The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will hold an online outreach meeting for licensed hunters to take comments and recommendations regarding hunting programs in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The meeting will include updates on habitat conditions and the availability of water for wetlands during the current drought.

State lands to be discussed include the Mendota and Los Banos wildlife areas’ Volta, Salt Slough, China Island, Gadwall, Widell/Ramaciotti and Mud Slough units. Federal refuge personnel will also be available to speak about Merced National Wildlife Refuge, including the Lone Tree Unit, as well as San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, including the Kesterson, Blue Goose, East and West Bear Creek and Freitas units.

The meeting will be held using Microsoft Teams from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Those that would like to participate are asked to email Sean Allen at Sean.Allen@wildlife.ca.gov for a link and instructions on how to submit comments and questions.

CDFW annually provides 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 through public meetings and outreach.