Species of the NorCal year

The deer of the timber. Blacktail are close-range, brush-wise, and the reason half of NorCal still owns a rifle that lives behind the seat.

The September opener. Pass shooting, a spinning-wing, and a vest that can take the heat. Dove is the hunt that gets the truck out of the garage.

Ducks and geese on rice, refuge, and the rivers that feed them. NorCal winter is a waterfowl season if you are willing to be cold and early.

Ridge birds and river-bottom birds. Turkey in NorCal is a patience hunt with a vest full of calls and a reason to be in the timber before deer season.

The hunt that does not wait for a draw. Pigs are a license, non-lead, and a landowner who actually said yes — or public ground you have walked.

Coveys in the foothill grass and the creek brush. Quail is a dog hunt and a walking hunt, and it is one of the best reasons to keep a vest in the truck after dove.

Valley roosters in the rice stubble and the odd public field that still holds a bird. Pheasant season is a Saturday you can explain to people who do not hunt.