The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program will provide public access for wild pig, waterfowl and upland game hunts, and birdwatching this fall.

SHARE will offer eight wild pig hunts from November to February at Rush Ranch, in southern Solano County. Rush Ranch is a 2,070-acre open space area bordered by the Suisun Marsh. Two permits (each good for two hunters) will be randomly drawn for each period.

SHARE hunters will have access to 1,000 acres of the ranch for this two-night, two-and-a-half day hunt and will also be allowed to camp in a designated area for no extra fee.

The wildlife management area at Merced’s Wastewater Treatment Plant will offer waterfowl, dove and pheasant hunting.

The property is located five miles south of the city of Merced and offers 300 acres for hunting. Tucked between sloughs and agricultural fields, the seasonal pond and wetland provide cover and forage for waterfowl, dove and pheasant.

Turkey hunters will have an opportunity to access 3,200 acres of rolling blue oak woodlands on Bobcat Ranch located in Yolo County’s Vaca Mountain foothills.

Bobcat Ranch will also offer birdwatching opportunities this fall. Successful applicants will receive a SHARE access permit valid for two people. Instructions on how to apply and a bird list for the property can be found on the SHARE Web page.

Birdwatching opportunities will not require a hunting license.

Hunters with a valid California hunting license may apply online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales . A non-refundable application fee of $11.37 will be charged for each hunt choice.

Successful applicants for each property will be allowed to bring a hunting partner or a non-hunting partner depending on the hunt.

These opportunities were made possible by the SHARE Program, which offers incentives to private landowners who allow wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on their property.

Participating landowners receive liability protection and compensation for providing public access to, or through, their land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities.

The goal of the SHARE Program is to provide hunting, fishing and other recreational access on private lands in California.

For more information about SHARE opportunities please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/share .