By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
January Calendar Of Events Posted By Fish And Wildlife
CDFW graphic.png

January is full of activities through the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, with deadlines for applications, the opening of some hunting seasons and closure of others all on the calendar.

Saturday, Jan. 5 – White and White-fronted Goose Season Opens in the Northeastern California Zone. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Thursday, Jan. 10 – California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee, time to be determined, CDFW Regional Office, Large Conference Room, 3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite C-220, Ontario. For more information, visit www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2019/index.aspx.

Sunday, Jan. 13 – Large Canada Goose Season Closes in the Northeastern California Zone. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 – SHARE Access Permit Application Deadline for Dye Creek Preserve Wild Pig Hunt. Western Wildlife Adventures will provide guide services, two nights of lodging, food and transportation for this two-day hunt. CDFW will randomly draw one permit (good for two hunters) for each hunt period. Wild pig, turkey and quail hunts are also currently available through the SHARE program. A $10.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) will be charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.

Friday, Jan. 18 – Duck Season and White Geese and White-fronted Goose Season Closes in the Northeastern California Zone. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Sunday, Jan. 20 – Elkhorn Slough Reserve Annual King Tides Photography Walk, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Participants can witness one of the highest tides of the year and help scientists document the “King Tide” phenomenon. Reserve naturalists discuss the impacts of sea level rise on the slough and its surrounding coastlines while touring designated “King Tide” sites. Participants should bring cameras to record the tides at each site. The event is free but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/annual-king-tide-citizen-science-walk.

Wednesday, Jan. 23 – Elkhorn Slough Reserve Volunteer Orientation and Information Night, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve works to inspire conservation and preservation of the unique habitats of the Elkhorn Slough through research, stewardship and education. Volunteers help in this effort and participants in this free event will learn how to become involved. For more information, contact Ariel Hunter at ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov or visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/volunteer-docent-training.

Saturday, Jan. 26 – Elkhorn Slough Reserve Docent Training, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Participants will learn how to join the reserve’s volunteer docent team and aid in the conservation of coastal estuaries. Over a span of five Saturdays (beginning Jan. 26 and concluding on Feb. 23), participants will learn about local natural history while developing strategies for engaging the public. Docent-led tours are offered on weekends throughout the year. Scheduling is flexible and based on individual availability. For more information or to register for training, visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/volunteer-docent-training.

Sunday, Jan. 27 – Duck and Goose Season Closes in the Balance of State, Southern San Joaquin, Southern California and Colorado River zones. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Monday, Jan. 28 – Falconry Only Season Opens for Rabbits and Varying Hares (extending through March 17). For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 – California Northern Spotted Owl Stakeholder Forum, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa. The California Northern Spotted Owl Stakeholder Forum allows agencies, non-governmental organizations, researchers, landowners, timber companies and other interested parties to share information regarding northern spotted owl management and conservation efforts in California. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/timber/nso-forum.

Thursday, Jan. 31 – Deer Tag Reporting Deadline. Deer tag holders must submit a harvest report for any 2018 deer tag by the Jan. 31, 2019 deadline. All tag holders must report even if they did not hunt, or they hunted unsuccessfully. Tag holders who do not report by this deadline will be charged a $21.60 non-reporting penalty fee when purchasing a 2019 deer-tag drawing application or deer tag. To report your harvest online, visit www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/customersearch/begin. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/hunting#9941260-tag-reporting or call (916) 928-5805.