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Written by: Carrie Wilson

Published: 02 January 2014

Can a hunter have two shotguns in a duck blind?

Question: Is it legal for one person to have two shotguns in a duck blind? (Bob G.)

Answer: Yes, but while it’s legal to have more than one shotgun in your blind, keep in mind there is a 25 shell limit on most public shooting areas (state and federal refuges).

Hunters often forget this and bring a box of shells for each gun they have but then find themselves in violation of the 25 shell limit.

Also required, each gun must be plugged and not capable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined, and lots of times nothing larger than 10 gauge shells are allowed in these areas.

For more information, please check the Upland Game Bird Regulations available at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/ .

Can I become a fishing guide if I have a citation on my record?

Question: I want to apply for a fishing guide’s license but am worried because I had a hunter trespass citation many years ago that was honestly unintentional.

It was a case of poor mapping and unmarked fence lines. I paid my fine and it never went any further.

This was 12 years ago and I have never had any other convictions for any sort of law breaking.

Does my single-hunter trespass ticket exclude me from applying for guide status in this state? I am seriously interested in teaching others to care for and respect our outdoor privileges and would love to apply for a guide’s license.

I don’t want to go through the process and pay all the costs though only to be denied at the time my application is reviewed.

Can you please tell me if my mistake from years ago will cause my application to be denied? (Doug M.)

Answer: Because your citation was 12 years ago, it was your only citation and you took care of the fines, you should not have a problem getting a guide’s license.

Applicants are evaluated mostly for recent activity (within five years), or repetitive activity. And for applicants who apply but are denied, any application fees are refunded.

How to accurately measure fish?

Question: What is the legal and proper way to measure a fish, particularly largemouth bass?

Is it with an open mouth, closed mouth, fanned tail or pinched tail?

I would appreciate some fish measuring guidelines to determine whether a catch is legal. Thank you. (Rick B.)

Answer: The first rule when measuring fish is to lay the fish flat on its side and always pinch the mouth closed.

All freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, are measured to total length. This is the longest straight-line distance from the tip of the head to the end of the longest lobe of the tail (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.62).

The most accurate method is to place the fish’s snout against a perpendicular surface and then measure along the intersecting horizontal surface to the end of the tail.

Don’t measure using a flexible “tape” over the fish itself or you will be given a longer false reading.

All freshwater fish with a minimum size limit are measured this way.

On the ocean side, most saltwater fish with minimum size limits are measured to total length, but there are some that are measured to fork length instead (e.g. bonito, albacore, barracuda and yellowtail).

Fork length is the straight-line distance from the tip of the head to the center of the tail fin (CCR Title 14, Section 1.62).

So again, lay the fish flat on its side, pinch the mouth closed and take your measurement from the tip of the head to the center of the fork of the tail.

These are the only two measurements that you will need to know for the purposes of the regulations when measuring whole fish.

Giving pheasants away to other hunters to keep hunting?

Question: Once I shoot my limit of pheasants, can I give one of my birds to another hunter in the group and continue hunting? (Jerry)

Answer: No. Once you reach your bag limit you are finished hunting for the day.

You can give your birds away to other hunters but that does not then allow you to continue hunting that day.

Underwater lights when ocean fishing?

Question: Is it legal to use underwater attractor lights in ocean waters to attract fish to the boat? (John V.)

Answer: Yes. There are no prohibitions from using underwater attractor lights in ocean waters.

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. .

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Written by: Editor

Published: 02 January 2014

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The next contra dance will be held this Saturday, Janu. 4, at Armstrong Hall (home of Lake County Jazzercise) in Middletown.

This dance will be led by Lea Smith. The live, old-time fiddle music will be provided by “Tradition!” from Sonoma County.

Contra dancing is a great low pressure and fun way to socialize for people of all ages.

If you are unfamiliar with contra dancing, it is somewhat similar to square dancing, but less formal. There is no fancy footwork that you have to learn or memorize; you are led through each dance by the caller.

Because it’s a social dance, you don’t need to arrive with a partner; in fact, most people don’t.

When you dance, you dance with a partner, but you also have many neighbors that you dance with too. At the end of a dance, you say goodbye to your partner and get another one.

Armstrong Hall is located at 15642 Armstrong St. in Middletown, two blocks behind the post office.

The dance begins with easier dances at 7 p.m. and gently progresses to more challenging figures until 9:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 at the door. Please wear clean shoes that won’t harm the hardwood floor and bring your own water bottle.

For more information, contact Beth Rudiger, 707-260-2900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Written by: Editor

Published: 02 January 2014

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Bikram Yoga Petaluma will host the 10th annual California Yoga Championship on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Lucchesi Community Center.

Yoga students from all over the state will perform a very challenging and inspirational routine of yoga positions.

Three groups of yoga athletes will compete: youth (ages 11-17), adults and senior (ages 55+).

People will be of all ages, shapes and sizes. Many will be competing for the first time, showing that yoga is for everyone.

More than 100 yoga studios throughout California are sponsoring the championship.

The winners at Petaluma will compete in the Nationals.

The cost is $20, with special rates for students and people in need.

The Lucchesi Community Center is located at 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.

For more information call 707-775-2400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

USA Yoga ( www.usayoga.org ) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of introducing yoga to the Olympics.