Recreation
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
It’s the thrill of seeing a high-octane pointing dog slam to a standstill. It’s having a front-row seat as a wetland comes to life at dawn.
It’s the chaos of a valley quail covey erupting from cover; the heart-pounding excitement of a tom turkey somewhere in the distance answering your call.
It’s the chance to share with friends and family a wild game meal they can’t get in any grocery store, farmer’s market or five-star restaurant.
Californians will have two ideal opportunities to acquaint themselves with the hunting experience during California’s Free Hunting Days.
Stemming from a revised California law newly implemented this year, each year the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director will designate two Free Hunting Days.
In this license year, they are Nov. 25, 2023, and April 13, 2024.
On these days, eligible California residents may hunt without purchasing a California hunting license, provided other requirements are met.
Those requirements include proof of completion of a hunter education course, possession of a valid Free Hunt Days Registration, and any required tags, federal entitlements, and entry permits.
All hunting participants in Free Hunting Days must be accompanied by a mentor at least 21 years of age who holds a valid California hunting license.
“The dates were chosen carefully and intentionally to provide the widest variety of hunting opportunities and options for anyone interested in hunting a try,” said Taylor Williams, the Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) Manager at CDFW.
“On Nov. 25, waterfowl seasons and many upland game seasons, from rabbit and squirrel to dove, pheasant, quail and fall wild turkey, will be open in various zones throughout the state,” Williams said. “It’s also a holiday weekend when friends and family get together so it can be a great time to take out a friend or relative who has been interested in giving hunting a try.”
California’s second Free Hunting Day will be April 13, 2024. This date was chosen with wild pig and wild turkey in mind, two popular species to hunt in the spring.
“We encourage California residents to try Free Hunting Days and discover their own connection to nature and wild food in our state,” Williams said. “Free Hunting Days provide opportunities for people interested in hunting to finally give it a try at little cost, and experienced hunters the chance to mentor someone new.”
With the possession of a valid Free Hunt Day Registration, residents wishing to hunt on the two designated days are not required to possess a California Hunting License, a California Duck Validation or a California Upland Validation.
All hunting regulations, including bag limits, gear restrictions and shooting times remain in effect for Free Hunting Days.
Participants must also possess any additional requirements, including passes for state-operated wildlife areas, tags and federal entitlements such as a Federal Duck Stamp for those hunting waterfowl who are 16 and older.
Those choosing to hunt wild pigs will need to purchase and possess a Wild Pig Tag.
More information is available at CDFW’s Free Hunting Days webpage.
The Free Hunting Days Registration is available at no cost at CDFW license sales offices, from license agents and through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website. Hunting seasons, regulations, places to hunt and other resources are available at CDFW’s Hunting in California webpage.
For additional information on participants hoping to get started hunting this season, please visit CDFW’s R3 webpage for a variety of resources.
- Details
- Written by: Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
This will be the final Guided Nature walk for 2023.
The November nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks docent and a Certified California Naturalist.
The route taken on the walk will depend on the condition of the trails. The hike should last between an hour and a half and two hours.
Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard; the walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Sturdy shoes, a hat and water are also suggested.
There is no charge for the guided nature walk and parking is free for those attending.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
For more information about the guided walk, email
- Details
- Written by: Cal Fire
effective Nov. 1.
Seasonal camping will remain closed throughout the wet season.
The forest will be open for day use only from sunrise to sunset by foot, bicycle and equestrian use regardless of weather conditions.
Forest roads will be subject to temporary closure pending wet weather conditions.
Cal Fire asks recreators to limit vehicle travel to improved rocked roads and avoid seasonal dirt roads when vehicle access is open.
These temporary closures are for public safety, environmental quality and to prevent long term closures from overuse when roads are saturated or snowed in.
OHV and off roading is strictly prohibited forestwide.
Forest staff will be committed to forest management duties such as maintaining recreational facilities, prescribed burning, road work, fuels reduction and timber operations.
Firewood and rock permits are sold by appointment only and are $20 per permit, cash or check only.
Cal Fire encourages forest visitors to plan ahead before arriving to the forest and avoid recreating during inclement weather conditions.
Call the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest office at 707-928-4378 or visit them online at www.fire.ca.gov for more information.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Come see what autumn is bringing to the park.
The October nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks docent and a Certified California Naturalist.
The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last between one and a half and two hours.
There is no charge for the guided nature walks and parking is free for those attending.
No pets are permitted on the park trails. The route on Saturday will depend on the condition of the trails.
Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard — the walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Everyone is invited to take a walk in the park and experience the benefits of getting out into nature for some healthy exercise.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Hwy 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
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