The South Fork of the Smith River in Del Norte County. CDFW Photo by Travis VanZant.
All calendar items are subject to change.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various Days — Wetland Meet and Greet at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley (95948). Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 15-minute interactive orientation may include information about Gray Lodge origins, assistance with identifying wildlife or behavior patterns, or a brief explanation of conservation management. Reservations are required but group size can vary. For more information, call 530-846-7505 or email Lori.Dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
1 — General Season for Rabbits and Varying Hare Opens Statewide (extending through Jan. 26, 2025). For more information on small game seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
6 — Free Fishing Day. One of two Free Fishing Days being offered by CDFW in 2024 is scheduled July 6 (the other is Aug. 31). While all fishing regulations — such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures — remain in effect, anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license on Free Fishing Days. Every angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for steelhead or sturgeon. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days.
6 — Fishing in the City Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon, Howe Community Park, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento (95825). It’s catfish season in Sacramento! Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held monthly at local parks on Saturdays through September. These free fishing clinics are for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and hopefully to catch their first fish. All materials are provided and clinics are held rain or shine. To learn more about Fishing in the City and to register for a Sacramento area clinic, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city/sac. To learn more about Fishing in the City opportunities in other areas, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing-in-the-city.
7 — 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, teaching participants about 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 Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/7/7/2024-saltmarsh-tour.
11 — Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan: Second Public Outreach Meeting, 2 p.m., via Zoom. CDFW will share an update on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan conservation strategies introduced during the April 4 outreach meeting and gather feedback on the management actions and implementation processes CDFW has developed since the meeting for incorporation into the conservation plan. Questions or comments can be submitted at any time before the meeting by emailing wjt@wildlife.ca.gov. To register, visit the registration page.
12 — 2024 Northern Game Fish Contest Initial Offerings. The Northern Initial Offering for black bass “Type A” game fish contests will be held July 12 at the CDFW office in West Sacramento. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/contests.
13 — Celebration of the Blues, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Join Friends of Ballona Wetlands for a special one-hour viewing of the El Segundo blue butterfly in its restored dune habitat. Learn about the history of this special butterfly and the efforts underway to bring it back from the brink of extinction. Parking and entrance gates are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/7/13-esb.
13 — Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River! Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations. Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are canceled in heavy rain and the maximum group size is 25 people (first-come, first-served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call 916-358-2884 or email Molly.Shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
16 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Wild Game Canning 101, 6 to 7:15 p.m. Tired of freezer burned meat? Freezer full? Looking for a creative and delicious method to make the most of wild game meat harvested this fall? The goal of this webinar is to teach how to “can” and preserve wild game meat. Our presenter will share 40 years of experience, cover the many benefits of canning wild game and teach the entire process of canning. For more information, contact Lt. Erick Elliott at Erick.Elliott@wildlife.ca.gov. To register, visit the event registration page.
17-18 — California Fish and Game Commission Marine Resources Committee Meeting, time to be determined, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, 5550 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa (95403). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
19 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3 to 5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles and get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort put into clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/7/19/friday-habitat-restoration.
20 — Mount Shasta Hatchery Kids Fishing Day, 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3 N Old Stage Road, Mount Shasta (96067). Presented by CDFW, this event is for kids 15 years and younger who can hold a rod and reel. The ponds will be stocked with trout and volunteer help will be available. Free bait and limited loaner tackle will also be available. Participants should bring a cooler and bucket for fish. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and goes until 1:30 p.m., with fishing from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, email r1inlandfisheries@wildlife.ca.gov or call 530-225-2361.
20 — 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, teaching participants about 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 Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/7/20-saltmarsh-tour.
21 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft! Recommended for children ages 2-7 years, with parent/guardian supervision. There is no cost for these events and registration is not required. For more information, email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
23 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Tule Elk Hunting, 6 to 7:15 p.m. The goal of this webinar is to teach hunters more about tule elk, which are found only in California. We will discuss biology, habitat and population distribution with an expert in the field. Then we'll discuss hunting tactics with an experienced tule elk hunter and pick his brain regarding practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag. For more information, contact Lt. Erick Elliott at Erick.Elliott@wildlife.ca.gov. To register, visit the event registration page.
24 — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Elk Hunting Opportunities. A $13.50 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
25 — 2024 Southern Game Fish Contest Initial Offerings. The Southern Initial Offering for black bass “Type A” game fish contests will be held July 25 at the CDFW office in San Diego. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/contests.
27 — 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 gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Gordon's Market. Registration is required. For more details about the event and to register, visit ballonafriends.org/calendar/2024/7/27community-habitat-restoration.
27 — 35th Annual Mammoth Lakes Kids Fishing Festival, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., SnowCreek Resort Ponds, 1254 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes (93546). This event is free for kids 14 and younger. Rods and reels are provided, or you can bring your own. For more information, visit kidsfishfest.com.
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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641