Wood ducks on the American River in Sacramento 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 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 — General Bear Season Opening in Select Deer Zones. General black bear season will open concurrently with the general deer hunting season in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10 and X12 and extend through Dec. 27. Please note these deer zones have varying opening season dates. In the remaining deer X zones, the general bear season begins Oct. 10 and extends through Dec. 27. CDFW shall close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. 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.
Saturdays and Sundays — Guided Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Join a guided hike with a naturalist and learn about the wildlife, plants, history and conservation of this beautiful landscape! Hikes are 1.5-2 miles and take approximately 90 minutes, adapted to the participants’ interests. No registration required. For more information, contact (831) 728-2822 or elkhornsloughed@cdfw.onmicrosoft.com.
1 — Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Spotted Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove Early Season Opens (extending through Sept. 15). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
2 — Public Outreach Meeting About Northern San Joaquin Valley Wildlife Area Hunting Opportunities, 4-6 p.m., via Teams. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and CDFW Central Region will hold an online outreach meeting to allow for public comment and recommendations regarding hunting opportunities on the Northern San Joaquin Valley Wildlife Area. State lands included in the discussion are Mendota, Los Banos, Volta, North Grasslands - Salt Slough, China Island, and Gadwall, Widell/Ramacciotti and Mud Slough units. Federal personnel will also be available for the Kern, Merced and San Luis National Wildlife Refuges, plus the Lone Tree, Kesterson, Blue Goose, Frietas and East and West Bear Creek units. Email lara.sparks@wildlife.ca.gov for a link to attend and instructions on how to submit comments and questions.
3 — Spenceville Wildlife Area Land Management Plan Public Input Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m., Penn Valley Fire Station, 10513 Spenceville Road, Penn Valley (95946). CDFW has initiated the development of a Land Management Plan (LMP) for the Spenceville Wildlife Area. An LMP is a long-term planning document that identifies current conditions, assesses issues and opportunities, and outlines management goals and strategies for comprehensive management of the Spenceville Wildlife Area over the next 20-30 years. We are currently working on writing the draft LMP and are seeking input from members of the public on their vision for Spenceville Wildlife Area. We will kick off the workshop with a short presentation from CDFW staff on the purpose and process of a Land Management Plan. Then, there will be an opportunity to provide your input on topics related to the management and future vision for Spenceville Wildlife Area (e.g., compatible public uses, volunteerism, and community engagement). For more information, contact landmgmtplanning@wildlife.ca.gov.
4 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
5 — Early Bird Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Hike! Join an early morning guided hike with an expert local birder and learn about the species that live in or migrate through the diverse habitats of this watershed. Hikes are 2-3 miles and take approximately three hours, adapted to the participants’ interests. Check in at the Visitor Center for this free activity. No registration is required – the tour is filled on a first-come, first-served basis up to a capacity of 18. For more information, visit the Elkhorn Slough Calendar page.
5 — Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory at the Back Bay Science Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). The Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory is a scientific monitoring program that takes place one Saturday a month. This is a hands-on opportunity for people 13 years and older to participate in data collection where organisms are collected, identified, measured and re-released. The program starts with an introductory lesson about Upper Newport Bay. Participants then go into the field to deploy scientific sampling equipment and capture data. The program concludes with an analysis of the data and the importance of community science in a biologically diverse area. As this is a hands-on program, participants should be prepared to get wet and muddy, handle live organisms and transcribe data. To register, please send an email to jene.dietz@wildlife.ca.gov with the date you are interested in attending, the number of people in your party, and any questions you may have. Participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian present. For more information on the Back Bay Science Center, visit their website.
5 — California Biodiversity Day Kickoff, 9 a.m. to noon, Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, 9980 Greenback Lane, Folsom (95630). Come join this kickoff event for California Biodiversity Day, where you can learn more about California’s amazing biodiversity while helping to preserve local flora and fauna. The event starts with tabling from community and naturalist groups who will share their expertise on nature, ecology and public service. Afterwards we’ll break into groups to embark on a biodiversity walk (also known as a bioblitz) to observe the various plant and animal species around the park, utilizing the iNaturalist app to track what we observe and help scientists learn more about the ecology of the area. We will teach you how to use this free app before heading out but recommend downloading it before the event. Parking is available onsite ($6/hour or $10 day pass) and in nearby public parking lots. This event is free and open to all ages, but please leave your canine companions at home. To register, submit the RSVP form. Contact laura.drath@wildlife.ca.gov or folsomlake@ports-ca.gov for more information.
5 — Mobile Visitor Center Pop-Up at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9-11 a.m., 45211 County Road 32B, Parking Lot A, Davis (95618). Yolo Basin Foundation’s Mobile Visitor Center is your hub of information for all things related to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and local wildlife! Grab a map, meet our friendly volunteer ambassadors, take a selfie with our colorful van and learn more about wetland species. We can’t wait to see you out in the wetlands!
5 — California Biodiversity Bash at the Back Bay Science Center, 1-4 p.m., 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach (92660). Join the Back Bay Science Center to celebrate California Biodiversity Day with games and activities! There will be education booths hosted by Newport Bay Conservancy and other surprise guests with a scavenger hunt. The event is free with parking available to the public. For more information on the Back Bay Science Center, visit their website.
5-13 — California Biodiversity Day Celebrations. California Biodiversity Day takes place on Sept. 7 of each year and celebrates the state’s exceptional biodiversity while also encouraging actions to protect it. CDFW and partner organizations are hosting activities statewide throughout the week of Sept. 5-13. For a list of events and volunteer opportunities, visit the California Biodiversity Day page. One easy way to get involved is to join the Find 30 Species project. Find and document 30 wild species anywhere in California Sept. 5-13 and submit your observations through iNaturalist. Tag your adventures and follow along on social media at #CABiodiversityDay. For more information, contact californiabiodiversityday@wildlife.ca.gov.
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 Wetlands docents will lead participants through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve while explaining its history and ecology. Enjoy the 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.
9 — Public Meeting for East Walker River Wildlife Area Land Management Plan, 5-6:30 p.m., Bridgeport Memorial Hall, 73 North School St, Bridgeport (93517). CDFW will hold an in-person public engagement meeting on the Land Management Plan for East Walker River Wildlife Area. A short presentation from CDFW staff will be given on the purpose and process of a Land Management Plan. There will be an opportunity for public comments and input on topics related to the management and future vision of East Walker River Wildlife Area. See CDFW's East Walker River WA page or email landmgmtplanning@wildlife.ca.gov for more information.
9 — Public Meeting for Green Creek Wildlife Area Land Management Plan, 7-8:30 p.m., Bridgeport Memorial Hall, 73 North School St, Bridgeport (93517). CDFW will hold an in-person public engagement meeting on the Land Management Plan for Green Creek Wildlife Area. A short presentation from CDFW staff will be given on the purpose and process of a Land Management Plan. There will be an opportunity for public comments and input on topics related to the management and future vision of Green Creek Wildlife Area. See CDFW's Green Creek WA page or email landmgmtplanning@wildlife.ca.gov for more information.
10 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento (95814). The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.
10 — Teach About Bats Webinar, 1-2 p.m. via Zoom. Join staff from Project WILD, Bat Conservation International and CDFW to learn about the importance of bats, stewardship efforts that students and teachers can take to help bats, and resources for teaching about bats. The only mammals that truly fly, bats navigate the night with extraordinary echolocation and play vital roles in keeping ecosystems healthy. When students learn about bats, they discover how misunderstood animals can be heroes of our forests, farms and communities. An on-demand recording of the webinar will be available through October 2026 to anyone who registers. Visit the Zoom registration page to sign up.
12 — 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.
12 — Dive Into Salmon & Steelhead: Nimbus Fish Hatchery Public Tour, 11 a.m. to noon, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly, guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month. 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. Registration is not required. For more information, contact molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
12 — Tree Squirrel General Season Opens (extending through Jan. 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Small Game Mammal Hunting page.
12 — Mountain Quail General Season Opens in Zone Q1 (extending through Oct. 16). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
12 — Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse General Season Opens (extending through Oct. 12). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
12 — White-tailed Ptarmigan General and Archery Seasons Opens (extending through Sept. 20). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
12 — Youth Learn to Fish Clinic: Fishing in the City Sacramento, 8 a.m. to noon, Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova (95670). This Youth Beginner Fishing Clinic is a free event for beginners aged 5-15 to learn the basics of fishing, casting, conservation and hopefully to catch their first catfish! All materials are provided, and clinics are held rain or shine. To learn more about FIC and to register for a Sacramento area clinic, visit the Sacramento FIC page. The upcoming FIC trout clinic season will begin in November. To learn more about FIC opportunities in other areas, visit the FIC page.
13 — California Biodiversity Day: Bird Walk at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 8-11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Herons, woodpeckers, and finches, oh my! Join a CDFW Naturalist for a stroll along the American River to look for the wide diversity of birds around the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. Binoculars will be available to borrow if you don't have your own. This event is part of a series of events celebrating California Biodiversity Day. Registration is not required. For more information, contact molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
13 — Bat Chat for California Biodiversity Day, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center, 13501 Franklin Blvd., Walnut Grove (95690). Join us at the Cosumnes River Preserve for an evening to learn all about bats! Discover the important role these fascinating creatures play in our ecosystem. From 5:30-7 p.m. there will be a Bat Discovery Festival with educational booths, exhibits and family activities. Then from 7-8:30 p.m. there will be a Bat Walk with guides and bat detectors. This family-friendly event is a great way to learn about these important and fascinating nighttime creatures! Bring a headlamp, walking shoes, water, snacks and clothing needed to be outside at sunset. To register, visit the sign up page. For more information, visit the Cosumnes River Preserve website.
15 — Feather River Fish Hatchery Ladder Opening, 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville (95965). The fish ladder will open Sept. 15 and salmon spawning will begin the following week, continuing through approximately mid-November. For more information, call 530-538-2222 or visit the Feather River Fish Hatchery page.
17 — General Snipe Season Opens Statewide (extending through Jan. 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
18 — Community Habitat Restoration, 3-5 p.m., 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
19 — Band-tailed Pigeon Season Opens in the North Zone (extending through Sept. 27). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
19 — General Deer Season Opens. General deer season opens in zones B1-3, B5, B6, C1-4, D6, D7, X9a, X9b and X12. Hunters should check for area closures and restrictions before heading to their destination. For information on land closures, please contact the agency in charge of the hunting grounds. 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 CDFW’s Online License Sales 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.
19 — Coastal Cleanup Day, 9 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Paya del Rey (90293). International Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet. Join over 60,000 volunteers worldwide in removing hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, lakes and other waterways. In Los Angeles, 130 square miles of storm drain flow into Ballona Creek. Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right in the wetlands. The time and effort put into clearing out debris protects coastal wildlife and keeps beaches clean and safe. 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.
19-20 — Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days for Northeastern California Zone. To participate, hunters must be 17 years of age or younger and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years of age or older. People should contact the wildlife area or national wildlife refuge they wish to hunt for details. For more information, visit Waterfowl Hunting page.
20 — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11-11:45 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670). Join CDFW for Tot Time every third Sunday of the month at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create fun crafts! 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.
26 — General Deer Season Opens. General deer season opens in zones D3-5, D8-10, X8 and X10. 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 required to report by Jan. 31, 2027. Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife for any purpose in California.
26 — Fishing in the City: Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Highway 160 south of Rio Vista. This Fishing in the City event in partnership with State Parks introduces youth ages 5-15 and adults 16 and up to fishing in the channels and sloughs of the Delta. Learn what to fish here and how to fish along a bank or pier through local fish identification, fishing ethics, equipment needed, rigging, knot tying, baiting and casting a fishing rod, and hopefully landing a catch! Meet at the wooden pier towards the back of the park. Continue straight upon entering, drive straight passed the boat launch until the parking lot ends with the wooden pier on your right before a roundabout. Participants ages 16 and up require a fishing license, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales page. Some fishing poles will be available for loan during the event or participants can bring their own. The event is first come, first served. For questions, please email sabreena.britt@wildlife.ca.gov.
26 — Mindfulness Hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2-4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Treat yourself to an outer and inner exploration on a two-hour walk to open the senses. Experience the different habitats and their varying cycles in this amazing place which many species call home. The tour is two hours and covers about two miles of easy-moderate grade trail. Check in at the Visitor Center for this free activity. No registration is required. For more information, visit the Elkhorn Slough Calendar page.
26 — Quail General Season Opens for All Quail Species in Zone Q2 (extending through Jan. 31, 2027). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
26 — Community Habitat Restoration, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey (90293). Let’s roll up sleeves and help the Friends of Ballona Wetlands restore the last coastal wetlands in Los Angeles. Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. Clearing out invasive vegetation gives slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Parking and entrance gate are located behind Local Market. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the event page.
26 — 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.
26 — Oroville Salmon Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feather River Fish Hatchery, 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville (95965), and in downtown Oroville. The event will feature tours to view salmon spawning, information booths, educational displays and vendor booths. For more information, visit the Oroville Salmon Festival web page.
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Media Contact:
Amanda McDermott, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641