A painted lady on an echinacea flower in Nevada 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 — Bat Talk and Tour, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 45211 County Road 32B, Davis (95618). Did you know that colonies of migratory bats live under the Yolo Causeway during the summer? Join Yolo Basin Foundation for a summertime Bat Talk and Tour event and learn all about these amazing and beneficial mammals. Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for a brief tour of the wetlands and rice fields before watching the flyout of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California. The bats emerge in long ribbons as they head out to hunt insects for the night. For more information and to register, visit yolobasin.org/battalkandtour.
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. 25, 2026). For more information on small game seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.
5 — Free Fishing Day. One of two Free Fishing Days being offered by CDFW in 2024 is scheduled July 5 (the other is Aug. 30). 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.
5 — Fishing in the City Clinic, 8 a.m. to noon, Granite Regional Park, 8200 Ramona Ave., Sacramento (95826). Do you know a kid eager to catch fish? Great, because it’s catfish season in Sacramento! Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held monthly at local parks through September. These free fishing clinics are for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and more. Everything needed is 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.
6 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 9-11 a.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland (95776). Yolo Basin Foundation offers tours of the City of Davis Wetlands, located at the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant. These tours offer a great outdoor experience to learn more about local and migratory bird species, mammals and native ecosystems. It is also an excellent opportunity for photography. Prepare for unpredictable weather by dressing in layers and bringing a water bottle. To register, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
6 — 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 www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/7/6/2025-saltmarsh-tour.
11 — 2025 Game Fish Contest Initial Offering. The Northern Initial Offering for Black Bass ‘Type A’ Game Fish Contests will be held July 11 at the CDFW office in West Sacramento. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/contests.
12 — Climate Change Talk, 3-4:30 p.m., Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, 9980 Greenback Lane, Folsom (95630). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly event with CDFW environmental scientist Rob Titus and Climate Action Fellows at the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park! We will explore how climate change is impacting our environment and discover actions we can take to make a difference. To register for the event, visit the California Climate Action Corp signup page. For questions, contact sara.benavidez@wildlife.ca.gov.
12 — 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 www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/7/12-esb.
16-17 — Marine Resources Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
18 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 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 www.ballonafriends.org/calendar/2025/7/18/friday-habitat-restoration.
22 — Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Introduction to Falconry, 6-7 p.m. In this webinar, experienced falconers will discuss the ancient hunting practice of falconry, the practice of hunting wild game using a trained bird of prey. To register, visit the event registration page.
24 — Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Access Permit Application Deadline for Elk Hunting Opportunities. 130 SHARE elk tags will be available during 73 elk hunts offered through the SHARE program. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
24 — 2025 Game Fish Contest Initial Offering. The Southern Initial Offering for Black Bass ‘Type A’ Game Fish Contests will be held July 24 at the CDFW office in San Diego. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/contests.
26 — 36th 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 participants can bring their own. For more information, visit kidsfishfest.com.
30 — Fishing in the City Clinic, 3-7 p.m., Southside Community Park, 2115 6th St., Sacramento (95818). Do you know a kid eager to catch fish? Great, because it’s catfish season in Sacramento! Join CDFW at Youth Beginner Fishing Clinics, held monthly at local parks through September. These free fishing clinics are for beginners ages 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and more. Everything needed is 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.
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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641