There are multiple opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities around the region during January.

As a reminder, wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires, flooding or storm damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.

All calendar items are subject to change.

Various Days

Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) access permit application deadlines for multiple hunting opportunities. Waterfowl, wild pig, turkey and quail hunts are available through the SHARE program. Hunters may apply for a four-person blind for waterfowl hunting at Tides End, Harbison Ranch and Kemp Farms. A $13.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit the SHARE page.

January 10

Sacramento Perch Fishing Clinic, Granite Regional Park, 8200 Ramona Ave., Sacramento. CDFW’s North Central Region Fishing in the City Program will host a Sacramento Perch Fishing Clinic at Granite Regional Park in Sacramento County, which has twice been stocked with native Sacramento perch, once in 2024 and again in 2025. The event is geared toward youth ages 5 to 15 but everyone can learn the specialized techniques to catch California’s only native sunfish when the fish become most active in the spring and summer months. Register online at the Sacramento Fishing in the City web page. In addition to the stocking of Sacramento perch, the park pond receives monthly stockings of rainbow trout in fall and winter months.

Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join Nimbus Hatchery for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the 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. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. The maximum group size is 25, 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.

January 12

Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan Development Public Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center, 11500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. This regionally focused meeting follows the virtual public workshop and in-person meetings held in Sacramento in September. CDFW biologists will explain the objectives and content of the draft Deer Conservation and Management Plan followed by a question-and-answer session with the public. The informal meeting will offer an opportunity to meet some of CDFW’s wildlife biologists, wildlife officers and other local staff. Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts interested in deer management are encouraged to attend. In addition to this meeting, there will be several additional public meetings throughout Northern California in the coming months to solicit input from local stakeholders. CDFW will announce the dates and locations for these local meetings as they are finalized. For more information about the Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan, email biggame@wildlife.ca.gov.

January 13

California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, Second Floor, 715 P St., Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit the FGC website.

January 15

Waterfowl, Coot and Moorhen Hunting: Public Scoping Session (CEQA), 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. CDFW is seeking public comment and identification of issues for preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report regarding changes in hunting regulations for the 2026-27 season. Members of the public may provide comments by attending the online meeting or sending them directly. To attend the online meeting, contact Melanie Weaver at melanie.weaver@wildlife.ca.gov for participation information.

January 15-18

International Sportsmen’s Expo, Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. CDFW will be returning to the International Sportsmen’s Exposition in Sacramento. For more information, visit the ISE Sacramento page.

January 18

Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. 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 julia.sisneros@wildlife.ca.gov.

January 21

Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan Development Public Meeting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sacramento County Library Valley Hi-North Laguna Branch, 7400 Imagination Pkwy., Sacramento. This regionally focused meeting follows the virtual public workshop and in-person meetings held in Sacramento in September. CDFW biologists will explain the objectives and content of the draft Deer Conservation and Management Plan followed by a question-and-answer session with the public. The informal meeting will offer an opportunity to meet some of CDFW’s wildlife biologists, wildlife officers and other local staff. Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts interested in deer management are encouraged to attend. In addition to this meeting, there will be several additional public meetings throughout Northern California in the coming months to solicit input from local stakeholders. CDFW will announce the dates and locations for these local meetings as they are finalized. For more information about the Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan, email biggame@wildlife.ca.gov.

January 27

Falconry-Only Season Opens for Rabbits and Varying Hares (extending through March 17). For more information on resident small game mammal seasons and limits, visit the small game mammal hunting regulations page.

January 31

Deer Tag Reporting Deadline. Deer tag holders must submit a harvest report for any 2025 deer tag by the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline. All tag holders must report even if they did not hunt or hunted unsuccessfully. Tag holders who do not report by this deadline will be charged a $21.60 non-reporting penalty fee when purchasing a 2026 deer tag drawing application or deer tag. To report harvest online, visit CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services page. For more information, visit the Hunting Licenses and Tags page.