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Recreation
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Join the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association on New Year’s Day at noon to participate in the seventh annual “First Day Hike” at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
America's State Parks’ “First Day Hikes” program offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year by getting outside, enjoying nature and welcoming the New Year with friends and family.
This family-friendly event begins on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at noon.
Members of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association will help lead and organize the walk.
Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. Children of all ages are welcome.
Because this area is a protected natural preserve, no dogs may be brought on this walk.
Hikers will experience grasslands, oak woodlands, willow and cottonwood riparian habitats and the tule marsh habitat of the Anderson Marsh Natural Preserve, and may encounter a variety of migrating and resident birds and other wildlife.
The hike will be a leisurely three and a half mile long loop over the Cache Creek Nature Trail, the Marsh Trail and the Ridge Trail, passing by a vernal pool near the end of the walk. The hike will take between two and two and a half hours.
Steady rain will cancel the walk. To confirm or check for cancellation information, call 707-995-2658, email
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
FORT BRAGG, Calif. – On Saturday, Dec. 21, the Clear Lake Cardinals wrestling team closed out its final tournament of the decade in glorious fashion.
Even with several of their top wrestlers out due to injury, illness or other reasons, the team pulled together, just as they have done all season and accomplished their goal: to bring home a Tournament Team Trophy.
The Cardinals sent 22 wrestlers – 17 boys and five girls – to compete at the Timberwolves Holiday Bash Invitational Wrestling Tournament.
As the 2019 Holiday Bash came to an end, the Cardinals team finished with 18 medals: eight firsts, three seconds, seven thirds and the first place team trophy, beating out teams like Middletown (second), Las Plumas (third) and Fort Bragg (fourth).
“Sadly we have to wait for our medals and trophy (due to holiday shipping issues), but no hardware comes close to the feeling of triumph and the roar for our Cards in the stands after being announced victorious! The last tournament victory by the Cardinals was my freshman year in 2011 so it’s nice to have our first win together. I see many more in this team’s future as we continue to raise our competitive standard,” said Head Coach Nathan Powers.
Gold medalists:
Boys: Asher Reese (113 lbs.) went 3-0 with two pins. Ayden Williamson (124 lbs.) was 3-0 with three pins. Hayden Fowler (138 lbs.) and Axel Alvarez (182 lbs.) each went 2-0 with one pin. Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.) and Raymond Gonzales-Shoaf (245 lbs.) were each 2-0 with two pins.
Girls: Keara Alonso-Lopez (101 lbs.) and Mavis Pyorre (118 lbs.) each went 2-0 with two pins.
Silver medalists:
Boys: Elijah Alvarez (140 lbs.) and Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) were each 1-1 with one pin.
Girls: Ashley Pyorre (wrestling in the 106 lbs. Boys bracket) went 2-1 with two pins.
Bronze medalists:
Boys: Hernan Romero (122 lbs.) went 2-1 with 1 pin. Drake Chesebro was at (245 lbs.). Mujtaba Akbari (120 lbs.), Mohammad Akbari (126 lbs.) and Nicholas Williamson (132 lbs.) each went 1-2 with one pin.
Girls: Tara Wong was at (101 lbs.) and Ximena Soto (118 lbs.).
Also battling hard for the Cardinals were Luis Aguilar, Isaac Vigil, Samuel Vanoven and Zachary Wilcox.
“We are excited to take some time to celebrate the Holiday season with our families as we gear up for our next tournament in the New Year,” Coach Powers said.
He added that 2019 has been great for the team and “2020 will be even better with all the hard work these young men and women have committed to.”
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
When can I use splashers and flappers for duck hunting?
Question: I'm fairly new to waterfowl hunting and had a quick question: When are decoy splashers, as well as decoys that flap (not spin), allowed? (Alejandro)
Answer: Welcome to the wonderful world of waterfowl hunting! There are few things in the outdoors as stirring as watching a wetland awaken at sunrise, something waterfowl hunters get to witness regularly with a front-row seat.
The California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 507(c) addresses motion decoys: "It is unlawful to use devices that are either electronically powered, or activated by anything other than natural wind, to directly or indirectly cause rotation of decoy wings or blades that simulate wings, when attempting to take waterfowl between the start of the season and Nov. 30."
As long as a decoy or device that has rotating wings, or blades that simulate wings, is not activated or powered by anything other than natural wind, it is legal to use throughout the entirety of the waterfowl season. Electrically powered decoys that swim, vibrate, splash, move their feet or otherwise churn the water to simulate a feeding or active duck are also legal throughout the season.
Generally, we feel that new waterfowl hunter will benefit the most from time invested in studying live ducks on the water, practicing calling and shooting rather than trying to acquire the latest and greatest motion decoys to hit the market.
While there are certainly times and places when motion decoys – both wind-powered and electric-powered – will improve hunting success, the most consistently successful duck hunters tend to be those who also are excellent callers, understand the nuances of decoy placement, are highly proficient shooters, well-concealed during their hunts and let the birds work close before taking a shot.
These are time-honored techniques and traditions that will enhance your waterfowling experience and overall success - motion decoys or not. We wish you the best on your journey.
Buying a report card after the catch?
Question: In Lake Cuyamaca, sturgeon are present, as are large channel catfish. One can buy licenses and report cards in the tackle shop, within a hundred yards of the nearest shoreline. If a sturgeon is caught incidentally to the take of catfish in the lake, would it have to be immediately released, or, upon incidental landing of a legal-size sturgeon, would it be legal to immediately purchase the required report card, and keep the fish? (Chris)
Answer: No. Any required report cards or tags must be purchased prior to taking fish or other wildlife. If you don't have a sturgeon report card in your possession, you can't fish for sturgeon, and an incidentally caught sturgeon must be immediately released.
The purpose of sturgeon report cards is to help fisheries biologists track catch (and lack thereof) throughout the season. Report cards information must be provided to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) at the end of the season, even if you didn't catch anything.
That information helps our biologists monitor the fishery by telling us where people are fishing, how much effort they're putting into fishing, how many fish were captured, released or retained, and the size and age distribution of fish caught within the legal slot limit (40-60 inches).
It's the same situation with hunting tags. Taking a deer or other big game animal without a valid tag – and then purchasing the tag after the fact – is illegal.
On another note, since you mentioned that you're fishing for catfish - remember there are gear restrictions for white sturgeon. They may be taken using only one single point, single shank, barbless hook on a line (CCR Title 14, section 5.80). If you're not using that for catfish, and you do decide to get a report card and target sturgeon, make sure to switch to the right gear.
Bobcat hunting?
Question: I've heard bobcat season was cancelled this year. I bought a tag. So, you're telling me I can't use it to hunt bobcats? (Shawn)
Answer: Bobcat season was not cancelled, but it is closing sooner than originally planned. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1254 (Kamlager-Dove, Chapter 766, Statutes of 2019), bobcat hunting will be prohibited in California beginning Jan. 1, 2020. The change was enacted through the legislative process, not the Fish and Game Commission.
All bobcat tags will expire on Dec. 31, 2019. Bobcat tag fees are not refundable. If you have a bobcat tag, you may still hunt bobcats until Dec. 31. They are also still available to purchase but understand the season will close Dec. 31. CDFW is working to notify hunters who have already purchased bobcat tags of the statutorily mandated change.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
YUBA CITY, Calif. – On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Clear Lake Cardinals headed out in the early hours of the morning, with 24 wrestlers – 19 boys and five girls – to compete at the Jensen Invitational Tournament.
With more than 30 teams attending there was some great competition, including a list of state qualifiers and masters placers in the girls' division.
At the end of the day, the Cardinals team finished with 20 wrestlers in the top six places and took home 15 medals: five firsts, two seconds, five thirds, three fourths, four fifths and one sixth.
Gold medalists:
Boys – Asher Reese (113 lbs.) was 3-0. Nicholas Williamson (132 lbs.) went 3-0 with three pins. Liam Davis (145 lbs.) was 3-0 with one pin and Christopher Krack (220 lbs.) went 2-0 with two pins.
“Asher was flawless, Nick has superhuman strength, Liam wrestled smart technical matches and Chris imposed his will and would not be denied his victory,” said Head Coach Nathan Powers.
Girls – Mavis Pyorre (121 lbs.) went 3-0 with two pins and a tech fall. Mavis took down and pinned the No. 1 seed and a top Sac Joaquin Section wrestler during her finals match in the first round.
“She looked really good, especially for her first time back on the mat, since the 2017 NCS Girls Championships,” where she placed sixth her freshman year, said Coach Chris Clarkin.
“I love her relentless pressure she applies to her opponents,” said her dad, Rick Pyorre.
Silver medalists:
Boys – Mohammad Akbari (126 lbs.) was 1-1 with one pin. “He is really building his skillset and has become a dangerous competitor,” said Coach Powers.
Girls – Ashley Vasquez-Higuera (189 lbs.) went 1-1 with one pin. “Ashley just back after a year off, due to a car accident, looks to be a contender at NCS this year, she is strong,” said Coach Clarkin.
Bronze medalists:
Boys – Ayden Williamson (126 lbs.) was 3-1 with three pins. Hayden Fowler (138 lbs.) went 3-1 with two pins and a tech fall. Elijah Alvarez (145 lbs.) went 3-1 with one pin and Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) was 2-1 with two pins.
“Ayden’s speed is like Sonic Hedge Hog, Hayden is gaining control of his matches, Elijah’s mat awareness is peaking and Dominic showed his resilience coming back to beat an opponent he previously lost to,” said Coach Powers.
Girls – Ashley Pyorre (108 lbs.) went 3-1 with three pins; her only loss was to one of last year’s high school state qualifiers and this tournaments weight class champion.
“She can beat her, she just got caught,” said Coach Tyler Hayes.
“Ashley’s focus and intensity is matched by none and is hands down the hardest worker on the team,” said Coach Powers.
Fourth place medalists:
Boys – Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.) went 2- 2 with two pins.
“Anthony came out and showed a lot of promise in his first High School tournament,” Coach Powers said.
Girls –Tara Wong (101 lbs.) and Ximena Soto (121 lbs.) was 1-2.
“The girls really came through, as they all the medaled in the tournament. Tara and Ximena continue to improve their wrestling skills,” said Coach Powers.
Fifth place medalists:
Boys – Nathan Pyorre (106 lbs.) went 2-2 with one pin. In an exciting final match, Pyorre came back to regain the lead in the final seconds with a reversal and near fall points to win the match.
“He just showed everyone, why you never stop,” said Hayes.
“That was the stubborn Fin coming out,” said dad Rick Pyorre.
“I love his attitude!” said Coach Powers.
Raymond Gonzales-Shoaf (245 lbs.) was 2-2 with two pins.
“Raymond was dynamic and explosive in his last match of the tournament,” said Coach Powers.
Mujtaba Akbari (120 lbs.) went 1-2 and Luis Aguilar was at (115 lbs.).
“Mushi continues to battle tough through his matches and Luis is always willing to learn and try to eliminate his mistakes,” said Coach Powers.
Sixth place medalist:
Boys – Vicente Ortega (145 lbs.) went 1-3.
Head Coach Nathan Powers said, “Vicente continues to keep bringing his game up a notch,” said Coach Powers.
Also wrestling some hard-fought battles for the Cardinals were: Isaac Vigil (120 lbs.), Samuel Vanoven (134 lbs.), Zachary Wilcox (140 lbs.) and Drake Chesebro (245 lbs.).
“They all fought hard and battled to the end of each and every match! I am so proud of how they all leave everything on the mat and give it all their heart and soul,” Powers said.
