It is a packed May calendar for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Nature hikes, informational tours, some hunting season openers and more are all coming up. As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change.
Also, state 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.
Weekends
Guided Hikes at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough every Saturday and Sunday. Tours fill on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 to reserve a tour. For more information, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
May 6
Archery-only Spring Wild Turkey and additional Junior Spring Turkey seasons open (extending through May 19). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
May 11
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 on the second Saturday of each month to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River. 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 and the maximum group size is 25 people (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.
World Migratory Bird Day at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. There are hundreds of types of birds at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Some of them live there year-round, some stay for a season and others just pass through on a long migration. For all of them, the habitats and food they find at the reserve help them rest and refuel. Join in on World Migratory Bird Day to learn more about these feathered visitors by going on a guided bird walk, participating in activities or doing fun crafts. For more details, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
May 15
California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, time to be determined, California Natural Resources Building, 715 P Street, Second Floor, Sacramento. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
May 16
California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, time and location to be determined. The meeting will also be held via webinar/teleconference. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov.
May 19
Tot Time at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River. Join CDFW on the third Sunday of each month for Tot Time at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor’s Center for nature-themed stories and to create a fun craft. This month will be all about turtles for International Turtle 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.kaiser@wildlife.ca.gov.
Tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis. Join Yolo Basin Foundation’s docent on a fantastic tour that is appropriate for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts and birders. View seasonal and permanent wetlands, native grasslands and young riparian forests. Look for migrating and resident waterfowl, geese, swans, raptors and wading birds. Registration is required to attend. To register, visit yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours.
May 21
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Pronghorn Hunting, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The goal of this webinar is to teach hunters more about the fastest of the California big game animals. We will discuss biology, habitat and population distribution with a CDFW wildlife biologist, then discuss hunting tactics with pronghorn hunters and discover some practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag. The webinar will also include some ways for hunters to help with pronghorn conservation efforts. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
May 23
California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Natural Resources Agency Headquarters, First Floor Auditorium, 715 P Street, Sacramento. The public is welcome. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
May 25
Mindfulness Tour at Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. Join an experienced reserve docent on a two-mile walk to open the senses on a mindfulness tour around the slough. No registration is required. The tour fills on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit elkhornslough.org/visit/calendar.
May 28
Advanced Hunter Education Webinar: Hunting Fitness - Some Strategies for the Everyday Hunter, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Have you ever thought of the positive impact that hunting can have on other aspects of your life? This webinar will discuss how hunting can help motivate people to get into and stay in year-round shape, benefits to fitness as it applies to hunting and practical things that the average person can do to increase their fitness level and better enjoy their hunts. For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.
