August 27, 2009

Commentary
Dove season looks
good for hunters --
no surprise there

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

     Reports from throughout the southern half of the state all point to an excellent* dove hunting season opener on Tuesday, September 1, with the usual asterisk (* unless there are big thunderstorms that move the birds south).
     That said, dove numbers appear high in the Owens Valley and high desert regions from Victorville to Ridgecrest, and the good forecast continues from the northern reaches of the Colorado River and the way to Yuma and throughout the popular dove hunting areas in the Imperial Valley.
     Frequently, doves have already starting vacating the Owens Valley, high desert, and northern Colorado River regions by this time in August, and pickings can be slim by September 1. But this year, all of these more northern regions continued to hold scads of dove right through our last minute phone calls on Thursday to check the status of bird numbers. This is good news for hunters who prefer to hunt these desert spots where there is lighter hunting pressure. But it is also good news for hunters who flock to the popular hunting areas in the Blythe-Palo Verde region, Yuma-Winterhaven, and the Imperial Valley. Those areas are simply jugged with both mourning and whitewing doves.
     Yes, a lot can happen in the next three days, but the weather forecast is for hot weather with little chance of thundershowers. Have you picked up your hunting license and shotgun shells, yet?
     Here’s a brief rundown of the prospects for the regions most popular dove hunting spots.
     IMPERIAL VALLEY REGION: Leon Lesicka should get a hunter’s medal of honor. The long-time Imperial Valley resident is the brains and muscle behind Desert Wildlife Unlimited, the group that has coordinated a host of hunter conservation groups and valley landowners to band together to work with the Department of Fish and Game to manage 16 blocks of land in more than 25 parcels just for doves, upland birds, and hunters. Public hunters.
     The private lands are planted with grain crops with doves, quail, and pheasants in mind, and then they are open to hunters -- free, I might add -- during the seasons. These fields are dove hunting meccas, and between 3,000 and 4,000 hunters utilize the fields each year. Yes, these fields can be crowded, and the odd hunter who shoots low-flying birds or doesn’t pick up his shells can frustrate the good hunters and game wardens, but considering how many hunters are in the valley, the number of problems is very small. Wardens checked nearly 4,000 hunters last year and wrote fewer than 80 citations in Southern California dove hunting areas.
     Lesicka said the public fields throughout the north end of the valley were holding a lot of birds, but sang the same song everyone is singing:
    “If the weather doesn’t come in and move the birds out of the valley, things look good,” said Lesicka.
    For those of you who don’t have a copy of the public field map, you can pick one up at the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, along with most motels and stores in Niland or Calipatria. Or you can go to DWU’s web site -- www.desertwildlifeunlimited.com -- and get one (click on “Things to Know” and then “Field Map”).
     If you aren’t fond of the crowds, Lesicka gave a tip on how to avoid the mob. Since he spends the morning flying the region to get vehicle counts and then driving around talking with hunters, he frequently doesn’t get to hunt until late opening morning or early afternoon.
     “By then most everybody else has gone back to the motels and swimming pools or deep shade, and I can go out there and shoot a limit in a few minutes, if I wanted to,” said Lesicka.
     BLYTHE-PALO VERDE REGION: Wayne Pinkerton, the long-time and now former owner of B&B Bait in Blythe, sent me an e-mail this week about the drive he took south of town along the Colorado River and then across and back up the Arizona side. Pinkerton has lived in the region a long time and sees a lot of doves. So when he noted that it seemed like there was “an awful lot of whitewings,” you should understand the gravity of that statement.
     BilRoy Phipps, another one of my on-the-ground sources in the Palo Verde Valley, summed it up simply by saying, “The guys are going to have a blast this year.”
     Phipps said hunters were going to find the birds throughout the Blythe and Palo Verde areas in great numbers and that coming a day early and scouting was a better idea than normal this year. Phipps said there are 40,000 acres of set aside farm lands (the water has been sold to Southern California water districts for municipal use) of the 110,000 acres in the district. Most of these fields are just volunteer weed, grass, and grain, and the doves are scattered throughout these fields. Many are also not likely to be posted, and finding a good field or three shouldn’t be difficult but it will require a little scouting effort.
     Of course, there’s always the Palo Verde Ecological Reserve, called the DFG’s “baited hole” by Phipps. Located off 2nd Avenue and adjacent to the Colorado River north of Blythe, this is always one of the most popular and productive spots in the region, and this year will be no exception. The fields there were packed with doves on Thursday, both mournings and whitewings. You can get a map of the area on the DFG’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region6/paloverde.html.
     The Ecological Reserve will be crowded, and both Phipps and Pinkerton, suggested hunters who wanted to get away from the big crowds scout out a fallow field or simply set up along the river, where there were -- remember what Pinkerton said -- an awful lot of whitewings. The birds roost in the trees and brush along the river, and these spots frequently shoot best in the afternoon and evening.
     Further south, the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge again has two wheat fields open to hunting in Farm Unit II, south of the refuge headquarters. But this requires that hunters get an Arizona license (either season or short-term) and use steel or other non-toxic shot. Both of the wheat fields and the fields on the Island Unit were holding a lot of doves, according to refuge biologist Dominic Barrett. Hunters also need to get a self-validating permit at the headquarters or at the kiosk at the entrance to the Island Unit.
     YUMA REGION: Richard Sprague of Sprague’s Sports in Yuma said the official Arizona Game and Fish forecast for the Yuma region was for “average excellent” dove hunting in the agricultural fields and “above average” hunting in the desert areas.
     If that seems a little baffling, let me interpret. It means the agriculture fields have a bi-zillion doves: like “average” or normal. It means the shooting will be “excellent”: Limits in 30 minutes if you are any kind of shotgun shooter at all. You get it: “Average excellent.”
     The “above average” rating for the desert region is really exciting for guys who hunt the creosote washes leading to the river and aqueducts throughout the valley because it means a lot of doves are staying in the desert. Because of winter and monsoon rains, there is good feed and the birds are utilizing it. These desert spots are places you can frequently hunt in solitude and the shooting can be very good if you do a little scouting.
     “There are a lot of guys really excited about this season, I know that,” said Sprague. “There are just a lot of birds.”
     I have hunted Yuma off and on for nearly 30 years, and when there are as many birds are there are in this region, I’m not sure you can really tell the difference between fields that have 10,000 doves and those holding 20 or 30 percent more. Dove numbers don’t fluctuate much more than that from year to year. The only thing you seem to notice is that by the end of the first half of the season, it seems like the whitewings are gone.
     The Yuma region might have a greater density of doves than any place else in the country, and you can shoot doves in good numbers every day of both the first and second season.
     Sprague’s is dove central for this area, and this year marks the store’s 21st annual opening day Big Breast Contest. The shop is open to all hours the night before opener selling licenses and ammunition. Also be sure to check the bulletin board for details on other Yuma dove events of note: The 9th Annual Yuma Catholic High School 100-gun raffle, the Sept. 5 Yuma Rod & Gun Club annual dove barbecue and fund-raiser, and the Southwest Habitat Partnership limited-entry dove hunt fund-raiser. Sprague’s number is 928-726-0022 if you need information -- and don’t forget that you can only hunt dove until noon in Arizona during the first season.

     Some notes on other public hunting areas in the region:

     SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA: Scott Sewell, the manager of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, was upbeat about the dove prospects for opening day this year, and noted that the whole wildlife area would be open to dove hunters on Sept. 1 – not just the upland game portion of the area. He said there are more birds on the area than there have been in at least three seasons.
     Last year, well over 300 hunters were at the small wildlife area in Western Riverside County and shooting was just fair, at best. Sewell thinks those hunters choosing to stay closer to home will have a better opener this year.
     CAMP CADY WILDLIFE AREA: There are again no planted fields for dove at this state area east of Barstow. The DFG needs to replace both the pump and the well and there is not the funding to do the job. A host of conservation groups are now looking at a way to come up with private funding for this project. The couple of seasons there were fields here, the shooting rivaled that in the Imperial Valley.
     While this high desert region has a lot of doves scattered throughout the desert, the lack of grain or seed fields means that Camp Cady will be mediocre at best.
     DOVE SEASON WARM-UP EVENTS: There are three events this Saturday that will be of interest to dove hunters.
     First, the staff at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area is hosting a volunteer day to work on waterfowl blinds at the area for the upcoming hunting season, but it will give hunters a chance to do a little scouting before dove opener and to see how things are shaping up for ducks. Volunteers should show up at 7 a.m. at the headquarters on Davis Road (for directions go to www.sjwa.info) or call Scott Sewell at 951-634-4652 or Tom Trakes at 951-236-3040 if you need more information.
     Second, the gang at Jesse’s Hunting and Outdoors web site will be having a dove hunting tune-up shoot and barbecue beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Chino (Euclid Avenue and Highway 73). Cost is just $20 per person for four hours of unlimited targets and lunch. For more information, you can call the Prado range at 909-597-4794 or go to the forum section of www.JessesHunting.com.
     Last, after you’ve attended one of the two events above, you can attend my where-to-go dove hunting seminar at Bass Pro Shops from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $40 and includes a package of dove hunting information and a trial two-issue subscription to my bird hunting newsletter Western Birds. Cost is $40 per person (with spouses and kids free), and it’s best if you pre-register by calling 909-887-3444.

     [EDITOR’S NOTE: The following commentary is written by Greg Lawson, director of communications for the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance. I’ve included it because I felt it was of great interest and importance to sportsmen across the country. As background, you should know that earlier this week, fourteen highly regarded outdoor conservation and lobbying groups sent a letter asking that the United States Senate block the nomination of Cass R. Sunstein to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. In this commentary, Lawson explains why. -- Jim Matthews]

Sportsman groups pushing to block
the appointment of Cass Sunstein,
President Obama’s anti-hunting Czar

By GREG R. LAWSON
U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance
     Battle lines between sportsmen and anti-hunting extremists seem to be hardening with each passing day. Frighteningly, it looks to get worse as a major anti-hunter is on the verge of setting up residence in a federal office with the power to block pro-sportsmen regulations for years to come.
     Cass R. Sunstein may not be a household name, but make no mistake, in academic and legal circles he is a rock star. His nomination by President Obama to serve as the head of the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), otherwise known as the "Regulatory Czar", appears on track and has received a lot of accolades from those who make a living inside "the Beltway" of Washington, DC.
     Unfortunately, Sunstein's record outs him as a rabid animal rightist who has gone so far as to state that animals may deserve the right to sue and, for sportsmen, most chillingly, that "we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it's sole purpose is human recreation."
     While these views may set the hearts of Ivory Towered intellectuals, government bureaucrats, and folks like PETA aflutter; in the real world, they are just plain absurd. However, the very fact that the U.S. Senate is probably going to vote to confirm this person to a post overseeing all federal regulations including those concerning hunting, fishing, and trapping should raise more than a casual shrug. It should raise serious "red flag" by America's sportsmen.
     After all, America's sportsmen are the nation's number one conservationists. Yet now, these true conservationists may have to battle an unelected force in order to continue to defend their time honored traditions. Simply put, this is wrong.
     The Obama administration is already crowded with people who hold similar viewpoints as Sunstein. It is common knowledge that Attorney General Eric Holder is a champion for gun control. Also with sordid conservation pasts are Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack who vetoed a bill to allow dove hunting when governor of Iowa and Lisa Jackson, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who worked overtime as a New Jersey bureaucrat to stop bear hunting in the state.
     And we may soon be adding Cass Sunstein's name to the list of people whose views are well outside the real mainstream of America. It would be tragic to allow these views to be imposed without a fight.
     To that end, the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance has been leading just such a fight to block this nomination and worked with several US senators to stop the nomination from moving forward. Unfortunately, the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D- NV), is bound and determined to have a vote when the Senate reconvenes after Labor Day.
     This means that the clock is ticking. Sportsmen need to "take up their arms" and, using their voices, work hand in hand to block this "Czar." Sportsmen should call both of their U.S. Senators today and express outrage that a man who has explicitly pushed radical animal rights views might be given the power to impose these views on all of us and destroy our collective heritage.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

     AUGUST 29 DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds newsletter, will give a two-hour dove hunting seminar from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 29, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $40 per person and includes a trail two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and information. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com.
     AUGUST 29 CHINO DOVE TUNE-UP SHOOT: There will be a dove season tune-up shoot and barbecue beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Chino (Euclid Avenue and Highway 73). Sponsored by Jesse’s Hunting and Outdoors web site, cost is just $20 per person for four hours of unlimited targets and lunch. Contact Prado at 909-597-4794.
     AUGUST 29 SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA VOLUNTEER DAY: Volunteers are needed for a work morning at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area beginning 7 a.m. Saturday, August 29. The volunteers will be doing waterfowl blind site repair, brush removal, and general sprucing of the area. The work morning will be followed by a barbecue pot luck. Contact Scott Sewell at 951-634-4652 or Tom Trakes at 951-236-3040.
     AUGUST 29 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. 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.
     AUGUST 30 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 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.
     SEPTEMBER 5-6 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The remaining 2009 date for the Bakersfield gun show is Nov. 21-22. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com or call 805-481-6726.
     SEPTEMBER 5-7 EXTRAVAGANZA OF SILHOUETTE: The Los Angeles Silhouette Club is hosting its annual Extravaganze of Silhouette shooting event, featuring a host of pistol and rifle silhouette events. Even if you’ve never shot silhouette, you do have a gun that qualifies for the competition. Cost is $50 for all the guns you can shoot, plus two dinners. Contact the range office at 818-899-5983 or go to www.lasc.us for more information.
     SEPTEMBER 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 2009 class dates are 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.
     SEPTEMBER 12-13 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 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.
     SEPTEMBER 19 SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY FRIENDS OF NRA: The 6th annual Southwest Riverside Friends of the NRA fundraiser will be held beginning 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the DeLuz Homestead in Murrieta. The family-oriented event will feature live and silent auctions, games, shooting for the kids, and dinner. Speakers include California state senator Dennis Hollingsworth and Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff Jr. Ticket prices are just $45 for adults and $25 for kids 13 and under. Contact The Shootist at 951-698-7543 or online at www.TheShootistGuns.com.
     SEPTEMBER 26 UNITED ANGLERS POKER TOURNAMENT FUND-RAISER: United Anglers of Southern California is having a Poker Tournament fund-raiser Saturday, Sept. 26, at Pechanga Resort and Casinop, Temecula. Buy-in is $130 and includes lunch and raffle. Contact UASC at 562-494-9900.
     OCTOBER 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 2009 class dates are Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 12. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     OCTOBER 3-4 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fair Grounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun show will tentatively be Dec. 12-13. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     OCTOBER 10 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 Nov. 7 and Dec. 12. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     OCTOBER 17 CAPING AND SKINNING SEMINAR: A free big game caping and skinning seminar will be held beginning 9 a.m. Saturday at Al’s Taxidermy Wildlife Art Studio, Apple Valley. Hunters going out-of-state can no-longer bring unskinned big game heads back to California because of Chronic Wasting Disease. This seminar will teach hunters how to properly remove caps in the field. Classes will also be held Oct. 24 and 31. Space is limited, call 760-961-2434 for reservations.
     OCTOBER 24-25 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The 2019 slate of shows in Ontario has not be set yet. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     OCTOBER 25 UNITED ANGLERS ANNUAL FUND-RAISING DINNER: United Anglers of Southern California will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, Newport Beach. The dinner will honor Beverly Ray. Dinner tickets are $100 per person. For information or reservations, call UASC at 562-494-9900.

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 Tuesday 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. The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
     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.