May 20, 2009

Commentary
D17 deer tags
sell out before
drawing again

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

     The popular D17 desert deer hunting zone saw its 500-tag quota filled May 15 with first-come, first-serve tag sales, but the Department of Fish and Game regulation booklet said these tags would be part of the premium deer tag drawing for 2009, assuring all first-choice applicants would have an equal shot at these tags. But only those who rushed to get their tag applications into the DFG will have these tags for this hunting season.
     After promising deer hunters that first-come, first-serve zones would be placed in the tag drawing if their tag quotas filled before the annual drawings, the Fish and Game Commission failed to adopt the regulation that would have facilitated this change. But by then, the application booklet had already been published, and many hunters who didn’t hear about the change are going to be upset they were denied an opportunity to get a D17 tag.
     The Department of Fish and Game announced the regulation change had not taken place in a May 14 press release, and the D17 zone filled the next day when the last of its quota was sold out. This is the third year in a row that D17 sold out before the June 2 application deadline for drawing tags.
     Both D12 and the C zone tag quotas were also expected to fill before the drawing by hunters requesting first-come, first-serve tags. Both of these zones’ tags were also supposed to be issued in the premium tag drawing this year.
     As of Thursday, there were just 234 tags still available out of the 950-tag quota for D12, and 4,904 tags were still available out of the 8,575-tag quota for the C zones. Last year, D12 sold out before the drawing, and the few C-zone tags remaining after first-come, first-serve sales were issued in the drawing.
     Hunters who want tags for either of these two zones should get a tag application and return it immediately. The D12 tags have been selling at a clip of about 60 per day, and this zone will likely fill with tag applications that arrive in Monday’s mail at the DFG. The C zone tags may not sell out before the drawing, but it is unlikely that hunters who put the C zone as a second choice will get a tag in the drawing, which was once common.
     The deadline to apply for premium deer, elk, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep tags is June 2 this year. Hunters must have their applications at the DFG License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento by 5 p.m. that day. Drawing results will be available by phone and online on June 24. Hunters can check the availability of first-come, first-serve or left-over deer tags at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/biggame/deertagsavailable.html.
    While mucking up the tag process for D17, D12, and the C zones, the FGC did adopt a change that reclassified several deer hunts whose tag quotas never sell out. These zones are now classified as “unrestricted,” meaning all tags can be purchased immediately with a first or second deer tag application. The reclassification applies to 13 different D zones, including all Southern California zones except those in the desert, and six archery-only deer hunts. In the past, second deer tag applications would not be filled until the first Monday in August.
     Applications to apply for pronghorn, elk, and bighorn sheep are $7.50 each this year. Deer tag applications for California residents are $27.55 for the first tag, and $34.40 for the second tag.

Fire restriction in effect
in desert and along Colorado
River for holiday weekend

     Campers and fishermen heading to the Colorado River and area deserts this holiday weekend should note that fire restrictions are in effect on all Bureau of Land Management lands in this region.
     Stage I restrictions require a permit for all campfires and charcoal barbecues, and permits are available from all BLM field offices, fire/ranger stations and patrol personnel. Stage I restrictions are in effect on BLM lands north and east of the Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests.
     Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibit campfires and barbecues outside of developed recreation sites, with only controlled-flame (propane stoves and lanterns) allowed under a permit. Stage II restrictions are in effect in more urbanized regions south and west of the National Forests and all along the Colorado River.
     “We were told not even to sell charcoal,” said Robert Pierce of Walter’s Camp on the Colorado River south of Palo Verde. “The BLM ranger said he wasn’t going to issue warnings because the fire danger is so great.”
     A person violating the restrictions can be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to 12 months in jail, especially if you start a wildlife, and you’d also be liable for the cost of damages and suppression of the wildfire.
     For more information or to obtain a permit contact the BLM’s California Desert District Office in Moreno Valley, call 951-697-5220, or local call local field offices in Barstow at 760-252-6000, El Centro at 760-337-4400, Needles at 760-326-7000, Palm Springs at 760-833-7100, or Ridgecrest at 760-384-5400.

     Notes from the field: The Department of Fish and Game planted the East Walker River with over 100,000 fingerling brown trout last week. This is the fourth year in a row the DFG has planted the river with fingerling browns and it’s “definitely one of the reasons why the river is so healthy and fishing so well now,” said Jim Reid of Ken’s Sporting Goods in Bridgeport. This Eastern Sierra fishery has become one of the bright spots in the region and is re-earning a reputation as one of the finest brown trout fisheries in the West.... Three Fingers Lakes on the lower Colorado River near Palo Verde is being refurbished by the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge staff. Once a popular warmwater fishery, well-known for its great largemouth bass fishing, access and water flow from the main river was blocked and the fishery all but died. Cibola has undergone a series of improvements under its relatively new manager, Bill Seese, over the last few of years, and Three Fingers is just the latest effort.... While it headlines our fishing report again this week, the Lake Isabella crappie bite just has to be mentioned again here: It is the best crappie action this water has seen in a decade or more for both volume and quality. The action has been worth the trip. And with the cessation of trout plants on the upper Kern River, the crappie bite just might help save businesses in the Kernville region this year.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

     MAY 23 HUBBS SEAWORLD WHITE SEABASS TOURNAMENT: A white seabass fishing tournament will be held Saturday, May 23 to benefit Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI). This trophy tournament is designed to raise money and awareness benefit HSWRI, the non-profit organization that has released more than 1.4 million juvenile white seabass into California coastal waters over the past 25 years. There will be five divisions of competition. For information on the tournament or awards luncheon the following day, visit www.HSWRI.org or contact Karen Terra at 619-226-3870.
     MAY 23 NORTH COUNTY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The North County Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m., Saturday, May 23, at the American Legion Hall, 321 S. Sante Fe., Vista. Dinner tickets are $60 each. Information: Krissy Powers at 760-728-1511 or via e-mail at kr6ssy@gmail.com.
     MAY 28-31 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE DESERT WORK PROJECT: The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited will be having a work project to repair and improve Stoddard Spring and three guzzlers in the West Mojave desert north of Apple Valley. Volunteers are needed. For more information, contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or via e-mail at fathercruz@verizon.net, or John Shaver at josh4264@msn.com.
     MAY 30-31 BIG BEAR LAKE FISHING FOR 50K TROUT DERBY: The Fishing for 50K Trout Derby will be held the weekend of May 30-31 at Big Bear Lake. The event will feature 10 tagged trout, with the top fish worth $50,000 if caught during the two days of the event by a registered angler. Entry fee is $35 for adults, $20 for anglers 15 and under. For more information or to register, call the Big Bear Lake Resort Association at 800-424-4232 or go to www.BigBear.com.
     MAY 30-31 SNAKE AVOIDANCE CLINIC FOR DOGS: The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited will be holding a snake avoidance clinic for dogs Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31 at the Sierra Madre Dog Park. Sessions are by appointment only and arranged from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost is $65 per dog. For an entry form, e-mail sgvqu@onebox.com or call 866-206-9070 x6715 and leave a message with your mailing address.
     MAY 30 INLAND EMPIRE FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Inland Empire Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 6 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at the Elks Lodge, 2055 Elks Dr., San Bernardino. Dinner tickets are $45 each. Information: Kurt Wampole at 909-586-5395 or via e-mail at kcw911@roadrunner.com.
     JUNE 5-7 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE DESERT WORK PROJECT: The Mojave Preserve Water-for-Wildlife Volunteer Group will have a guzzler repair project in the Lanfair Valley area of the Mojave National Preserve June 5-7. Food will be provided two evenings and two mornings, but everyone should bring camping gear, water, firewood, food or lunch and snacks, and gloves. For more information and directions to the camp site, contact Cliff McDonald at 760-326-2935 or via e-mail at bigmc@citlink.net.
     JUNE 5-7 SHOOTING SPORTS FAIR: The Raahauge’s Shooting Sports Fair has been cancelled for 2009 due to a severe shortage of ammunition. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     JUNE 6-7 BIG BEAR LAKE CARP ROUND-UP: The 6th Annual Carp Round-Up bowfishing tournament will be held at Big Bear Lake the weekend of June 6-7. Cash prizes for most carp poundage taken over two days. Entry fee is $40 per two-person team and there are shoreline and boat categories. The event has turned into a rivalry between Southern California and Arizona bowfishermen. For more information, contact Mike Stephenson at 909-866-5796 or go to www.bbmwd.org.
     JUNE 6-7 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa gun shows will tentatively be Aug. 15-16 and Nov. 28-29 (Thanksgiving weekend). Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     JUNE 6-7 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. The next Ventura gun shows will be Sept. 12-13 and Nov. 7-8. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
     JUNE 13 BIG BEAR VALLEY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Big Bear Valley Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 6 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Big Bear Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake. Dinner tickets are $35 each. Information: Lissa Davis at 714-832-1355 or via e-mail at ldavis@nrahg.org.
     JUNE 13 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 2009 class dates are July 11, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 29, Aug. 30, Sept. 12, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     JUNE 20-21 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next dates for the Bakersfield gun show include Sept. 5-6 and Nov. 21-22. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com or call 805-481-6726.
     JULY 11 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 2009 class dates are Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 29, Aug. 30, Sept. 12, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     JULY 16 RIVERSIDE QUAIL UNLIMITED FUND-RAISER: The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited will be hosting its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 6 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at Vince’s Real Italian Spaghetti Restaurant, 1206, W. Holt Blvd., Ontario. Cost is $25 per person. For information or reservations, contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or via e-mail at gibbent@gte.net.
     JULY 18 YOUTH SAFARI DAY: Help expose youngsters who've never had a chance to experience the outdoors by rounding up neighborhood kids, inviting single moms, and bringing your own clan to the 14th Annual Youth Outdoor Safari Day, where they can learn to fish, rock climb, shoot .22s and shotguns, kayak, make quail calls, and identify wildlife. Registration begins at 7 a.m., Saturday, July 18 at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises in Norco. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.

CALENDAR RESOURCES

     For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
     For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

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 (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or nrajrc@msn.com.
     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.