California Department of Fish and Game offers wild pig-hunting clinic

The next advanced hunting clinic offered by the California Department of Fish and Game will focus on wild pigs.

Co-hosted by the Pacific Coast Hunter Education Assn., the class will take place Sat., April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City.

The topics covered will include the biology of wild pigs, techniques for locating the animals, methods of take, how to handle and properly care for the game, plus recipes for preparing wild pig. They will also be field dressing and skinning a pig during the clinic.

Wild pig-hunting season is open year-round in California for licensed hunters, with no daily bag or possession limit, so this clinic seems well worth the registration cost for those wanting to learn more about the quarry.

The cost is $45 and space is limited, so those interested are advised to register early. A barbecue lunch is available for an additional $10.

Those 16 or younger will be admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult. Registration, including fee payment, closes two weeks before the workshop date and can be completed online. For more information e-mail or call DFG Lt. Dan Lehman at (916) 358-4356.

If you miss this one there will be two more DFG clinics this year on wild pig hunting: June 11 at the Russian River Sportsmens Club in Sonoma and July 30 at Tejon Ranch.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Wild pig. Credit: Department of Fish and Game

Colorado approves draft regulations prohibiting hunting bears in their dens

Colorado Wildlife Commission officials have approved the draft phase of regulations which, if passed, would prohibit the hunting of bears in their dens.

The commission approved the draft regulations at their meeting Thursday in Denver. The final vote will come at the May 5 meeting in Salida, Colo., and if approved will become effective July 1.

The den-hunting restriction proposal was drafted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife following an incident last November in which hunter Richard Kendall of Craig, Colo., tracked a large black bear to a cave, entered the cave and killed the animal.

Although the killing of the 703-pound bear was legal -- Colorado hunting regulations currently do not prohibit hunting a bear in a den -- the incident sparked public outrage, generating angry e-mails and calls to state wildlife authorities.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: A black bear peers through the brush. Credit: Steve Hillebrand / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fred Hall Show opens Wednesday at Long Beach Convention Center

The 65th annual Fred Hall Show hits Southern California this week, opening Wednesday at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

This extravaganza of exhibits and seminars is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Now subtitled the "Ultimate Outdoor Experience," the exhibitor list has grown to include hunting lodges, firearms manufacturers, outdoor adventures, shooting sports and fishing destination resorts worldwide.

But not to worry -- fishing will still be well represented in the approximately 500 vendor booths and 400 seminars taking place over five days.

There are plenty of activities for children as well, including a free trout fishing pond, archery and gun ranges, fishing video game contests, laser shot games, kids casting lanes and more. And entertaining for both young and old will be the return of the ever-popular Dock Dogs competition on the patio.

Another unique exhibit will feature a preview of "The Manzanar Fishing Club," a documentary film on the Japanese American internees who used to sneak out of the World War II relocation camp at Manzanar to fish the trout-filled waters of the Eastern Sierra.

"This is still a work in progress," said Cory Shiozaki, the filmmaker who organized the project scheduled for release later this year, "but we are thrilled to give an early look to our many friends in the fishing community here in Southern California."

Hours are 2 to 9:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and military members, and free for children 15 and younger with a paid adult.

The show then heads down to the Del Mar Fairgrounds March 24 through 27. Hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the Del Mar show is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and military members and free for children 15 and younger with a paid adult.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: The 2010 Fred Hall Show in Long Beach was bustling with outdoor enthusiasts. Credit: Fred Hall Shows

Ohio man to pay nearly $24,000 restitution for poaching trophy deer

An Ohio man has been ordered to pay nearly $24,000 in restitution for illegally killing a trophy white-tailed deer. This is the largest restitution ever imposed in the state for deer poaching.

James C. Alspaugh, 39, of West Mansfield, Ohio, pleaded guilty to three charges, including hunting by the aid of a motor vehicle, shooting from a roadway, and hunting without permission, stemming from a December 2010 incident.

The non-typical trophy deer, recovered by wildlife officers after a concerned citizen contacted them about the shooting, scored 218 7/8 using Boone and Crockett Club guidelines.

In accordance with Ohio's revised restitution law for illegal taking of white-tailed deer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife imposed restitution in the amount of $23,816.95.  The law, which went into effect in March 2008, allows the Division of Wildlife to seek an increased recovery value on all illegally harvested wildlife.

Alspaugh was also ordered to pay $400 in fines, an additional $151.50 in court costs, and spend 48 hours in jail.

Alspaugh will also lose his hunting privileges for two years and, since Ohio is part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact -- an agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses in member states -- will likely forfeit hunting rights elsewhere in the nation.

Wildlife poachers are the worst kind of hunters -- if they can even be labeled hunters. They steal resources belonging to others, with potentially damaging consequences, and tarnish the image of legitimate hunters. Hopefully learning that such large monetary fines may be imposed will make others think twice about committing such illicit activities.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Deer trophy recovered by Ohio wildlife officers. Credit: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Fish and Game Q&A: Can hunters sell their game for medicinal reasons?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: If a person buys a hunting license and a bear tag and goes out and hunts a bear legally, then that bear belongs to that hunter. If that hunter takes all the usable parts of the bear, then those bear parts belong to that hunter. But if the bear and all the usable parts belong to the hunter, why can’t the hunter sell the parts of the bear to other cultures that use them for medicinal reasons? Why do Americans think they have the right to tell other cultures what they can and can’t use in their beliefs of medicine, as long as the animals are taken legally? Who knows, maybe they can find a cure for illnesses that we don’t have today. I am a legal and ethical hunter who is about to drive out of state for hunting because of all of the ridiculous laws, so please start thinking about changes in the laws in favor of making hunting more enjoyable for hunters.

-- James "Rufus" Smith

Answer: California Fish and Game laws are designed to protect and preserve California’s wildlife resources. Through the enactment of these laws, the Legislature grants people the privilege to take some species under very specific regulations but has prohibited certain acts that are considered a great threat to the species’ continued existence. Selling the pieces and parts of a bear is only one example of the threats that endanger California wildlife.

Submission deadline nearing for third annual California Waterfowl photo contest

The deadline is fast approaching for submitting entries to the third annual California Waterfowl Assn. "Take Your Best Shot" photo contest.

Open to all California Waterfowl members, the contest will highlight photos of wetland wildlife, dogs in action, waterfowl hunting and wetland landscape.

Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each category, as well as one best in show and one youth photographer. Photos of particular interest are those that highlight the drama of the moment, the beauty from the blind, and the relationship of the hunter with their dog and/or the environment.

The entry fee is $15 per photo, with proceeds going toward prizes as well as to the development of future California Waterfowl programs.

Entries can be submitted either online or by mail but must be received by March 15. Complete contest rules and information on entering can be found on the California Waterfowl Assn. website.

For questions or more information, e-mail or call Courtney Ashe at (916) 648-1406, ext. 127.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: "You Missed Again," last year's Best of Show winner. Credit: Philip Robertson with Rodger Benadom

Poacher receives two-year prison sentence, lifetime hunting ban for wasting game, other offenses

A Novato, Calif., man received a two-year prison sentence and had his hunting and fishing privileges revoked for life after he was convicted of bear poaching and other offenses.

The California Department of Fish and Game reports that Wayne Richard Barsch, 49, was already a two-strike felon when sentenced Feb. 4 by a Glenn County judge. Barch will also face an as-yet-undetermined fine.

The conviction is the result of a December 2010 incident, when Barsch was contacted by DFG warden Mike Beals in rural Glenn County. Beals was on a routine patrol when he encountered Barsch and two hunting partners attempting to process a black bear they had killed at least a day earlier.

Warden Beals found Barsch in possession of a .45-caliber handgun, and a check through DFG dispatch revealed Barsch was a convicted felon and had a restraining order against him, either of which would prevent him from being in possession of any firearm. Beals also found that Barsch had a bear head, four paws and the gall bladder, but only 15 pounds of bear meat, far less than what would be expected to come from a 200-pound animal. It is a crime in California to waste meat from any game animal. Barsch had also failed to tag the bear after killing it.

Since Barsch was on searchable probation, seven wardens went to his residence, where they discovered another bear gall bladder as well as a bear penis, head and five paws in his freezer.

Barsch will serve at least 85% of the two-year prison sentence. Because he was a two-strike felon, the courts may add to his prison sentence. And since California is part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses in member states, Barsch's lifetime hunting and fishing prohibition will be enforced elsewhere in the nation.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Black bear. Credit: Lynn Chamberlain / Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

 

Fish and Game Q&A: How much do California halibut move around?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I have a question about the halibut out at San Clemente Island. Is it a self-contained population due to the long distance between the island and mainland? If so, is it harder for this island population to mix and propagate with the mainland coastal halibut? I understand that all fertilized fish eggs, larvae and fry drift with the sea currents, but wouldn’t it be easy to overfish this one "homegrown" species of fish at San Clemente Island? (Steve)

Answer: Halibut do move inshore-offshore and along the coast to spawn. They also follow feed and follow favorable ocean conditions. Unfortunately, there is no good answer to your question regarding the fish at San Clemente Island, mostly because no data are available.

According to Department of Fish and Game associate marine biologist Travis Tanaka, more than 26,800 coastal mainland halibut were tagged as part of a halibut study performed in Southern California from 1992 to 1997. The study seemed to indicate that migration was related to the size of the fish, but this was not statistically proven. Most of the fish in the study (64%) were recaptured in the same region as the original capture. However, halibut larger than 550 millimeters (21.9 inches) in length averaged 29.5 kilometers (18.3 miles) in travel. At the same time, smaller halibut less than 550 millimeters averaged from 4.6 to 5.6 kilometers (2.9 to 3.5 miles) of travel. The greatest distance of travel was accomplished by a 559 millimeter (22-inch) halibut, which traveled 319 kilometers (198.2 miles). The lesson here is that fish do move, and in the case of this particular study, the movement was mostly to the north. (The results of this study can be found in DFG’s scientific journal, California Fish and Game, vol. 85, no. 2.)

Fish and Wildlife Service issues new report on hunting and fishing trends

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a new report, "Trends in Fishing and Hunting 1991-2006: A focus on Fishing and Hunting by Species," that provides a detailed look at fishing and hunting by species and offers information on national and state fishing and hunting expenditures, participation rates and demographic trends. 

The 72-page report, an addendum to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation, represents a comprehensive survey conducted by the Service’s Wildlife Sport Fish and Restoration Program. Data used to support the study were obtained from 11 fishing and hunting surveys sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

"We want reviewers of this research to understand that while the generalization that hunting and fishing are declining in popularity is often heard, this report shows that the truth is more complicated," Richard Aiken, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lead economist for the study, said in a news release.

Fish and Game Q&A: May a photo be taken with a 'no-take' fish before it is released?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I fish in Southern California and have a question about black sea bass. I know they are illegal to keep when caught. However, when they are caught while targeting other species, what is the regulation for releasing them? After the hook is removed and swim bladder punctured, may a picture be taken with the fish out of the water before it is released? I am under the impression they may not be removed from the water. I ask because a friend of mine accidentally caught a small black sea bass (about 30 lbs.) and after removing the hook and puncturing the swim bladder, he held it up and posed for a quick picture with the fish. I told him I didn’t think that was legal and he argued it was. He did release the fish immediately after the photo was taken, and the fish swam off, apparently unharmed. I’ve searched the website for clarification, but have found nothing. Can you please clarify this issue for me? We are very conscientious fisherman. (Dave L.)

Answer: Giant (black) sea bass and other no-take species cannot be retained and must be released immediately. Therefore, holding the fish out of the water for a picture is unlawful. The best-case scenario for the fish would be to cut the line while it is still in the water.

Poll finds rifle hunters, shooters consider scopes essential gear

Scopes are considered to be essential gear for sportsmen who shoot or hunt with rifles, as evidenced by the number of respondents to a recent survey. Conducted by HunterSurvey.com, the poll revealed more than 92% of rifle owners own at least one scoped rifle, and nearly three out of four own multiple scoped rifles, while only 7.7% responded that they do not own a scope.

Scopes are also a prominent purchase for many shotgun and handgun owners. While both types of firearms are generally used with open sights, 28.7% of shotgunners and 24.5% of handgunners say they own at least one scoped model.

"While firearms and ammunition purchases have been extensively analyzed, not a lot is known about scope ownership and usage," said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which creates and manages the surveys. "This information can be valuable to manufacturers and particularly retailers who now know nearly every rifle buyer is also a potential scope customer as well."

Of those sportsmen surveyed, 26.2% said they intend to purchase a scope in 2011, while 32.5% are not sure.

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers and hunters.

Those who hunt, fish and target shoot are invited to participate in either or both survey sites. Respondents are entered in a monthly drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Kathy Hansen, right, tests a Trijicon rifle scope at January's Safari Club International Convention in Reno. Credit: Max Whittaker / Reuters

Fish and Game Q&A: Are broken antlers a sign of nutrient deficiencies?

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I recently had a wonderful opportunity to accompany a friend to the 2010 Goodale Buck Hunt (G3) in the Owens Valley. It was great to see so many mature bucks in California! However, we noticed many large four-point bucks had broken antlers. Some actually had one complete side broken or partially broken. It appeared that the small tines on the four-point bucks had the most damage. I have never seen this many damaged horns in any other zone or any other state. Is this caused by a deficiency in nutrients? (Bob Pihera)

Answer: It may be that a mineral deficiency is playing a role, but we can’t say for sure. According to Department of Fish and Game deer program manager Craig Stowers, we have documented this deficiency regarding Tule elk in the area but don’t have any data specifically related to deer. Additionally, that particular hunt is held late (in December), pretty much in the middle of the rut. By that time those antlers have endured a lot of stress from animals fighting with each other for dominance. Given this, it wouldn’t be too unusual for these animals’ antlers to reflect a lot of wear and damage from the rutting season.

Q: We are Buddhists. For expressing mercy we used to buy captive fishes and set them free in rivers. However, we could not buy live-bred fishes and free them here because the salesperson in the supermarket said it violates California laws. I could not find any information in the regulations you issued. Please tell us which codes apply. (James W.)