Black Bear Credit NPS-file photo
All calendar items are subject to change.
August 31, 2025 - 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. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, 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. 28. Please note these deer zones have varying opening season dates. For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season begins on Oct. 11 and extends through Dec. 28. CDFW shall close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. The bag and possession limit for either archery or general season is one adult bear per hunting license year. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken. For more information and daily updates on reported bear harvest, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free (888) 277-6398.
1 — Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove Early Season Opens (extending through Sept. 15). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
1 — Hunting Season Opens at Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (through Jan. 31, 2026). Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (HCWA) in San Diego County will open for hunting season. HCWA is open for upland game, coyote, crow and resident small game in accordance with the general hunting regulations. For more information and a link to the regulations, visit wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/hollenbeck-canyon-wa.
4 — Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens for San Francisco Subarea and Monterey Subarea. The recreational ocean salmon fishery is set to reopen for a separate fall harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook salmon. The season will be open from Point Reyes to Point Sur for Sept. 4-7. If the 7,500 Chinook harvest guideline is not attained, the season may continue Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1-5 and Oct. 27-31 for the San Francisco Subarea (Point Reyes to Pigeon Point), and Sept. 29-30 for the Monterey Subarea (Pigeon Point to Point Sur). The bag limit is two salmon of any species except coho, and minimum size limit is 20 inches total length. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429. For any questions, email emma.keller@wildlife.ca.gov.
5 — 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/2025/9/5/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
6-14 — California Biodiversity Day Celebrations. California Biodiversity Day takes place on Sept. 7 of each year and celebrates the state’s exceptional biodiversity while also encouraging actions to protect it. CDFW and partner organizations are hosting over 150 activities statewide throughout the week of Sept. 6-14. For a list of events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/biodiversityday(opens in new tab). One easy way to get involved is to join the Find 30 Species project(opens in new tab). Find and document 30 wild species anywhere in California Sept. 6-14 and submit your observations through iNaturalist. Tag your adventures and follow along on social media at #CABiodiversityDay. For more information, contact californiabiodiversityday@wildlife.ca.gov.
6-14 — California R3 Hunters and Anglers Bioblitz: Flora and Fauna Discovery. This is a statewide bioblitz for hunters and anglers to come together to discover and share photos of flora and fauna throughout California! A bioblitz is an intensive, time-limited survey where scientists, volunteers and the public collaborate to find and identify as many living species as possible within a specific area. Download the free iNaturalist app and join our project, the use the app to share observations of the species that you find as you're out exploring nature. For more information, visit www.inaturalist.org/projects/california-r3-biodiversity-week-challenge(opens in new tab).
6-14 — Back Bay Biodiversity Bioblitz, Back Bay Science Center, 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). Take a self-led exploration of the Back Bay estuary any time Sept. 6-14 by learning about and identifying the special plants and animals around you with our annual bioblitz. The iNaturalist app can be downloaded for free and will help you explore the over 300 bird, 70 fish, 40 mammal and 500 plant species present in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. The data from this annual bioblitz helps land managers to make more informed decisions. For more information, visit www.inaturalist.org/projects/bbsc-bioblitz-2025(opens in new tab).
6 — Community Celebration and Bioblitz at Camp Pollock, 9 a.m. to noon, 1501 Northgate Blvd., Sacramento (95815). Kick off California Biodiversity Day celebrations with a variety of family-friendly activities at Camp Pollock. Participate in a fun day of searching and learning as we get to know our plant and animal neighbors and connect with local conservation organizations. California’s Secretary for Natural Resources, Wade Crowfoot, is expected to join us for welcome remarks and updates on California’s 30×30 initiative. There will be a bioblitz with the free iNaturalist app (tutorials and hike guides provided), a volunteer service project, partner booths from local environmental organizations, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Admission is free but space is limited. For more information and to register, visit sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/event/bio-20250906(opens in new tab).
6 — Tour of the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery and Friant Interactive Nature Site Biodiversity Blitz, 9-10 a.m., Friant Interactive Nature Site (FINS), Friant (93626). Join CDFW for California Biodiversity Day! Take photos and use the free iNaturalist app for species identification or just enjoy a hike. We will start from the stadium at the foot of the FINS parking lot and walk the FINS Trail to Lost Lake, an easy hike of approximately 3-miles round trip. Bring hats, a sunshade, water and comfortable shoes. For more information about the hatchery, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/hatcheries/san-joaquin.
6 — Biodiversity Bash, 1-4 p.m., Back Bay Science Center, 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). Join Back Bay Science Center for California Biodiversity Day and to celebrate its new look with games and activities. There will be a live art workshop with Wildlife Jewels, fishing on the docks for children ages 8-15 with California Surf Anglers, and a CDFW K-9 demonstration. We will also have education booths hosted by Newport Bay Conservancy and other surprise guests with a scavenger hunt. The event is free and parking is available. Come explore YOUR nature! For more information, visit www.backbaysciencecenter.org/public-programs(opens in new tab).
6 — Inland Empire's Aquatic Kingdom: Rod Loans at Lake Perris, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris (92571). CDFW and California State Parks will loan fishing rods to the public. There will also be an interpretive station where visitors can learn about the environment. For more information about the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=651(opens in new tab).
6 — Biodiversity Day at Bushy Lake, 6:30-10:30 a.m., American River Parkway, Sacramento. Join Sacramento Audubon Society for a walk at Bushy Lake to document the biodiversity at this restoration site using both eBird and iNaturalist. We will work towards identifying and documenting all the plants and wildlife we see to collect data on the transition resulting from the restoration project. The area is thriving with riparian vegetation creating new habitat for many wildlife species. For more information and to register, visit www.sacramentoaudubon.org/calendar/sas-field-trip-biodiversity-day-at-busy-lake(opens in new tab).
6 — Elkhorn Slough Early Bird Tour, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home and giving tips on identifying species. No registration is required – the tour is filled on a first-come, first-served basis up to a capacity of 18. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
6 — 2025 California Biodiversity Day at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 9-11 a.m., Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach (92648). Celebrate with CDFW at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with a free wetland tour! The tour begins at the south parking lot. Participants will be provided with a trail map and list of species to look for. Download the free iNaturalist app to share your observations. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/bolsa-chica-er.
7 — La Jolla Tidepools Bioblitz, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., La Jolla Cove, Coast Blvd., La Jolla (92037). Join CDFW and City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department for a day of tidepool exploration! Learn how to use the free iNaturalist app to help collect biodiversity data while exploring the tidepools and enjoy a day out on our coast to celebrate biodiversity week.
7 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9-11 a.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland (95776). The City of Davis Wetlands tours are hosted by Yolo Basin Foundation the first Sunday of the month at the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant. These tours offer a refreshing outdoor experience to learn all about local wetlands, native fauna and flora, and the importance of these biodiverse ecosystems. To register, visit the event registration page(opens in new tab).
7 — 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/9/7/2025-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab).
8 — California Bat Chat, 6-8:30 p.m., Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center, 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt (95632). Discover the wild wonders of California’s 26 bat species and see them with your eyes and ears! Join us for a tabling event with live ambassador bats, museum specimens and crafts, followed by a sunset stroll with acoustic detectors to observe bats flying wild at Cosumnes River Preserve. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight, walking shoes, warm layers for an evening outside, and your burning bat questions. Restrooms will be available. The parking lot gate will remain open beyond sunset for this event. For more information and to register, visit the registration page(opens in new tab).
9 — Biodiversity Week PORTScast: The Bears of California, 11 a.m. to noon, via Zoom. Join interpreters with California State Parks and CDFW live from Sugar Pine Point State Park as we learn all about the bears of California. In this PORTScast, we will discover the biology and adaptations of these incredible creatures and learn about the role they play in California’s biodiversity. As we look at the differences between the wildland bears of the California backcountry and mischievous city bears, we will explore what our role is in keeping bears wild. For more information and to register, visit ports.parks.ca.gov/2-portscast/portscasts-calendar(opens in new tab).
11 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
13 — Tree Squirrel General Season Opens (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on small game seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
13 — Mountain Quail General Season Opens in Zone Q1 (extending through Oct. 17). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
13 — Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse General Season Opens (extending through Oct. 13). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
13 — White-tailed Ptarmigan General and Archery Seasons Opens (extending through Sept. 21). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
13 — Focus on Nature: Biodiversity Photo Walk, 5:45-7 p.m., 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris (92571). Join a biodiversity photo walk to explore the rich natural world during the magical golden hour! From seasoned pros to those just starting their photography journey, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Meet at Power Cove to embark on an exciting adventure, focusing our lenses on the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the area. This is more than a photo walk – it is an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to citizen science. The event is free to attend, though standard park entry fees apply. For more information, visit www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/biodiversityday(opens in new tab).
13 — Lake Merced Watershed California Bioblitz, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1 Harding Road, San Francisco (94132). Join a fun day of hiking, birdwatching and documenting biodiversity using the free iNaturalist app in the Lake Merced Watershed with the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences. Groups will enjoy walks around Lake Merced and trails at the north end of Fort Funston. A delicious lunch will be provided along with a wrap-up session at the Lake Merced Boathouse. For more information and to register, visit www.calacademy.org/community-science/california-biodiversity-day(opens in new tab).
13 — Bird Walk at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 8-11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Finches, hawks and goldeneyes, oh my! Come join CDFW and Sacramento Audubon Society for a family-friendly bird walk along the American River scenic trail. Expect easy walking with frequent stops to scan the river, riparian habitat and surrounding bluffs for local resident birds. Participants should be prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection and water. Extra binoculars will be available if you don't have your own. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
13 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW on the second Saturday of each month for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. The maximum group size is 25 people, first-come, first-served. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
13 — Elkhorn Slough Reserve Biodiversity Celebration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join Elkhorn Slough Reserve to celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the watershed and the important work being done to conserve the beautiful landscape around us! Explore the Visitor Center, help collect seeds for restoration, hike the trail and participate in a reserve-wide bioblitz. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
13 — Ocean Ranch Restoration Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ocean Ranch Parking Area south of Table Bluff Road, Loleta (95551). Join CDFW for a workday removing invasive plants and maintaining a native cultural planting area at Ocean Ranch Unit of the Eel River Wildlife Area. In 2024, the Watershed Steward Program, the Wiyot Tribe and CDFW brought out an incredible team of volunteers for a Restoration Rendezvous to plant culturally significant plants grown in the Wiyot Native Plant Nursery and remove poison hemlock and other invasive species. Invasive plants are making a comeback, and maintenance work is never over! Come join us(opens in new tab), put on work gloves and pick up a shovel.
13 — O'Neill Forebay Wildlife Area Bioblitz, 8-11 a.m., O'Neill Forebay Wildlife Area, Santa Nella Blvd., Gustine (95322). Join the San Joaquin Chapter of The Wildlife Society for a California Biodiversity Day 2025 bioblitz at the O'Neill Forebay Wildlife Area, hosted by the Diversity Committee. This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Meet at the parking lot for the wildlife area just off Santa Nella Blvd./State Route 33. Please bring water, sunscreen, snacks, friends and family! Consider downloading the free iNaturalist app. We will be walking around and looking at all the wildlife the area has to offer. For more information, visit wildlife.org/san-joaquin.
15 — Feather River Fish Hatchery Ladder Opening, 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville (95965). The fish ladder will open Sept. 15 and salmon spawning will begin the following week, continuing through approximately mid-November. For more information, call 530-538-2222 or visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/hatcheries/feather-river.
19 — 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/2025/9/19/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
20 — Band-tailed Pigeon Season Opens in the North Zone (extending through Sept. 28). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
20 — 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 hunting grounds. 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 deer tags! All deer tags purchased, whether used for a hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2026, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are also required to report by Jan. 31, 2026. Visit www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/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.
20 — Fishing in the City Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon, Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova (95670). It’s the last chance of 2025 to join Sacramento's Fishing in the City (FIC) program to catch catfish! This Youth Beginner Fishing Clinic is a free event for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and hopefully to catch their first catfish! All materials are provided, and clinics are held rain or shine. To learn more about FIC and to register for a Sacramento area clinic, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city/sac. The upcoming FIC trout clinic season will begin in November. To stay informed of the dates as they become available, subscribe to the newsletter(opens in new tab). To learn more about FIC opportunities in other areas, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city.
20 — Coastal Cleanup Day, 9 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Paya del Rey (90293). International Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet. Join over 60,000 volunteers worldwide in removing hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, lakes and other waterways. 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 protects coastal wildlife and keeps beaches clean and safe. 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/2025/09/20/coastal-cleanup-day(opens in new tab).
20-21 — 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, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
21 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for Tot Time every third Sunday of the month at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create fun 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.
26 — California Spiny Lobster Recreational Fishing Season Opens Statewide, 6 p.m. For more information about recreational lobster fishing and report card requirements, visit wildlife.ca.gov/lobster.
27 — General Deer Season Opens. General deer season opens in zones D3-5, D8-10, X8 and X10. 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 deer tags! All deer tags purchased, whether used for a hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2026, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are required to report by Jan. 31, 2026. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
27 — Quail General Season Opens for All Quail Species in Zone Q2 (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
27 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 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/2025/9/27/community-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
27 — Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2-4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Treat yourself to an outer and inner exploration on a two-hour walk to open the senses with an experienced reserve docent. Experience the different habitats and varying cycles in this amazing place that many species call home, and possibly gain a sense of homecoming yourself. The tour is 2 hours and covers about 2 miles of easy-moderate grade trail. No registration is required. The tour is first come, first served. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
27 — Oroville Salmon Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feather River Fish Hatchery, 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville (95965), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Oroville. The event will feature tours to view salmon spawning, information booths, educational displays and vendor booths. For more information, visit www.visitoroville.com/salmon-festival(opens in new tab).
27-29 — Early Season for Large Canada Geese in the Balance of State Zone. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
Source: CDFW
