With summer in full swing, now might be the perfect time to take advantage of programs offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, for kids and adults.
As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
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.
Here’s a look at July opportunities to get outdoors.
Various Days
Bat Talk and Tour, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis. Colonies of migratory bats live under the Yolo Causeway during the summer; you can join Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Tour event and learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals. Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields before watching the flyout of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California. The bats emerge in long ribbons as they head out to hunt insects for the night. For more information and to register, visit yolobasin.org/battalkandtour.
Wetland Meet and Greet at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 15-minute interactive orientation may include information about Gray Lodge origins, assistance with identifying wildlife or behavior patterns, or a brief explanation of conservation management. Reservations are required but group size can vary. For more information, call 530-846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Friday, July 11
2025 Game Fish Contest Initial Offering. The Northern Initial Offering for Black Bass ‘Type A’ Game Fish Contests will be held July 11 at the CDFW office in West Sacramento. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/contests.
Saturday, July 12
Climate Change Talk, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, 9980 Greenback Lane, Folsom. Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly event with CDFW environmental scientist Rob Titus and Climate Action Fellows at the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. We will explore how climate change is impacting our environment and discover actions we can take to make a difference. To register for the event, visit the California Climate Action Corp signup page. For questions, contact sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov.
Wednesday, July 16
Thursday, July 17
Marine Resources Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., California 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.
Tuesday, July 22
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Introduction to Falconry, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In this webinar, experienced falconers will discuss the ancient hunting practice of falconry, the practice of hunting wild game using a trained bird of prey. To register, visit the event registration page.
Thursday, July 24
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Elk Hunting Opportunities. A total of 130 SHARE elk tags will be available during 73 elk hunts offered 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.
Saturday, July 26
Join in for the 36th Annual Mammoth Lakes Kids Fishing Festival, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snowcreek Resort Ponds, 1254 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes. This event is free for kids 14 and younger. Rods and reels are provided, or participants can bring their own. For more information, visit kidsfishfest.com.
Wednesday, July 30
Fishing in the City Clinic, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Southside Community Park, 2115 6th St., Sacramento. Do you know a kid eager to catch fish? Great, because it’s catfish season in Sacramento. Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held monthly at local parks through September. These free fishing clinics are for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and more. Everything needed is provided, and clinics are held rain or shine. To learn more about Fishing in the City and to register for a Sacramento area clinic, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city/sac. To learn more about Fishing in the City opportunities in other areas, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city.
