CDFW News

Governor Newsom honors commitment to wildlife protection and public safety with 36 new law enforcement officers

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:53:54 GMT

Governor Gavin Newsom is celebrating the graduation of 36 new wildlife officers, marking an important milestone in strengthening California’s effort to protect its natural resources and keep communities safe.

During a ceremony yesterday in Paradise, Butte County, the graduates were sworn in, pinned with their badges, and welcomed into the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division. Following field training, the new officers will begin serving in communities throughout California, supporting the state’s mission to protect the state's fish and wildlife resources in the most biologically diverse state in the nation while carrying out a broad range of public safety responsibilities.

“California’s wildlife officers play a critical role in protecting our natural resources, supporting safe access to our public lands and waterways, and serving communities across the state,” said Governor Newsom. “These 36 new officers are joining a proud tradition of public service, and their commitment will help protect California’s incredible natural heritage while ensuring communities can safely enjoy the state’s diverse landscapes.”

“Graduation day is always special for our division,” said CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement Nathaniel Arnold. “Each new officer represents a commitment to protecting California’s natural resources and ensuring the safety of the people who enjoy them. I am extremely proud of this class and excited to see them begin their careers.”

CDFW’s Wildlife Officer Academy is certified by California's Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), ensuring every recruit receives the same rigorous training expected of law enforcement agencies across the state. Since partnering with Butte College in 2008, CDFW has trained wildlife officers at the college’s modern POST-certified facility, drawing on nearly 50 years of law enforcement training expertise.

This year's graduating class includes one officer continuing a family tradition of service, following in the footsteps of their mother, now retired, who graduated from CDFW's Wildlife Officer Academy in 1990. She began her career in the Rio Vista District, where the new officer will now start their first patrol assignment.

After completing 1,254 hours of academy instruction, the graduates will enter the POST-mandated Field Training Program, working alongside experienced officers to gain hands-on experience responding to real-world situations. Once they complete field training, they will begin solo patrol assignments in districts throughout California.

The 36 graduates will join approximately 450 wildlife officers already serving communities across California. Together, they carry out a wide range of public safety and natural resource protection responsibilities, including general patrol, marine enforcement, petroleum spill response, investigations, cannabis enforcement, and other specialized assignments. From responding to emergencies to enforcing California’s fish and wildlife laws, wildlife officers serve in a variety of roles every day to protect California’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. Their work includes rescuing injured and orphaned wildlife, investigating poaching and other wildlife crimes, and responding to wildlife emergencies that protect animals and the public.

CDFW continues to recruit the next generation of wildlife officers. Individuals interested in a career protecting California's fish, wildlife, and natural resources can learn more at wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement.

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Media Contacts:
Kory Collins, CDFW Law Enforcement Division, (310) 944-8182
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

August 2026 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:59:07 GMT

A great blue heron at the Yolo Wildlife Area in Yolo County. CDFW Photo/Travis VanZant.

All calendar items are subject to change.

Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires, flooding or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.

Various Days — Kokanee Salmon at Stampede Reservoir, CA-89, Truckee. In May 2025, 50,000 kokanee fingerlings with clipped adipose fins were released into Stampede Reservoir. Anglers who catch kokanee from now through 2028 are encouraged to report their catch, whether the fish has a clipped fin or not. Your reports help CDFW understand how stocking contributes to the kokanee fishery. For more information, visit CDFW’s Fishing for Kokanee page or contact Rachel.Fichman@wildlife.ca.gov.

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 $15.12 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit the SHARE page.

1 — Archery and Falconry-Only Tree Squirrel Season Opens (extending through Sept. 11). For archery and falconry tree squirrel seasons, limits and zone maps, visit the Small Game Mammal Hunting page.

2 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 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, explaining 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. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.

2 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9 a.m. to noon, 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland (95776). The City of Davis Wetlands tours are hosted by the Yolo Basin Foundation on the first Sunday of the month at the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant. These tours offer a refreshing outdoor experience to learn about local wetlands, native fauna and flora, and the importance of these biodiverse ecosystems. There is no access to restrooms in the City of Davis Wetlands. To register, visit the Wetlands Tours page.

7 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves to help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation give slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.

8 — Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Mobile Visitor Center Pop-Up, 9-11 a.m., Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Parking Lot C, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis (95618). Planning a self-guided tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area? Be sure to stop by the Mobile Visitor Center! Chat with friendly and knowledgeable ambassadors, pick up tips for exploring and discover displays filled with information about the wildlife area and Yolo Basin Foundation. Enjoy hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. For more information, visit the Yolo Basin Foundation website.

8 — Fiji Trail Invasive Plant Removal at Ballona Reserve, 9-11 a.m., 13730 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey (90292). Help CDFW remove invasive weeds in the public access trail known as the Fiji Trail in Area A. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology with a chance to witness the beauty of the area’s flora and fauna. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis with an area to lock up bicycles. Registration on site will consist of a volunteer signup form/waiver. All ages are welcome, but minors will need a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information, email Michael.Schneider@wildlife.ca.gov.

8 — General Deer Season Opens in Zone A (South Unit 110 and North Unit 160). More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available on CDFW’s Deer Hunting page. Please remember to report deer tags! All deer tags purchased, whether used for a hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2027, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are also required to report by Jan. 31, 2027. Visit the Online License Sales and Services page for information on reporting. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.

8 — First General Season for Black Bears Opens in A Zone. General bear season opens concurrently with general deer season in the A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 deer hunting zones and extends through Dec. 27, 2026. In the remaining deer X zones, the general bear season begins Oct. 10, 2026, and extends through Dec. 27, 2026. General bear season closes on Dec. 27, 2026, or earlier, if the department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken. This includes bears harvested during the archery season. The daily bag limit is one legal bear per day. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken. For more information and daily updates on reported bear harvest, visit CDFW’s Bear Hunting page. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free (888) 277-6398.

8 — Learn to Fish/Fishing in the City at Bethany Reservoir SRA, 10 a.m. to noon, Bethany Reservoir SRA, 13638 Christensen Road, Byron (94514). Join CDFW and State Parks for a Learn to Fish/Fishing in the City event. This program is open to anyone ages five and up with an interest in learning how to fish. Participants ages 16 and up require a fishing license, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales page. Registration is required. Meet at the covered picnic tables by the boat launch. For more information, visit the Bethany Reservoir SRA page or email Jenni.Shaw@parks.ca.gov.

11 — California Fish and Game Commission Tribal Committee Meeting, 1 p.m., California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P Street, Second Floor, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.

12-13 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 9 a.m. Aug. 12 and 8:30 a.m. Aug. 13, California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P Street, Second Floor, Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.

15 — Spiny Lobster Report Cards Go on Sale. Sport lobster divers and hoopnetters can purchase a Spiny Lobster Report Card for the 2026-27 lobster season on CDFW’s Online License Sales site, at sporting goods stores and tackle shops, or by phone at (800) 565-1458. The 2026-27 recreational lobster season opens at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

15 — Salt Marsh and Dunes Tour at Ballona Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, 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, explaining 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. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.

15 — Falconry Season for Pheasant, Quail, Chukar, Ptarmigan and Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse Opens (extending through Feb. 28, 2027). For zone maps and other upland game season information, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.

15 — Archery-Only Quail, Chukar and Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse Seasons Open (extending through Sept. 4). For zone maps and other upland game season information, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.

15 — Archery Season for Black Bears Opens. Archery bear season in all bear zones opens Aug. 15 and runs through Sept. 6. The daily bag limit is one legal bear per day. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken. For more information and daily updates on reported bear harvest, visit CDFW’s Bear Hunting page. A weekly bear harvest update is also available by calling toll-free (888) 277-6398.

15 — Archery Deer Season Opens in Several Zones. Archery deer season opens in many deer zones across the state, including B1-3, B5-6 and D3-10. For more information, visit the Deer Hunting page.

15 — Los Banos Wildlife Area Bird Walk and Bioblitz, 9-11 a.m., 18110 Henry Miller Ave., Los Banos (93635). Join CDFW on a guided tour for birding and a bioblitz at the Los Banos Wildlife Area to discover local birds and contribute to community science projects using iNaturalist and MerlinID. Meet at Los Banos Wildlife Area Parking Lot 11 on Wolfsen Road just past the Salt Slough Check Station. For more information and to RSVP, email losbanoswa@wildlife.ca.gov.

21 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves to help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation give slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.

22 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves to help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation give slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit the event page.

22 — Fiji Trail Invasive Plant Removal at Ballona Reserve, 9-11 a.m., 13730 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey (90292). Help CDFW remove invasive weeds in the public access trail known as the Fiji Trail in Area A. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology with a chance to witness the beauty of the area’s flora and fauna. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis with an area to lock up bicycles. Registration on site will consist of a volunteer signup form/waiver. All ages are welcome, but minors will need a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information, email Michael.Schneider@wildlife.ca.gov.

22 — Learn to Fish/Fishing in the City at Brannan Island SRA, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brannan Island State Recreation Area, Highway 160 south of Rio Vista. Join State Parks and CDFW at this Learn to Fish/Fishing in the City Program event at Brannan Island SRA. This program is open to anyone ages five and up with an interest in learning how to fish. Participants ages 16 and up require a fishing license, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales page. The event is first come, first served. Meet at the picnic table by the BISRA Fishing Pier – after arriving, drive straight back passed the boat launch until the parking lot dead ends near the wooden pier. For more information, visit the Brannan Island SRA page or email Tracy.Kosinski@parks.ca.gov.

22 — General Deer Season Opens in Zone B4. More information about general deer season opener dates, end dates and additional hunts is available on CDFW’s Deer Hunting page. Please remember to report deer tags! All deer tags purchased, whether used for a hunt or not, must be reported. Successful hunters must report their tags within 30 days of their successful hunt or by Jan. 31, 2027, whichever is first. Hunters who are unsuccessful or who do not hunt are also required to report by Jan. 31, 2027. Visit the Online License Sales and Services page for information on reporting. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.

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 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.

27 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 10 a.m. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas (91302). The public is welcome. For more information, visit the WCB website.

29 — Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Volunteer Clean-Up Day, 8 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis (95618). CDFW is hosting a volunteer clean-up day to prepare for waterfowl season at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Participants should bring work gloves, water, sunscreen, bug spray and anything else they may need. Meet at the hunter check station at 8 a.m. For more information and to RSVP, email Garrett.Spaan@wildlife.ca.gov.

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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641

Del Norte County Razor Clam Fishery Closes Due to Public Health Hazard; Monterey Bay Anchovy and Sardine Restrictions Lifted as Health Concern Alleviated

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:57:52 GMT

Highlighting the dynamic nature of California’s ocean ecosystem, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Acting Director Valerie Termini closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County (PDF) today following a recommendation from state health agencies (PDF) that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant human health threat for domoic acid exposure.

At the same time, Termini lifted the commercial fishing restrictions on northern anchovy and Pacific sardine (PDF) in Monterey Bay when taken for human consumption. This action comes after state health agencies recommended (PDF) that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine no longer pose a human health risk if consumed.

Razor clam sampling from Crescent Beach in Del Norte County in mid-July (PDF) found clams exceeding the current domoic acid federal action level. In Monterey Bay, however, samples in July show concentrations of domoic acid (PDF) in northern anchovy and Pacific sardine have fallen below the federal action level that prohibit commercial distribution of seafood products for human consumption.

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin that under certain conditions is produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring, single-celled marine alga. 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.

The recreational razor clam fishery in Humboldt County remains closed due to elevated levels of domoic acid. The closure, which began in May 2024, remains in effect until state health agencies determine razor clams no longer pose a health risk.

CDFW will continue to work with the California Department of Public Health and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to collect, monitor and analyze razor clams to determine when the recreational razor clam fishery can be reopened safely in these areas.

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

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.

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Media Contacts:
Christy Juhasz, Razor Clams, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 292-2480
John Ugoretz, Sardine and Anchovy, CDFW Marine Region, (562) 338-3068
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

CDFW Completes 2026 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:42:47 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its 2026 waterfowl breeding population survey. Data indicates that mallards, the most abundant duck species in the survey, nearly maintained their 2025 population estimate.

The breeding population of mallards is estimated at 267,101, a 1% decrease from 2025. Total ducks (all species combined) decreased from 482,358 to 435,937 (a 10% decrease). Mallards remain below the long-term average by 18%.

“Abundant April rains combined with carryover water from 2025 allowed favorable habitat conditions for nesting ducks. Average production is expected for most duck species in northern California,” said CDFW Waterfowl Program Biologist Melanie Weaver.

CDFW biologists and warden pilots have conducted this survey annually using fixed-wing aircraft since 1948. The population estimates are for those areas where the vast majority of waterfowl nesting occurs in California, including wetland and agricultural areas in northeastern California, throughout the Central Valley, the Suisun Marsh, and some coastal valleys.

The complete 2026 California Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report (PDF) is available at the CDFW website.

The majority of California’s wintering duck population originates from breeding areas surveyed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Alaska and Canada, and these results should be available by late August. CDFW survey information, along with similar data from other Pacific Flyway states, is used by the USFWS and the Pacific Flyway Council when setting hunting regulations for the Pacific Flyway states, including California.

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Media Contacts:
Melanie Weaver, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 502-1139
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

CDFW Seeks Information Related to Southern Resident Killer Whale

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:19:59 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list the southern resident killer whale under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

The southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a distinct population segment of killer whale found along the Pacific Coast between southeast Alaska and Point Sur, Calif. Southern resident killer whales primarily eat fish -- mostly Chinook salmon -- unlike their more common mammal-eating cousins the transient (also called Bigg's) killer whale.

There are three pods, or social groups, of southern resident killer whale – the J, K, and L pods. While all three pods spend most of their time in the Salish Sea of northern Washington and southern British Columbia, the K and L pods have also been documented within California waters, primarily during winter months. Key threats to southern resident killer whales include malnutrition due to reduced prey abundance, vessel noise and disturbance, exposure to chemical contaminants, and the combined effects of these stressors.

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Orca Conservancy submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to list southern resident killer whale as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on July 10, 2026, and as such, the southern resident killer whale now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085)..

As of July 10, 2026, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list the southern resident killer whale as threatened or endangered under CESA. As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management, and recommendations for management of the species.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before Sept. 10, 2026, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Submit comments and general information on the petitioned action to CDFW’s Marine Region by email at MarineCESA@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Southern Resident Killer Whale” in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted by mail to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Region, Attn: Dylan Stompe, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. Please note that any information you submit (including your contact information) will become part of the public record and may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request.

CDFW will produce a peer-reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list the southern resident killer whale as endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website for at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission -- which is a legally separate entity from CDFW -- is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission page for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report, and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Dylan Stompe, CDFW Marine Region, (209) 639-2938
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications, (916) 754-7237