Recreation

Sidearm while duck hunting?

Question: A friend and I recently had a situation where we found pig tracks at one of the areas where we like to duck hunt.

We both found it a little unnerving to be walking in knee- to waist-high grass armed with only bird shot if a pig were to charge.

The area where we are hunting doesn't explicitly prohibit handguns. We are wondering if California law allows us to carry a handgun, not as a method of take but rather for defense while hunting waterfowl.

I noticed the answer to the question on sidearms while hunting upland game and small game but don't know if duck hunting has any additional restrictions.

Also, if this is allowed, does the ammo in the handgun apply to the nonlead requirement while hunting duck, or is it exempt considering that it is not a method of take?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. (Rhyan P.)

Answer: Unless the area where you’re hunting explicitly prohibits the possession of (or hunting with) handguns, that part should not be a problem.

If that is the case and you feel that your life is in danger, you can shoot the pig. However, you are not authorized to take the carcass unless you have a pig tag and utilized a legal method of take. If you’re hunting in condor country, you must carry nonlead ammunition.

Are crabs with black spots safe to eat?

Question: I just bought two crabs and found one with black spots on the outside shell.

I’ve seen these before and usually avoid them, but this time the seller sneaked it into my package.

When I called him about it, he said he didn’t know what it is, but it doesn’t permeate the shell.

This isn’t true – I’ve seen this stuff on the flesh at the joints. It looks like oil.

Can you enlighten me? Besides being ugly, is it unsafe? (Mari V., Berkeley)

Answer: Black spots on the shells of crustaceans are typically composed of melanin, which is the end product of a series of immunological reactions.

This means the crab was likely responding to some shell damage that could be caused by physical trauma or a disease agent.

In this case, the black spotted crab is probably safe if cooked correctly. However, if the discolored shellfish tissue has an unpleasant taste or texture, or looks or smells unusual, we always recommend not eating it.

Where can I find bail fine information?

Question: How are fines determined and how can someone locate published documentation on fines? (John S., Bakersfield)

Answer: The State Judicial Council publishes the “Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules” every year.

If you perform a web search, most courts will link to the most current edition. The link on our Web site, www.courts.ca.gov/documents/july2011_jcbail.pdf , is the 2011 edition.

Additionally, some fines are mandatory and established by the California legislature. Those can be found in the Fish and Game Code starting with Section 12000. See the California Legislative Information web site http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml to look up the code.

With some exceptions for mandatory fines, the uniform bail and penalty schedule is a guideline used by judges. In other words, judges have a great deal of discretion in setting fines and penalties for any violation.

Crossbows for wild pigs?

Question: I am trying to get some clarification on hunting wild pigs with a crossbow. The regulations state that crossbows may be used to take deer and wild pigs only during the regular seasons (California Code Regulations, Title 14, section 353).

Since wild pigs can be hunted all year, does that mean that a crossbow can be used (like a firearm) to hunt wild pigs? Can any legal hunter with a hunting license and a pig tag use a crossbow for wild pigs?

The regulations have a bit of a gray area here and I would like some clarification please. (Al Q.)

Answer: Yes, wild pigs can be taken year-round with a crossbow.

Importing a water buffalo skull?

Question: I purchased a water buffalo skull with horns in Thailand (Jan 2014). The Thai post office informed me I would need a “customs” form to have it delivered in the U.S. but they did not have them. The skull remains with my son in Thailand.

The skull is clean and dry. There is no remaining material on the skull. The skull was purchased from a buffalo farm for about $60. The animal was not mistreated or tortured. It died a natural death. The farm has a number of skulls for sale.

Can you please tell me what form I need and what I need to do to have it shipped to me here in California? (Jerry M.)

Answer: California wildlife law does not generally apply to this situation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be the contact agency regarding importing parts from a water buffalo into California.

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Details

Written by: Carrie Wilson

Published: 12 December 2014

Wildlife officers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are turning to an age-old enforcement tool – the horse – to help protect California’s natural resources.

While there is no formal mounted patrol unit, some wildlife officers are using their own personal horses for routine patrol in the back country.

Much like canine partners, horses can see, hear and go places faster and quieter than modern technology.

Covering up to 20 miles a day, equine patrols can show up where you least expect them, even in the most adverse conditions.

“As a 25-year law enforcement professional, I have used a variety of tools in my career and my six-year old mustang is by far, one of the most practical resources at my disposal,” said CDFW Wildlife Officer Jerry Karnow. “I can cover many miles a day in locations not accessible by any vehicle, which includes a huge portion of California’s outback. As a mounted unit, I have confiscated illegal firearms, helped hikers find their way, put out illegal campfires and made arrests in crimes that would otherwise go unnoticed.”

Karnow’s equine partner, Modoc, is a former wild mustang from Lassen County who was rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management.

At 2 years of age, Modoc entered the wild horse program at a correctional facility in Carson City.

Mustangs in the program are tamed, socialized and ridden for the first time by inmates.

Wild horses have a keen sense of awareness from living as a prey species, which is needed for their survival from day one.

They can hear, see and sense activity at a longer distance well before a human ear or eye can detect it, making them solid enforcement partners.

“Protecting California’s precious natural resources all comes down to boots on the ground, which includes covering large areas of rough terrain,” said CDFW Wildlife Officer Gary Densford. “Utilizing horses makes perfect sense for the duties and work of a wildlife officer in the back country.”

All horses used for patrol must be sound, reliable and in good working condition. Each horse and rider is observed yearly to ensure the equine under saddle is sound and trail ready.

All horse units are maintained in a healthy, groomed condition and shall not be ridden on patrol without appropriate hoof care.

CDFW is currently utilizing a handful of units with more interest on the rise.

Details

Written by: Editor

Published: 11 December 2014

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Due to the incoming storm and flood predictions, the Mendocino National Forest facilities at Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area and Chico Resource Conservation Center were closed to the public Wednesday evening.

The Chico facility is scheduled to reopen to the public at 7 a.m. Friday. Lake Red Bluff is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday.

Both closures are formally referenced as Order Number 08-14-10 for Chico Resource Conservation Center and 08-14-11 for Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area. They will be available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

In both areas, officials are concerned about high winds and the potential for falling trees, limbs and for dead branches to be dislodged. At Lake Red Bluff, anticipated flooding is also a factor.

“Public safety is our primary concern in these popular recreation areas,” said Acting Mendocino National Forest Supervisor John Exline. “Given the current forecast, this is the best way for us to protect our visitors until we are able to assess the situation after the storm and take needed measures to provide as safe a trip as possible.”

Roads on the Mendocino Forest are also a concern with the storm. Individuals planning a trip to the forest should be prepared not only for changing conditions, but also be watchful of roadways either impacted by rain or fallen trees and limbs from high winds.

While crews plan to start assessing popular areas Friday after the storm passes, visitors are asked to be aware and help report impacted roads.

If you come across an area where the road is compromised or washed out, please report it to Forest Engineer Shannon Pozas at 530-934-3316.

As winter conditions return to the Mendocino National Forest, all visitors are asked to be cautious when recreating on the forest, whether they are driving, hiking, camping or enjoying other recreational pursuits – including selecting a Christmas tree.

“While this wet weather is a welcome relief, it also presents some challenges for those who enjoy the Mendocino National Forest from late fall through spring,” said acting Forest Supervisor John Exline. “Changing conditions can present hazards to both visitors and forest resources. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable trip to the forest, while preserving resources so they can be enjoyed for years to come. To help with this, visitors are asked to be prepared for changing conditions, aware of their surroundings, and minimize impacts to saturated roads and trails.”

Many popular trails and some access points to recreation sites on the Mendocino involve crossing normally small creeks and streams.

Caution should be used at these stream crossings. People and vehicles can be swept away by currents in even relatively shallow water. Also, conditions can change rapidly and a stream that was easy to cross in the morning can become impassable by afternoon, trapping people on the wrong side.

Following are some additional safety suggestions for those recreating in the forest this winter:

– Plan your trip – check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel and any other supplies necessary for the activity. Call to check if the area you are planning to visit is still open and accessible.
– Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions in the mountains!
– Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
– Keep vehicles on designated roads and trails and be aware of changing weather and road conditions. Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources. If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over to hike or turning around and finding a different area.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

Details

Written by: Editor

Published: 10 December 2014