It was a usual warm summer day with a lake full of swimmers, boaters and skiers. Typically the third week of June transforms the Almanor basin into a vacation wonderland, welcoming visitors from throughout the state and beyond. This day met all of those qualifications and resulted in outdoor chefs lighting grills all across the the lake. Scents of burgers, ribs and stout steaks took over our RV park as visitors mingled in their friendly fashion. When summer sunshine began to fade on the west shore skyline, fishermen from all over the park ventured out to their boats. One patio boat carried several men including a last minute boarder, barely making the boat after work in Westwood. Another rushed in from Susanville in the nick of time. This evening they did not have to venture far;  several hot spots were expected on the lake this evening and for several more evenings to follow.

It’s the annual hex hatch at Lake Almanor and even if you are not a fisher, it is something to see. As the sky turns to dusk, as if out of nowhere, duns float up to the water’s surface, hatch and fly away.  It is a phenomenon to witness and one I will not soon forget. For the fishermen too, it is unforgettable as it seems to make the the fish go crazy, jumping and biting like mad. Most of the guys I spoke with return every year, for as many evenings as they can, for this fish feeding frenzy. It doesn’t last long. Strings of fishing boats leave the marina just as the sun fades, get positioned for dusk, fish like crazy, then return about an hour later.

HEX HATCH FISHING FACTS

• Each year as the Hexigenia hatch and fly off the surface of Lake Almanor, fish go into a feeding frenzy. If you can manage to place your fly in just one of the many feeding lanes, you should be in for a great fight.

• Each year the hatch usually occurs between the end of June and the first part of July, although no one I spoke with wanted to predict it. Ask around or check in at The Sports Nut. This shop also publishes a regular fishing report for anglers visiting the Chester area.  Word spreads quickly when the hatch is on.

• There is no need to get up early for this event since the flies do not hatch until dusk.

• The nicer the day, the better the hatch will usually be. If it is a cold and rainy day, the chance of seeing a big hatch of bugs is minimized.

• Under good conditions, duns may be seen rising off the water around 7:00 pm but this is just the false hatch. The real hatch will not start until the sun starts to go down.

GEAR:

A standard 5 or 6 weight fly rod will suffice along with a floating forward taper. One good thing about fishing the hatch is that you won’t need an extremely long leader section. Since you are fishing after dark and because of the mass of activity on the water, fish will not be as wary of your fly line. A 7 1/2 foot leader should do just fine and a short stout tippet section is recommended when you are trying to catch big brown trout with good size teeth.

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A fee may not be charged for an instructor’s service; however, fees may be used to cover the purchase of training aids such as slides, flip charts, targets, and other training aids.   The Hunter Education Instructor makes the final decision in determining whether a student is qualified to receive a Certificate of Completion. A student who is unsafe, or fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship will not be issued a Certificate of Completion.

Q:  Are senior citizens exempt from having to take a hunter education course?
A:  No.

Q:  Is a law enforcement officer (active duty, reserve or retired military) required to take a hunter education course even if they have had firearms training?
A:  Yes.  All first time California hunters must successfully complete a hunter education training course or pass an equivalency exam.  Visit our web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/index.html for more information.

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LOCAL GUN CLUBS

By Jan Cox

The spring time signals time for the area’s local gun clubs to begin meeting again. Local clubs serve different types of shooting which can include trap, rifle, pistol, skeet, or sporting clays, depending on the specific club. We found these clubs to tell you about:

The Al Hoop Range is the home of the Westwood Rifle and Pistol Club and is located ½ mile west of the junction of Highways 147 and 36 down a dirt road about a mile. Each year they begin in late May and end in October. Here, trap, rifle, or sporting clay meets are held on either Wednesday evenings, Saturdays or Sundays. The Al Hoop Range is open to anyone who wants to shoot. The public can shoot rifle or pistols at targets anytime but must bring their own targets and remove them when done. The range is also used for pistol practice by law enforcement, hunter education courses, concealed carry permit classes, youth shoots, Boy Scout and church group shoots. For information, contact John Cox at 530-256-2119 or George Orloff at 530-596-4116.

The Sierra Valley Sportsmen Club, located two miles south of Sierraville is on highway 89 on Forest Service land. This club has a trap range, a pistol range and a 500 yard rifle range. It is usually open on Sundays from ten o’clock on. If the gate is locked at other times, shooters can sign out a key at either the gas station or Forest Service office. Pistol and rifle shooters bring their own targets: there is no charge to shoot. This range is open from May 15 through November 15. For further information, contact Bill Fowler at (775)971-9845.

Quincy Sport Shooting Association is also found on Forest Service land. They run regular series for trap and pistol and also have a 100 yard rifle range. Because they are lower in elevation, they run year around for trap and during daylight savings time for pistols. There are shoots every other Sunday beginning at 10 AM and on the opposite Friday nights beginning at 1 PM. They can be contacted at P.O. Box 3391, Quincy or by calling Larry Lawson at 530-283-1772.

Sierra Sportsmen Club in Susanville has a skeet range available plus several trap stations, a pistol range, rifle range, and also offer Black Powder Cowboy Action. ECD Classes are offered at the local gun store in town. When you become a member, you are given the combination to the range gate found on BLM land in Rice Canyon, near the prison. Weather permitting, shoots are held from March 1st to November 1st. For more information call Lowell Harwood at 257-3764,

The Sierra Valley Gun Club of Portola is located 3.2 miles south of highway 70 off A23. Their SCTP or Scholastic Trap Program is for youth and begins in the spring and culminates with youth, fifth grade through high school, shooting at a state or national event. Small bore and varmint silhouette rifle shoots take place on Saturdays, while those interested in trap meet on Tuesday evening’s beginning at 4 PM. This year the club will have three trap shoots for those registered with the Pacific International Trap Shooting Association. The first of these will be on April 17. For more information contact Ron McGarr at 832-5959.

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• A letter from the Veterans Administration verifying that you have a 50 percent or greater service connected disability and were honorably discharged from the United States armed forces; and
• Evidence of meeting California hunter education requirements as required in Fish and Game Code, Section 3033.

For information on free and reduced fee fishing licenses, see page 8, in ‘RV Travel’. To obtain the hunting license mail order form, download it from the Department of Fish and Game at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/forms/forms.html.

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If you aren’t sure if you can afford that fishing license this year, there may be some help out there for California residents. The Department of Fish and Game offers free or reduced price fishing licenses in the following circumstances:

2010 REDUCED-FEE FISHING LICENSES – FEE $6.25

Fish and Game Code, Section 7150, authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to issue Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses to the following anglers:

A) Any person 65 years of age or older who is a resident of California and whose total monthly income from all sources does not exceed the income levels below. Income Verification from your Social Security office is required annually.

1) $850 for single persons, or

2) $1,489 for married persons (combined income).

B) Any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. Proof of eligibility from the United States Veterans Administration or a copy of last years license is required.

2010 FREE FISHING LICENSES

Fish and Game Code, Section 7151, authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to issue Free Sport Fishing Licenses to anglers who meet specific criteria.  Additional stamps or cards are required for certain species and areas and must be purchased at the regular fee.

Five-Year Free Sport Fishing Licenses are available for anglers who meet the criteria below:

A) Any person, with central vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the aid of the best possible correcting glasses, or central vision acuity better than 20/200 if the widest diameter of the remaining visual field is no greater than 20 degrees. Certification of blindness by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is required.

B) Any person who is a resident of the State and who is so severely physically disabled as to be permanently unable to move from place to place without the aid of a wheelchair, walker, forearm crutches or a comparable mobility-related device. Verification by a licensed physician or a copy of the previous year’s free fishing license is required.

C) Any developmentally disabled person.  Certification by a licensed physician or the director of a State regional center is required.

One-Year Free Sport Fishing Licenses are available for anglers who meet the criteria below:

A) Any American Indian or lineal descendant who is a resident of the State and whose total annual income does not exceed $10,830 for the head of the household, plus $3,740  for each additional family member living with them.  Certification by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) or proof of being on a tribal registry is required. Verification of income on Form FG371 is required annually.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications and licenses are available only at DFG License Sales Offices or through the mail.  If you meet the criteria described above for a license and want to apply by mail, email LRB@dfg.ca.gov and include your name, mailing address and the type of application (reduced-fee, free one-year or free five-year) needed.

Source: CA Dept. of Fish & Game. For more information, please visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/sportfishingfreereduced.htmlFREE AND REDUCED PRICED FISHING LICENSES

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View of Black Rock from Black Rock Campground photo courtesy US Forest Service

Mill Creek photo Courtesy US Forest Service

By Melissa Wynn

Photos courtesy US Forest Service

Ishi Wilderness, within the Lassen National Forest, offers a rare chance to walk miles in the moccasins of the  man for whom the area is named, Ishi, last survivor of the Yahi Yana people.  This tribe of brave and proud Native Americans escaped invading settlers, living free and undetected in the Deer Creek area for many years. In August of 1911, having outlived the rest of his tribe, Ishi, overcome by hunger and loneliness walked out of his wilderness home. He was discovered, emaciated and frightened, in a slaughter house near Oroville, California from which he embarked on an epic journey that eventually led him to UC Berkley where he was an inspiration as well as a living legend.

These days Ishi’s remote homeland remains as it was when Ishi himself walked the trails that we are all free to explore today. The outback, mystical interior of Ishi Wilderness has stunning rugged landscapes and bizarre lava rock formations shaped over the  millennia by wind, water and the powerful eruptions of the Mt. Lassen Volcano. Deer and Mill Creeks have bubbled along in the Ishi Wilderness carving deep canyons since long before the Yahi Yana fished the annually migrating salmon and steel head from their rushing waters. Spanning over more than 40,000 acres, Ishi Wilderness is a mysterious place to explore over and over again.

This is a place to truly walk with the animals as a large variety of wildlife call Ishi Wilderness home. Common sightings include deer, fox, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, wild hogs, rabbits and many, many species of birds from tiny hummingbirds to soaring majestic eagles.  Ishi Wilderness is also home to to a large bear population so visitors should always store food in safe containers and tie it up out of their reach.

One part of Ishi Wilderness that is beyond OUR reach is any artifact that Ishi and his neighbors may have left behind, all are protected by Federal Law and are not to be disturbed. Removal of any native artifact is a felony and strictly forbidden. These rules are  part of maintaining the wild beauty here, leave it for next group of hikers to enjoy. Ishi Wilderness is not for the faint of heart and visits to any remote wilderness should be well planned. Wilderness means no services, anywhere, of any kind. Make sure to bring enough drinking water to last the duration of your stay. Summer temperatures soar in the lower elevations of Ishi Wilderness, and dehydration comes on quickly in hot dry weather. Rattlesnakes like hot weather  as well and sightings are the norm in this wild place. This neck of the woods is as rugged and unforgiving as it is beautiful and enchanting.

Black Rock Campground hosts the only set campsites (no fee) with fire rings, stall toilets and picnic tables but even this area is 20 challenging miles from any main road.   Black Rock Campground can be accessed by following Ponderosa Way just West of Mineral, Ca and East of Paynes Creek, Ca off Hwy 36.  The rough and harrowing road  is part of the Lassen Back Country Discovery Trail and is only maintained late May-November, high clearance vehicles are recommended for this route. A still primitive, but more car friendly way to Black Rock Campground is to turn onto Lassen Trail just a few miles down Hwy 32 from where it meets Hwy36/89 about 13 miles out of Chester, Ca. Follow Lassen Trail to Ponderosa Way which leads to Black Rock Campground. Both of these routes can have complications with weather so calling the Almanor Ranger District (530)258-2141 for road conditions is highly recommended.

Visitors are free to set up camp anywhere in the Ishi Wilderness so many choose to pitch their tents and  camp, roughing it style, closer to the main road. Day hikes and a picnic lunch along the banks of Mill Creek are another great low impact way to visit this historic home of Ishi and his people. Although you may drive into camp, no wheeled vehicles are allowed in the Ishi Wilderness, this includes baby strollers, nothing with tires is allowed off-road. Whether you camp safe or extreme always remember to fully extinguish your campfire (small camp fires minimize impact on the land), gather your litter, camp on a durable surface being considerate of delicate plant life and Leave No Trace as was the way of the Yahi Yana. Some of that delicate plant life includes poison oak , nothing ruins a good hike faster, so mind where you walk, sit and camp. Camp fire permits are required for all campers and can be purchased at any Cal Fire Station. The nearest station to the Ishi Wilderness access can be found in Paynes Creek.

Maps of the area to lead you to camp and the many trail heads are available at any Forest Service office. These maps also clearly show multiple owner areas, always respect private property and no trespassing signs. Ishi Wilderness questions will be happily answered by the Almanor Ranger District Office in Chester, Ca at 900 E. Hwy 36 or by phone at (530)258-2141. Camping at a local campground or hiking a trail just off the highway is one way to discover  the great outdoors but if you ever wondered how the Native Americans of old really lived wild and free, leave civilization far behind and explore the Ishi Wilderness. There is great short version of the story of Ishi’s life online at  www.history.library.ucsf.edu under Special Topics and the full story in Theodore Kroeber’s book, Ishi in Two Worlds: a biography of the last wild Indian in North America.

Some info from: wilderness.net; summitpost.org; maps.google.com; US Forest Service, Almanor Ranger District; and www.history.library.ucsf.edu

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NRA – Landowner Liability Release Form Available

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Well, we are having a good winter. Let’s hope the snowfall is enough to fill the lake. It has a long way to go. Last year was a good fishing year. An early run on salmon started the season followed by rainbows and browns all the way up until the end of my guide season – the last of November.

Now what do I do in December, January and February? In December I hunt turkey, ducks and geese. But January and February, with conditions just right and a lot of cold weather, the lake freezes in some areas and then I can ice fish.

Try ice fishing for something different. Talk about fun and different, this is it!! There are a few things you need to know however. If you are fainthearted at all —- don’t read this. You have to really like fishing and be a little bit nuts— I guess that covers me. But, I’m careful, really careful, knowing the ice is crucial. I prefer 3″ or more rock hard slick ice. The thing to watch for is pressure cracks. You can hear the ice move and crack all the way across the lake. That usually indicates good ice.

As long as the weather stays cold, the ice will keep freezing. Always take a long rope with you and tie off to the log boom or dock or anything else that is solid. This is your lifeline in case of an ice failure. Use an ice auger to cut a hole no bigger than 8″. Keep your rope next to you or tied to you for safety. You don’t need to go out very far, only about as far as you can cast or just a bit further.

Use a short 4 ft. rod with six# line and a spinning reel. A variety of bait worms, mealworms, red & white eggs, roe and yellow and white small 1/16 oz jigs. Fish about 2-3 ft. off the bottom. Note: Fish bite short in the cold water, so the best thing to do is let them have the bait well before you set the hook. Fish bite all day long as schools pass by.

Along the East Shore the wind blows and doesn’t let the ice freeze solidly. Be careful of snow on the ice, for this covers up the thin ice. The best thing to do is use you head. I’ve been fishing the ice for more than 40 years and as much as I know, I just fish offshore sometimes and don’t venture out on the ice at all. You know you just get that feeling: it’s called “good common sense.”

Never attempt to walk clear across the lake anytime. And when ice shifts and goes up on top of another layer it can be very dangerous. Just the other day, the ice shifted and took down a buoy — that is a sign of becoming bad ice.

Places to ice fish are along the west shore and down by the dam. For the rest of the years’ fishing, I would say it’s going to be good. More fresh water and a good population of bait fish (smelt) are in the lake. Good fish plants were made in 2007.

For more guiding information, give me a call at (530) 259-2051. This is my 45^th year of guiding on Lake Almanor. Hope to see you soon.

Good Fishing.

Doug D’Angelo

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In 1980 a group of concerned fishermen, business people and the Chester/Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce formed the Almanor Fishing Association. This organization is “dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of a high quality fishing resource in Lake Almanor and assuring its continual availability to everyone wishing to enjoy the sport of fishing.” It is now more than 300 members strong and what a dedicated bunch. For over 14 years, volunteers of the Almanor Fishing Association have raised 50,000 Eagle Lake Trout to supplement the Department of Fish & Game plants.

In early November, DFG delivers the 50,000 trout to Hamilton Branch where volunteers separate them into 10 submerged cages near the PG&E powerhouse. Through snow and ice, 28 Almanor Fishing Association volunteers feed the Eagle Lake Trout every day, using 15,000 pounds of food donated annually by Kokanee Power . Heavy Sierra snow days require the cages be shoveled off so they won’t sink from the weight, thus allowing the small fish to swim away. In May the cage gates are opened and the fat, healthy, hand fed Eagle Lake Trout, now 10 to 12 inches in length, swim off into Lake Almanor in search of this years favorite bait, maybe at the end of your line. Those that escape participation in the human thrill of “Fish On” will continue to breed on their own and

grow into the catches that bragging rights are made of. Almanor Fishing Association Treasurer, Paul Garrido, was kind enough to take MVL on a peaceful boat ride to tour the cages at Hamilton Branch. I was very impressed by the true enjoyment Mr. Garrido experiences being a part of this community active organization. He is genuinely proud of the public fishing and picnic area, also at Hamilton Branch, that was created for our enjoyment thanks to the dedication and hard work of the members of the Almanor Fishing Association. This is a favorite picnic spot for our family since it is one of the few spots with a wheelchair accessible ADA approved restroom. The association’s pride shines through in the care given to this shady, forest recreation area. To learn more about this association, the wonderful contributions they make to local communities, surf the proud catch pics or just learn more about fishing Almanor, please visit their website at www.almanorfishingassociation.com. My thanks to Paul Ga

rrido for the great afternoon and hats off to the volunteers for giving us 50,000 good reasons to fish Lake Almanor.

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Approved 2009 Deer Seasons – Additional Hunts

Hunt Number- Hunt Title- Tag Quota

G-1 Late Season Buck Hunt for Zone C-4 24-Oct-09 – 01-Nov-09 2,710

G-3 Goodale Buck Hunt 05-Dec-09 – 20-Dec-09 35

G-6 Kern River Deer Herd Buck Hunt 05-Dec-09 – 13-Dec-09 50

G-7 Beale Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military Only) 15-Aug-09 – 01-Nov-09 20 Military

G-8 Fort Hunter Liggett Antlerless Deer Hunt 10 Military and 10 Public

G-9 Camp Roberts Antlerless Deer Hunt 31-Aug-09 – 07-Sept-09 15 Military and 15 Public

G-10 Camp Pendleton Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military Only; Hunt Day Restrictions) 05-Sept-09 – 06-Dec-09 400 Military

G-11 Vandenberg Either-Sex Deer Hunt (Military and DOD* Only) 31-Aug-09 – 31-Dec-09 500 Military and DOD*

G-12 Gray Lodge Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt 19-Sep-09 – 27- Sept-09 30

G-13 San Diego Antlerless Deer Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 15-Nov-09 300

G-19 Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas Either-Sex Deer Hunt 26-Sept-09 – 31-Dec-09 25

G-21 Ventana Wilderness Buck Hunt 14-Nov-09 – 06-Dec-09 25

G-37 Anderson Flat Buck Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 06-Dec-09 25

G-38 X-10 Late Season Buck Hunt 17-Oct-09 – 01-Nov-09 300

G-39 Round Valley Late Season Buck Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 08-Nov-09 5

M-3 Doyle Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 21-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 20

M-4 Horse Lake Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 01-Nov-09 10

M-5 East Lassen Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 01-Nov-09 10

M-6 San Diego Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt 19-Dec-09 – 31-Dec-09 80

M-7 Ventura Muzzleloading Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 13-Dec-09 150

M-8 Bass Hill Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 01-Nov-09 20

M-9 Devil’s Garden Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 24-Oct-09 – 08-Nov-09 15

M-11 Northwestern California Muzzleloading Rifle Buck Hunt 14-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 20

MA-1 San Luis Obispo Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 13-Dec-09 150

MA-3 Santa Barbara Muzzleloading Rifle/Archery Buck Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 13-Dec-09 150

J-1 Lake Sonoma Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 07-Nov-09 – 08-Nov-09 25

J-3 Tehama Wildlife Area Apprentice Buck Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 15

J-4 Shasta-Trinity Apprentice Buck Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 06-Dec-09 15

J-7 Carson River Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 17-Oct-09 – 25-Oct-09 15

J-8 Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 05-Dec-09 – 31-Dec-09 15

J-9 Little Dry Creek Apprentice Shotgun Either-Sex Deer Hunt 19-Sept-09 – 27-Sept-09 5

J-10 Fort Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 10 Military and 75 Public

J-11 San Bernardino Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 21-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 40

J-12 Round Valley Apprentice Buck Hunt 05-Dec-09 – 20-Dec-09 10

J-13 Los Angeles Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 21-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 40

J-14 Riverside Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 21-Nov-09 – 29-Nov-09 30

J-15 Anderson Flat Apprentice Buck Hunt 28-Nov-09 – 06-Dec-09 10

J-16 Bucks Mountain/Nevada City Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 26-Sep-09 – 01-Nov-09 75

J-17 Blue Canyon Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 26-Sept-09 – 01-Nov-09 25

J-18 Pacific/Grizzly Flat Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 26-Sept-09 – 01-Nov-09 75

J-19 Zone X-7a Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 03-Oct-09 – 18-Oct-09 25

J-20 Zone X-7b Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 03-Oct-09 – 18-Oct-09 20

J-21 East Tehama Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 19-Sept-09 – 01-Nov-09 50

* DOD = Department of Defense

Oct 3, 4, 10, 11, & 12-09

Season Dates

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CA Dept. of Fish and Game

Question:
I hunt with a bow and on some occasions will shoot my game right at sundown and then have to chase my animal sometimes for an hour or more. And then when I find it, I may have to shoot it again. Is it legal to finish off an animal after dark if it was shot during the legal hunting hours? (Geoff M., Camarillo)

Answer:
No. Authorized hunting and shooting hours are clearly stated in the regulations as running from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (CCR T-14 Sections 310, 310.5 and 352). To shoot an animal outside of those authorized hours is illegal.

If you hit an animal at sundown but it doesn’t immediately go down, you should then mark the location of the hit, let the animal bleed out and recover it in the morning. You cannot take another shot that day after legal hours have passed or you will be in violation. Whenever possible, try to plan your hunt so that you will not be pushing the envelope right at the end of hunt hours and can leave ample time to track and retrieve the animal legally.

Hunters must plan their hunts to include ample time for tracking and retrieving their animal during legal shooting hours.

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I have a couple of questions regarding deer killed on roadways. First of all, if a deer is accidentally hit and killed on a roadway, can it be collected and utilized so as not to go to waste? Secondly, if I have a valid California hunting license and deer tag, and while coming back after dark from a day of hunting, if I accidentally hit and kill a deer on one of the back roads, how is that handled? Do I wait until morning and shoot it, or is that considered a “bag?” What are the laws pertaining to animals accidentally killed on the highways? (James M.)

Answer:
Too many deer are accidentally hit or killed by motorists on California’s highways each year. When this happens, only authorized personnel of state and/or local agencies are permitted to dispatch and remove the injured or dead animals.

Photo © Carrie Wilson

Road-killed wildlife may not be retained by the driver of the vehicle that hits the animal, nor anyone else associated with the accident or not. Only authorized personnel of state and/or local agencies are permitted to dispatch and remove injured or dead animals.

In regard to your second question, even if the driver of the vehicle is a licensed California hunter who has the appropriate tags to take the deer that is accidentally hit by their car, that hunter cannot legally tag that deer and take it home. Deer may only be taken with rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers, muzzle loaders and archery equipment. Motor vehicles are not included in this list of legal methods of take.

Although Fish and Game Code section 2000.5(a) states the accidental taking of game by a motor vehicle is not a violation of the law, it does not authorize the possession of animals taken by a collision with a vehicle. You may wonder why this is the case since it seems like it would be a waste of a deer to not be able to place a tag on it and perhaps save another from being taken. The reason is that some poachers would use the “collision” excuse to take deer at night with their vehicle and just attach their tag to justify the action.

Question:

Why does California’s deer archery-only season start in the middle of the summer right when it’s already so blazing hot? (Jamie W., Anaheim)
Answer:

This is a very good question and there are actually a number of reasons why the archery seasons begin so early in California.

First, the setting of deer seasons in California is a balance between providing adequate hunting opportunity and a harvest that will not have a negative effect on the buck segment of the herd (low buck ratios). Therefore, general (rifle) hunting seasons are set to end prior to the peak of the rut (breeding season) when bucks are more vulnerable to harvest.

The rut in California’s Deer Zones differ by their location (e.g., A Zone rut occurs in late September and the B Zones peak rut begins in early/mid November. This balance provides the maximum hunting opportunity (hunters in the field) with a reasonable expectation of killing a deer. Once the general seasons are set, the archery season is then established prior to the beginning of the rifle season. By regulation (Fish and Game Code Section 4370), the archery deer season must end three days prior to the opening of the general season. Thus, if you look at the calendar you can begin to see why the archery season begins in the summer.

Another variable biologists consider when establishing the beginning of the archery season is the age of the fawns. DFG strives to begin the archery season at a point where fawns are old enough to not be negatively affected by disturbance.

As an example, let’s look at the A Zone. The general rifle seasons for A Zone begin on the second Saturday of August (Aug. 9, 2008) for 44 days ending before the peak of the rut. DFG has determined that fawns are old enough to withstand disturbance by the beginning of July because they are born in late spring. Therefore, the archery season begins the second Saturday in July (July 12, 2008) and extends for 23 days (Aug. 3, 2003). This season framework accommodates the biology of the deer, hunter opportunity and the law requiring a three day separation between seasons.

Another factor that has also influenced the timing of the deer seasons in general is hunter preference. A number of years ago, DFG proposed shifting the A Zone season later where the weather would be cooler. This proposal was summarily rejected by the local hunting organization in A Zone because they wanted to maintain the tradition and they liked the ability to hunt early in A Zone and then later in other zones. (Thanks go to our DFG staff in the Deer Management Program for their assistance with this one!)

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The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is an international-style archery program for students in grades 4-12. NASP is delivered to students by teachers as an in-school lesson plan through a joint venture between the DFG and the California Department of Education.

NASP is very popular in physical education classes, but other disciplines use the program as well. Teachers are trained by the DFG and are asked to undergo an 8-10 hour training class to become a NASP-certified instructor. There is a class material fee of $55 per participant which includes one year of NASP membership.

DFG is offering training classes for educators to deliver the NASP program to elementary, middle and high school students. After school program instructors or other youth organizations are also welcome to apply.

If you are interested in implementing NASP at your school, please read the FAQ and apply online. At the time of application, you may sign up for any of the current trainings being offered or you may request to be notified of a future training. When your application is submitted, you will receive an email response with detailed information. Class material fee of $55 must be paid two weeks prior to class date.

Contact Lesa Johnston, NASP Coordinator
(916) 322-8933 or ljohnsto@dfg.ca.gov.

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Mr. Jerry Hayden of Penn Valley caught this incredible 45 inch long German Brown weighing 12.5 lbs on 6-17-09 in Downieville. The trout was weighed at Sierra Hardware in Downieville, California.

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A.J. Casella is one teen who has definitely made a difference for plenty of kids helped by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since setting up his first fishing tournament at Lake Almanor, Casella has raised over $100,000 for the cause. Last year the event drew more than 300 people and brought in close to $42,000. The event is held each year at Big Cove Resort on the Lake Almanor Peninsula.

This year’s event is on Saturday, August 1st. The entry fee for adults is $50. For kids under 16, it is $25 with a separate big fish contest entry at $15. The event begins at 6 am with weigh-ins at noon, followed by a complementary lunch. There will also be a raffle and silent auction at 12:30. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. All fees are tax deductible.

Casella, a 17 years old, became inspired several years ago when the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted a wish to his friend John, with Leukemia. They sent John to Fenway Park to see a major league baseball game. Casella said he saw just what that meant to his friend, who, when he needed a happy thought to help him get through it all, thought of his trip to Fenway Park.

A.J.’s love of fishing and his drive to organize motivated him to plan his first fishing tournament. The money raised at this year’s tournament is slated to help send a 6 year old child with leukemia to Hawaii to swim with dolphins, and a 9 year old, also with leukemia, to attend the National Football League’s Pro Bowl.

Casella was honored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation for his efforts and he hopes to make this year’s tournament even bigger and better than ever. The Fish For A Wish Tournament is held at Big Cove Resort at 442 Peninsula Drive at Lake Almanor. Applications are available at the resort or you can call 530-596-3349 to enter the competition or to make a donation.

To refer a child to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, call 415-982-9474.

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Gold Discovery Days

State Park Holds 50^th Anniversary Celebration

in the Cool of Plumas County

July 18 and 19

JOHNSVILLE, CA – Cool off, camp and sample the life of a gold miner this summer during Gold Discovery Days at Plumas-Eureka State Park.

This year, California State Parks, the Plumas-Eureka State Park Association, and the Johnsville Historical Society are hosting an extra special celebration marking the parks’ 50^th Anniversary on July 18^th and 19^th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days.

“We have two reasons to celebrate this year.” said Pam Armas, Sierra District Superintendent. “The gold discovery 158 years ago, and the establishment of this property as a state park 50 years ago.”

Along with a barbecue lunch, visitors will get to meet characters from the old west as volunteers will be dressed in period costume performing their roles as the mine’s blacksmith, assayer, mill operator, and town residents. Self-guided tours and guided tours are also available, including the guided tour of a 19^th century miner’s cottage, exhibiting what life was like for a family in the mining era. A guided architectural tour of Johnsville will be available on Saturday afternoon. The Johnsville Historical Society’s church museum will be open both days, and they will have a bake sale on Sunday. Horse and buggy rides will also be available through town.

Features available through out the year will also be available including gold panning in a trough. The park museum and store will be open, a barbeque lunch will be available, and Sunday morning is the park’s annual pancake breakfast..

Visitors who reserve a campsite early can stay overnight not far from the fun in one of the park’s 67 camps sites in the forested canyon along Jamison Creek. Then, on Sunday, they can wake up to the smell of pancakes being served on the outdoors on the lawn behind the museum for anyone who wants to come.

The park is located off of the beaten path just three hours from Sacramento, or 1 ½ hours north of Truckee.

The Plumas-Eureka area was mined heavily beginning in 1851, following an initial gold strike in that year. Several townsites were established to support the mining operations which continued until 1943. In 1959, the State of California established the park on lands that had been acquired after the mining operations dissolved. Today, the park features over 5,000 acres of forested, high Sierra terrain. Several old mining ruins remain, including the Mohawk Stamp Mill and the miner’s bunkhouse, which now serves as the park’s museum and ranger station.

The event is free and open to the public. Meals are available for a donation both days. Barbecue lunch starts at $5. Pancake Breakfast: $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit Plumas-Eureka State Park Association which is dedicated to the interpretation and education of the park’s rich cultural and natural history.

Camping reservations in the Upper Jamison Creek Campground can be made by contacting Reserve America at 1-800-444-7275 or at www.reserveamerica.com.

For more information on the event, please contact the park at (530) 836-2380.

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Question:
My brother and I have two burning questions we have been wondering about. Is it legal to use licorice to fish with as bait? Also, we observed a man with a syringe injecting air into his bait worms so they would float off the bottom. Is this legal? (Marcus O.)
Answer:
Processed food, such as licorice, are legal under bait regulations for inland waters found beginning in section 4.00 CCR, Title 14. It is also legal to inject air into a fishing worm and many such kits are found at sporting goods outlets. This method can be a very effective way to keep a worm off the bottom of lakes with heavy bottom vegetation.

Question:
When my kids were learning how to fish, I would often cast the rod and set the hook for them but then allow them to fight the fish and bring it in. My question is, in the DFG’s eyes, how much “help” is too much when you’re fishing with another angler? I can see how some dads might let this get out of hand by using their kids as an excuse to fish four or more rods (and to take home extra limits) when actually they are the only one doing the fishing.
One more question: Although kids don’t need a fishing license, is it possible to purchase a two rod stamp for them so they can fish with two rods like I do? My son is now 14 and would like to be able to fish with two rods, too. We enjoy your column! (Vern M.)
Answer:
We always encourage parents to teach their kids to fish, but what we often see are parents doing all of the fishing while their kids are preoccupied and playing in the background. You are allowed to help your child, but given the scenario you mentioned above, if a game warden believes that you are the one doing the fishing, you may be cited. You can help your kids with the casting and all fishing activity, as long as your child is actively involved with the activity. They must be holding the rod and learning how to cast and reel. The child also must be closely attending the line. Just having a child in the area does not entitle any adult to fish without a license.

Anglers under 16 are not required to purchase a California sport fishing license and are allowed to fish with two rods in inland waters without the stamp, as long as they are fishing in an area where it is legal to use two rods.

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Question:
My brother and I have two burning questions we have been wondering about. Is it legal to use licorice to fish with as bait? Also, we observed a man with a syringe injecting air into his bait worms so they would float off the bottom. Is this legal? (Marcus O.)
Answer:
Processed food, such as licorice, are legal under bait regulations for inland waters found beginning in section 4.00 CCR, Title 14. It is also legal to inject air into a fishing worm and many such kits are found at sporting goods outlets. This method can be a very effective way to keep a worm off the bottom of lakes with heavy bottom vegetation.

Question:
When my kids were learning how to fish, I would often cast the rod and set the hook for them but then allow them to fight the fish and bring it in. My question is, in the DFG’s eyes, how much “help” is too much when you’re fishing with another angler? I can see how some dads might let this get out of hand by using their kids as an excuse to fish four or more rods (and to take home extra limits) when actually they are the only one doing the fishing.
One more question: Although kids don’t need a fishing license, is it possible to purchase a two rod stamp for them so they can fish with two rods like I do? My son is now 14 and would like to be able to fish with two rods, too. We enjoy your column! (Vern M.)
Answer:
We always encourage parents to teach their kids to fish, but what we often see are parents doing all of the fishing while their kids are preoccupied and playing in the background. You are allowed to help your child, but given the scenario you mentioned above, if a game warden believes that you are the one doing the fishing, you may be cited. You can help your kids with the casting and all fishing activity, as long as your child is actively involved with the activity. They must be holding the rod and learning how to cast and reel. The child also must be closely attending the line. Just having a child in the area does not entitle any adult to fish without a license.

Anglers under 16 are not required to purchase a California sport fishing license and are allowed to fish with two rods in inland waters without the stamp, as long as they are fishing in an area where it is legal to use two rods.

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California Department of Fish and Game News Release

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2009

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California Outdoors Q&As:
Question:

I was wondering how Fish and Game plants fish in high elevation lakes and ponds in the Tahoe National Forest, where you can only reach them by hiking? (Bradley G.)
Answer:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) uses a variety of methods to release fish into waters designated for receiving fish. In high-mountain waters that our planting trucks cannot reach, approximately 95 percent of the fish are planted by air. We also transport fish for planting by horse, mule and backpack.

DFG is very selective in planting high mountain lakes. Lakes that are planted do not receive plants every year. According to Dr. William Cox, DFG Program Manager for Fish Production and Distribution, that is not necessary because the fish grow very slowly and the successive year plants would not produce fish with notable size differences. Usually they are planted every second or third year.

At lower elevations most planting is done by trucking fish to designated sites.

Bears and Kids
www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA

Question: I have a question about bears and kids. We live on 10 acres where we have a large garden, fruit trees, berry bushes and two horses. We definitely have bears that come around as our fruit trees (and those of our surrounding neighbors) have claw marks on them as evidence. My concern is for my six-year-old-son who enjoys playing outside. Although I keep an eye on him, there are times when he plays unsupervised.

My question is: If children encounter bears should they follow the same advice as adults – stand still, face the animal but don’t stare, make noise and try to appear as large as possible? I understand to teach him not to run, but if a bear comes up close he would be so much smaller than the bear and so vulnerable. There is no way he could make himself bigger than the bear or have a loud and deep enough voice to scare it off. Shouldn’t I also teach him to back away slowly and get inside? Is standing there looking at the bear and calling for me the best thing to teach him? I need some advice on how to teach my child exactly what he should do. Thank you. (Kelly, Crescent City)

Answer: I certainly understand your concern. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Senior Wildlife Biologist and bear expert Doug Updike, children should follow the same procedures as those given for adults, which you mentioned. Bears are more attracted to fruit, food and garbage, however, than to people, but the very best situation is that your children not find themselves in a vulnerable or unsupervised position in the event of a surprise visit.

If you have wild animals in your area, you need to closely supervise your children. Mountain lions and coyotes pose a much greater threat than a bear. Still, the likelihood of having your child attacked by a bear, mountain lion or coyote is extremely low as wild animal attacks, while tragic, are not common.

For more on living safely with bears, lions and coyotes, please visit DFGs Keep Me Wild Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/education/living.html.

Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question and answer column appears weekly at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA. While she cannot personally answer everyones questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

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Brian Shontz of Davis CA with a 20 pound Mackinaw caught at Bucks Lake on the first day a boat could be launched.

Many anglers eagerly await several events each year in hopes of hitting the water for some premier fishing. For some, who enjoy fishing moving water, opening day of stream season gets marked on the new calendars only seconds after the cellophane wrapping is removed. Others will block out time centered around a lake’s opening day or a particular species season on the ocean. These are usually dates set by the state and can be found in the current regulations, but there are other times that lake anglers look forward to each year that are much more illusive. The dates are not found in any regulation or set by state departments, these dates are determined by Mother Nature. What avid angler can forget about the fall trip when they timed it right and were on the water when all the conditions came together for a lake to “turn over” and the fish feeding frenzy that ensued. This time of year many of us are impatiently waiting for a favorite lake’s ice cap to recede, and access to be granted, to what can be the ultimate fishing experience. This is known as “ice out”.

Ice out is an important time of year for the fish, signaling a time of new food sources. During the winter months while the lake is capped with ice, fish are left to forage food found only in the lake and as winter wears on many of these sources can dwindle. With the melting ice comes melting shore line snow creating run-off that brings all sorts or new food as well as nutrients that replenish the lakes food chain. The sun warmed surface waters further promote the food chain’s life cycle. The warmer surface waters also attract the fish and begin to spur their metabolism and their feeding drive.

Rick Kennedy of Davis CA with an early season Brown caught at Bucks Lake right after ice out.

Ice out can also be a great time for the fisherman. It should be readily apparent that we have almost a “perfect storm” of conditions. 1) Fish have had several months of limited to non existent fishing pressure. 2) The fish are hungry and they are actively searching for food. And 3) They spend a lot of time at or near the surface making them easier for fishermen to target. With all of these conditions present, its no wonder the fishing can be so incredible.

If there is a negative or a down side it would have to be comfort for us the anglers. Many times access to these waters is far from easy. Shore anglers may have to trudge through deep rotting snow to get to the water’s edge. Boat anglers may have it even worse, with winter like road conditions not to mention snow covered boat ramps. Many boaters choose to use smaller more portable boats and slide them across the snow to gain access. All of this to experience a magical time called “ice out”

A word of caution; dealing with some of these conditions can be very hazardous. You should be prepared to deal with any and all situations and even though the calendar says spring, in most of these remote locations it is still very much like winter. You should dress properly and bring plenty of supplies and it is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

The author Capt. Bryan Roccucci displays a large Bucks Lake Mackinaw before it is released.

About the author:
Capt. Bryan Roccucci is a full time professional fishing guide and operator of Big Daddy’s Guide Service. Bryan specializes in year round trophy trout fishing while emphasizing light tackle fishing techniques on Lake Almanor (Jan.-May), Lake Davis (May – June), Bucks Lake (June – Sept.), Eagle Lake (Sept. – Dec.) To book an “ice out” trip at Bucks Lake or any of the other waters fished by Bryan or for more information please visit www.bigdaddyfishing.com or call (530) 283-4103.
Copyright © 2009 Bryan Roccucci All Rights Reserved

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Answer:
We see an upsurge in raccoon sightings and reports this time of year because youngsters born in the spring are now independent of their moms and the adults are building up their fat reserves for the winter.

According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Associate Wildlife Biologist Jeff Cann, you should first remove all attractants from your yard such as pet food, dropped fruit, old garden vegetables, and securely close all garbage cans and compost heap containers. Even water can be an attractant this time of year, so if you have a fountain or fish pond, try to make it off limits (e.g. electric fence or dry it out). If the raccoons are coming in through holes in the fence, block those entry points with wire, wood or some other barrier.

Keep in mind that raccoons are excellent climbers and are capable of gaining access to yards by climbing fences or using overhanging limbs to bypass fences altogether. Cutting overhanging limbs may help to keep them from dropping in. If the raccoons are climbing over your fence, one deterrent could be to line the top with spikes or sharp tack strips. An easy way to do this is via carpet tack strips which are essentially a lot of little nails anchored in wood that carpet installers use to stretch carpet over. If you completely line the top of the fence with these then the raccoons will not use the top board as a transit way either. A “hot wire” from an electric fence charger at the top of the fence will greatly increase the effectiveness of a fence for excluding raccoons but you’ll need to find a way to properly ground it.

While these may all seem like extreme measures, the point here is to make your yard less hospitable than your neighbors so the pesky critters will move on.

DFG Senior Wildlife Biologist Terry Palmisano also offers that if you’re thinking about chemical detractors, there are no registered toxicants or fumigants that we are aware of available for control of raccoons, but Capsaicin (a chile pepper extract) is registered as a repellent for raccoons. It may be useful in deterring trash-raiding raccoons.

A great place for more information is the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program page on raccoons: www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74116.htm. Good luck!

raccoon (Procyon lotor) Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
US Fish and Wildlife photo by Dave Menke

Question:

My brother and I have two burning questions we have been wondering about. Is it legal to use licorice to fish with as bait? Also, we observed a man with a syringe injecting air into his bait worms so they would float off the bottom. Is this legal? (Marcus O.)
Answer:

Processed food, such as licorice, are legal under bait regulations for inland waters found beginning in section 4.00 CCR, Title 14. It is also legal to inject air into a fishing worm and many such kits are found at sporting goods outlets. This method can be a very effective way to keep a worm off the bottom of lakes with heavy bottom vegetation.

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In a continued effort to reduce firearm accidents, the State of California requires all first time resident hunters, regardless of age, to complete hunter education training or pass a comprehensive equivalency test before purchasing a hunting license.

The California Department of Fish and Game conducts training throughout the state. Each year approximately 30,000 students complete the state’s ten-hour minimum hunter education course. Statistics show hunter education training is a success.

Hunting accidents of all types have declined substantially since the start of the program. The California Hunter Safety Program began on January 1, 1954 with the passage of the Davis-Abshire Hunter Safety Training Law. The initial law required all junior hunters to take a Hunter Safety Class prior to obtaining their first hunting license.

For information on classes and on-line classes, contact:

Hunter Education Program

1416 Ninth Street, Room 1326

Sacramento CA 95814

(916) 653-1235

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