CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsAvian Influenza Returns this Fall with Migratory Birdshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/avian-influenza-returns-this-fall-with-migratory-birdsWaterfowlThu, 14 Dec 2023 09:11:24 GMTWildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.<p>Wildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.</p> <p>In late October, Canada geese were found dead in Sacramento County and submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Wildlife Health Laboratory for testing. Preliminary testing was performed at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis.</p> <p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the detection of HPAI H5N1 in two Canada geese in early November. Subsequent detections have been made in wild birds in several additional counties during mortality surveillance including from Contra Costa, San Diego, Santa Clara, Solano and Yolo. Detections in waterfowl during hunter-harvest surveillance have been reported from Fresno, Glenn, Kern and Yolo counties. Prior to these detections, the last confirmed detection in wild birds occurred in June 2023.</p> <p>This strain of Eurasian HPAI H5N1 has been circulating in the United States and Canada since the winter of 2021-22, arriving in California in mid-July 2022. In total, 354 confirmed detections of the virus were made in wild birds collected from 44 California counties during mortality surveillance conducted between July 2022 and June 2023. Detections of the virus appeared to subside during spring and summer in California, as well as more broadly in the United States. Now, as waterfowl and other waterbirds are undertaking fall migration, cases again are on the rise.</p> <p>Avian influenza spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact and may also spread to birds through contaminated surfaces including hands, shoes, clothing and hunting gear. While the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm#Protective-actions-wild-birds" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a> considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low, residents and waterfowl hunters are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, hunting dogs, falconry birds, poultry and pet birds.</p> <p>Steps that may help reduce the spread of HPAI:</p> <ul> <li>Report dead wild birds, and other wildlife, to CDFW using the <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report">mortality reporting form</a>. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak.</li> <li>Report sick and dead poultry to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hotline at 1 (866) 922-2473.</li> <li>Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl. Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.</li> <li>Do not feed waterfowl or other waterbirds at park ponds as it may increase the congregation of birds and contribute to disease spread.</li> <li>Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.</li> <li>Before transporting potentially sick wild birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, or other animal facilities, contact the facility for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.</li> <li>If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.</li> <li>Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection. Dead birds may be collected into a plastic bag and placed in the regular trash collection.</li> </ul> <p>Additional safety recommendations for waterfowl hunters:</p> <ul> <li>Harvest only waterfowl that look and behave healthy. Do not handle or eat sick game. Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.</li> <li>Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not dress wild game in the vicinity of poultry or pet birds.</li> <li>Wear rubber gloves or other impermeable disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game.</li> <li>Remove and discard intestines soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents. Place waste in a plastic bag and dispose in a garbage container that is protected from scavengers.</li> <li>Do not eat, drink, smoke or vape while handling dead game.</li> <li>When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable), and clean knives, equipment and surfaces that came in contact with game. Wash hands before and after handling any meat.</li> <li>Keep harvested waterfowl cool (either with ice or refrigeration), below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, until processed, and then refrigerate or freeze.</li> <li>Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.</li> <li>Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear and hunting gear before traveling to other areas. As appropriate, footwear and gear may be washed with soap and water, then disinfected in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for at least 10 minutes.</li> <li>Bathe hunting dogs with pet shampoo after hunting, and do not feed dogs raw meat, organs or other tissues from harvested waterfowl.</li> <li>Falconers should avoid hunting waterfowl, and other waterbirds, during the HPAI outbreak.</li> </ul> <p>For more information on HPAI H5N1, check out CDFW’s <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring#556711154-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza">informational flyer</a> addressing frequently asked questions and links to additional resources. The USDA maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai" target="_blank">website</a>. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the <a href="https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/BioSpecies/BioPoultry.html" target="_blank">CDFA</a> and <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program" target="_blank">USDA</a> websites.</p> <p>For guidance on orphaned or injured live wild birds, please contact your nearest <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Rehab/Facilities">wildlife rehabilitation center</a> prior to collecting the animal. Be advised that some wildlife rehabilitation centers may have restrictions on the wildlife species they will admit.</p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov%3e">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:Krysta.Rogers@wildlife.ca.gov">Krysta Rogers</a>, CDFW Wildlife Health Lab, (916) 531-7647</em></p> California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meetinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-holds-hybrid-meeting3WaterfowlTue, 20 Dec 2022 12:38:11 GMTAt its December meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources.<p>At its December meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in San Diego with an option for the public to join via Zoom.</p> <p>Among action on a number of petitions, the Commission denied a petition to end waterfowl hunting on the Lake Earl Wildlife Area in Del Norte County. The petition was filed over concerns shooting was occurring too close to a nearby business and residence bordering the wildlife area, along with claims that poaching, wasting of game and hunter misconduct were occurring.</p> <p>Waterfowl hunting has taken place for many generations on the Lake Earl Wildlife Area and Commission staff noted that the California Fish and Game Code already addresses the illegal conduct described in the petition. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division is also aware of the claims raised in the petition. The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and Del Norte Waterfowlers group both opposed the petition.</p> <p>Also relating to waterfowl, the Commission recognized five new inductees into the California Waterfowlers Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing waterfowl and their habitats in California.</p> <p>The new inductees are philanthropist William F. Berry; Glenn Olson of the National Audubon Society; retired University of Nevada, Reno Professor Jim Sedinger; Bob Shaffer, formerly with the Central Valley Joint Venture; and former Humboldt County Supervisor Jimmy Smith (posthumous).</p> <p>The Commission adopted a second, 90-day extension of emergency regulations allowing the conditional take of southern California steelhead under certain circumstances. The southern California steelhead is a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) by the Commission. The extension of emergency regulations will allow work to continue on projects relating to flood control, highway maintenance and improvement, and water supply for domestic and commercial uses.</p> <p>With the Commission’s approval of a second, 90-day extension of conditional take, CDFW issued a reminder that the emergency regulations will expire on approximately May 15, 2023, after which no new CESA take authorization for southern California steelhead can be issued under the emergency regulations and all existing take authorizations issued under Section 749.13 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, will expire.</p> <p>The Commission authorized a notice of intent to amend regulations pertaining to commercial and recreational take of spiny lobster; recreational hoop net requirements for the take of crustaceans; and hunting waterfowl, elk and bighorn sheep.</p> <p>Four Commissioners were present or participating online during the meeting. They were President Samantha Murray. Vice President Erika Zavaleta, and Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin and Anthony Williams. Commissioner Eric Sklar was absent.</p> <p>The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the <a href="http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2022" target="_blank">Commission website</a>. An archived audio file will be available in the coming days. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for February 8-9, 2023, at the California Natural Resources Headquarters Building in downtown Sacramento.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em>The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.</em></p> CDFW’s Ocean Ranch Unit in Humboldt County Remains Closed to Waterfowl Hunting, Public Access Through Remainder of 2022https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfws-ocean-ranch-unit-in-humboldt-county-remains-closed-to-waterfowl-hunting-public-access-through-remainder-of-2022WildlifeThu, 20 Oct 2022 13:25:51 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wants to remind waterfowl hunters that its Ocean Ranch Unit in Humboldt County, part of the larger Eel River Wildlife Area, will be closed to all hunting and public access through the end of the year due to heavy construction and habitat work taking place.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wants to remind waterfowl hunters that its Ocean Ranch Unit in Humboldt County, part of the larger Eel River Wildlife Area, will be closed to all hunting and public access through the end of the year due to heavy construction and habitat work taking place.</p> <p>Located near the community of Loleta, the Ocean Ranch Unit is in the final stages of an 850-acre restoration project to benefit native plant, fish and wildlife species, and greatly improve public access and enjoyment of the property by establishing a formal trail system, improving parking, building a launch for kayaks and canoes, and installing interpretive signage, among other features.</p> <p>Current restoration efforts are being overseen by Ducks Unlimited and carried out by McCullough Construction Inc. Construction crews will be working six days a week through the end of the year when the project is expected to be completed and reopened to full public access.</p> <p>A Type C wildlife area, the Ocean Ranch Unit will reopen Jan. 1, 2023, to walk-in and boat-in hunting. No reservations, hunting passes or entry permits will be required beyond a valid hunting license, California Duck Validation and Federal Duck Stamp for adult hunters.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW file photo.</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Shawn.Fresz@wildlife.ca.gov">Shawn Fresz</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (707) 601-6281<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@gmail.com">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Offering Waterfowl Hunts at East Bay Ecological Reservehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-waterfowl-hunts-at-east-bay-ecological-reserve1WaterfowlFri, 14 Oct 2022 11:04:46 GMTHunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land.<p>Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to ELER will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:</p> <p>2022 hunts (5:00 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Nov. 12</li> <li>Tuesday, Nov. 22</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 3</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 8</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 17</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 22</li> </ul> <p>2023 hunts (5:30 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Jan. 7</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 12</li> <li>Saturday, Jan. 21</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 26</li> </ul> <p>“Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed. These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being most common harvest,” said CDFW’s ELER manager John Krause.</p> <p>Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck stamp and Harvest Information Program validations. Juniors must have a junior hunting license and, if 16 or older, also possess a federal duck stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).</p> <p>There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. ELER has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.</p> <p>Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of ELER may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.</p> <p>To access ELER from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.</p> <p>Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at <a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER">wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER</a> and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at <a href="https://www.southbayrestoration.org/" target="_blank">www.southbayrestoration.org</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:John.Krause@wildlife.ca.gov">John Krause</a>, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (415) 454-8050</em></p> Drought Forces Closure of Shasta Valley Wildlife Area to Waterfowl Hunting; Other Northeastern Waterfowl Properties Impacted by Water Shortageshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/drought-forces-closure-of-shasta-valley-wildlife-area-to-waterfowl-hunting-other-northeastern-waterfowl-properties-impacted-by-water-shortages1WaterfowlFri, 16 Sep 2022 08:42:49 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County will be closed to waterfowl hunting for the entirety of the 2022-23 season as a result of lost wetlands and waterfowl habitat due to ongoing drought conditions.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County will be closed to waterfowl hunting for the entirety of the 2022-23 season as a result of lost wetlands and waterfowl habitat due to ongoing drought conditions.</p> <p>The Northeastern Zone waterfowl season runs from October 1, 2022, through January 11, 2023. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area closure includes the preseason Northeastern Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days scheduled for September 17-18, 2022, and the postseason Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days scheduled for January 14-15, 2023.</p> <p>The 4,700-acre Shasta Valley Wildlife Area typically provides important seasonal wetlands for migrating waterfowl supplied by three reservoirs on the property. Two of those reservoirs – Steamboat Lake and Bass Lake – are completely dry and a third reservoir – Trout Lake – is at approximately 25 percent of capacity. Closing the wildlife area to all waterfowl hunting is necessary to protect the waterfowl using what limited habitat remains.</p> <p>The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area will be open for upland game bird hunting for dove, quail, snipe and pheasant as regulations permit. Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Sundays during the season and will be by reservation only with no walk-ins, sweat line or refills. A Type A Season Pass or Type B Season Pass is required for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Reservation applications for Sunday pheasant hunts are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. Shasta Valley’s annual apprentice pheasant hunt for Junior Hunting License holders will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. The area will be closed to all hunting Sunday, December 25, 2022, in observance of the Christmas holiday.</p> <p>Waterfowl hunting opportunities will vary at other Northeastern Zone state and federal lands popular with duck and goose hunters. Hunters are strongly advised to call ahead in preparing for any Northeastern Zone waterfowl hunt. Other popular public waterfowl hunting areas in the Northeastern Zone include:</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Ash-Creek-WA">Ash Creek Wildlife Area</a><br /> A bright spot among Northeastern Zone public hunting areas, Ash Creek expects its wetlands to be mostly flooded for waterfowl season due to its combination of spring-fed creeks and groundwater supplies. Reservations are required to hunt the opening weekend, October 1-2, along with a Type A or Type B Season Pass for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Ash Creek also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. No reservations or other check-in procedures required. (530) 294-5824.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Butte-Valley-WA">Butte Valley Wildlife Area</a><br /> Butte Valley began pumping groundwater in July to flood its seasonal wetlands in time for the Northeastern Zone waterfowl opener. Butte Valley expects to have 600 or 700 acres flooded by opening day. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend along with a Type A or Type B Season Pass for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Butte Valley also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. (530) 398-4627.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Honey-Lake-WA">Honey Lake Wildlife Area</a><br /> Another option for youth hunters, the Honey Lake Wildlife Area Fleming Unit will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis though hunters will find far fewer wetlands than in 2021-22. The Dakin Unit will be dry this upcoming season – though still open to dry field waterfowl hunting and upland game bird hunting. The Fleming Unit will see just about 25 percent of its seasonal wetlands flooded by the October 1 season opener. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B Season Pass is required of all non-Junior Hunting License holders. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Willow-Creek-WA">Willow Creek Wildlife Area</a><br /> This 2,700-acre wildlife area north of Susanville in Lassen County expects 250 acres of huntable, flooded wetlands by the Northeastern Zone season opener Oct. 1. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B Season Pass is required of all non-Junior Hunting License holders. No preseason youth hunt will take place. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/modoc" target="_blank">Modoc National Wildlife Refuge</a><br /> Water conditions have improved at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge outside of Alturas and the refuge will once again welcome youth waterfowl hunters Sept. 17-18 after having to cancel its youth hunt last season. The youth waterfowl hunt at Modoc is only open to reservation holders. The refuge’s Northeastern Zone general season opener is also on schedule but with a reduced quota of 50 hunters for opening weekend. Opening weekend Oct. 1-2, like the youth shoot before it, is only open to reservation holders. After opening weekend, Modoc is open to waterfowl hunting on a walk-in, self-registration basis. Shoot days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. (530) 233-3572.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-08/lower-klamath-and-tule-lake-refuges-announce-2022-23-hunt-season-closure" target="_blank">Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex</a><br /> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced that the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges will be closed to all public upland game bird and waterfowl hunting during the fall and winter 2022-23 hunting seasons. Beginning September 17, 2022, and continuing through March 10, 2023, the closure applies to all upland game bird seasons, the entirety of the Northeastern Zone waterfowl season, and special group waterfowl hunts, including youth, veterans and women’s hunts, and late-season duck and goose hunts. The decision to close the hunt season was based on the ongoing and severe drought conditions and the lack of available habitat, including food, water and shelter to support upland game birds and migratory water birds. For more information, please call the USFWS Hunter Hotline at (458) 232-6123.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW Photo: </strong>Youth hunter at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.</em></p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Steve.Burton@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Burton</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 340-0104<br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Seeking Hunter Input on Sacramento Valley Wildlife Areashttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeking-hunter-input-on-sacramento-valley-wildlife-areasWaterfowlTue, 26 Jul 2022 15:48:22 GMTCDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will hold an online public outreach meeting for licensed hunters to provide comments and recommendations regarding hunting programs on state wildlife areas and federal wildlife refuges in the Sacramento Valley.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will hold an online public outreach meeting for licensed hunters to provide comments and recommendations regarding hunting programs on state wildlife areas and federal wildlife refuges in the Sacramento Valley. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions, availability of water for wetlands during the current drought and possible impacts of the lingering global pandemic.</p> <p>State lands to be discussed include the Gray Lodge and Upper Butte Basin wildlife areas, including the Little Dry Creek, Howard Slough and Llano Seco units. Federal refuge personnel also will be available to speak about the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, including the Delevan, Sacramento, Colusa and Sutter refuges.</p> <p>The meeting will be held using the Microsoft Teams platform from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. Please email <a href="mailto:tim.hermansen@wildlife.ca.gov">Tim.Hermansen@wildlife.ca.gov</a> for a link and instructions on how to submit comments and questions.</p> <p>CDFW annually hosts a public meeting to give licensed hunters an opportunity to offer comments and make recommendations on the management of public hunting programs at the popular Type A wildlife areas in the Sacramento Valley. The meeting also provides staff the opportunity to inform hunters about the availability of water, habitat work and other improvements completed in the off-season and anticipated conditions in the hunting areas this fall.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:tim.hermansen@wildlife.ca.gov">Tim Hermansen</a>, CDFW North Central Region, (530) 846-7500</em></p>