CDFW News

August 2025 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:38:51 GMT

All calendar items are subject to change.

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 — Bat Talk and Tour, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis (95618). Did you know that colonies of migratory bats live under the Yolo Causeway during the summer? Join the Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Tour event and learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals. Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields before watching the flyout of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California. The bats emerge in long ribbons as they head out to hunt insects for the night. For more information and to register, visit yolobasin.org/battalkandtour.

2 — Archery and Falconry-Only Tree Squirrel Season Opens (extending through Sept. 12). For archery and falconry tree squirrel seasons, limits and zone maps, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.

3 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Explore the wonder of nature in the middle of urban Los Angeles! Friends of Ballona docents will lead the tour through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, teaching participants about its history and ecology. Enjoy all the special and unique native plants on the journey through different habitats. Participants might even meet some of the local wildlife. The 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/7/6/2025-saltmarsh-tour.

9 — Upper Butte Basin Clean-Up Day, 8 a.m., Howard Slough, 9256 Highway 162, Butte City (95920). The Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area will again be hosting volunteers who would like to help prepare Little Dry Creek, Llano Seco and Howard Slough for the upcoming waterfowl season. All family members are encouraged to participate as the day will be educational, entertaining and beneficial to the operations of the wildlife area. Water will be available, but volunteers are welcome to bring non-alcoholic refreshments. Volunteers should also bring outdoor work clothes, boots and waders if available, tools (gloves, hammers, pruning shears, rakes, shovels, etc.), sunscreen and mosquito repellant. We will begin at 8 a.m. at the main office at Howard Slough and work until about noon before returning to the office for lunch. Arrive early to sign up and enjoy some breakfast snacks. For more information, contact the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area office at (530)982-2169.

9 — First General Season for Black Bears Opens in A Zone. 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, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free 888-277-6398.

12 — Grow Native! Gardening Club, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Ballona Discovery Park, 13110 Bluff Creek Dr., Los Angeles, (90094). Roll up your sleeves to help beautify Ballona Discovery Park! Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort you put in to clear out invasive vegetation gives our slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Healthy plant life is vital for a healthy ecosystem! For more details about the event and to register, visit https://www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/8/12/gardening-club.

12 — Tribal Committee, Sacramento, time and exact location to be determined. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.

13-14 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, Sacramento, time and exact location to be determined. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.

15 — Spiny Lobster Report Cards Go on Sale. Sport lobster divers and hoopnetters can purchase a Spiny Lobster Report Card for the 2025-26 lobster season on CDFW’s Online License Sales site at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales, at sporting goods stores and tackle shops or by phone at (800) 565-1458. The 2025-26 recreational lobster season opens at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

16 — Saltwater Marsh Tour/ Caminata Bilingüe por Nuestra Marisma de Agua Salada, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Come visit and see Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, where you’ll learn about its history and ecology. Enjoy all the special and unique native plants as you journey through different habitats. You might even see some of the local wildlife. This tour is intended to serve a Spanish speaking audience and will be primarily in Spanish. For more details about the event and to register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/8tghhx7/lp/e38d3114-ae11-4b41-bb3c-50437c4c3955.

16 — Archery-Only Quail, Chukar and Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse Seasons Open (extending through Sept. 5). For zone maps and other upland game season information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.

16 — Archery Season for Black Bears Opens. Archery bear season in all bear zones opens Aug. 17 and runs through Sept. 7. 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, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free 888-277-6398.

16 – Archery Deer Season Opens in Several Zones. Archery deer season opens in many deer zones across the state, including B1-3, B5-6, D3-5 and D6-10. https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.

25 — Hunter Input Meeting for Sacramento Valley Wildlife Areas and Federal Refuges, 4-6 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold an online outreach meeting to take comments and recommendations from licensed hunters regarding hunting programs in the Northern Sacramento Valley. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions, the availability of water for wetlands, avian influenza and hunting access opportunities. State lands to be discussed are the Gray Lodge and Upper Butte Basin wildlife areas, including the Little Dry Creek, Howard Slough and Llano Seco units. Federal refuge personnel will also be available to speak about the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, including Delevan, Sacramento, Colusa and Sutter NWRs. Email Gray Lodge Wildlife Area at glwla@wildlife.ca.gov for a link and instructions on how to submit comments and questions.

28 – California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m. Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, located at the CNRA Headquarters Building, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento, 95814. The public is welcome. For more information, visit WCB webpage.

30 — Birding with Pride! 8 a.m.-11 a.m., 6520 Pacific Ave., Los Angeles, (90293). Friends of Ballona Wetlands invite 2SLGBTQ+ communities to join a birding nature walk in honor of Pride Month. The Ballona Wetlands is the second largest open space and the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Outdoor spaces like Ballona should be a space where people of any identity feel safe and welcome. For more details about the event and to register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ky5fatv/lp/8f8d4f68-56ed-493e-a27b-b08ac96eaba0.

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California Fish and Game Commission: Pintail Limit Raised, Barred Sand Bass Limit Reduced

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:01:00 GMT

CDFW Develops Adaptive Chronic Wasting Disease Management

Fish and Game Commission meeting highlights:

Population estimates allow for northern pintail bag limit increase but also prompt barred sand bass bag limit reduction.
In hunt zones except the Northeastern Zone, Youth Hunt Days will be swapped with Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days to improve the hunt experience for young hunters.
Chronic wasting disease testing to continue.

Last week, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) increased the northern pintail bag limit to three for the first time in almost 30 years. While population estimates are sufficient to support more pintail hunting opportunities, depleted population estimates for the recreational barred sand bass fishery called for the Commission to reduce a five-fish bag limit to four. The Commission took these and other actions affecting California’s natural resources at its April 16-17 meeting in Sacramento.

Estimates indicate more than 1.2 million pintail are migrating through the Pacific Flyway, which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officials say are enough birds to sustain a bag limit increase for the 2025-26 waterfowl hunting season. The recommendation from USFWS set the course for the Commission to adopt regulation amendments to increase the daily pintail bag limit, a bag limit that has been held to one to two birds since 1998.

“The Commission has multiple responsibilities, including conserving our fish and wildlife while also providing hunting and fishing opportunities. Waterfowl hunters have waited for this moment for a long time,” said Commission President Erika Zavaleta. “It’s nice to see that it is finally possible.”

Youth Hunt Days were swapped with Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days in all hunt zones except the Northeastern Zone. This change comes as members of the hunting community have expressed concern that when the waterfowl season closes within a few days of Youth Hunt Days the young hunters don’t have as successful of a hunt. Swapping the timing may allow extra hunting days for the general public while minimizing disturbance to the Youth Hunting Day experience.

Other adopted waterfowl regulation amendments include an increase of the length of the duck and goose season in most hunting zones from 98 to 103 days. In other changes for most zones, there will be no falconry-only hunts and the length of the brant season will be decreased from 27 to 16 days.

The Commission adopted changes to recreational fishing regulations for barred sand bass, a Southern California fishery managed collectively with kelp bass and spotted sand bass. A year-round sub-bag limit of four fish was set with a sunset date of June 1, 2028. The recreational fishery previously saw limits to address population concerns with kelp bass and barred sand bass in 2013, when the bag limit was reduced from a 10-fish bag limit to a five-fish bag limit, and the size limit increased from 12 to 14 inches. CDFW concerns with the lack of recovery in the barred sand bass population prompted the request for the Commission to take action and a commitment to work collaboratively to fill data gaps and bring annual updates to the Commission.

The Commission amended regulations regarding chronic wasting disease testing and big game hunting. Among those actions, a late season buck hunt was added for a portion of Madera County within Zone D7. This late season hunt aims to give hunters an additional harvest opportunity while also potentially identifying additional chronic wasting disease cases in Zone D7 as it is one area where the disease has been detected. A new archery-only tule elk hunt of 30 tags was added, and changes to tag quotas for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and tule elk were also adopted.

As emergency regulations mandating chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing have expired, CDFW has developed adaptive CWD management zones based on proximity of CWD detections.

“One of the things we wanted to be able to do is that as we are finding CWD cases in other areas, we would have a flexible way of being able to turn on and turn off testing,” said CDFW Game Conservation and Wildlife Connectivity Program Manager Mario Klip.

Commissioners voted unanimously to name Morro manzanita a candidate for endangered species status under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Endemic to San Luis Obispo County, the species will now undertake a one-year status review before the Commission can make a final decision on its CESA listing.

The Commission adopted amendments to regulations governing the commercial sea urchin fishery. The amendments remove the Friday fishing prohibition in the northern fishery for June-October, remove a portion of the South Caspar Point sea urchin closure and allow commercial fishermen to assist sea urchin divers, among other changes. The amendments were proposed in a petition submitted by the California Sea Urchin Commission that aims to clarify and improve regulation efficiency.

Regulations were also amended for commercial harvest of kelp and edible seaweed, such as sea palm, to improve management of kelp and seaweed populations while also making regulations more enforceable. Amended regulations define sea palm harvest methods, restrict incidental take of marine invertebrates when harvesting sea palm, and prohibit sea palm harvest from Pigeon Point to the U.S.- Mexico border.

Commissioners adopted a 90-day extension of emergency regulations to retain invasive golden mussel on the list of animals restricted from live importation, transportation and possession. Find more information about the invasive golden mussel on CDFW’s website. The Commission put emergency regulations into effect in December 2024 and those regulations would have expired June 18 unless readopted.

Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and Commissioner Eric Sklar were in attendance for both days of the April Commission meeting. Commissioner Darius Anderson was present for the first day of the meeting and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was absent both days.

The complete agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. A teleconference meeting of the California Fish and Game Commission is scheduled for May 14, followed by its June 11-12 meeting. The June meeting will be held at the East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. Participants can attend in person with options for Zoom or by phone; for the agenda and more information visit the Commission website (opens in new tab).

Potential regulation changes

The Commission approved notifying the public regarding proposed regulation changes for the commercial market squid fishery along with draft amendments to the California Market Squid Fishery Management Plan; This is the first amendment to a California fishery management plan ever considered. The commercial market squid fishery is California’s largest in both volume and value. The changes will be discussed at the Commission’s June 11-12 meeting in Sacramento and are scheduled for potential adoption at the Aug. 13-14 meeting.

Additional upcoming potential regulation changes to the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, include:

Amendments to sections 670 and 703, regarding falconry regulations
Amendments to sections 29.80, 29.85, 195 and 701 related to recreational crab fishing gear and commercial passenger fishing vessel trap validations

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

CDFW to Hold Public Outreach Meeting Regarding Northern San Joaquin Valley Wildlife Areas

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:04:30 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Central Region, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will hold an online outreach meeting to take comments and recommendations from licensed hunters regarding hunting programs in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions and the availability of water for wetlands.

State lands to be discussed are the Mendota and Los Banos wildlife areas’ Volta, Salt Slough, China Island, Gadwall, Widell/Ramaciotti and Mud Slough units. Federal refuge personnel will also be available to speak about the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, including the Lone Tree Unit, as well as San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, including the Kesterson, Blue Goose, East and West Bear Creek and the Freitas units.

The meeting will be held using Microsoft Teams from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Email Sean Allen at Sean.Allen@Wildlife.ca.gov for a link to attend and instructions on how to submit comments and questions.

CDFW annually provides opportunity through public meetings and outreach for licensed hunters to comment and make recommendations on hunting programs, including anticipated habitat conditions in the hunting areas on Type A wildlife areas.

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Media Contacts:
Sean Allen, Sean.Allen@wildlife.ca.gov, CDFW Los Banos Wildlife Area, (209) 826-0463
Krysten Kellum, Krysten.Kellum@wildlife.ca.gov, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

Los Banos, North Grasslands Wildlife Areas to Offer Deer Hunting Opportunities

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for a limited number of deer hunting access permits at the Los Banos and North Grasslands wildlife areas for the last week of the A Zone deer season, Sept. 16 through Sept. 22.

Recently, CDFW requested the California Fish and Game Commission make deer a huntable species on the Los Banos Wildlife Area and the China Island and Salt Slough units of the North Grasslands Wildlife Area. This new designation allows CDFW for the first time to offer limited access to hunt these areas under provisions of the A Zone general deer season.

An access permit issued by CDFW is required and only 11 permits (five on Los Banos, three on Salt Slough and three on China Island) will be awarded.

Hunters can find the application online (PDF) or request an application by calling the CDFW Los Banos office at (209) 826-0463 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Applications may be submitted via e-mail to Kimberly.Reynoso@wildlife.ca.gov or mailed to CDFW’s Los Banos office at 18110 W. Henry Miller Ave., Los Banos, CA 93635. Possession of a valid 2024 A Zone deer tag at the time of application is not necessary.

Successful applicants will be allowed access to the area they were drawn for and must have a valid hunting license, A Zone deer tag and follow all hunting regulations. Hunters must also adhere to wildlife area specific regulations regarding parking in designated parking lots, no stopping along roadways and no access other than walking or using non-motorized bicycles. Only legal bucks may be taken. Each hunter is allowed to bring one non-hunting guest. The areas will be closed to all other visitors throughout the week.

Hunters may only use a shotgun with nontoxic slugs as their authorized method of take. All deer harvested must be validated by wildlife area staff. Biological samples will be taken. CDFW staff is collecting biological samples to test for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), among other conditions. This year, the first case of CWD, a fatal neurological disease in deer, elk and other cervids, was detected in California. CDFW is testing for and monitoring the disease to protect California’s elk and deer populations as well as hunting opportunities.

The application process for these deer hunts takes place outside of CDFW’s Automated License Data System (ALDS). Only official applications will be accepted and must be received before 4 p.m. Aug. 5, 2024. Reservations will be selected by a computerized drawing at 11 a.m. Aug. 6, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within five working days of the drawing. Results will not be given over the phone.

Each applicant may only apply for one area and must include all required information on the application. If an individual’s name and GOID number appear in the drawing on any other applications, that individual will be disqualified from all drawings. Junior hunting license holders 12 and older may apply if accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

For participants new to hunting or looking to try a different style of hunting, visit CDFW’s Hunter Education and R3 (Recruit. Retain. Reactivate.) web pages for resources and helpful information.

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Media Contacts:
Sean Allen, CDFW Los Banos Wildlife Area, (209) 826-0463
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW to Meet with Public, Talk about Hunting and Fishing Resources at 2024 Sport Shows

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:48:34 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is returning to the annual International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE), Bart Hall and Cal Shows for 2024. Wildlife officers, fisheries, marine and wildlife scientists, along with other CDFW staff will be available during the shows to answer questions and provide information regarding fishing, hunting and employment opportunities throughout the state.

“Participating in this type of outreach and engaging with the public are important to our mission,” said Jen Benedet, Assistant Deputy Director of CDFW Outreach. “Sharing information about CDFW, our programs, and thanking hunters and anglers for their contribution to wildlife and fisheries management and conservation is key to being successful in our efforts and as a department.”

CDFW’s sport show appearances will begin at ISE Jan. 18-21 at the Cal Expo Fair Grounds in Sacramento. The Long Beach Bart Hall Show will follow from Jan. 25-28 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The Del Mar Bart Hall Show is Feb. 15-18 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar (San Diego County) and the Cal Shows Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show will be Mar. 15-17 at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield.

New for 2024, all CDFW programs will be in one convenient location in the shows’ main buildings. At ISE, CDFW can be found along the front, right wall when you enter the Pavilion. For Bart Hall shows, CDFW will be in the main area of the Convention Center in Long Beach and in the main Exhibit Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For the Cal Show they will be in Building Two at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield. CDFW plans to have their wildlife officers on hand to help answer any hunting or regulation questions, with occasional appearances by their K-9 partners. Fisheries and Marine staff will be present to answer questions about angling and conservation opportunities. CDFW’s Talent and Acquisitions Unit will be available to discuss various recruitment and employment opportunities, while the Fishing in the City program and Hunter Education will be onsite educating attendees on the fish stocking program and hunter safety.

Also new this year, CDFW staff will have tablets to assist the public in setting up their own CDFW Online License Portal account to purchase their hunting and fishing license from anywhere with an internet connection. Staff can also assist those who are interested in learning how to navigate various CDFW online resources. Some of these resources include the Marine Species Portal, the hunter and angler Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) how-to videos and resources, where to sign up for virtual and in person hunting and fishing events, and more. On demand printed licenses will not be available at the 2024 shows.

For more information on the ISE show, please visit www.sportsexpos.com/attend/sacramento. For Bart Hall shows, please visit hallshows.com/home. For more information on the Bakersfield show, please visit www.calshows.com.

See you there!

Media Contact:
Leticia Palamidessi CDFW Communications, (916) 708-8517