The July 2024 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar has been released and includes programs and tours for all ages. As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
Also, 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. Meet with a wildlife naturalist from the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. This 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 13
Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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. 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.
July 16
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Wild Game Canning 101, 6 p.m. 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.
July 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. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
July 21
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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.
July 23
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Tule Elk Hunting, 6 p.m. 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.
July 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.
