Though the wet winter weather and cooler temperatures are on the horizon, there are still plenty of activities being offered through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
As a reminder, 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.
All calendar items are subject to change.
Various Days
Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) access permit application deadlines for multiple hunting opportunities. Wild pig and waterfowl hunts are available through the SHARE program this winter. New to SHARE this year is waterfowl hunting in Colusa County on two new properties with a total of four 4-person blinds. New pig hunts are offered in Nevada County on the Garden Bar Preserve. Deadlines to submit applications are 17 days prior to hunt date. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Tundra Swan Tours. Celebrate the billion-bird migration on the Pacific Flyway this fall and winter during one of CDFW’s wildly popular Swan Tours, held most Saturdays from November through early January. In partnership with Mathews Rice Operation, these 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. For more information, contact genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
November 8
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Knights Ferry Recreation Area, 12 miles east of Oakdale off Highway 120, Knights Ferry. This free, family-friendly event will have more than 40 natural resource exhibitors, plus a live bald eagle. There is a $10 parking fee for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) lots. If you have a USACE or America the Beautiful pass, display it in your window for free parking. Carpooling is encouraged. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/srsfest or email sarah.mcculloch@wildlife.ca.gov.
Fall Wild Turkey season opens statewide (extends through Dec. 7). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
General Pheasant season opens statewide (extends through Dec. 21). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Late Season Dove hunting opens statewide (extends through Dec. 22). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.
November 16
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Salmon, and sturgeon, and steelhead, oh my! Swim on over to 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. This month, learn about some of California’s migratory fish in celebration of World Fisheries Day. 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.
Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9 a.m. to noon, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area tours are hosted on the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Learn about migratory bird species, flood management techniques, agricultural practices, native plants of the wetlands and more. Dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable. For more information, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
November 22
Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Join an experienced reserve docent on a two-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.
November 29
Brant Season opens in the Northern Brant Special Management Area (extends through Dec. 14). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
November 30
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.
