The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for apprentice pheasant hunts in 17 counties throughout the state.

The hunts, which will be held on various dates throughout November and December, are specially designed to provide an educational and memorable experience for new hunters, youth hunters, women hunters, mobility-impaired hunters and families.

These CDFW-sponsored opportunities are available at the following locations:

• Fresno County (Mendota Wildlife Area);
• Imperial County (Imperial Wildlife Area);
• Kern County (Bakersfield and Stockdale Ranch);
• Los Angeles County (Peace Valley);
• Madera County (Chowchilla and Hensley Lake);
• Merced County (O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area and Merced);
• Napa County (Napa-Sonoma Wildlife Area);
• Plumas County (Green Gulch Ranch);
• Riverside County (Robinson Farms and San Jacinto Wildlife Area);
• San Bernardino County (Camp Cady Wildlife Area);
• San Diego County (Oak Grove);
• San Joaquin County (White Slough Wildlife Area);
• San Luis Obispo County (Santa Margarita and Ray Azbill);
• Siskiyou County (Shasta Valley Wildlife Area);
• Solano County (Grizzly Island Wildlife Area);
• Tehama County (Sacramento River Bend Area);
• Yolo County (Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area).

More details – including hunt dates, types of hunts offered and how many hunters each event will accommodate – can be found online at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/dfgspecialhunts/default.aspx .

These apprentice hunts are provided by CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Special Hunt Program, in cooperation with many volunteer organizations. They provide a high-quality, educational experience that builds upon the lessons taught in hunter education classes.

They also provide additional public hunting opportunities for upland game birds on both public and private lands.

Applicants are reminded that nonlead ammunition is required for hunting pheasant in California, unless the hunt is taking place at a licensed game bird club.

Before venturing out to hunt, please review the new nonlead requirements at www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition .

For more information about the application process, please call 916-445-3452.