Trail Mix for Oct. 7: Early archery season for pheasants approaches

The early archery-only pheasant season opens Saturday and quail, chukar and snipe statewide the following weekend.

The archery-only pheasant season closes Nov. 1, with the late season from Dec. 28 to Jan. 24. The daily bag limit is two pheasants for the first two days of the season and three pheasants per day afterward. A hunter’s daily archery bag limit may not include more than one female pheasant. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit.

For quail hunters, all zones will remain open until Jan. 31, 2016. The daily bag limit for quail is 10 and the possession limit is triple the daily bag. For chukar and snipe, the daily bag limit is six and eight, respectively. The possession limit is triple the daily bag for both species.

Upland game bird hunters must carry a current California hunting license and, if the hunter is 18 years or older, an upland game bird validation.

For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Artists wanted – State Fish and Wildlife is holding an art contest, with the winning design selected for the state’s 2015-16 upland game bird stamp. This year’s stamp will feature the ring-necked pheasant.

The contest is open to all U.S. residents who were 18 or older as of Sept. 30. Entries will be accepted from Nov. 15 through 4 p.m. Dec. 30. The winning artist will be selected during public judging, with the date and location to be announced.

For details, visit wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.

Fresno Audubon meeting – Kathy Bolen of Critter Creek Wildlife Station is the featured guest at the society’s monthly meeting Oct. 13. Critter Creek rehabs injured and orphaned wildlife, educates the public and provides a sanctuary for permanently imprinted native and nonnative wildlife. Joining Bolen is Margo, her American kestrel. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the UC Center (Calaveras Room), 550 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.

▪ Wednesday Walk: The society will lead a bird-watching tour at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility on Oct. 14. The group will meet at 7:30 a.m. outside the plant, located on Jensen Avenue, west of Cornelia Avenue. To reserve a spot, call Micki Beston at 559-297-0361 or Jane Manning at 559-276-7962 by Thursday.

Fall hiking tips – As the wet season approaches, a reminder to use some common sense when exploring the Sierra Nevada.

Check the weather and choose your destinations wisely. Rain and snow can make trails difficult. Read recent trip reports and call a ranger station to determine current conditions, especially local roads where storms or fallen trees can shut off routes unexpectedly.

Pack wisely. Don’t be afraid to take extra layers, food, water, shelter and chains, as they may be required at anytime.

Black & White Soiree – The Central Valley Charitable Cycling Association aka “Parker’s Team,” is hosting its annual Black and White Soiree fundraiser Friday at Wolf Lakes Park, 11646 E. Ashlan Ave. in Sanger. The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes dinner, silent and live auctions, a dessert auction and more. Cost is $65 per person. Proceeds will benefit The Free Wheel Project, Oasis Valley Caregiver Resource Center and The Sweet Eats Program. For details, contact Eva Hammond at 559-647-7858 or eva.hammond@yahoo.com. In its ninth year, Parker’s Team has raised $900,000 and will start its “Ride to a Million” campaign next year.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Trail Mix for Oct. 7: Early archery season for pheasants approaches."