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Recreation
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- Written by: Carrie Wilson
Question: Is it legal to fish for manta rays in California, specifically in the San Francisco Bay area? (Gina T.)
Answer: Manta rays are generally not found off California, and since they are filter feeders, it may be difficult to persuade one to take your bait.
The northernmost limit of their range in the eastern Pacific Ocean is around San Diego, where they are only spotted occasionally.
However, if a manta ray were to stray farther north, then yes, it may be legally taken by hook and line off California.
I suspect you instead may be referring to bat rays which are more widely distributed and caught fairly regularly on hook and line. If so, they too are legal to take.
Lizardfish catch limit
Question: Please verify for me the catch limit on California lizardfish.
My understanding is the limit is 10 fish/species with a total bag limit of 20 fish of all species. Right? I don’t see this species mentioned as one of the “no limit” species.
Lizardfish are being caught 4-5 at a time on the piers on the Central Coast and someone is telling the anglers there is no limit. (Rose H., Santa Barbara)
Answer: You are correct. A bag limit of up to 10 lizardfish per angler is allowed. There are no size or season restrictions for these fish though.
Polar bear rug
Question: I've inherited a white polar bear rug that has been in the family for 30-40 years. I have no papers or receipts for it. Can I still sell it? (Christian P., Tulare)
Answer: No. Fish and Game Code section 4758 prohibits the sale of any bear parts, even if the bear is not native to California. Violations are prosecuted as felonies.
Big game baiting
Question: I have a question regarding the “baiting” of big game.
In the Mammal Hunting Regulations booklet on page 12 it says:
257.5. Prohibition Against Taking Resident Game Birds and Mammals by the Aid of Bait.
Except as otherwise provided in these regulations or in the Fish and Game Code, resident game birds and mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area.
(a) Definition of Baited Area. As used in this regulation, “baited area” shall mean any area where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds or mammals is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and such area shall remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grains, salt, or other feed.
Does this also prohibit aerosol attractants? An aerosol is not considered feed but it is “capable of luring, attracting or enticing.” In the regulations it does not specifically prohibit non-feed attractants. (Ken M.)
Answer: This section (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 257.5) prohibits the use of any feed (real or artificial) that is capable of attracting an animal to an area, and when the attractant used causes the animal to feed (on the substance), it is prohibited.
Generally, aerosols sprayed into the air are permissible because there is nothing to feed on. But the same products applied to a surface (e.g. tree, brush, rock, etc.) where the animal licks, eats, chews, nibbles, etc. the surface is considered feed and is a violation.
Intentional acts that disrupt any birds’ or mammals’ normal behavior patterns (CCR Title 14, section 251.1) and feeding big game mammals (CCR Title 14, section 251.3) are also prohibited.
For the complete regulations, please go to www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/ to find the California Mammal Hunting Regulations for 2013-2014.
Electric fishing reels
Question: Are electric fishing reels allowed in the state of California? (John M.)
Answer: Yes. Nothing in the Fish and Game Code prohibits the use of electric fishing reels manufactured for sport fishing.
Acceptable fishing methods and gear restrictions can be found in section 2.00 of the Freshwater Regulations booklet and 28.70(a)(3) in the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/ or wherever fishing licenses are sold.
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
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UKIAH, Calif. – It was a beautiful weekend for the 2013 Fall Classic Oct. 19-20 at Ukiah Speedway.
The racing was kicked off with an open practice session on Friday night along with a barbecue for all the racers and crews in attendance.
The action started with the Jammers racing for one of the few money shows on the year.
For the first time this season they took the track to qualify with the fast time, 15.708, set by Keith Hopkinson Jr. The heat race win went to Hopkinson.
In the main event the track promoter decided to put the Mini Stocks and Jammers together to give the fans a more exciting race.
For the Jammer division, Hopkinson and Wayne Young started in the front. Hopkinson took the early lead and never looked back to take the win, followed by Young and Keith Hopkinson Sr.
In the Modifieds the fast time was set by Richie Potts, with a 13.184. The heat race wins went to Potts and Andy Vanderveer, which put them on the front row for the main event on Sunday.
Potts took the early lead in the main event, retiring early in the race due to mechanical problems, which gave the lead to Vanderveer.
There was only one yellow during the entire 50 lap main event, with a solo spin of Sierra Furia on lap No. 10.
On the drop of the green flag Vanderveer pulled ahead of David Lyndall. At the drop of the checkers it was Vanderveer who took home the Eagle trophy, along with a special gift from out-of-town racing team sponsor Muerto Tequila.
In the Mini Stock division James Stillman dominated again, setting the fast time of 15.181. He also took home the heat race win and slid to an easy win, taking the eagle trophy home for the main event.
The Extreme Asphalt Outlaws only raced on Sunday, allowing for local driver Kyle Tellstrom to compete in a late model race at Madera Speedway, where he finished 10th.
The fast time went to Steve Taylor with a 13.619. Heat race was won by Sean Sweeney, putting him on the pole for the main event next to Tellstrom. On the drop of the green flag Tellstrom was fighting hard on the outside lane to take the lead away from Sweeney, but Sweeney was able to keep his lead.
The main event went without a caution, with Sweeney taking home the Eagle Trophy along with a special gift from Muerto Tequila.
The Pro-4 Modifieds took to the track for two complete race shows over the weekend.
On Saturday night the fast time went to Codi Barba with a 13.790. Heat Race wins went to Ken Gifford and Nick King. In the main event Timber Cookson took the pole with Nick King on the outside.
Cookson took the early lead but King fought hard to pass her. It did not take Barba long to get to the front from the back. By lap No. 8 he was up to second place.
Gifford followed him to the front but did not have quite enough time before the checkers fell with Barba taking the win followed by Gifford, Sorrels and King.
On Sunday afternoon it was Gifford who set the fast time with a 13.726. Heat race wins went to Ed Cudney and Jimmy Sorrels.
In the main event King and Curt Lewis were on the front row when the green flag flew. Lewis took the early lead over King. By lap 11 Barba was up to lead from the middle of the pack.
When the checkers fell it was Barba who came across first again to take home an Eagle trophy. He was followed by Gifford, Sorrels and Lewis.
The Bomber division also had two complete days of racing action.
On Saturday, Roseville driver of Erick Ray took the fast time with a 14.670. Heat race wins went to local drivers Denny Cashada and Ron Duke Sr., who earned spots on the front row of the main event.
Duke took the early lead but Cashada was not ready to give upjust yet. Cashada took the lead away from Duke on lap No. 7 with a yellow flag following. On the drop of the green Cashada kept his lead but tangled with Duke causing another yellow flag.
When the race resumed Gino Buchignani and Matt Manolis battled for the lead for more than 15 laps. At the drop of the checkers it was Ray who took the win followed by Manolis, Duke and Bob Mook.
On Sunday Denny Cashada set the fast time with 14.712. Heat race wins went to Cody Rickard and Ray.
In the main event Rickard and Ray set the pace for the rest of the field. At the drop of the green Ray took the early lead over Rickard.
The two battled the entire race but Rickard didn’t have enough to take the lead from Ray, who went on to win another Eagle trophy for the season. Following Ray was Rickard, Duke and Cashada.
In the Legend division Cameron Austin set the fast time with a 14.105. Heat race wins went to Austin and Cody Winchel, who went to the front row to set the pace for the field.
At the drop of the green flag Austin took the early lead with Barba following him. Barba did not have enough to give Austin a challenge as Austin took the win at the checkers, followed by Barba, Roger Fletcher and Ian Elliott.
Action continues on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Lakeport Speedway for the Rock Crawlers, Jammers and boat races, which will be the final race for Lakeport Speedway's asphalt track for 2013.
For complete event details make sure to visit www.ukiahspeedway.com or like the track on Facebook.
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- Written by: Editor
The resolution of the federal government shutdown Thursday will restore waterfowl hunting opportunities at National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in California.
State Wildlife Areas were unaffected by the shutdown and remain open to hunting during the regular waterfowl seasons.
All NWRs had been closed during the federal government shutdown, including those designated as Type A areas for which the state draws reservations and operates the check stations.
The following NWRs have confirmed that they will open by Saturday.
For more information, hunters can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or call the refuge they wish to visit.
• Colusa NWR, 530-934-2801
• Delevan NWR, 530-934-2801
• Kern NWR, 661-725-6504
• Merced NWR, 209-826-3508
• Sacramento NWR, 530-934-2801
• San Luis NWR, (including Kesterson, Bear Creek, Freitas North), 209-826-3508
• Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR, 760-348-5278
• Lower Klamath NWR, 530-667-2231
• Tule Lake NWR, 530-667-2231
• Modoc NWR, 530-233-3572
• Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR, 510-792-0222
The South Freitas Unit of San Luis NWR is closed due to road construction at its boat launch site. The Department of Transportation project is scheduled to be completed and the unit to be opened by Oct. 26. Hunters can call the refuge at 209-826-0463 to confirm its reopening before leaving on a hunting trip.
The below Type A and B State Wildlife Areas (and all Type C wildlife areas that permit waterfowl hunting) are open for waterfowl hunting. A few of the wildlife areas below are located in waterfowl hunting zones which opened on Oct. 5. Most are scheduled to open Saturday, Oct. 19, when the rest of the state opens for waterfowl hunting.
• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Grizzly Island Wildlife Area (Type A and Type B Units)
• Los Banos Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Mendota Wildlife Area (Type A)
• North Grasslands Wildlife Area (Including China Island, Salt Slough and Gadwall Units) (Type A)
• San Jacinto Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area (Including Little Dry Creek, Howard Slough and Llano Seco Units) (Type A)
• Volta Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Wister Unit of Imperial Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (Type A)
• Ash Creek Wildlife Area (Type B)
• Butte Valley Wildlife Area (Type B)
• Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Fleming and Dakin Units) (Type B)
• Shasta Valley Wildlife Area (Type B)
• Willow Creek Wildlife Area (Type B)
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has posted a Frequently Asked Questions page on its website at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=73964&;inline=1 .
For further information, please visit CDFW’s Web site at www.wildlife.ca.gov .
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- Written by: Carrie Wilson
Deer hunting from a boat
Question: Is it legal to hunt deer from a boat drifting down a river? If so, what are the parameters? Do you have to be a certain distance from shore? (Eric S., Redding)
Answer: The main requirement when hunting from a boat is that the boat cannot be under power or still moving as a result of power. In addition, engines must be shut off and out of the water. Once you’ve done this, the boat may be drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or propelled by paddle, oar or pole.
Aside from the requirements of using the boat as a platform, the shooter must consider what else may be around and beyond the deer.
You cannot hunt or shoot a firearm within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling, or hunt on private property or within prohibited areas such as municipalities. It is important to research your specific hunting area and know legal access points.
No person shall pursue, drive, herd or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat or snowmobile (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 251). There may also be some Penal Code restrictions regarding loaded firearms in vehicles.
Handicapped abalone diving
Question: My dad is handicapped and someone told him if he gets a license and abalone report card, he can then have someone else catch abalone for him and hand it to him either while he’s on a boat or once back on shore. Is this true? (Janet R., Sacramento)
Answer: Unfortunately, no. A person who is unable to take their own abalone cannot purchase an abalone report card and have someone else take abalone for them using their report card.
A person licensed to take abalone can give some of their own catch to your father as long as the abalone are tagged and recorded on the actual diver’s report card.
Taking control of coyote problems
Question: I live in Fullerton and am having coyote problems. A coyote recently killed my cat, and some other pets have also been killed and/or attacked.
Is it legal to kill a coyote in my neighborhood if I feel it is a viable threat at the time? I'm not seeking them out and not trying to hunt. I just don’t want to lose any more animals.
We want to comply with all laws but aren't getting anywhere talking to the local police department or the animal shelters or humane society.
I’ve never had a hunting license and my parents’ licenses are expired but can be renewed if need be. We have registered handguns, rifles and shotguns that are all legal. I just want to make sure we won’t get into trouble with the law.
What are our rights? (Christina, Fullerton)
Answer: Under Fish and Wildlife laws, coyotes are classified as non-game animals and may be taken throughout the year with a hunting license. The offending animals may also be taken if they cause property damage.
That being said, laws generally prohibit the discharge of any firearm or other weapon in urban areas. You may want to verify this with your local police or sheriff’s agency. Some communities have hired licensed trappers to remove nuisance coyotes.
Limpet regulations
Question: What are the true regulations for collecting limpets? From what I can gather from reading the regs, there is no size limit, the bag limit is 35, and they can only be collected by hand or by hook and line.
In Hawaii, it is common practice to use a butter knife to pry the limpets or "opihi" off the rocks, and this is the most effective method. Without a knife, it’s pretty much impossible.
Therefore, is it legal to use a knife to collect limpets? If not, can the regulations be changed so that limpets are an exception? I don't believe that regulation was made with limpets in mind. (Orion G., Santa Barbara)
Answer: You are correct. You may take up to 35 limpets year round and you are allowed to take them only on hook and line or with the hands (CCR Title 14, section 29.10(a)). If you think this regulation should be changed, you are encouraged to propose amendments to the Fish and Game Commission.
For a list of upcoming meetings or to contact them directly, please go to www.fgc.ca.gov/ .
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