Recreation
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Wild pigs
Q: I live in Alameda County where wild pigs sometimes get onto my property and tear up my yard. If I see a pig actively destroying my property, do I need permission from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to shoot it?
A: Wild pigs can be a common challenge for residents who live near open land in the Bay Area and elsewhere throughout the state. During the dry season, pigs may work their way into residential areas to take advantage of food resources that have dried out where they usually feed.
California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 4181.1 allows for immediate take of any wild pig encountered damaging, destroying, or threatening to immediately damage or destroy land or other property, by the owner of the land, the property owner’s agent or employee, or by an agent or employee of any federal, state, county or city entity when acting in an official capacity.
Known as the “encounter provision,” it most commonly applies to chance circumstances or unexpected issues.
A person who takes a pig by encounter must report the take to CDFW no later than the next working day and must make the carcass available to department staff for inspection.
For individuals such as yourself who are aware of an ongoing issue, the most appropriate mechanism is the depredation permit process.
Depredation permits can be obtained through CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting System. With either depredation provision – encounter or permit – safe discharge of firearms and use of non-lead ammunition apply.
Additionally, these authorizations do not supersede local ordinances that may prohibit discharge of a firearm where you live, so be sure you do not run afoul of local law.
Airguns
Q: Are airguns included in the “archery only” spring turkey special seasons beginning in May? (Bill)
A: No. Airguns are not considered archery equipment and may not be used to hunt wild turkeys during the archery-only season. Section 354 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, describes what constitutes archery equipment, starting with the definition of a bow. CCR, Title 14, section 354(a), defines a bow as any device consisting of a flexible material having a string connecting its two ends and used to propel an arrow held in a firing position by hand only. Bows include long bows, recurve or compound bows (but not crossbows).
Wolverines
Q: I read about the elusive wolverine that scientists documented in the Truckee region of the Tahoe National Forest from 2008 to 2018. I’m not interested in hunting wolverines but I can’t find the law which says you can’t. Aren’t they non-game weasels, which would mean you can legally hunt them?
A: No. Wolverines are fully protected mammals as defined by section 4700 of the FGC. It is not legal to hunt them. Your confusion may stem from the taxonomy (scientific name) of a weasel family and genus, and CCR, Title 14, section 472(a). That section states, in part: “The following nongame birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6: English sparrow, starling, domestic pigeon (Columba livia), coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as furbearers, endangered or threatened species).”
Weasels and wolverines are in the same family Mustelidae, but wolverines are not in the weasel genus Mustela, so they do not meet the definition of “weasel” by this regulation.
Wolverines have a well-deserved ferocious reputation. But other than the lone wolverine recorded living north of Truckee, there have been no verified detections in California since the 1930s. Legal protection of the species is provided in FGC section 4700, which states “fully protected mammals or parts thereof may not be taken or possessed at any time.” That FGC section also states, “No provision of the code or any other law shall be construed to authorize the issuance of permits or licenses to take any fully protected mammal, and no permits or licenses heretofore issued shall have any force or effect for that purpose…”
In addition to being listed as threatened pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act, the wolverine is number nine of nine mammals on the fully protected mammal list in California: (1) Morro Bay kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis). (2) Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), except Nelson bighorn sheep (subspecies Ovis canadensis nelsoni) as provided by subdivision (b) of Section 4902. (3) Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). (4) Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi). (5) Ring-tailed cat (genus Bassariscus). (6) Pacific right whale (Eubalaena sieboldi). (7) Salt-marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris). (8) Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) and (9) Wolverine (Gulo luscus).
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
All calendar items are subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to adhere to all safety protocols including physical distancing, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
Wildlife areas, ecological reserves and other properties may be closed due to wildfire damage. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to check for closures before leaving on any recreational trip.
Various days — Nature Bowl 2021: Family Challenge Edition. Hosted by CDFW’s North Central Region, the 2021 Nature Bowl has been reformatted into a virtual nature challenge to all California families with school-age students. Spring is here, and it’s time for rejuvenation, emerging from winter hibernation and getting outside for a healthy dose of nature. Your challenge is to work together as a family to compete in five nature-themed activities – and possibly win cool nature-related prizes. Nature Bowl runs through May 14, 2021. For more information and materials, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/regions/2/nature-bowl or contact Genelle Treaster at
Various days — Nimbus Hatchery Virtual Tot Time, 10 to 10:30 a.m. May 3, 10, 17 and 24. The popular storytime program hosted by Nimbus Hatchery is back in a virtual format! Join us for nature-themed stories, songs, dancing and more! These free events are designed for ages 3-5. To register, click here. For more information, please contact Stephanie Ambrosia at
Various days — Vernal Pool Virtual Tours, 9 to 10 a.m. May 8 and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 19. Explore these crucial, incredible habitats with Yolo Basin Foundation staff and volunteers through a virtual experience at the vernal pools of Grasslands Regional Park. Discover how vernal pools are naturally created, how they can be restored and how they provide unique habitat. Zoom in more closely to view amazing wildflowers and small creatures that call the vernal pools home. For more information and to register for these free events, please visit yolobasin.org/virtualwetlandtours.
1 — Recreational Groundfish Season Opens for All Boat-based Anglers for the Northern and Mendocino Management Areas (Oregon-California State Line to Point Arena). Season opens for the following species: rockfish, cabezon, kelp and rock greenlings, lingcod, California scorpionfish (aka sculpin), leopard shark, soupfin shark and spiny dogfish, and other federally managed groundfish. For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/regulations/groundfish-summary.
1 — Recreational Pacific Halibut Fishery Opens (until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier). For more information, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/pacific-halibut.
1 — Virtual Tour of the Davis Wetlands, 10 to 11 a.m. Join Yolo Basin Foundation staff and docents to explore and learn about this managed, native California wetland ecosystem. Observe wildlife up close with our virtual spotting scope view! Registration is required to receive the Zoom event link. To register for this free event, please visit www.yolobasin.org/virtualwetlandtours.
3 — Archery Only Spring Wild Turkey and Additional Junior Spring Turkey Seasons Open (extending through May 16). For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
5 — Deadline for California Invasive Species Action Week Youth Art Contest. Students in grades 2-12 are invited to submit artwork on the theme, “Be an Invasive Species Detective!” All types of media are encouraged! Submit entries electronically by May 5, 2021. Find complete information at www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/invasives/action-week/poster-contest. Winners will be announced during California Invasive Species Action Week in June. Please send any questions to
5-9 — World Migratory Bird Week at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). Celebrate the diversity of birds migrating through Elkhorn Slough Reserve with an independent avian scavenger hunt, do-it-yourself crafts and an outdoor exhibit of bird artifacts. To find out more, please visit the event calendar at www.elkhornslough.org.
7 — International Migratory Bird Day Webinar, 10 to 10:45 a.m. What is the Pacific Flyway, and why is it key to the diversity of birds in California? Learn which migratory birds use the Pacific Flyway and how they move across the world in this free Zoom webinar hosted by Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center naturalists. To register, click here. For more information, please contact Stephanie Ambrosia at
8 — Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Tour, 8 to 11 a.m., 45211 County Road 32 B, Davis (95618). Yolo Basin Foundation offers monthly tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, October to June. These tours are appropriate for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts and birders! Due to current guidelines, tours are limited to 20 people. Every individual must be registered to participate. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.yolobasin.org/wetlands-tours/. There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult for tours. Donations support our wetlands education programs.
11 — California Fish and Game Commission Meeting, time to be determined. The meeting is to be held via webinar/teleconference due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov.
11 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources Committee Meeting, time to be determined. The meeting is to be held via webinar/teleconference due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. For more information, please visit fgc.ca.gov.
11 — Vernal Pool Speaker Series: Plants of the Vernal Pools, 7 p.m. Take a closer look at the beautiful and unique plant species that call vernal pools home! Many of the gorgeous flowers that encircle vernal pools are fully protected and a rare treat to see. Carol Witham, botanist and vernal pool expert, will discuss the biology of these plants, why they grow in vernal pools and how to protect and safely view them. To register for this free event, please visit www.yolobasin.org/grpspeakerseries.
14 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Lower American River Conservancy Program Proposal Solicitation Notice Closes. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. For more information, please visit www.wcb.ca.gov/programs/lower-american-river.
15 — Bat Talk and Walk Tickets On Sale. Did you know that an estimated 250,000 bats live under the Yolo Causeway during the summer? Yolo Basin Foundation hosts popular Bat Talk and Walk events where you can learn all about these amazing and beneficial animals and watch the “flyout” of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California! This summer, the talk portion will be held via Zoom and the walk portion will be an in-person event to view the flyout. As in past years, there will be a few special nights for CDFW employees and their families. More information and registration links will be available at yolobasin.org/bats2021.
15-16 and 19 — Teachers on the Estuary Workshop, Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (95076). This free hands-on estuarine science workshop focuses on developing inquiry-based lessons for middle and high school teachers. The 2021 TOTE Workshop focus will be climate change and blue carbon, and it will be held as two online learning sessions and one in-person field day at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. During the field day, all state COVID protection protocols will be practiced, including mask wearing, physical distancing and a capacity on group size. To learn more and to register, please visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/teachers-on-the-estuary-workshop-2.
20 — California Wildlife Conservation Board Meeting, 1 p.m., via Zoom or teleconference. Public comment will be accepted per the agenda. For more information, please visit www.wcb.ca.gov.
21 — Endangered Species Day Webinar, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Find out which endangered species call California home and what their future may look like in this free Zoom webinar presented by Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center naturalists. Learn about our native bees and discover what you can do to help them thrive! To register, click here. For more information, please contact Stephanie Ambrosia at
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The 2021 Pacific halibut quota for the California sport fishery is 39,260 pounds – approximately the same as the 2020 quota.
While the closing date of Nov. 15 is a new extension to the end of the season, the open dates are not guaranteed and the season could close early if it is determined that the quota has been taken.
In 2020, the season closed Aug. 11, when a very successful fishery resulted in the early attainment of the state’s limit.
Anglers participating in the Pacific halibut fishery and other recreational fisheries are reminded they may be met at fishing sites by CDFW staff collecting catch and fishing effort information. CDFW appreciates anglers’ cooperation and participation in these survey efforts.
In the case of Pacific halibut, staff will also be taking length measurements in a safe and physically distanced manner.
CDFW highly encourages all recreational anglers to assist with this length data collection effort, as the information will aid with quota tracking and in-season management.
State regulations for Pacific halibut automatically conform to federal regulations set by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service using the process described in the California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.95.
Federal regulations for Pacific halibut were published in the Federal Register (86 FR 20638) on April 21 and took effect immediately.
Anglers are always advised to check for updated information when planning a Pacific halibut fishing trip, as a season closure announcement could come at any time.
Other regulatory information, including bag/possession limits and gear restrictions, can be found on CDFW’s Pacific halibut webpage.
Public notification of any in-season change to regulations is made through the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline at 800-662-9825 or CDFW’s Groundfish and Pacific halibut Regulations Hotline at 831-649-2801.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Saturday, April 24, was opening night at Lakeport Speedway under the new management, Furia Motorsports.
The night featured the Bandoleros, Jammer, Limited Modifieds, Bombers and Jalopies.
The grandstands were operating at 33-percent capacity and it was great to see people back supporting the local racetrack.
In the Bandolero division, four brand new drivers made their debuts.
Jordan Ray in the No. 88 drove his way to win the heat race with his brother No. 15 Kai Lovell in second, No. 11 Courtney Portlock in third and No. 12 Travis Powers in fourth.
In the main event, No. 12 Travis Powers took home the win after a hard wreck in the heat race. No. 15 Kai Lovell finished second, with No. 88 Jordan Ray in third and No. 11 Courtney Portlock in fourth.
All four drivers did a great job for their first time racing at Lakeport Speedway.
In the Jammer division, No. 01 TJ Sorrels won the Jr Jammer heat race and main event. Danney Helm Sr. in the No. 20 took home the heat race with No. 23 Christian Sanchez in second, No. 22 Dave Rogers in third, No. D4 Donovan Arreguin in fourth and No. 7 Isaiah Rojas in fifth. No. 31 Theresa French was sixth.
In the trophy dash, No. 22 Dave Rogers took home the win with No. 20 Danney Helm Sr. in second, No. D4 Donovan Arreguin in third and No. 23 Christian Sanchez in fourth.
In the main event, No. D4 Donovan Arreguin drove from fifth to first in seven laps to take home the win in front of No. 7 Isaish Rojas in second, No. 5 Jeff French in third, No. 22 Dave Rogers in fourth and No. 23 Christian Sanchez rounded out the top five.
In the Limited Modified division, No. 62 JR Roy Ingalls Jr. took home the trophy dash win after battling hard with No. 22 TJ Buzzard for four laps. No. 15 Richard Knight was third and No. 37 Sierra Furia was fourth.
In the heat race, No. 17 Brandon Powers jump out front early with No. 22 TJ Buzzard battling him on the outside groove. No. 15 Richard Knight and No. 37 Sierra Furia followed behind Buzzard until Knight was able to get around Powers on the last lap.
Knight took home the win with No. 17 Brandon Powers in second, No. 37 Sierra Furia in third, No. 22 TJ Buzzard in fourth and No. 62 JR Roy Ingalls Jr. rounded out the top 5. No. 27S Robert Schmidt was sixth, and No. 51 Bo Robertson was seventh.
In the main event, the front row was No. 67 Loren Powers Jr and No. 15 Richard Knight. Knight jumped out early with Furia following behind. Knight and Furia battled for 15 laps until Furia was able to get by Knight.
Furia took the lead and Knight settled into second. TJ Buzzard finished third, No. 37S Robert Schmidt finished fourth and No. 62 JR Roy Ingalls Jr. finished fifth. No. 17 Brandon Powers was sixth, No. 51 Bo Robertson was seventh and No. 67 Loren Powers Jr. was eighth.
In the Bomber division, No. 79 Forrest Kuecker took home the win with No. 40 Charley Tour in second, No. 27 Loren Powers Jr. in third and No. 03 Wade Coleman in fourth.
In heat race 1, your front row was No. 63 David Jones and No. 96 Shelby Helm. Helm took the lead until lap three where there was a yellow for No. 01 Brenton Smith. Smith was towed to the pits with heavy damage.
At the restart, No. 79 Forrest Kuecker took over the lead with No. 27 Loren Powers Jr. following behind in second. Helm settled into third, with No. 63 David Jones in fourth, and No. 75B Audrey Portlock (B Bomber) in fifth. Smith did not get to finish the heat race.
In heat race 2, No. 77KC Kasey Horat and No. 12 Raymond Taylor Jr. were in the front row at the green flag. Taylor jumped to the lead until No. 03 Wade Coleman got around him to take over the lead. No. 40 Charley Tour raced with Coleman until lap nine when he was able to take
over the lead.
Tour took home the heat race win with No. 03 Wade Coleman in second, No. 02 Drew Smith in third, No. 12 Raymind Taylor Jr. in fourth and No. 77KC Kasey Horat in fifth.
In the main event, No. 96 Shelby Helm took the lead until lap 4 when No. 27 Loren Powers Jr. took over the lead. No. 79 Forrest Kuecker followed behind in second until No. 40 Charley Tour got by him on a mission to pass No. 27 Loren Powers.
On lap 28, Powers had a far ahead lead until he broke and had to be towed off. That gave Tour the opportunity to take over the lead with No. 02 Drew Smith taking over second, No. 79
Forrest Kuecker into third, No. 03 Wade Coleman in fourth, and No. 96 Shelby Helm in fifth.
There were only two laps left for Smith to make any move on Tour at the restart. Tour was able to hold off No. 02 Drew Smith to take home the win. No. 79 Forrest Kuecker was third, No. 03 Wade Coleman was fourth, and No. 96 Shelby Helm rounded out the top 5. No. 12 Raymond Taylor was sixth, No. 27 Loren Powers Jr. was seventh, No. 77KC Kasey Horat was eighth, No. 63 David Jones was ninth and No. 75B Audrey Portlock was 10th.
Audrrey Portlock was the B Bomber main event winner.
In the Jalopy division, No. 187 Chris Hunt took home the heat race win with No. 39 Jack Schleif in second, No. X2 Tia Everett in third, No. 96R Robert Portock in fourth and No. 55 Sorna Li in 5th.
In the main event, No. 96R Robert Portlock Jr. raced hard to take home the win with No. X2 Tia Everett in second, No. 187 Chris Hunt in third and No. 44 Sonra Li in fourth.
The next race is May 8 at Ukiah Speedway featuring the Limited Modifieds, Bombers, Jammers, Pro 4 Modifieds, Bandoleros and Open Modifieds.
The grandstands will be open at 33-percent capacity.
Ticket sales will be available online on the Ukiah Speedway website.
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