Recreation
Question: What are the differences between baiting and attractants? I know baiting is illegal but was curious about attractants. What qualifies something as an attractant? Can you please define and differentiate? (Josh L.)
Answer: There is no difference … bait is an attractant and an attractant is bait. No specific definition is provided in Fish and Game laws for these terms, but the definition of “baited area” in the California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 257.5 is helpful.
It states in part: “Resident game birds and mammals may not be taken within 400 yards of any baited area. (a) . . . 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 . . . “
Under this regulation, the use of any substance (real or artificial) that is capable of attracting an animal to an area and when used causes the animal to feed (on the substance) 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.
In addition, intentional acts that disrupt any birds’ or mammals’ normal behavior patterns (CCR Title 14, section 251.1) as well as feeding big game mammals (CCR Title 14, section 251.3) are prohibited.
For the complete regulations, please go to http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/ to find the California Mammal Hunting Regulations for 2012-2013.
Casting nets for catching own bait
Question: I want to use a net to cast and catch my own bait rather than continue to buy bait at the stores. Is it legal to do so?
I do most of my fishing in lakes and I see shads and minnows I would like to catch. I can't seem to find any information on the Web site that relates to catching your own bait and if you could what are the sizes of the nets that I can use. Any information or alternatives in regard to this would really help. (Khanh Vu)
Answer: Unfortunately, the device you describe (commonly called a throw net, casting net or Hawaiian throw net) is not legal to use in freshwater.
Approved baitfish may be taken only by hand, with a dip net, or with traps not over three feet in greatest dimension (CCR Title 14, section 4.05.
In addition, possession of these nets in inland waters or within 100 yards of any canal, river, stream, lake or reservoir is a violation of state law (CCR Title 14, section 2.09).
Where does inland end and ocean begin?
Question: I would like to fish with two rods in the Delta but don’t know whether the regulations are in the freshwater books or in the ocean books. Is the Delta part of the ocean regulations or is it considered inland waters? Where does it change from ocean to inland if considered inland? (Brian S., Felton)
Answer: You can legally fish in the waters of the Delta with a second rod stamp. Inland regulations apply from upstream of the Delta to Carquinez Bridge.
The definition of inland waters vs ocean waters is, “Inland waters are all the fresh, brackish and inland saline waters of the state, including lagoons and tidewaters upstream from the mouths of coastal rivers and streams. Inland waters exclude the waters of San Francisco and San Pablo bays downstream from the Carquinez Bridge, the tidal portions of rivers and streams flowing into San Francisco and San Pablo bays, and the waters of Elkhorn Slough …” (CCR Title 14, section 1.53).
Hunting with a 30-30 but dispatching with a .22
Question: If I hunt deer with a 30-30 cal, can I carry a .22 pistol at the same time (not to shoot deer)? And if I wound a deer with the 30-30 cal, can I kill the wounded deer with the .22 cal? (John D., Ramona)
Answer: Yes, it is legal to carry a .22 caliber rimfire pistol while taking deer during an open rifle season. No, you may not kill a wounded deer with any rimfire cartridge (see CCR Title 14, section 353). If hunting in Condor Country, remember that your pistol ammunition must also be lead-free.
Non-lead bullets for squirrels in condor country?
Question: If I am a land owner or a land owner’s agent engaged in squirrel depredation in the condor area, do I have to use non-lead bullets? (John B.)
Answer: Yes, even if you are using rimfire ammunition to shoot nongame mammals, the use of projectiles containing lead is prohibited in the condor range. (CCR Title 14, sections 355 and 475.)
Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at
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- Written by: Carrie Wilson
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Two large fires this year have affected popular recreation, wilderness and hunting areas on the Mendocino National Forest.
For both public and firefighter safety, the Forest continues to have two closure orders in place, restricting access to both the North Pass and Mill Fire areas.
The forest is working hard to keep the latest road and area closure information current on the forest website, Inciweb ( www.inciweb.org ) and Twitter (@Mendocinonf).
The Mill Fire closure order number is 08-12-09. The latest closure for the North Pass Fire is order 08-12-15. Maps of both closure areas, along with the associated closure order, can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino . Click on alerts and notices in the left column, then scroll down to the “Closures” heading.
Closures can change daily, and hunters should periodically check the website or call the Forest for the most current updates. Forest officials are hesitant to make promises about when the fire closure orders will be rescinded.
“Fire suppression activities are affected by numerous factors, and even after the fire is contained it may not be safe for the public to enter the area due to active fire and snags,” said Mendocino National Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune. “We will open the areas when we are confident that the conditions in the area are no longer a threat and the resources have sufficiently stabilized.”
The North Pass Fire area, burning in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness and south to the FH7 (Mendocino Pass Road) has been a concern for hunters wanting to access areas they have gone to for generations.
There are numerous concerns for forest managers trying to maintain firefighter and public safety, beyond fire activity and standing dead trees and snags that can fall with little notice.
This includes continued fire activity, including suppression and repair activities, involving travel on narrow mountain roads.
There are still hundreds of firefighters traveling on forest roads and working in remote areas. With deer hunting rifle season starting this weekend, the concern extends to the visibility of the many firefighters working in this remote area.
Even though the North Pass Fire is approaching containment and the smoke has become less noticeable, the fire is still not controlled. There will still be fire and hot spots in the area until the winter rains and snow come.
Until the fire is controlled, there are many dangers in the fire area, including burning stump holes, which aren’t readily visible, slippery conditions in areas covered in ash and burned needles, and weakened trees that can fall suddenly and without warning.
As a reminder, for those recreating in open areas of the forest this fall:
- Be aware of current conditions before heading to the forest, including closure orders, alerts, notices and current weather.
- Be prepared for changing conditions, including the appropriate gear and layered clothing. Especially in the mountain, weather conditions can change rapidly from hot and sunny to cold and wet.
- Let someone know when you are leaving, where you are going and when you will be back.
- If camping in the open forest, select a level campsite away from dead trees or possible rolling debris. Remember to look up to identify potential hazards.
- Flash flooding and mud flows may be common in areas without vegetation.
The forest is in fire restrictions until there are drenching rains. Please call 530-934-3316 for current information.
Visitors are reminded to stay on authorized roads. Forest maps, including Yolla Bolly and Snow Mountain Wilderness maps, can be purchased at Forest offices. The latest Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also currently available free of charge at Mendocino National Forest offices.
“We want the hunters to have a safe season and for other visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience on the Forest as the summer recreation season draws to a close,” Tune said. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping us safely conclude our fire season by respecting and abiding by the current forest closures.”
For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316, or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .
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