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February programs included on Fish and Wildlife calendar
Feb calendar 2-7
This photo shows a recent sunny day at the Cosumnes River Preserve. CDFW Photo

There are some activities designed for outdoor fun and some hunting opportunities for residents in February. As a reminder, all California Department Fish and Wildlife calendar items are subject to change.

Ecological reserves, wildlife areas 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 deadline for multiple hunting opportunities. Spring pig and turkey hunts are available through the SHARE program. A $13.78 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.


Feb. 10 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW 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. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain and 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.

Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Milt Brandt Visitors Center and Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, 3288 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville. Join CDFW at one of California’s biggest and best celebrations of the endangered steelhead trout, which return annually to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery at Lake Sonoma to spawn the next generation of fish. Attendees at this free event can view nature exhibits and learn about environmental stewardship, preservation of natural resources and protection of threatened and endangered species. For more information, visit www.steelheadfestival.org.

 

Feb. 10-11 — Veterans and Active Military Personnel waterfowl hunting days in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, Southern California and balance of state zones. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

 

Feb. 12 — Canada Goose late season opens in the North Coast Special Management Area (closing March 10). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

 

Feb. 14-15 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, time to be determined, California Natural Resources Building, 715 P Street, Second Floor, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.

 

Feb. 15 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 9 a.m., California Natural Resources Building, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.

 

Feb. 17 — Fishing in the City Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon, Howe Community Park, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento. It’s trout season in Sacramento. Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held twice a month at local parks on Saturdays in January through March. These free fishing clinics are for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and hopefully to catch their first fish. All materials are 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.

 

Feb. 17 — White and White-fronted Goose late season opens in the balance of state zone (closing Feb. 21). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

 

Feb. 17-18 — Canada Goose late season in the balance of state zone. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

 

Feb. 18 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW on the third Sunday of each month for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft. 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.kaiser@wildlife.ca.gov.

Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Explore the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with a knowledgeable field trip leader on the third Sunday of each month from October to June. Witness flooded seasonal and permanent wetlands, native grasslands and young riparian forests. Depending on the season, spot migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors and wading birds. To register, visit yolobasin.org/ybwa-tours. For more information, contact bkeating@yolobasin.org.