News & Commentary

March 26, 2008

Commentary

Believe it or not: Hesperia Lake
produces a 268-pound sturgeon

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

Ray Turner of Moreno Valley caught and released a 268-pound sturgeon at Hesperia Lake Monday morning, setting a new lake record and landing the largest fish ever caught from freshwater in the southern half of the state.
Later the same day, Tyjon Hunter of Victorville caught a 215-pounder from this same little lake in the high desert. This is a fish that also would have broken the previous lake record of 202 pounds caught Dec. 23 last year by Robert Coleman of Rancho Cucamonga. In fact, it might have been the same fish. Coleman released his fish, as did Hunter.
So Ed Rister, the manager of Hesperia Lake, said he knows there are at least two sturgeon over 200 pounds still in the lake. Then he laughs. “Everybody is releasing these big fish. Which is kind of cool,” said Rister.
Turner said the experience of landing the new record was a “stone-blast.”
“I’ve lost 50 pounds, and I still weigh 250 pounds, and this fish weighed more than I do,” said Turner of the catch.
“I really didn’t know what I had on for a long time until we finally saw it one time,” said Turner, 55, who was fishing for catfish with a chunk of mackerel. “Then we just saw his tail, and I thought it was the creature from the black lagoon.”
For an hour-and-a-half Monday morning Turner, cheered along by an entourage of more than 20 other anglers, went up and down the shoreline of the small lake following the long runs of the sturgeon. Each time he’d turn the big fish toward the shore and think he was getting it close, the fish would swipe it tail in big even strokes and effortlessly pull line off the reel and head back to mid-lake. But the long battle took its toll.
Turner said he finally knew the fight was coming close when the huge, prehistoric fish went out to the middle of the lake and settled into one spot. It just stopped running. The big fish was finally worn out. Steady pressure on the 12-pound test line moved the fish toward shore where it took five anglers to move up onto the bank where photos could be taken and measurements made before the sturgeon was released.
Turner said he was like a lot of anglers who quite frankly didn’t believe the story when they read about the 202-pounder in December.
“We all thought, ‘No way that little lake produced a 200-pounder,’ but I caught this one and you can believe it. That little lake is a hot spot,” said Turner.
The weight of the fish was extrapolated using a mathematical formula that factors in the length and girth.
“I got the formula from a T.V. show,” said Rister. “I think they were using it on black seabass, but it’s right on for the sturgeon. I’ve done a bunch of 15 to 30 pounders [sturgeon] and the measurements are right on, matching what our scale says.”
Sturgeon were first planted in Hesperia Lake in April last year, when a plant of 15 to 40 pounders was put in the lake. In October, Rister was able to purchase another load of fish that included sturgeon estimated to weigh up to 210 pounds. Apparently, they are doing just fine in Hesperia Lake -- getting bigger even.
Knowing that hauling the big fish around to get it weighed would likely kill the big fish, Rister said the anglers at Hesperia Lake have been more concerned about releasing the big fish than getting a certificated scale weight, giving other anglers a chance at the same experience.
“It’s amazing. I’m really pumped,” said Turner.
That seems to be the most important thing.

TURKEY SEASON KICKS OFF SATURDAY:

The spring turkey hunting season will start Saturday, and prospects for public land hunters in Southern California range from dismal, in the San Bernardino Mountains, to pretty good on the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County.
Randy Botta, the Department of Fish and Game biologist who keeps tabs on the birds in San Diego, said that while clutch sizes have been small the last two years, there are still good numbers of turkeys in the core areas of their range in San Diego County. He noted that for the last two years there have been reports and sightings of birds all over the region as turkeys continue to disperse and expand their range.
Botta said he’s had reports of birds in Orange County (in Silverado Canyon and near Irvine Lake) and Riverside County (Garner Valley, Anza, and near Vail Lake). Some of that dispersal by San Diego birds could have been prompted by the huge wild fires the last two years that have burned through some of the better turkey habitat, forcing the birds to move.
“With the moisture we’ve had, this should be a pretty good production year,” said Botta.
Botta said he knew of at least 40 birds that were taken by hunters last year, and the DFG’s hunters survey conducted in 2006 found that 926 birds were taken that spring in San Diego County with just over 80 percent killed on private lands.
Botta said hunters with access to private ground have the best shot at a bird, but he said public land hunters’ biggest hurdle isn’t finding birds but staying away from crowds of hunters.
“Boy, there’s so much interest in turkeys that there’s just a lot of pressure, with a lot of guys hunting the same areas,” said Botta. They key to success is hunting far from roads and hunting during mid-week, if possible.
In the San Bernardino Mountains, bird numbers continue to be very low and even the core areas where the birds did fairly well in the early 2000s have seen declines the last two years due to drought conditions. There continue to be reports of a few birds in the upper Deep Creek and Holcomb Creek drainages, and hunters are hoping this year’s wet winter and spring will spur better production and improve things for the future.
On the Central Coast, Fort Hunter-Liggett (831-386-3310) will be open to bird hunting, and there are pockets of good hunting throughout the Los Padres National Forest from Lake Cachuma north. While most of the turkeys in this region are on private lands, just as in San Diego County, there are public land areas that consistently hold birds.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

MARCH 26-30 FRED HALL DEL MAR SHOW: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat, and Travel Show will be held today through Sunday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This is the companion show to the Long Beach event, and it is the largest sportsman’s show in San Diego County. Admission to the Hall Show is $15 for adults and kids are free. For more information, go to www.fredhall.com or call 805-389-3339.
MARCH 29 WHITE SEABASS FISHING WORKSHOP: White seabass fishing tips and tactics will be the subject of a free saltwater fishing skills workshop at 1 p.m., Saturday at the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
MARCH 29 CAMPING WORKSHOP: Tent selection for different outdoor camping conditions and needs will be the subject of a free personalized camping skills workshop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
MARCH 29-30 AVERAGE JOE TROUT AND BASS DERBY: The Average Joe Trout and Bass Derby will be held Saturday and Sunday at Diamond Valley Lake. There will be $12,000 in cash prizes ($1,000 for the biggest trout every hour on Saturday and $1,000 for the biggest bass every hour on Sunday) and two boats given away. Entry fee is $95 per person either day or $175 for both days. For a registration form and rules, go to http://www.kfrog.com/THE-AVERAGE-JOE-TROUT-AND-BASS-DERBY!/1805555.
MARCH 29-30 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa guns shows will be June 7-8, Aug. 16-17, and Nov. 29-30. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
MARCH 29-30 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are April 19-20, May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
APRIL 4-6 WEST COAST HUNTER’S EXPO: The West Coast Hunter’s Expo is a three-day hunting-only sportsman’s show to be held April 4-6 at the Newport Dunes Resort and Marina, Newport Beach. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 with children under 12 free. Information: www.westcoasthunters.com.
APRIL 5 CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION SAN BERNARDINO BANQUET: The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association will have its 7th annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the National Orange Show, San Bernardino. Funds are used to benefit deer and deer habitat throughout the state, including work on a number of Southern California projects. Dinner tickets are $70 per person or $105 per couple. Contact Merle Binder at 909-794-3604, Glen Tessers at 310-973-8148, or Dave Mahosky at 951-237-0573. Information: www.caldeer.org.
APRIL 5 DANIEL HERNANDEZ YOUTH FOUNDATION FUND-RAISER: The 2008 Fishing Season Kick-Off Party and fund-raiser for the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation will be held at Saturday, April 5 at the Seal Beach Yacht Club. All proceeds are used to take underprivileged kids fishing. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, call 562-865-3764 or visit the web at www.danskids.com.
APRIL 5 OCEANSIDE ANGLERS OPEN HALIBUT TOURNAMENT: The Oceanside Anglers Open Halibut Tournament will be held Saturday, April 5. Entry fee is $20 per angler. Entry forms and application information is available at Ken’s Custom Reel in Oceanside or on the web at www.oceansideanglers.org.
APRIL 5 COACHELLA VALLEY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Coachella Valley Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its annual cowboy-themed fund-raiser beginning 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at the Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison St., Coachella. Cost is $45 per person. Contact David Chandler at 760-200-8999 or via e-mail at cvfnra@coachellavalleysecurity.com.
APRIL 5 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class dates are May 3, June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
APRIL 5 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. This class is full; next open class is June 7. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
APRIL 5-6 34th ANNUAL MARINA DEL REY HALIBUT DERBY: The 34TH Annual Marina del Rey Halibut Derby will be held this Saturday and Sunday with boat and kayak divisions. There will be $65,000 in cash and prizes. Entry fee is $85 per person, and all proceeds are used for youth fishing programs and white seabass propagation. Contact Stan Zisser at 310-306-9781 or visit the web site at www.halibutderby.com.
APRIL 5-6 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next Bakersfield gun shows will be June 21-22, August 30-31, and Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
APRIL 12 HOG HUNTING SEMINAR: There will be a two-hour wild hog hunting primer at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga, beginning 10 a.m., Saturday, April 12. The free seminar will be conducted by Jim Matthews, editor of California Hog Hunter, a newsletter on hunting wild hogs, and Durwood Hollis, hunting book author and public land hog hunting expert. Information and reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
APRIL 12 PLACENTIA-LINDA DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET: The Placentia-Linda Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held beginning 6 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at the Alta Vista Country Club, 777 Alta Vista, Placentia. Tickets are $75 per person, $125 per couple. Contact Christian Del Giorgio at 714-350-1679 or via e-mail at placentialindaDU@gmail.com.
APRIL 12 and 19 POWER SQUADRON BOATING COURSE: The U.S. Power Squadron will be hosting a two-day boating skills class for boat owners and their families April 12 and 10 in Victorville. The class includes instruction on boat handling, seamanship, equipment, rules and regulation, knots, charts and aids to navigation, engine troubleshooting, trailering and much more. The first day is classroom work, while the second day is on-the-water instruction at Silverwood Lake. Information call 888-367-8777, e-mail seo@arroheadsps.org, or visit the web site at www.arrowheadSPS.org.
APRIL 19 7TH ANNUAL CWA FUND-RAISER SHOOT AND BARBECUE: The 7th Annual California Waterfowl Association Southern California Fund-raiser Shoot and Barbecue will be held beginning 7 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Cost is $100 per shooter, $50 non-shooters, $500 per squad. Contact Adam Weleba at 626-353-4592 or visit www.calwaterfowl.org.
APRIL 19-20 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
APRIL 20 DAY AT THE DOCKS: The 29th Annual Day at the Docks will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20 at H&M Landing, Point Loma Sportfishing, and Fisherman’s Landing. The event features seminars, video presentation, casting competitions, tours on many of the fleet’s 70 sportfishers, and vendors. Information: www.sportfishing.org.
APRIL 26 SIMI VALLEY CWA FUND-RAISER: The Simi Valley Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its fund-raising dinner beginning 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at the Elks Lodge, 1561 Kuehler Dr., Simi Valley. Tickets are $50 per person, $75 per couple. Contacts: James Owens at 805-579-8114, Tom Homen at 209-587-0886, or Andy Acaaiatori at 661-269-2385 or visit the web site at www.calwaterfowl.org.
MAY 3 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class dates are June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
MAY 3 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. This class is full; next open class is June 7. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
MAY 15 ORANGE COUNTY CWA FUND-RAISER: The Orange County Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its third annual fund-raising dinner, raffle and auction beginning 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Po Folks Restaurant, 7701 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. Tickets are $55 per person, $85 per couple. Contact: Frank Theodoropoulos at 714-227-3304 or visit the web site at www.calwaterfowl.org.
MAY 17 SPRING SMACKDOWN TROUT DERBY: The annual Spring Smackdown Trout Derby will be held at Diamond Valley Lake from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Entry fee is $35 for adults, $10 for juniors. Top prize is $1,000. Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Southwest. Contact: Last Change Bait and Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410.
MAY 17-18 HESPERIA SNAKE AVOIDANCE CLINIC FOR DOGS: The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited will be hosting two days of snake avoidance training for dogs at the Kingston Elementary School, 7473 Kingston Ave., Hesperia. The classes are run by Bob Kettle, an expert in this kind of training, and cost is $55 per dog. Appointments are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. All proceeds are used to improve wildlife habitat in the West Mojave. Contact John Shaver at 760-956-8160 to sign up or for more information.
MAY 17-18 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 11-12. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
MAY 17-18 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
MAY 31 INLAND EMPIRE FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Inland Empire Friends of NRA will have its annual fund-raiser beginning 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31, in San Bernardino. Contact Kurt Wampole at 909-586-5395 or request an event flyer by e-mail kcw911@roadrunner.com.
MAY 31-JUNE 1 SIERRA MADRE SNAKE AVOIDANCE CLINIC FOR DOGS: The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited will be hosting two days of snake avoidance training for dogs at the Sierra Madre Dog Park, 611 Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. The classes are run by Bob Kettle, an expert in this kind of training, and cost is $65 per dog. Appointments are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. All proceeds are used to improve upland bird habitat in Southern California. Contact 866-206-9070 x6715 or e-mail sgvqu@onbox.com.
JUNE 7 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
JUNE 7-8 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. The next Ventura gun shows will be Sept. 6-7 and Nov. 1-2. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
JUNE 14 HOG HUNTING SEMINAR: There will be a two-hour wild hog hunting primer at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga beginning 10 a.m., Saturday, June 14. The free seminar will be conducted by Jim Matthews, editor of California Hog Hunter, a newsletter on hunting wild hogs, and Durwood Hollis, hunting book author and public land hog hunting expert. Information and reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
JUNE 20-22 BLYTHE CATMASTERS FISHING TOURNAMENT: The West Coast Catmasters will have its second annual Blythe Flatmasters Gathering and Tournament June 20-22 at Mayflower Park, Blythe. Entry fee is $25 per angler with $20 going to the big stringer pot and $5 to the big fish pot. More information at www.westcoastcatmasters.com.
JUNE 21 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class dates are July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
JUNE 21-22 VICTORVILLE GUN SHOW: The Victorville Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the San Bernardino County Fair Grounds, Victorville. Admission is $9. The next Victorville gun show will be Sept. 27-28. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.victorvillegunshow.com.
JUNE 21-22 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next Bakersfield gun shows will be August 30-31 and Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
JULY 5 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
JULY 12 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2008 class dates are Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 9-10 GLENDALE GUN SHOW: The Glendale Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, Glendale. Admission is $9. The next Glendale gun show will be Nov. 15-16. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.glendalegunshow.com.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at idpamike@yahoo.com.
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or fish_90605@yahoo.com.
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or m_r_cross@yahoo.com.
DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or incareal@juno.com.
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER):The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Rd., Victorville. Contact Dave Recce at 760-956-7092 or Dave Halbrook at 760-553-2794.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER):The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or prendergasts@netzero.com.
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at rickmacey@juno.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 17501 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino (one block west of Euclid, just off the 71 freeway). Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at davidpreddy@cox.net or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or sgvqu@onebox.com.
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or sssarmi@sbcglobal.net.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com.
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

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