Fish and Game Q&A: Is it legal to shoot downed game after shooting time ends?

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: Five minutes before the end of shooting time I knocked down a snow goose that fell out of range and started swimming. I waded after it in the flooded rice field but couldn’t catch it or get within range until after shooting time ended. In a case like that, do I shoot late or let it go and risk a waste of game citation? Do wardens consider "spirit of the law" as opposed to "letter of the law?" (Jim S.)

Answer: According to Department of Fish and Game assistant chief Mike Carion, if you are "in hot pursuit" of the goose, you should be able to reach it before the end of shoot time, or at least within a minute or two. Bottom line answer is this: It is illegal to take the bird after legal shoot time. If a warden was watching you pursue the game and shoot late, they would use their judgment as to whether a crime was committed. On the other hand, waste of game only applies when a person does not make a reasonable effort to retrieve. If the hunter tries to catch it and it swims off, it is a reasonable effort. Breaking the law is not a reasonable effort. So, if the hunter doesn’t shoot late, no laws are broken!

Q: I just saw some new trout lures containing little glow sticks to attract fish. Someone told me that using light to attract fish is illegal and hence these lures are illegal to use. What do you think? (Shawn A.)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national survey to begin

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin conducting its national survey of fishing, hunting and wildlife-associated recreation and are requesting that hunters, anglers and other wildlife enthusiasts participate if contacted for interviews scheduled to begin April 1.

The information, collected by the U.S. Census Bureau primarily through telephone interviews to be conducted April to June and September to October this year and January to March, 2012, provides the only comprehensive statistical database available on Americans' participation in and spending on hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching in the 50 states.

"We appreciate the anglers, hunters, birdwatchers and other citizens throughout the United States who voluntarily participate in the survey when contacted," said the wildlife service's acting director, Rowan Gould. "The survey results help wildlife and natural resource managers quantify how much Americans value wildlife resources in terms of both participation and expenditures."

The survey, conducted every five years since 1955, will involve 53,000 households from the Census Bureau's master address file. From this information, the bureau will select samples of 19,000 anglers and hunters and 10,000 wildlife watchers and follow up with further detailed questions.

"The last survey published in 2006 revealed 87.5 million Americans enjoyed some form of wildlife-related recreation and spent more than $122.3 billion pursuing their activities," said Hannibal Bolton, assistant director for the service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. "The survey is a critical information resource for federal and state wildlife agencies, outdoor and tourist industries, local governments, planners, conservation groups, journalists and others interested in wildlife and outdoor recreation."

Participation is voluntary and all responses are confidential. Preliminary survey findings will be available in spring 2012 with final reports issued beginning in the fall, to be posted on the restoration program's Web page.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: Laying the groundwork for a day of duck hunting, Jim Fisher tosses a decoy as his dog, Willow, looks on. Credit: Fred Greenslade / Reuters

 

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

Fish and Game Q&A: Can trespassing wildlife be trapped and relocated?

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: Is it illegal to trap and relocate raccoons? I live at the base of Tauquitz Canyon Mountain in Palm Springs and we have a population of raccoons. One of the residents is determined to trap any and all animals that venture onto his property. The problem is he is not trained to trap and he often keeps the animal for three to five days with no food or water until he feels like getting rid of them. I’ve even released a cat from one of his traps in 110 degree heat! Most of the other residents have been educated on how to keep raccoons from doing any damage and how to keep them out of the trash. They are wild and beautiful and I don’t want anything more to happen to them. Can something be done? (Laurie S., Palm Springs)

Answer: The situation described is illegal, cruel and inhumane. When trapping wildlife, traps must be checked every 24 hours and the animals either dispatched or released in the immediate area.

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

NSSF video emphasizes indoor shooting range safety

The National Shooting Sports Foundation recently posted the above video, "Introduction to Range Safety and Etiquette," on its YouTube channel.

The 8 1/2-minute video covers the following aspects of shooting range safety:
•    Rules of gun safety
•    Eye and ear protection
•    Range rules
•    Role of the range officer
•    What to do when you get to the firing line
•    Making your handgun safe
•    Cease fire -- who can call it, what it means and how you should respond
•    Range courtesy, common sense and etiquette

The video is useful to new and inexperienced shooters -- so they can better understand what's expected of them at indoor ranges -- and is also a handy refresher to those familiar with the rules and etiquette.

As a novice shooter, I plan on giving this video at least a couple of views before heading to the range this weekend.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Video credit: National Shooting Sports Foundation via YouTube

 

 

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

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 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.)