes in training women to build firearm handling confidence in any environment. She loves hunting and is passionate about empowering women to safely hunt! The goals of the webinar are to assist in empowering others to make a firearm safe. The presentation will include identifying parts of the firearm – knowing what they look like, their function and how they vary from firearm to firearm.  Additionally, we'll discuss identifying different firearms and the correct ammunition that goes with the specific firearm. The desire is for participants to feel more confident/comfortable around firearms knowing the basic parts, actions, safeties, sites and ammunition. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page(opens in new tab). 

6 — Office of Spill Prevention and Response Environmental Enhancement Meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, Elihu Harris State Building, Big Sur Conference Room, 10th Floor, 1515 Clay St., Oakland (94612). This public meeting will be to consider and select for funding approximately $5 million in grants that acquire habitat for preservation or improve habitat quality and ecosystem function above baseline conditions. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/ospr/science/environmental-enhancement-fund/about or contact cristina.perez@wildlife.ca.gov. 

6 — Wildlife Conservation Board 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Workshop, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Inglewood Senior Center, 111 N Locust St., Inglewood (90301). This in-person workshop is for the public to provide input on WCB’s goals and objectives for the next five years. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab).

6-7 — Fish and Game Commission Marine Resources Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. Nov. 6 and 8:30 a.m. Nov. 7, Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, 715 P St., Second Floor, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov(opens in new tab).

7 — Scaup Season Opens in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, Colorado River and Balance of State Zones (extends through Jan. 31). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

7 — Wildlife Conservation Board 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Workshop, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Riverside County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor Conference Room 2A, Riverside (92501). This in-person workshop is for the public to provide input on WCB’s goals and objectives for the next five years. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab).

9 — Stanislaus River Salmon Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Knights Ferry Recreation Area, 12 miles east of Oakdale off Highway 120. Come watch the salmon in the river and enjoy information, activities and games, food, crafts and live entertainment from more than 40 exhibitors! This is a free, family-friendly event. Parking is $10 per vehicle in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parking lots. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SRSFest(opens in new tab). 

9 — Ballona Creek Cleanup at Ballona Reserve, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands clean up the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, 130 square miles of storm drain flow into Ballona Creek. Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right in the wetlands. The time and effort put into clearing out debris means less trash in the wetlands, on beaches and in the open ocean. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/11/9-creek-cleanup(opens in new tab). 

9 — Fall Wild Turkey Season Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 8). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

9 — General Pheasant Season Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 22). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

9 — Late Season Dove Hunting Opens Statewide (extends through Dec. 23). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

9 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join Nimbus Hatchery for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants might see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. Tours are first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.

10 — General Deer Season Closes in Zones D11, D13-15 and X9c. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.

15 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/11/15/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab). 

15-17 — King Tide Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, start time varies, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high king tide for yourself! Together we’ll learn what causes high tides, talk about why king tides are so interesting and take a hike to the reserve’s boardwalk to witness the event for ourselves. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).

16 — King Tide Birding Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1-3 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). As the high tide goes out, shorebirds descend on the exposed mudflats for a feast! Join an expert birder to see what birds you can spot. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab).

17 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). The salmon are back and CDFW is excited to celebrate their return with a salmon-themed Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center! We'll read books about salmon, learn about their lifecycle and make some cool fish prints and other fun salmon crafts. Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.

17 — Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area tours are held on the third Sunday of each month and are a fantastic opportunity to explore local wetlands, learn about wildlife and native plants and interact with other community members who share similar interests. For more information, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours(opens in new tab) or contact volunteer@yolobasin.org.

18 — Brant Season Opens in the Northern Brant Special Management Area (extends through Dec. 14). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

19 — Brant Season Opens in the Balance of State Brant Special Management Area (extends through Dec. 15). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

21 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento (95814). The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab).

23 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon’s Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/11/23/community-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).

23 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join Nimbus Hatchery for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants might see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. Tours are first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.

23 — Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2-4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join an experienced reserve docent on a 2-mile walk to open the senses on a mindfulness tour around the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar(opens in new tab). 

24 — General Deer Season Closes in Zones D12 and D16. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
Source: CDFW