CDFW News

CDFW Encourages Hunters to try Quail and Chukar Hunting in California

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:14:05 GMT

Collection of Hunter-Harvested Wings Informs Abundance, Conservation Actions

Fall has officially arrived and with it more opportunities for upland game bird hunting. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists expect good hunting seasons for quail and chukar in 2026-27.

California has three native species of quail — mountain, California and Gambel’s quail. At least one quail species can be found in every part of the state, offering close-to-home hunting opportunities for Californians no matter where they live. Long seasons that extend into 2027 add to the abundance of opportunities.

California is also home to introduced chukar partridge populations that are native to parts of Asia and the Middle East. Chukar were introduced into California beginning in the 1930s and took hold in areas that most closely resembled their native lands — the arid, steep, rocky terrain in the Modoc Plateau south into the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.

California is divided into three quail hunt zones. Zone 1 opened for mountain quail September12. Zone 2 opened for both mountain and California quail on September 26. On Saturday, Oct. 17, all quail species and chukar are open to hunting statewide. The general season runs through Jan. 31. Hunters may take up to 10 quail per day in any species combination. The daily chukar bag limit is six birds.

CDFW staff use data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to understand upland game bird abundance trends. Recently, CDFW updated models with the 2025 data. Based on these models, mountain quail and chukar populations declined in 2025, while California and Gambel’s quail populations increased slightly. Across the four species, trends decreased in the desert, while the North Coast trended up for mountain and California quail, and the Modoc Plateau trended up for quail and chukar.

CDFW continues to deploy upland game bird wing collection barrels throughout the state on select public hunting lands with good quail populations, encouraging hunters to donate a wing from each harvested bird. From the wing samples CDFW can determine age ratios and the abundance of young birds to adult birds in the population, which helps in understanding quail and chukar productivity for the previous breeding season. Estimating productivity can be used to indicate which areas and which years hunters may enjoy better harvest opportunities. The samples can also be used to help CDFW prioritize conservation efforts for low productivity populations.

During the 2025-26 hunt season, CDFW deployed wing barrels at 13 sites and collected 25 mountain quail wings, 504 California quail wings, four Gambel’s quail wings and seven chukar wings from 196 hunters. Similar to last year, California quail productivity varied across the state, with higher productivity at sites around the Sutter Buttes and on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. However, for other species the sample size was too small to properly evaluate productivity. This summer, biologists saw quail hatches both earlier and later than the peak hatching window, providing interesting dynamics for productivity models.

In addition to a valid California hunting license, an upland game bird validation is required for hunting quail and chukar in California. The money generated from the sale of the upland game bird validation/stamp is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach.

In addition to public hunting opportunities available on many CDFW wildlife areas and some ecological reserves, CDFW offers a number of special quail and chukar hunts throughout the season along with opportunities on private land through the SHARE Program.

For more information on hunting seasons and other regulations, visit CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Hunting web page. As a reminder, only non-lead ammunition may be used when hunting quail, chukar or any other species with a firearm in California.

###

Media Contacts:
Katherine Miller, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 261-5019
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

A Scholastic Archery First: Dublin’s Emerald High School is California’s First to Compete in NASP Championship

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:55:40 GMT

Emerald High School in Dublin achieved a first this year for California’s scholastic archery programs, qualifying to compete in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. The school’s achievement marks a breakthrough for youth archery in California and highlights the growth and success of the state’s scholastic archery programs.

The 2026 NASP Championship, held June 18-20 at the Ocean Center, brought together top student archers from across the United States and Canada for elite bullseye and 3-D competitions. Emerald High competed exclusively in the bullseye division, advancing after a standout performance at the Western National Tournament in Sandy, Utah, that led to their qualification.

A core part of Emerald High’s success comes from the dedication of their coach, Chris Branson, whose leadership and commitment to youth in archery has grown the school’s program into a nationally recognized team.

“I truly enjoy watching our students work hard, show up every day and strive to improve. This year, my favorite moment has been seeing our upperclassmen support and cheer on the freshmen. That kind of leadership and encouragement says so much about who we are as a team,” said Coach Branson. “This year all their hard work paid off as we reached regionals in Utah and qualified for Nationals in Florida for the first time. All students who went and competed did an outstanding job and can’t wait to go back next year!”

For the students, the experience was both inspiring and unforgettable.

“Going to the NASP Championship for bullseye was definitely the highlight of my year,” said freshman Katelyn Chan. “Being part of the first team from California to get this far was an incredible, trailblazing feat. I realized that the best archers aren’t the strongest, but those with mental resilience, determination and a pure passion for the sport.”

Her teammate and twin sister, Emily Chan, added, “Competing at the NASP Championship was an amazing experience. There were many hours of practice and sore fingers but traveling across the country from California as a part of the first team from Emerald High, and from the state, to qualify for the championship was an honor.”

California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Scholastic Archery Program continues to grow each year, providing students across the state with opportunities to build confidence, focus and teamwork through archery. During the 2025-26 school year, the program reached more than 15,000 students at 127 schools statewide and trained nearly 100 new instructors, expanding access to archery in communities throughout California.

“This milestone reflects what’s possible when dedicated educators, coaches like Coach Branson, and partners invest in young people,” said Jen Benedet, former CDFW Assistant Deputy Director for Communications, Education and Outreach. "Programs like NASP help students develop discipline, confidence and perseverance while creating a lifelong connection to archery. Emerald High’s achievement is something the entire state can celebrate, and it’s also a testament to the outstanding leadership of CDFW’s statewide NASP Coordinator, Grace Vierra, whose passion and commitment have helped California’s program reach more schools and more students than ever before.”

NASP continues to expand college scholarship opportunities for student archers nationwide, recognizing both individual achievement and team excellence. Thousands of scholarship dollars were awarded in 2026, reinforcing the program’s focus on supporting students as they explore their education and archery options beyond high school.

Emerald High School’s accomplishment is a result of the combined dedication of its student athletes and the commitment of Coach Branson, whose guidance has helped build the program to national recognition.

If your school is interested in competing nationally through NASP, the first step is to participate in and start planning for the California State Bullseye Tournament on Feb. 20, 2027. This year’s event will be a hybrid format, allowing schools to compete virtually from their own campus or join the onsite tournament hosted at Emerald High School in Dublin.

Schools are strongly encouraged to attend in person, if possible, as the onsite experience provides valuable preparation for regional and national competitions. To learn how to get involved in NASP or start a program at your school, visit the California National Archery in the Schools Program web page or contact the CDFW NASP Coordinator at Grace.Vierra@wildlife.ca.gov.

###

Media Contacts:
Grace Vierra, CalNASP Coordinator, (916) 708-851
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

CDFW Awards $2.7 Million in Grants to Improve Boating Access, Support Golden Mussel Response

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:16:13 GMT

Additional $3 Million Available for Fiscal Year 2027-28 Boating Access Projects

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the award of $2.7 million in grants for six projects to support recreational boating in state waters and combat invasive golden mussels.

CDFW's Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for projects that increase access to recreational boating opportunities across California's waterways. Supported with federal funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, money for the program comes from tax revenue on sport fishing equipment, fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and the portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats.

“From culturally significant riverfronts to popular recreation areas, these six projects will expand access to California’s waterways for more people of all backgrounds and with varying outdoor interests,” said CDFW Director, Meghan Hertel. “We are proud to support investments that improve public access, honor our local communities and help protect our waters from emerging threats.”

CDFW has also announced the availability of another approximately $3 million in grant funding for boating access projects in fiscal year 2027-28. CDFW is now accepting proposals, which are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2026, and can be submitted through CDFW’s WebGrants online portal. For more information, please see the Fiscal Year 2027-28 Boating Access Proposal Solicitation Notice (PDF). Questions should be directed to BoatingAccess@wildlife.ca.gov.

CDFW will hold an online public workshop on Oct. 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. to provide an overview of the Boating Access Grant Program, including eligible activities, program requirements and granting process. Workshop attendance is not required to submit a proposal.

Below is the list of recently awarded projects:

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort Boat Ramp Revitalization

($315,000 awarded to the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation)

For countless generations, the Smith River has provided food, spiritual connection and cultural teachings to the people of the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation. Today, the river continues to serve as a shared gathering place for both Tribal and non-Tribal community members in Del Norte County.

The existing boat ramp and facilities have fallen into disrepair and are inaccessible to the elderly, families with children and those with limited mobility.

“Improvements of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt are an important part of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s broader vision to restore and revitalize our riverfront. This project will help improve safe and reliable access to the Smith River while strengthening a place that holds deep cultural and community importance to our people,” said Debbie Boardman, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Chair. “We are grateful to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for supporting the design of these much-needed improvements and helping move this vision forward.

Owens River Water Trail

($540,000 awarded to Inyo County)

"Our Recreation Use Plan for the Lower Owens River Project, developed through a robust public process, asked people what they wanted to see in the rewatered river, and on-water recreation came back at the top of the list," said Larry Freilich, Lower Owens River project manager for the Inyo County Water Department. "The Owens River Water Trail fulfills that. What I did not expect when we presented the plan was who would turn up to help. The Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Tribe, off-roaders, anglers, conservation groups, veterans organizations, disadvantaged youth programs all working closely together to establish the trail. I have worked in the Owens Valley a long time and I have never seen that range of interests lined up behind one project. Rivers bring people together."

Funding will support California’s first designated water trail on a river, creating safe and sustainable public access to the Lower Owens River near Lone Pine. Project activities include construction of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant facilities that allow visitors to launch and land non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Sly Park Boat Launching Facility Upgrades Project – Construction Phase I

($456,000 awarded to the El Dorado Irrigation District)

"We're honored to be selected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for its Boating Access Program," said El Dorado Irrigation District General Manager Pravani Vandeyar. "This recognition supports our commitment to improving boating access at Jenkinson Lake while being responsible stewards of our ratepayers' dollars."

Upgrades to the aging boat launching facilities at the Sly Park Recreation Area will improve ADA-accessibility, improve safety for boaters and increase access during drought years when water levels at the lake are low.

Woodson Boat Ramp Preservation and Access Planning Project

($536,000 awarded to the Tehama County Transportation Commission)

“The Woodson Boat Ramp is an important public access point to the Sacramento River, serving boaters, anglers and emergency responders throughout Tehama County,” said Jessica Riske-Gomez, Deputy Director, Tehama County Public Works – Transportation. “Repeated high-water events and ongoing bank erosion have damaged the ramp, access area, and adjacent embankment and put the long-term reliability of this public facility at risk. This project will allow us to complete the hydraulic, geotechnical, engineering, and environmental work needed to evaluate the right long-term solution and advance a resilient design that preserves safe, equitable river access for years to come. We appreciate CDFW’s partnership in helping us protect this important public resource.”

Alviso Marina County Park Boat Ramp Replacement

($225,000 awarded to Santa Clara County, Parks and Recreation Department)

This is an augmentation to a grant first awarded during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The project will repair the boat launch ramp, fund the replacement of existing wooden planks on three public access boardwalks as well as improvements to the facility parking lot. The Alviso Marina County Park is the southern starting point for the San Francisco Bay Water Trail and improvements will enhance recreational boating access through the salt marshes and out into San Francisco Bay.

Invasive Golden Mussel Program

($704,000 to CDFW)

The negative economic and recreational impacts of golden mussel continue to be felt throughout California. Last year, CDFW responded with approximately $1.3 million in Sport Fish Restoration/Boating Access funding to support the purchase of decontamination units, high-pressure wash stations, improvements to boat ramps and wash stations, and hands-on training for facility staff in boat inspection and decontamination procedures. Funding awarded this year will strengthen CDFW’s existing Invasive Mussel Program with increased staffing to conduct additional monitoring, prevention and containment activities. More information can be found on CDFW’s golden mussel page.

###

Media Contacts:
Matt Wells, CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Branch, (916) 216-7848
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

CDFW Seeks Public Comment on Draft Bobcat Conservation Plan

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:29:36 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting public comments on the just-released draft California Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan (PDF). The 133-page draft management plan was developed over five years alongside the California Bobcat Population Monitoring Project’s Report of Findings (PDF) released in August.

Both efforts are the result of California Assembly Bill 1254. Enacted in 2020, the legislation made it illegal to hunt, trap or otherwise take a bobcat except under limited circumstances such as a depredation permit. The legislation directed CDFW to develop a Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan before bobcat hunting could again be considered.

Although CDFW has regulated bobcat take and managed bobcat populations since 1971, the draft Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan is the first in state history.

Intensive study of California’s bobcat populations over the last five years shows the wild spotted felines distributed throughout the state with a stable population estimated at more than 62,000 animals. That number is similar to previous CDFW population estimates from 1977 and 1981, though the prior estimates lacked the scientific and statistical rigor of CDFW’s latest efforts. Various factors, however, can affect local population growth and decline. The draft plan cites vehicle strikes and disease — specifically mange — as leading causes of death for bobcats, although these figures reflect the most easily detected deaths.

Only the California Fish and Game Commission can reinstate a hunting season on bobcats; the management plan is intended to provide relevant and current scientific information and potential management scenarios to inform that process.

CDFW is accepting written comments on the draft plan through Nov. 1, 2026. Comments can be e-mailed to wildlifemgt@wildlife.ca.gov. Please include “California Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan” in the subject line. Alternatively, comments and information may be mailed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Branch, Attn: Rachel Roberts, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

###

Media Contacts:
Rachel Roberts, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 387-5112
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

Commercial and Recreational Take Restrictions in Place for Northern Anchovy in Monterey Bay Due to Public Health Hazard

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:27:32 GMT

State health agencies have recommended restricting the take of northern anchovy to bait use only for both the commercial (PDF) and recreational (PDF) fisheries in Monterey Bay after determining anchovies contain elevated levels of domoic acid.

Following this recommendation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has enacted a restriction for the commercial and recreational take of northern anchovy (PDF) for human consumption in the area south of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37⁰ 11.000’ N. lat.) to a line due west from Point Lobos, Monterey County (36⁰ 31.461’ N. lat.). Commercial take of northern anchovy for bait use is allowed, though any anchovy sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food. Recreational take is restricted to bait use only.

The current fishery restrictions only apply to northern anchovy, which have been found to have high levels of domoic acid in samples. This restriction does not apply to other finfish (including salmon, rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and others). It is always recommended to consume only the cleaned, skinned, fillets of fish when there are restrictions or advisories for other species. Cooking methods that avoid combining the eaten portion with other body parts are also recommended. More information on current health advisories is available on the California Department of Public Health website. For questions regarding sampling and testing programs, including current test results, contact the California Department of Public Health.

CDFW will continue to coordinate with the state health agencies, the California Department of Public Health and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to test domoic acid levels in northern anchovy as well as other fish species to determine when the commercial and recreational fishery restrictions in Monterey Bay can safely be lifted. State and federal laws prohibit the commercial distribution of seafood products for human consumption above federal action levels.

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled marine alga, under certain ocean conditions. Domoic acid can accumulate in fish without the organism itself becoming ill. At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.

Information will be updated on CDFW’s fishery information and health advisories website

To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Information Line at (831) 649-2883.

For the latest consumption warnings, call the California Department of Public Health’s Biotoxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.

###

Media Contacts:
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858
John Ugoretz, CDFW Marine Region, (562) 338-3068