News Archive

CDFW is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations interested in auctioning special big game tags for the 2027-28 hunting season. Up to 18 tags will be awarded through a competitive application process, with proceeds supporting conservation and management projects for California’s bighorn sheep, deer, elk and pronghorn populations. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Oct. 20, 2026.

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 A Zone deer season, September 16 through September 20.

CDFW is now accepting applications for deer hunting opportunities at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve in Sacramento County for the 2026 A Zone general season and the D-5 Zone archery and general seasons.

Five orphaned black bear cubs that were rehabilitated and released into northern California in November 2025 successfully hibernated through the winter and returned to the landscape this spring healthy and active, according to recent data reviewed by CDFW) scientists.

CDFW is now accepting applications for a limited number of deer and wild pig hunting access permits for general season opening weekend, Aug. 8 and 9, 2026, in Merced County (Zone A). This is not a special hunt; the drawing is to control the number of hunters in these areas on opening weekend only.