Archery-only and Falconry-only Tree Squirrel Season is now open through the California Department of Fish and Game, extending through Sept. 7. For archery-only and falconry-only tree squirrel season and zone descriptions, visit www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx#307. To view a map of tree squirrel hunting zones, visit https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/filehandler.ashx?documentid=109005&inline.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, several additional seasons will open. Archery-only Quail, Chukar and Sooty (Blue)/Ruffed Grouse seasons open, extending through Sept. 7. Also, Falconry-Only Pheasant, Quail, Chukar, Ptarmigtan and Sooty (Blue) Grouse/Ruffed Grouse seasons open, extending through Feb. 28, 2019. For zone maps and other upland game season information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Also as of Aug. 18, Archery Season for Black Bears will be open in each of the five American black bear hunt zones: Northern California, Central California, Southeastern Sierra, Southern Sierra and Southern California, and will extend through Sept. 9. CDFW will close the season earlier if 1,700 bears have been reported taken. For daily updates on reported bear harvest, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear or call toll-free (888) 277-6398. Visit www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx for a description of the current mammal hunting regulations and American black bear hunt zone boundary descriptions. The bag and possession limit for either archery or general season is one adult bear per hunting license year. Cubs and females accompanied by cubs may not be taken.
Volunteer Training days are scheduled for Aug. 18, 19 and 22. Volunteer training is scheduled at Elkhorn Slough, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 22, Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Elkhorn Reserve Volunteer and Education will offer training for individuals interested in volunteering with school and youth groups at the reserve. The workshop will prepare volunteers to lead K-12 students in lab and field activities. For more information, contact Virginia Guhin at (831) 728-2822 or virginia.guhin@wildlife.ca.gov, and to enroll, visit www.elkhornslough.org.
Various days and times throughout the month offer the opportunity to learn more about nature.
Bat Talk and Walk at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is offered at 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Each year, from June through September, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers “Bat Talk and Walk” tours. The tour begins with a 45-minute indoor presentation on bat natural history, after which attendees are shuttled to the outdoor viewing area to witness firsthand the spectacular aerial performance of the Mexican free-tailed bats. Pre-registration is required at http://yolobasin.org. For more information, contact Corky Quirk at cquirk@yolobasin.org.
Ecological Reserve tours can be taken at Elkhorn Slough. Volunteers lead walks every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. Binoculars and bird books are available for the public to borrow at no cost. The visitor center and main overlook are fully accessible. The day use permit fee is $4.12 per person, ages 16 and older (permits may be purchased on-site). Groups of five or more should please notify staff that they are coming and groups of 10 or more can request a separate tour. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/elkhorn-slough-er.
Guided wetland tours, by reservation, are offered at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. A wildlife naturalist will lead any group, school or organization on a half-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 customized to include requested information. The minimum group size is 18 people. For more information, call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.
