The calendar of activities scheduled for October has been released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.

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 — 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 $12.75 non-refundable application fee (plus handling fees) is charged for each hunt choice. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share.

 

Saturdays — Guided Tours of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Basin, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join Nimbus Fish Hatchery for a free, family friendly mile hike to explore the edge of the American River and possibly see salmon getting ready to spawn. Participants might also spot other wildlife, including migratory birds, mammals and insects. Be prepared for the hike with proper footwear, water and sun protection. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain. Tours are first come, first served with a maximum group size of 25 people. All are welcome, though terrain is uneven at times and may be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.

 

Sundays — Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW every Sunday for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor 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 julia.kaiser@wildlife.ca.gov.

 

Oct. 8 — City of Davis Wetlands Tour, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 45400 County Road 28H, Woodland. The Davis Wetlands is a managed, native California wetland ecosystem that includes oak riparian woodlands and native grasslands. The group will caravan along the hard-packed gravel roads of the auto tour route. Several stops will be made along the way providing guests with a closer look at the many species of birds that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands. For more information and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.

 

Oct. 11-12 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, 8:30 a.m., San Jose Scottish Rite Center, 2455 Masonic Drive, San Jose. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.

 

Oct. 12 — National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Job and Resources Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., California State Capitol, West Side, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento. California Highway Patrol is hosting a job and resources fair with multiple state agencies for persons with disabilities. For more information, email careers@wildlife.ca.gov.

 

Oct. 12 — 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.

 

Oct. 15 — Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Tour, 9 a.m. to noon, 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Tour the Yolo Wildlife Area with an experienced field trip leader the third Sunday of the month from October through June. View flooded seasonal and permanent wetlands, native grasslands and young riparian forests. Depending on the season, look for migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors and wading birds. For more information and to register, visit www.yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.

 

Oct. 28 — Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Tour Docent Training, 9 a.m. to noon. Lead or assist public tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area or Davis Wetlands. Learn and share fascinating facts about the history, management and wildlife in the wetlands, and promote the use of this open space to tour participants. Potential docents should have an interest in conservation, as well as the natural history of wetland and riparian habitat, and species. Binoculars, a spotting scope, loaner bird ID cards, bird species checklist, trip log, participant roster, walkie talkies and first-aid kit are provided for the tours. Contact volunteer@yolobasin.org to learn more or to sign up.

 

Oct. 30 — California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest Opens. CDFW is accepting entries through Dec. 1 for the annual California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The winner will be featured on the 2023-24 California Upland Game Bird Stamp. For contest rules and entry forms, visit wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp