The popular swan tours return along with a number of hikes and nature programs, with the state’s department of Fish and Wildlife posting events offered throughout November.
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
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, with two new hunts this fall. Juniors can apply for two guided deer hunts on Catalina Island and hunters may apply for a four-person blind for waterfowl hunting in Yolo County. 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.
Tundra swan tours. Celebrate the bird migration on the Pacific Flyway this fall and winter. CDFW’s wildly popular swan tours are set for selective Saturdays, November through early January. Held in partnership with Mathews Rice Operation, the free tours transverse privately-owned flooded rice fields north of Marysville. This area boasts one of the largest overwintering populations of tundra swans in the Central Valley, as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors. To register, visit register-ed.com/programs/california/273-tundra-swan-tours. For more information, contact genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov.
Guided wetland tours by reservation at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a two-thirds mile route through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. General information includes wildlife identification, behavior patterns and conservation efforts. The experience can be catered to include requested information. Each tour is limited to 30 people. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. Come prepared and be respectful of other visitors. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Weekends
Guided wildlife tours at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 12:30 p.m., 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. This hour-and-a-half tour will stroll a third of a mile to an elevated viewing deck where participants will have a bird’s-eye view of wildlife. Visitors often encounter hawks, herons, turtles, cormorants, swallows and much more. This is one of the premier birding spots in Northern California, as migratory ducks and geese usually take the spotlight. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. This land is part of the CDFW Lands Pass Program and associated fee-for-use requirement. There is no additional cost for the tour. To sign up, visit the Eventbrite registration page. To purchase a Lands Pass, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass. There is a limit of 25 people per tour. Come prepared and be respectful of other visitors. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
Guided hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Knights Ferry Recreation Area, 12 miles east of Oakdale off Highway 120. Come watch the salmon in the river and enjoy information, activities and games, food, crafts and live entertainment from more than 40 exhibitors. This is a free, family-friendly event. Parking is $10 per vehicle in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parking lots. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SRSFest.
Fall Wild Turkey season opens statewide (extends through Dec. 8).
General Pheasant season opens statewide (extends through Dec. 22).
Late Season Dove hunting opens statewide (extends through Dec. 23).
For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Guided tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join Nimbus Hatchery 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 might see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. Tours are first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 15-17
King Tide hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, start time varies, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Join an Elkhorn Slough Reserve naturalist to see a high king tide for yourself. Learn what causes high tides, talk about why king tides are so interesting and take a hike to the reserve’s boardwalk to witness the event. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
Saturday, Nov. 16
King Tide birding hike at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. As the high tide goes out, shorebirds descend on the exposed mudflats for a feast. Join an expert birder to see what birds you can spot. The tour is open to all ages, but attendees should register in advance. For more details and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. The salmon are back and CDFW is excited to celebrate their return with a salmon-themed Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center. We’ll read books about salmon, learn about their lifecycle and make some cool fish prints and other fun salmon 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 julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area tours are held on the third Sunday of each month and are a fantastic opportunity to explore local wetlands, learn about wildlife and native plants and interact with other community members who share similar interests. For more information, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours or contact volunteer@yolobasin.org.
Thursday, Nov. 21
California Wildlife Conservation Board meeting, 10 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento. The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Mindfulness tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Join an experienced reserve docent on a two-mile walk to open the senses on a mindfulness tour around the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit www.elkhornslough.org/calendar.
