CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCalifornia Offers Abundant Opportunities for 2024 Spring Turkey Seasonhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-offers-abundant-opportunities-for-2024-spring-turkey-seasonLicensingWed, 27 Mar 2024 13:33:33 GMTCalifornia’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 30, and runs through May 5.<p>California’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 30, and runs through May 5. With growing populations of wild turkeys in many parts of the state, spring turkey season has become one of the more anticipated opportunities on the hunting calendar.  <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{15}" paraid="1043474664">The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will host a variety of special turkey hunts throughout the spring turkey hunting season. This spring season kicked off with an exclusive junior weekend March 23-24, followed by the general season beginning this weekend. An additional junior season aligns with the archery-only season, which trails the general season from May 6-19.   <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{47}" paraid="1059463854">Wild turkeys are resilient and have expanded their populations throughout California. Although drought and wildfire have caused their populations to fluctuate over the past decade, responsible hunting and conservation practices have helped ensure turkeys and their habitats are sustained. Managed hunting prevents overpopulation, supports habitat conservation and contributes funding toward broader wildlife management goals.  <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{87}" paraid="1470833553">CDFW Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) Program and Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) Initiative have video resources for participants interested in beginning their turkey hunting journey. Check out the AHE webinars on: <a href="https://youtu.be/qSs4LgT-r3o" target="_blank">Turkey Hunting 101</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch2uTsFQJ1g" target="_blank">Turkey Calling and Turkey Talk</a>, <a href="https://youtu.be/CDYV3-NB9nM" target="_blank">Turkey Hunting with A Junior or New Hunter</a>, <a href="https://youtu.be/4dhpD3IFbaU" target="_blank">Archery Turkey Hunting</a> and the R3 Harvest Huddle Hour dedicated to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_7Y8vFb3qk" target="_blank">An Introduction to Turkey Hunting</a>.   <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{128}" paraid="1747445560">Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. Please visit the <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands" target="_blank">CDFW Lands </a>web page for a listing of wildlife areas and the recreational opportunities available at each.   <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{149}" paraid="555850398">Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a valid California hunting license and upland game bird validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. An Upland Game Bird Validation is not required for junior hunting license holders.  <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{163}" paraid="1358203228">Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day with a spring season limit of three birds.  <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{175}" paraid="964441115">Nonlead shot is required when hunting with a firearm anywhere in the state. Crossbows may be used for the general turkey season but not during archery season without a <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Hunting#994193-reduced-fee" target="_blank">disabled archers permit</a> (Form can be found at the bottom of the web page). For more information on regulations, visit the CDFW <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations" target="_blank">Hunting Regulations</a> site.   <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{8ed4dfea-f594-486d-9539-789a2be373e2}{209}" paraid="300230106">Regulations regarding turkey season can be found on the <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds" target="_blank">Upland Game Bird Hunting</a> web page. Please also visit <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Closures" target="_blank">CDFW’s Emergency Closures</a> site to stay up to date on information regarding land closures.   <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p paraeid="{28c1200a-307b-4ebf-bd31-f322a405872b}{12}" paraid="2100631442"> ###  <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:  </strong><br /> <a href="mailto:taylor.williams@wildlife.ca.gov" target="_blank">Taylor Williams</a>, CDFW R3 Manager, (916) 203-1362  <br /> <span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span><a href="mailto:matt.meshriy@wildlife.ca.gov" target="_blank">Matt Meshriy</a>, CDFW Upland Game Biologist, (916) 801-8708  </em><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"></span></p> CDFW Takes Steps to Return Land to California Tribehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-takes-steps-to-return-land-to-california-tribeWCBWed, 29 Nov 2023 14:41:58 GMTAfter years of discussion, CDFW will transfer 40-plus acres of the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery in Inyo County to the Fort Independence Indian Community which is recognized as one distinct separate tribal government of the four Owens Valley Paiute Tribes.<p>After years of discussion, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will transfer 40+ acres of the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery in Inyo County to the Fort Independence Indian Community, which is recognized as one distinct separate tribal government of the four Owens Valley Paiute Tribes. The <a href="/News/Archive/grant-awarded-to-restore-los-angeles-zoo-oak-woodland-habitat-by-engaging-participants-from-disadvantaged-communities#gsc.tab=0">Wildlife Conservation Board approved</a> the no-cost transfer last week and will complete the transaction in early 2024. The transfer will mark CDFW’s first ever land return to a California Tribe.</p> <p>“This act is momentous and aligns with many ambitions laid out for California by this Administration,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “It honors Governor Newsom’s Executive Order encouraging the transfer of excess lands to California Native American tribes and it is a Nature Based Solution that contributes to the goals of 30x30. I am proud to be a part of this transfer.”</p> <p>The historic hatchery structures, residences and other buildings cover approximately 19 acres. The remaining 21+ acres have native plant vegetation including shrubland, and oak and willow riparian habitat adjacent to Oak Creek. Willow flycatcher, a special-status species, is known to use property as habitat.</p> <p>“Water is an integral part of Paiute culture, history and social structure,” said Tribal Chairman Carl Dahlberg. “Our Indigenous Paiute members settled on the banks of the Oak Creek since time immemorial and these lands have always been sacred to our people. Our worldview values the delicate ecosystem which connects us to this land which traditionally was a cultivation site for indigenous plants, such as taboose and nahavita. This property is inextricably intwined into who we are as Paiute people and we hope to bring this knowledge and history back to the community through the preservation of the Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery.”</p> <p>Owned by CDFW since 1916, the hatchery historically produced different trout species for planting until whirling disease was discovered there in 1984. Because the disease does not infect eggs, production of trout eggs continued there until 2007. In July 2008, the property was severely damaged from flood and mudslide and temporarily closed to the public. An interpretive center operated by the Friends of Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery remains open today. The Tribe is committed to protecting wildlife habitats and native plants, using the resources prudently and making the property open to all.</p> <p>###</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> Wildlife Conservation Board Names Jennifer Norris Executive Directorhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/wildlife-conservation-board-names-jennifer-norris-executive-directorWildlife Conservation BoardMon, 16 Oct 2023 10:38:37 GMTThe Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) today announced Dr. Jennifer Norris as its new Executive Director.<p><em><strong>California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary Becomes First Female Executive Director in 76-Year History of WCB</strong></em></p> <p>The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) today announced Dr. Jennifer Norris as its new Executive Director.</p> <p>“I’m thrilled for the Wildlife Conservation Board and Dr. Norris,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “The Board’s work has never been more important as we aim to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands by 2030, protect our world-renowned biodiversity, expand equitable access to the great outdoors, and better manage our lands to combat climate change. Dr. Norris’ remarkable career as a federal scientist delivering innovative conservation projects at scale, combined with her recent leadership enabling such projects to happen more quickly and effectively through state agencies, makes her the perfect leader to guide the Board into the future. I’m excited about what the Board will accomplish under Dr. Norris’ leadership.”</p> <p>Norris arrives from the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) where she served as Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat since 2020. At CNRA, Norris led <a href="https://www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/30x30" target="_blank">California’s 30x30 initiative</a> to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 and oversaw the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Cutting-Green-Tape" target="_blank">Cutting Green Tape initiative</a> to accelerate the pace and scale of ecological restoration.</p> <figure class="img-left" style="width:"><img alt="Portrait of Jennifer Norris" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/JenniferNorrisPortrait.jpg" /> <figcaption><strong>Dr. Jennifer Norris</strong></figcaption> </figure> <p>“Over its 76-year history, the Wildlife Conservation Board has made an indelible mark on biodiversity protection in California,” said Norris. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen to lead WCB in a time when conservation is needed more than ever. I look forward to working with the outstanding Board and staff to expand partnerships with tribes and redefine outdoor equity, while protecting even more of California’s incredible nature.”</p> <p>When Norris assumes her new role on November 1, she will manage day-to-day operations and support WCB’s seven-member Board, which consists of the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of the Department of Finance, and four public members.</p> <p>“As the first public member Chair in WCB’s history, the 75th Anniversary marks an unprecedented opportunity to build and expand on WCB’s conservation legacy,” said Alina Bokde, Chair of the Wildlife Conservation Board. “Jen is the right leader at the right time to envision and advance California’s conservation movement to be inclusive, diverse and lead with a bold focus on equity and access.”</p> <p>The primary responsibilities of WCB are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the protection, conservation, and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat and related public recreation. These investments have created recreational opportunities for millions of Californians, protected and created essential habitat for threatened and endangered species and preserved iconic landscapes for future generations to enjoy.</p> <p>In its 76-year history, WCB has had six executive directors, and Norris becomes the first female to fill the role. She replaces John Donnelly, who retired in March 2023. Norris has extensive experience in conservation policy, endangered species protection and ecosystem management. Prior to joining CNRA, she served as Supervisor of the Sacramento Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has held numerous roles in state and federal government over the years.</p> <p>Norris holds a bachelor’s degree in resources policy and planning from Cornell University, a master’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of New Mexico. A native of New York State, Norris lives in Sacramento with her husband Scott and occasionally sees their grown children Jessica and Daniel. For more information about the WCB, please visit <a href="https://wcb.ca.gov/" target="_blank">wcb.ca.gov</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Mark.Topping@wildlife.ca.gov">Mark Topping</a>, Wildlife Conservation Board, (916) 539-4673<br /> <a href="mailto:rebecca.fris@wildlife.ca.gov">Rebecca Fris</a>, Wildlife Conservation Board, (916) 212-5637</em></p> Water Shortages Will Limit Waterfowl Hunting at Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, Other Northeastern Propertieshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/water-shortages-will-limit-waterfowl-hunting-at-shasta-valley-wildlife-area-other-northeastern-propertiesWaterfowlMon, 18 Sep 2023 11:37:10 GMTCDFW will reopen the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County to limited waterfowl hunting this season after a complete closure the past two seasons. Although many parts of California received record rainfall and snowpack during the winter and spring of 2022-23, northeastern California remained comparatively dry. As a result, only dry field hunting will be allowed for waterfowl hunting this season at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will reopen the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County to limited waterfowl hunting this season after a complete closure the past two seasons.</p> <p>Although many parts of California received record rainfall and snowpack during the winter and spring of 2022-23, northeastern California remained comparatively dry. As a result, only dry field hunting will be allowed for waterfowl hunting this season at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area.</p> <p>The Northeastern Zone waterfowl season runs from Oct. 7, 2023, through Jan. 17, 2024. Hunting at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area will be allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. The preseason Northeastern Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are scheduled for Sept. 23-24, 2023, and the postseason Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days are scheduled for Jan. 20-21, 2024.</p> <p>The 4,700-acre <a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Shasta-Valley-WA">Shasta Valley Wildlife Area</a> provides important seasonal wetlands for migrating waterfowl with water supplied by three storage reservoirs on the property. Two of those reservoirs – Steamboat Lake and Bass Lake – are completely dry. Trout Lake is currently near 50 percent capacity and will serve as the closed zone for the 2023-24 waterfowl season where no hunting will be permitted.</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 or B season pass is required for all adult hunters (not juniors). 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>.</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><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Ash-Creek-WA">Ash Creek Wildlife Area</a></strong><br /> A bright spot among Northeastern Zone public hunting areas, Ash Creek wetlands are expected 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, Oct. 7-8, along with a Type A or B season pass for all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. 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><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Butte-Valley-WA">Butte Valley Wildlife Area</a></strong><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 500 to 600 acres flooded by opening day. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend along with a Type A or B season pass for all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. Butte Valley also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. (530) 398-4627.</p> <p><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Honey-Lake-WA">Honey Lake Wildlife Area</a></strong><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 fewer wetlands than in 2022-23. 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 20 percent of its seasonal wetlands flooded by the Oct. 7 season opener. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B season pass is required of all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://myodfw.com/willow-creek-wildlife-area-visitors-guide" target="_blank">Willow Creek Wildlife Area</a></strong><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. 7. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B season pass is required of all adult hunters (not juniors). No preseason youth hunt will take place. Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/modoc" target="_blank">Modoc National Wildlife Refuge</a></strong><br /> The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge will have normal water levels and good habitat conditions this season. Drawings for the preseason youth hunt and opening weekend have been conducted for the free roam and Grandma Tract hunt areas. Self-serve hunting will begin Tuesday Oct. 10 and hunt days will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Hunt maps and site-specific regulations can be found on the refuge website, but for the most-up-to-date information, please refer to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ModocNWR" target="_blank">Modoc NWR Facebook page</a>.  (530) 233-3572.</p> <p><strong>Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex</strong><br /> Once one of the nation’s premier waterfowl hunting destinations, the complex – consisting of the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lower-klamath" target="_blank">Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge</a> and the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tule-lake/visit-us/activities/hunting" target="_blank">Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge</a> – continues to suffer from water shortages. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tule-lake/visit-us/activities/hunting" target="_blank">announced earlier this month</a> that waterfowl hunting will be allowed on dryland units at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for the 2023-24 waterfowl season and that pheasant hunting will also be allowed at Tule Lake on dry field areas. The Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to all hunting for the entirety of waterfowl and upland game bird seasons.</p> <p>###</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 Offering Waterfowl Hunts at East Bay Ecological Reservehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-waterfowl-hunts-at-east-bay-ecological-reserve2WaterfowlWed, 13 Sep 2023 14:29:11 GMTHunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward<p>Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to the ecological reserve will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:</p> <p>2023 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Nov. 11</li> <li>Tuesday, Nov. 21</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 2</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 7</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 16</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 21</li> </ul> <p>2024 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Jan. 6</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 11</li> <li>Saturday, Jan. 20</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 25</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,” said CDFW Lands Manager John Krause. “These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest.”</p> <p>Adult hunters must have a valid California hunting license, a signed Federal Duck stamp, California Duck Validation and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Youth hunters younger than 16 will need a valid Junior Hunting License and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Junior Hunting License holders who have turned 16 will also need a signed Federal Duck Stamp.</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. Pete Stark Ecological Reserve 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 Pete Stark Ecological Reserve may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.</p> <p>To access Pete Stark Ecological Reserve 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="https://wildlife.ca.gov/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><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:Carly.White@wildlife.ca.gov">Carly White</a>, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (707) 415-6123</em></p> <p>###</p>