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Fish Talk / Workers breach key Klamath dams; salmon to swim freely for the first time« on: August 28, 2024, 06:15:45 PM »2
Fish Talk / Sturgeon Fishing to Reopen for Cath-and-Release Only on October 1« on: August 22, 2024, 01:04:39 PM »
August 22, 2024
The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) has adopted regulations to reopen sport fishing for white sturgeon on a catch-and-release basis while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducts a status review to determine if listing the species as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is warranted. The white sturgeon sport fishing season is expected to reopen Oct. 1, pending approval of the new regulations by the state Office of Administrative Law. All fishing for white sturgeon was closed in June when the Commission approved the species as a candidate for listing. Candidate species are afforded full protection under CESA while the candidacy review process plays out. California Fish and Game Code Section 2084 allows the Commission to authorize take by hook and line for any sport fish that is listed as endangered, threatened or a candidate species under CESA. At its Aug. 14-15 meeting, the Commission adopted regulations proposed by CDFW to reopen the fishery on a catch-and-release basis. “We’re pleased the Commission has agreed to return a sport fishing opportunity for this amazing fish,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of CDFW’s Fisheries Branch. “Sturgeon were swimming in the waters of what is now California 100 million years before Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the planet. They’re living dinosaurs. Catching a sturgeon, being able to see one up close, and watching it swim away to contribute to future generations is a really unique and humbling experience.” In submitting the proposed new regulations to the Commission, CDFW stated that a complete fishing closure represented a “financial crisis to Californians who rely on this fishery as part of their business. This includes boat captains, fishing guides and businesses that rely on anglers such as bait and tackle store and suppliers, marinas and other boat services.” CDFW also stated: “The best available science suggests that non-lethal take via a catch-and-release fishery would not harm the long-term viability of white sturgeon in California.” Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon has proven popular and lucrative elsewhere, including in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, where catch and release fisheries were implemented decades ago to protect declining populations. The new white sturgeon sport fishing regulations specify two seasons to protect spawning and migrating fish and to reduce stress during warmer times of the year: (1) From Oct. 1 through June 30: For ocean waters and San Francisco Bay east to downstream of the confluence of the Feather River on the Sacramento River and downstream of the I-5 bridge on the San Joaquin River. (2) Anglers are still required to have a valid Sturgeon Fishing Report Card in their possession. The new regulations also specify expanded handling requirements: Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately. Previously this requirement was set at any sturgeon greater than 68 inches. Additionally, sturgeon of any size shall not be held out of the water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth or solely by the tail, and shall not be dragged across the ground, boat decks or piers. The regulations approved by the Commission are available online as part of a staff summary at the Commission’s website. As part of the candidacy process, CDFW is tasked with developing a comprehensive status report of the species and is collecting scientific data and public comments on the listing proposal to help inform the Commission’s ultimate decision. Public comments and outside scientific data are due to CDFW by Oct. 31, 2024, and should be submitted to sturgeon@willidfe.ca.gov and include “White Sturgeon CESA” in the subject line. 3
Safety First / CDPH Warns Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Bivalve Shellfish from Santa Barbara Cty« on: August 09, 2024, 06:08:48 PM »
August 9, 2024
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, or scallops from Santa Barbara County. Dangerous levels of domoic acid, also referred to as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), have been detected in mussels from Santa Barbara County. The naturally occurring domoic acid toxin can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin. This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. Symptoms of ASP can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma, or death. This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. You can get current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or viewing the recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page. 4
Safety First / CDPH Warns Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Bivalve Shellfish from Humboldt County« on: August 09, 2024, 06:05:55 PM »
August 9, 2024
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, or scallops from Humboldt County. Dangerous levels of domoic acid, also referred to as amnesic shellfish poisoning, have been detected in mussels from Humboldt County. The naturally occurring domoic acid toxin can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin. This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the warnings against eating sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Humboldt County due to paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County due to domoic acid. The annual mussel quarantine is also in effect. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. Symptoms of amnesic shellfish poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma, or death. This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. You can get current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or viewing the recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page. 5
Fish Talk / Recreational Take of Surfperch Reopens in Bay Area« on: August 02, 2024, 06:16:52 PM »
August 1, 2024
The San Francisco and San Pablo Bay recreational surfperch season reopens Aug. 1 with a five fish aggregate limit; this aggregate limit excludes shiner perch which has a separate 20 fish bag limit. Redtail surfperch must be a minimum total length of 10.5 inches to be kept. Copy and paste the below link to see all of the current open and closed fishing seasons. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/SF-Bay?utm_medium=email&utm_source=CA_ALDS&utm_campaign=CAanglerupdate_202408&utm_content=surfperch-button 6
Fish Talk / CDFW Rolls Out "Hoot Owl" Guidelines« on: August 02, 2024, 06:03:52 PM »
August 2, 2024
CDFW is asking recreational anglers to begin "Hoot Owl" practices when fishing - voluntarily changing how, when and where they fish to minimize stress and mortality among fish populations suffering from drought conditions. "Hoot Owl" recommendations reference being active during times of day when owls can be heard hooting. These times are typically earlier in the day when weather conditions are cooler. As conditions change, CDFW will post updates on the "Hoot Owl" information page. Overview Environmental conditions brought on by drought can affect fish in many ways. Biologically, fish experiencing elevated water temperatures and associated lower oxygen levels will be highly stressed and, in some situations, have elevated levels of mortality or disease. Low water conditions may also limit fish abilities to naturally migrate for spawning or to seek cooler water refuge. Fish species that rely on migration and rearing as part of their life cycle are especially at risk. These degraded environmental conditions brought on by drought are not just affecting coastal waters, but inland fish populations are also at significant risk. Coldwater species such as trout and salmon have the greatest likelihood of being affected by the drought this year, but low water levels and high water temperatures can potentially affect all inland aquatic species. What are Hoot Owl recommendations? CDFW is requesting that anglers voluntarily avoid fishing after 12:00 p.m. on select waters throughout California. This approach directs anglers to focus their angling during the cooler “hoot owl” periods of the day when water temperatures are lowest. These voluntary angling recommendations will be triggered by ongoing monitoring of select fisheries across California. When these select fisheries begin to achieve sustained afternoon water temperatures exceeding 67° Fahrenheit, CDFW will add the water(s) to a “Hoot Owl” watchlist below and will work with local stakeholders and CDFW staff to help with outreach to inform anglers. Although these are not legal angling closures, CDFW strongly recommends adhering to the recommendations for the specific waters listed until removed when conditions for those waters improve. Note: this list is not static and will be updated as conditions change with waters being added and removed. Current Hoot Owl Waters: 1. Bridgeport Reservoir in Mono County 2. Crowley Lake in Mono County 3. Deep Creek in San Bernardino County 4. Hot Creek in Mono County 5. Lower Owens River (Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to Five Bridges) in Mono County 6. Lower Rush Creek (Grant Lake to Mono Lake) in Mono County 7. Middle Piru Creek (Frenchman’s Flat Area) 8. Mill Creek (Walker Basin) in Mono County 9. Truckee River (Lake Tahoe to the Nevada state line) in Nevada, Placer and Sierra counties 10. Upper Truckee River in El Dorado County What else can anglers do to help our fisheries during a drought year? Many fish species will often search out cold water refuges during elevated temperatures, which could include deeper water, spring seeps or cold-water tributaries. Anglers should avoid fishing these refuge areas if fishing results in moving fish across a temperature gradient greater than 10° Fahrenheit, as this can result in increased angling-based mortality. Although this may not be an issue for anglers interested in harvesting fish, the resulting mortality may affect non-targeted species or fish outside of the legal size limits. Angling Tips for Decreasing Fish Stress: 1. Minimize the time you spend "fighting" the fish and any hands-on handling. 2. Use rubber or coated nylon nets to protect a fish's slime layer and fins. 3. Quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers. 4. Minimize the amount of time the fish is exposed to air, especially when the weather is warm. Keep your hands wet when handling the fish. 5. If the fish is deeply hooked, do not pull on the line. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to where it is hooked and leave the hook. 6. Allow the fish to recover in the net before you release it. 7. If the fish does not stay upright when you release it, gently move it back and forth. 8. Avoid fighting fish from deeper, cooler waters and bringing them into warmer waters at the surface. 9. Target fisheries that have stable water levels or species that are more resilient to elevated temperatures. 7
CA Regulations / Updated Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet Now Available« on: August 02, 2024, 05:42:39 PM »
August 1, 2024
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has updated its 2024 California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (PDF), and encourages anglers, divers, and all outdoor enthusiasts coastwide to download and review the August 1, 2024 version. The updated booklet is now available on the CDFW Fishing Regulations web page, in the CDFW License App, and on the CDFW Marine Region's comprehensive Ocean Sport Fishing web page. Regulation changes and updates include the following: 1. New marine protected area regulations (CCR T14 §632(a)(13), (14), and (15)) regarding pre-existing artificial structures in marine protected areas 2. Updated California halibut regulations (no changes in seasons, size, or bag limits) 3. Complete ocean salmon regulations for 2024 4. Notices regarding the white sturgeon season closure with links to the press release that provides more information about the recent closure decision For a quick check of seasons, size limits, and bag/possession limits for popular California fish and shellfish, go to the regulation summary tables beginning on page 46 in the booklet. 8
Fish Talk / Bluefin tuna recovery« on: July 20, 2024, 10:39:48 AM »
July 19, 2024
The Pacific bluefin tuna stock has reached international rebuilding targets a decade ahead of schedule! While commercial landings of different tuna species are available year-round in local California markets, this unique and highly desirable fish is most found in the markets from May through October. Due to its higher fat content, Pacific bluefin tuna is generally considered a higher-quality product than other tuna species. Its flesh is the darkest and fattiest of any tuna and has the firmness and appearance of beef steaks. It is typically served as sushi and sashimi and makes amazing poke. When cooked, it is usually seared and served rare to preserve its flavor and texture. You can check out the seafood profile through NOAA Fisheries to learn more about the nutrition information for this California delicacy (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/.../pacific.../seafood). CDFW will work with NOAA Fisheries to consider the latest Pacific bluefin tuna status information during the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s September meeting to determine that the stock is no longer in an overfished condition. Eating fresh, locally caught, seafood is a great way to support California’s ocean economy and recognize sustainable fisheries. For more information on the science and management history of this tasty fish, check out the CDFW Marine Species Portal: https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/pacific.../false/. For more information on the stock rebuilding success, see NOAA Fisheries’ feature story: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/.../overfished-sustainable.... 9
Fish Talk / CDFW Releases 1 Million Chinook Salmon into San Pablo Bay« on: June 14, 2024, 04:42:17 PM »
June 14, 2024
As the sun set over the San Pablo Bay June 10, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), joined by faculty, staff and students from the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), released approximately 1 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts from the Cal Maritime campus in Vallejo. It was the first release of Chinook salmon from this location in almost four decades and among the final releases of hatchery fall-run Chinook salmon taking place in San Francisco and San Pablo bays this spring and summer. “Expanding our partnerships with organizations like the California State University Maritime Academy is critical in ensuring fall-run Chinook salmon populations continue to rebuild from the recent drought years and other stressors such as thiamine deficiency,” said CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Jason Julienne. “Our hope is for these fish to contribute to harvest and inland spawning returns over the next several years.” CDFW has increased fall-run Chinook salmon production at its four Central Valley anadromous fish hatcheries in 2024. The increase in hatchery production aims to compensate for poor environmental conditions in recent years that have contributed to low salmon stocks and the closure of recreational and commercial salmon fishing seasons. In 2023 CDFW hatcheries raised and released just over 24 million fall-run Chinook salmon. In 2024 that number increased to almost 28 million fish. Salmon smolts released from the Cal Maritime campus were hatched at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. The young salmon were released well after sunset to minimize predation by birds. Twenty-five percent of the smolts carry coded-wire tags and their adipose fins are clipped to identify them as being of hatchery origin. The coded-wire tags will help CDFW scientists and hatchery managers evaluate the success of the release. Cal Maritime is a specialized campus belonging to the California State University system that focuses on degrees promoting workforce development for ocean-facing careers. “At Cal Maritime, we offer an exciting array of degree programs that engage the largest estuary on the West Coast,” stated Cal Maritime Interim President Mike Dumont. “This project lends perfectly to our oceanography curriculum and our upcoming fisheries course. We are honored to be able to support the work of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through this partnership.” 10
CA Regulations / CDFW no longer posting Q&A posts every two weeks« on: June 08, 2024, 09:50:26 PM »
The last post was on May 3, 2024. CDFW decided there was not enough interest even though I told them that I provide all their posts to groups like NCKA. Their reaction was that they never considered distribution like ours. They are changing to QUARTERLY reports which will be sent through a newsletter via the license portal.
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Fish Talk / CDFW Releases More Than 2 Million Chinook Salmon Into Klamath River« on: May 29, 2024, 06:24:35 PM »
May 24, 2024
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) this week successfully completed the release of more than 2 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts into the Klamath River. On Wednesday, May 15, CDFW released approximately 1.3 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts below the Iron Gate Dam and carried out another release of approximately 800,000 fish from the same location on Wednesday, May 22. The salmon smolts were trucked about 7 miles to the release point from CDFW’s new, state-of-the-art Fall Creek Fish Hatchery. The fish carried coded-wire tags and had their adipose fins clipped to later identify them as being of hatchery origin and provide scientists and hatchery managers with data about their life histories and the success of the release. Although still undergoing the final phases of construction, CDFW’s new Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, which replaces the 63-year-old Iron Gate Fish Hatchery on the Klamath River, has already exceeded its production goal of 3.25 million salmon in its first year of operation, the combined result of the excellent water quality in Fall Creek, a tributary to the Klamath River, along with improved efficiencies of the facility itself. The salmon smolts are about six months old and average just under 3 inches in length. The smolt releases began earlier than scheduled last week due to warming temperatures in the Klamath Basin and C. Shasta disease concerns. C. Shasta – or Ceratonova shasta – is a naturally occurring freshwater parasite native to the Klamath River that can cause disease in young salmon. The fish are particularly susceptible in warmer water temperatures. Those concerns were alleviated this week, however, with a return of cooler temperatures to the Klamath Basin. Dam removal provided a dramatic backdrop to CDFW’s salmon releases. The three remaining Klamath River dams targeted for removal – JC Boyle, Copco 1 and Iron Gate – are all being actively deconstructed. Their removal is ahead of schedule and could open up free fish passage and access to hundreds of miles of new spawning and rearing habitat to salmon returning from the ocean as early as this fall. CDFW plans another release of 250,000 to 300,000 yearling fall-run Chinook salmon later this year. If dam removal proceeds at its current pace, CDFW expects to release the fish directly from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery into Fall Creek, which has been inaccessible to salmon due to its location behind the Iron Gate Dam. Dam removal, the transition to the state-of-the-art Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, increasing variability in hatchery releases at different salmon life stages to supplement in-river production and the strong relationships forged with tribal partners that have made these actions successful are all critical components of the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future released by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January 2024. 12
CA Regulations / California Anglers Bound for Oregon: Salmon Caught Must be Brought to Oregon Sho« on: May 24, 2024, 01:40:12 PM »
May 24, 2024
With the 2024 closure of ocean salmon fisheries in California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials are reminding anglers of important rules relating to transport of salmon taken from Oregon into California. In ocean waters any salmon taken in Oregon fisheries may not be brought to shore in California. However, it is legal for Californians to trailer their vessels to launch and fish from Oregon ports under applicable Oregon fishing licenses, regulations and reporting requirements. Salmon harvested in Oregon may be brought into California over land if also accompanied by a California Declaration for Entry Form. The declaration must be completed at or prior to the time of entry. After the time of entry, a copy of the completed declaration shall be submitted to CDFW within 24 hours. On May 16, 2024, the National Marine Fisheries Service on advice from the Pacific Fishery Management Council and West Coast fisheries agencies, including CDFW, took in season action to implement a landing boundary at the Oregon/California border for recreational ocean salmon fisheries in Oregon waters just north of California. The new requirement states that any salmon taken under Oregon sportfishing regulations in the area between Humbug Mountain and the Oregon/California border, also known as the Oregon Klamath Management Zone, must be landed north of the Oregon/California border for the 2024 fishing season. Regulations for ocean salmon fisheries off the West Coast were published May 21, 2024, in the Federal Register under citation 89 FR 44553 and went into effect May 16, 2024. The regulations implement the closure of California’s ocean salmon fisheries for the remainder of 2024 as recommended last month by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.95, ocean salmon sport fishing regulations in state waters automatically conform to federal regulations. More information about ocean salmon season closures and regulations can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon web page at wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon. 13
CA Regulations / High Number of California Brown Pelicans Show Signs of Sickness« on: May 10, 2024, 08:04:41 PM »
May 10, 2024
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has received increased reports of California brown pelicans, a fully protected species, stranded along the coast from Santa Cruz County south to San Diego County, since late April. Central and Southern California wildlife rehabilitation facilities began admitting an unusually high number of sick pelicans as reports were received. The pelicans exhibit characteristics of emaciation, and some have secondary injuries. CDFW along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), wildlife rehabilitation facilities and other state partners are coordinating to assess the ongoing situation. CDFW is conducting postmortem examinations and testing pelicans admitted to wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Preliminary results indicate that pelicans are succumbing to starvation related problems. Stranding events have been documented to occur periodically along the California coast in a variety of seabird species. A similar pelican stranding event occurred in spring 2022 with nearly 800 pelicans admitted into wildlife rehabilitation facilities and 394 successfully returned to the wild. Officials ask the public not to touch, harass, attempt to feed or take photographs with pelicans. Do not attempt to remove any fishing lines or embedded fishing hooks from entangled birds. CDFW and agency partners will continue to track this stranding event. How Can the Public Help? Report an injured or sick pelican: 1. Call your local wildlife rehabilitation facility ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Rehab/Facilities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ). 2. Call your regional CDFW office ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ). Report a dead pelican: 1. Residents can report dead wildlife to CDFW’s Wildlife Health Laboratory using the mortality reporting form, which helps biologists monitor the event- please include photos if possible ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ).. Support a local Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility: Contact permitted facilities intaking brown pelicans directly for how to best assist. 14
CA Regulations / Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in California Deer Population« on: May 10, 2024, 07:53:03 PM »
May 7, 2024
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected for the first time in California’s deer and elk. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received confirmation on May 6 samples collected from two deer, one in Madera County near Yosemite Lakes and the other in Inyo County, near Bishop. The deer in Madera County was found dead due to unknown causes and the Inyo County deer was found dead after a vehicle collision. CWD is a fatal neurologic disease in cervid animals such as deer, elk, moose and reindeer that has been detected in free-ranging cervids from 34 states, including California, and five Canadian provinces as well as Scandinavia. It affects the brain, causing progressive damage and eventually, death. There is no effective treatment or vaccine to combat this disease. There appears to be no known link between CWD and human disease, although a similar prion animal disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease in cattle, has been linked to fatal disease in humans through the consumption of infected beef. As a result the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Wasting Disease). CDFW has been monitoring California elk and deer populations for CWD through lymph node sampling and testing since 2000, testing over 6,500 deer and elk, and has been working to increase surveillance efforts, with the help of hunters, taxidermists and meat processors since 2018. Clinical signs of the disease include progressive weight loss, clumsy movements and lack of coordination, listlessness, drooling, excessive thirst or urination and behavioral changes. Once these symptoms develop death occurs quickly. The disparate locations of these two detections indicates that CWD has probably been present in California for some time, since the incubation period can be months to years. “CWD infected animals can excrete infectious prions before clinical signs appear and these prions can persist in the environment for years, making it very difficult to prevent or control the spread once it has been introduced,” says, Dr. Brandon Munk, CDFW’s wildlife veterinarian who oversees CWD surveillance and response efforts. “The public can help limit the spread of CWD by reporting any signs of illness in deer and elk populations, and hunters should strongly consider testing their harvested deer or elk.” CDFW continues to provide surveillance, response, long-term management plans and public outreach and education through their “No Time to Waste” campaign to limit the spread. Hunters can assist in the efforts by voluntarily participating in CDFW’s statewide CWD surveillance and sampling efforts and encouraging other hunters to participate. To report a sick deer or elk, go to https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery To learn more and find out how to get your cervid harvest tested, go to https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 15
CA Regulations / Children Accompanying on Hunts« on: May 03, 2024, 03:08:35 PM »
May 3, 2024
Question: Is it possible to take a 5-year-old duck hunting in California? Answer: Yes, it is legal to take your 5-year-old duck hunting in California. It is ultimately up to the parent or guardian to decide what age is appropriate to take their kids along on a hunt and at what age they are mature enough and have the reading comprehension skills necessary to take and pass hunter education. Many kids begin their hunter education journey between age 10 and 12. Before then, unlicensed youth observers are welcome into the field at any age. If you are interested in introducing someone young to a lifelong skill like waterfowl hunting, starting them off in a positive and encouraging way is key. Here are some tips to consider. Bring properly fitting hearing protection for their size, consider purchasing or borrowing youth clothing that matches the conditions (including waders), bring sunscreen, snacks and quiet activities for the blind (like a photobook of birds they can seek out). Very young kids can also have fun with a duck or goose call. It’s a good idea to commit to flexibility and the idea that you’re there to introduce a child to the activity and not the hunt itself. That usually means making shorter trips, adjusting to the conditions and stamina of the child and being willing to interrupt a hunt based on the attention span and needs of the child. A few questions to ask before making plans: Are they okay waking up early? How far of a walk and what terrain will be crossed to get to your blind? How will you keep them occupied while waiting for a blind on public refuges? Is it cold, dark and raining? How will you keep them engaged and safe while putting out your decoy spread? Will they need a life jacket or personal floatation device? Are they able to walk through water, mud and muck while keeping their balance? Another recommendation is to have them assist throughout the hunting experience. Have them hold the flashlight, help push the decoy cart or pull the sled, help them build a blind or brush in your pit or tank or even invite them into the pond with you to retrieve birds if they’re tall enough and strong enough to withstand the pond or water conditions and terrain. Remember, taking your kids out on their first hunting experience should be about the kids, not the hunt. As a reminder, 12 is the minimum age to hunt big game in California. Youth hunters under the age of 12 may hunt: 1. Ssmall game, like squirrels and rabbits ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Small-Game?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ) 2. Upland game, such as turkeys and doves ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ) 3. Waterfowl ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Waterfowl?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ). A hunting license is required to hunt regardless of age. Some National Wildlife Refuges and state wildlife areas also have youth ponds available for licensed junior hunters. To find more information about youth ponds, visit the specific lands area or wildlife refuge webpage you wish to visit for more information. |