The latest California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar has been released, with plenty of activities scheduled for September.

As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.

Also, 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.

Sept. 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. One easy way to get involved is to join the Find 30 Species project. 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.

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 the project, then 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.

Sept. 6

Tour of the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery and Friant Interactive Nature Site Biodiversity Blitz, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Friant Interactive Nature Site (FINS), Friant. Join CDFW for California Biodiversity Day. Take photos and use the free iNaturalist app for species identification or just enjoy a hike. The event 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 three 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.

Biodiversity Day at Bushy Lake, 6:30 a.m. to 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. Participants will work towards identifying and documenting all the plants and wildlife they 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.

Elkhorn Slough Early Bird Tour, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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.

Sept. 7

City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland. 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.

Sept. 8

California Bat Chat, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center, 13501 Franklin Blvd., Galt. Discover the wild wonders of California’s 26 bat species and see them with your eyes and ears. Join in 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. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, walking shoes, warm layers for an evening outside, and your 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.

Sept. 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 to learn all about the bears of California. In this PORTScast, attendees 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.

Sept. 11

California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.

Sept. 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.

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.

Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse General Season Opens (extending through Oct. 13). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

White-tailed Ptarmigan General and Archery Seasons Open (extending through Sept. 21). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

Bird Walk at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Finches, hawks, goldeneyes and more. 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.

Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.

Elkhorn Slough Reserve Biodiversity Celebration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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.

O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area Bioblitz, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area, Santa Nella Blvd., Gustine. 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 Boulevard/State Route 33. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, friends and family. Consider downloading the free iNaturalist app. Attendees will be walking around and looking at all the wildlife the area has to offer. For more information, visit wildlife.org/san-joaquin.

Sept. 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.

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 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.

Sept. 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.

Sept. 21

Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.

Sept. 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.

Sept. 27

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. 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.

Sept. 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.

Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. 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 two hours and covers about two 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.

Sept. 27-29

Early Season for Large Canada Geese in the Balance of State Zone. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.