Canada Goose
Credit: Linda Gast/Sierra Sun Times
All calendar items are subject to change.
September 30, 2025 - 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.
Various Days — New Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Fishing Opportunities on North Fork Battle Creek. Three weekends are available. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each event. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/share.
Various Days — General Bear Season Opening in Select Deer Zones. General black bear season will open concurrently with the general deer hunting season in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 and extend through Dec. 28. Please note these deer zones have varying opening season dates. For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season begins on Oct. 11 and extends through Dec. 28. CDFW shall close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. The bag and possession limit for either archery or general season is one adult bear per hunting license year. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken. For more information and daily updates on reported bear harvest, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free (888) 277-6398.
1 — Tundra Swan Tour Registration Opens. 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(opens in new tab). For more information, contact genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
1 — State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) 2025 Release. The CDFW State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) 2025 will be released to the public on Oct. 1. The SWAP, which is updated at least every 10 years, provides a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy that is implemented through various projects statewide. These projects are federally funded through the US Fish and Wildlife’s State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program, which has awarded CDFW with nearly $71 million since 2000. SWAP 2025 is a non-regulatory guidance document to conserve California’s fish and wildlife, and their habitats. It combines the best science and conservation priorities with recommended actions and tools. If you have any questions, please direct them to swap@wildlife.ca.gov.
1 — California Spiny Lobster Commercial Fishing Season Opens Statewide. For more information on commercial lobster management, visit wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/invertebrates/commercial-regulations.
3 — 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/2025/10/3/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
4 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Northeastern Waterfowl Zone. For more information about regulations, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
4 — Early Season for Large Canada Geese Opens in the Balance of State Zone. For more information about regulations, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
4 — General Deer Season Opens in Zones D19, X1, X2, X3a, X3b, X4, X5a, X5b, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
4 — Archery-Only Deer Season Opens in Zone D12. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
4-5 — Early Season Junior Hunt for Quail in the Mojave National Preserve. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
5 — 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/10/5/2025-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab).
5 — Crystal Pier Kids Fishing Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4500 Ocean Blvd., San Diego (92109). Join CDFW, City of San Diego Parks and Recreation and San Diego Anglers Fishing Club for an introduction to pier fishing. CDFW staff with the Fishing in the City Program will have rods available for kids wanting to try fishing, and CDFW science staff will be on hand to help ID and handle fish if needed. If fish are legal size and in season, participants are welcome to keep what they catch but will need a bucket or cooler to transport the fish. A small tank will be available to view some of the fish caught at the event. Crystal Pier is a public fishing pier and fishing licenses are not required.
8-9 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 9 a.m. Wed. and 8:30 a.m. Thurs., East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
9 — Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento (95814). This will be a hybrid meeting. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov(opens in new tab).
11 — General Deer Season Opens in Zones D11, D13-15 and D17. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
11 — General Bear Season Opens in the Remaining X Zones. General bear season opens in deer hunting zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b in areas open to bear hunting. The general bear season will remain open until Dec. 28, or until CDFW determines that 1,700 bears have been 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.
11 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW 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 may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages, first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
11 — Early Archery-Only Season for Pheasant Opens (extending through Nov. 2). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
17 — 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/2025/10/17/friday-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
18 — 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/10/18/2025-saltmarsh-tour(opens in new tab).
18 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Balance of State, Southern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California Waterfowl Zones. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
18 — General Deer Season Opens in Zone X9c. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
18 — General Season for All Quail Opens in Zone Q1 and Zone Q3 (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
18 — General Season for Chukar Opens Statewide (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
18 — General Season for Snipe Opens Statewide (extending through Feb. 1, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
19 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Slither, crawl, or climb 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, we’ll be learning about California's diverse cold-blooded creatures in celebration of Reptile Awareness 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.
23 — General Duck and Goose Season Opens in the Colorado River Waterfowl Zone. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
25 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 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/2025/10/25/community-habitat-restoration(opens in new tab).
25 — General Deer Season Opens in Zone D16. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
25 — Big Springs Community Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area, 4415 East Louie Road, Montague (96064). Join CDFW, California Trout and local partners for a free, family-friendly event along the bank of Shasta River on the Big Springs Wildlife Area. Spend the afternoon viewing spawning Chinook salmon and learning about the Shasta River, the life cycle of salmon and the ecology/geology of the region. No registration required. This event is not completely ADA accessible. For more information, visit caltrout.org/events/big-springs-community-day-2025(opens in new tab) (link active Oct. 1) or contact shastaevents@caltrout.org.
27 — California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest Opens. CDFW is accepting entries through Dec. 5 for the annual California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The winner will be featured on the 2025-26 California Upland Game Bird Stamp. For contest rules and entry forms, visit wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.
Source: CDFW
