CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsState Wildlife Agencies to Hold Public Forum on Wild Pigs in Californiahttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/state-wildlife-agencies-to-hold-public-forum-on-wild-pigs-in-californiaWildlifeTue, 20 Sep 2022 16:26:41 GMTDue to ongoing concerns with wild pigs in California and the damage they cause, the California Fish and Game Commission and CDFW will be holding a virtual public forum to discuss related issues and explore potential solutions that address and reduce problems.<p>Due to ongoing concerns with wild pigs in California and the damage they cause, the California Fish and Game Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be holding a virtual public forum to discuss related issues and explore potential solutions that address and reduce problems.</p> <p>The forum is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be available to the public via Zoom link. Everyone interested in participating in this important conversation should visit the Commission website (<a href="http://fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2022" target="_blank">fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2022</a>) to learn how to join the forum."</p> <p>“The Commission and CDFW have heard and understand public concerns about wild pigs in California,” said Vice President Erika Zavaleta, Chair of the Commission’s Wildlife Resources Committee. “Living with non-native, invasive species such as wild pigs can be a challenge for people and other wildlife. This forum is a chance to learn more about those challenges and discuss how we can collectively address that reality.”</p> <p>This public opportunity is intended to elicit a broader discussion about wild pigs in California by presenting a scientific framework that supports open and respectful discussion, educating one another about wild pig issues and vetting potential solutions with various experts in the field. Adaptive and integrated strategies will be necessary to address concerns.</p> <p>“One of the great things about the state of California is the abundance of open areas, natural habitat and diverse wildlife,” said CDFW Wildlife Branch Chief Scott Gardner. “But some non-native species, when introduced, can become prolific and destructive over time. We are looking forward to having a meaningful dialogue with residents, hunters and anyone who has an interest in – or concerns about – wild pigs in our state, so we can work together on strategies to mitigate some of the problems.”</p> <p>The forum will include two panel discussions, with one focused on issues and concerns associated with wild pigs in California (including animal health, wildlife health, ecosystem health and economic impacts) and the second focused on potential solutions to the identified issues.</p> <p><strong><em>CDFW file photo of wild pig.</em></strong></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:melissa.miller-henson@fgc.ca.gov">Melissa Miller-Henson</a>, California Fish and Game Commission, (916) 208-4447<br /> <a href="mailto:kirsten.macintyre@wildlife.ca.gov">Kirsten Macintyre</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em>  </p> Online Applications Now Available for 2022 Joice Island Wild Pig Huntshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/online-applications-now-available-for-2022-joice-island-wild-pig-huntsLandsThu, 27 Jan 2022 16:42:08 GMTCDFW is offering wild pig hunting opportunities in March, April and May at the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering wild pig hunting opportunities in March, April and May at the Joice Island Unit of the <a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Grizzly-Island-WA">Grizzly Island Wildlife Area</a> in Solano County.</p> <p>The 2022 Joice Island pig hunt drawings will be administered online exclusively. CDFW is accepting applications until 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.</p> <p>The limited-entry, permit-only hunts help control the population of <a href="/Hunting/Wild-Pig">wild pigs</a> on the Joice Island Unit, a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, brush and standing water.</p> <p>Hunters may only use shotguns with nonlead slugs or archery equipment. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed.</p> <p>Four hunters will be drawn for 13 consecutive weekends for a total of 52 hunters. The maximum hunting party size for this hunt is two hunters. There is no charge to apply. The first hunt weekend will be reserved only for apprentice hunters holding junior licenses, age 12 to 15. Hunters may apply for all hunts but will only be selected for one. Hunters may not enter more than once as part of multiple parties. Permit holders may bring one non-hunting partner. Junior license holders receiving a permit must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. The adult accompanying the junior license holder does not need to be a licensed hunter.</p> <p>Apprentice Hunt Weekend – Only Junior License Holders (Age 12 to 15) May Apply</p> <ul> <li>March 5-6</li> </ul> <p>General Hunt Weekends – Adults and Junior License Holders May Apply</p> <ul> <li>March 12-13</li> <li>March 19-20</li> <li>March 26-27</li> <li>April 2-3</li> <li>April 9-10</li> <li>April 16-17</li> <li>April 23-24</li> <li>April 30-May 1</li> <li>May 7-8</li> <li>May 14-15</li> <li>May 21-22</li> <li>May 28-29</li> </ul> <p>To apply for both the apprentice and general hunts, please visit <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/ApprenticeHunts/Default.aspx" target="_blank">CDFW’s Special and Apprentice Hunts Online Registration System</a> and either log in or create a new account. Navigate the drop-down menus and apply for the weekend of your choice. Permits with maps and additional information will be emailed to successful applicants.</p> <p>CDFW reserves the right to cancel any of these hunts and close the area to all public users without prior notification due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.</p> <p>For more information or questions, please contact CDFW at (707) 425-3828.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Orlando.Rocha@Wildlife.ca.gov">Orlando Rocha</a>, CDFW Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, (707) 425-3828<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</em></p> <p style="font-size: .85em;"><strong>Photo: </strong>Budimir Jevtic / stock.adobe.com</p>