Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of some hunting and fishing opportunities as the weather cools. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has released its October calendar of events.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfires or storm damage; it’s always best 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. Wild pig, deer, bear, turkey, dove and quail hunts are available through the SHARE program. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.
New Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) fishing opportunities on North Fork Battle Creek. Three weekends are available. A $14.86 non-refundable application fee is charged for each event. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/inland/share.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento. This will be a hybrid meeting. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
Saturday, Oct. 11
General deer season opens in Zones D11, D13-15 and D17. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
General bear season opens in deer hunting zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a and X7b in areas open to bear hunting. The general bear season will remain open until Dec. 28, or until CDFW determines that 1,700 bears have been taken. All hunters must get their tag validated and present the bear head for tooth extraction by CDFW personnel. Current bear hunting regulations, in-season updates and general black bear information can be viewed at wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/bear.
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 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 may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages, first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.
Early archery-only season for pheasant opens (extending through Nov. 2). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Saturday, Oct. 18
General duck and goose season opens in the balance of state, Southern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California Waterfowl Zones. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.
General deer season opens in Zone X9c. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
General season for all quail opens in Zone Q1 and Zone Q3 (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
General season for chukar opens statewide (extending through Jan. 25, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
General season for snipe opens statewide (extending through Feb. 1, 2026). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
Sunday, Oct. 19
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Slither, crawl, or climb on over to 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. This month, learn about California’s diverse cold-blooded creatures in celebration of Reptile Awareness Day. 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.
Saturday, Oct. 25
General deer season opens in Zone D16. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/deer.
Monday, Oct. 27
California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest opens. CDFW is accepting entries through Dec. 5 for the annual California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The winner will be featured on the 2025-26 California Upland Game Bird Stamp. For contest rules and entry forms, visit wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.
