Waterfowl at Little Dry Creek Wildlife Area
Credit: Travis VanZant/CDFW
All calendar items are subject to change.
November 29, 2024 - 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 — Guided Wetland Tours by Reservation at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a 2/3-mile route through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. General information includes wildlife identification, behavior patterns and conservation efforts. The experience can be catered to include requested information. Each tour is limited to 30 people. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Various Days — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadlines for Multiple Hunting Opportunities. Waterfowl, wild pig, deer, bear, turkey, dove and quail hunts are available through the SHARE program. Hunters may apply for a four-person blind for waterfowl hunting at Tides End in Yolo County. A $13.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
Weekends — Guided Wildlife Tours at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 12:30 p.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). This 90-minunte tour will stroll a third of a mile to an elevated viewing deck where participants will have a bird’s-eye view of wildlife. Visitors often encounter hawks, herons, turtles, cormorants, swallows and much more. This is one of the premier birding spots in Northern California, as migratory ducks and geese usually take the spotlight. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. To sign up, visit the Eventbrite registration page(opens in new tab). To purchase a Lands Pass, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass. There is a limit of 25 people per tour. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Weekends — Guided Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
Various Saturdays — Tundra Swan Tours. Celebrate the bird migration on the Pacific Flyway this fall and winter! CDFW’s wildly popular swan tours are set for selective Saturdays, November through early January. Held in partnership with Mathews Rice Operation, the 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(opens in new tab). For more information, contact genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
Various Saturdays — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m. Dec. 14 and 28, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join Nimbus Hatchery for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the hatchery and neighboring American River on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month! 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. 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.
1 — 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/12/1/2024-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab).
5 — California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelhead Trout Meeting, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/notices.
6 — 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/2024/12/6/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
7— Fishing in the City Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon, Howe Community Park, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento (95825). It’s trout season in Sacramento! Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held monthly at local parks on Saturdays 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.
7 — Nimbus Fish Hatchery Native Garden Volunteer Event, 9 a.m. to noon, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join two members of the California Climate Actions Corps on Dec. 7 in beginning to transform areas around the Nimbus Fish Hatchery into a native plant garden. Help needed includes rock removal and invasive plant removal. There is no age limit and all tools will be provided. To register, visit the volunteer sign-up page(opens in new tab). For more information, email sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov or samantha.edolmo@wildlife.ca.gov.
7 — Early Bird Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join the reserve's naturalists every first Saturday to learn about the birds of the Elkhorn Slough. This tour is appropriate for birders from beginner to advanced and is recommended for individuals ages 15 and older. The tour meets at the reserve's visitor center, but depending on recent sightings, the group may walk the trails or caravan out to adjacent parks and natural spaces. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
10 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Bear Hunting, 6-7 p.m. Looking for a real hunting adventure and a way to fill the freezer with delicious table fare? In an effort to serve hunters, this webinar features experts in the field to discuss California bear hunting opportunities, bear management/conservation efforts and practical bear hunting strategies. There will be a dedicated Q&A segment at the end. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page(opens in new tab).
10 — California Fish and Game Commission Tribal Committee Meeting, 1 p.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).
11-12 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 9 a.m. Dec. 11 and 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12, Natural Resources Headquarters Building Auditorium, 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).
14 — Ballona Creek Cleanup at Ballona Reserve, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands clean up the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles, where 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 means less trash in the wetlands, on beaches and in the open ocean. 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/2024/12/14-creek-cleanup(opens in new tab).
14 — King Tide Birding Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1-3 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). As the high tide goes out, shorebirds descend on the exposed mudflats for a feast! Join an expert birder to see what birds you can spot. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
14-15 — King Tide Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, start time varies, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high King Tide for yourself! Together we’ll learn what causes high tides, talk about why King Tides are so interesting and take a hike to the reserve’s boardwalk to witness the event for ourselves. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
15 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW 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.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.
20 — 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/2024/12/20/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
21 — 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/12/21/2024-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab).
21 — General Season for Band-tailed Pigeons in the Southern Hunt Zone Opens (extending through Dec. 29). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
23 — Archery Only Pheasant Season Opens (extending through Jan. 19, 2025). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
28 — Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2-4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join an experienced reserve docent to open up the senses on a 2-mile walk through the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar(opens in new tab).
29 — Black Bear Season Ends Statewide (or earlier if CDFW determines that 1,700 black bears have been reported taken). All hunters must get their tag validated and present the bear head for tooth extraction by CDFW personnel. Current bear hunting regulations, in-season updates and general black bear information can be viewed at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear.
Source: CDFW
