California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold an online outreach meeting to solicit comments and recommendations from licensed hunters on hunting programs in the northern San Joaquin Valley.

Agencies will also provide updates on habitat conditions, availability of water for wetlands and possible impacts to hunter access on public lands resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m.

To attend the online presentation, please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a link will be sent with instructions on how to submit comments and questions.

CDFW will discuss the following state lands:

– Mendota Wildlife Area;
– Los Banos Wildlife Area including Volta and Mud Slough Units;
– North Grasslands Wildlife Area including Salt Slough, China Island, Gadwall and Widell/Ramaciotti Units.

USFWS will discuss the following federal lands:

– Merced National Wildlife Refuge including the Lone Tree Unit;
– San Luis National Wildlife Refuge including Kesterson, Blue Goose, East and West Bear Creek, and Freitas Units.

The presentation will cover CDFW’s statewide plan to keep hunters and department staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued efforts to provide recreational opportunities.

California Fish and Game Code section 1758 states CDFW shall annually provide an opportunity for licensed hunters to comment and make recommendations on public hunting programs including anticipated habitat conditions in the hunting areas on Type A Wildlife Areas, as defined under the commission’s regulations, through public meetings or other outreach.

In complying with this section, CDFW may hold regional meetings on its hunting programs for several different wildlife areas.