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http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine
Question: With this recent lawsuit halting trout stocking in so many
of the state's popular lakes and streams, realistically, how can we
now expect to find any quality fishing left anywhere? This situation
sounds very bleak for anglers. What is the DFG doing about this, and
what's the best we can now hope for? (Stephanie B.)
Answer: Despite the lawsuit, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
plans to stock at least 771 bodies of water with more than seven million
fish this next year! According to Staff Fisheries Biologist Jim Starr,
the current suspension in the stocking of hatchery-reared fish in other
waters is a court ordered interim measure that will result in DFG not
stocking approximately 20 percent (roughly 180 bodies of water) of the
waters normally scheduled for stocking in 2009. At DFG, we are aware of
the effect this will have on the communities that have come to depend on
our fish stocking programs and we don't want to minimize that effect.
DFG is working to identify waters that are currently on the non-stocking
list that may qualify to be stocked after further evaluation and
consultation with the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
An important point to remember is that just because DFG will not be
stocking hatchery-reared fish in a given body of water (which in most
cases is someone's favorite fishing hole), there will still be fish in
those waters waiting to latch onto an angler's lure or fly. Local
governments, concessionaires and water body managers that have or may
have had a Private Stocking Permit since 2005 to stock these lakes can
continue to do so, it's just that DFG is court ordered not to plant
any of our hatchery reared fish in that same body of water, if it is
deemed a non-stock water. And, as always, the time shared with family
and friends enjoying the outdoors will still be there ?Ķ not to mention
all of the tall tales that will be told about the big one that got away!
Stay tuned to DFG's Web site for regional information about where,
and how much stocking will continue throughout the state.
(Fishing photo available at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/2008/20081211.asp)
Question: I do a lot of hunting and fishing and especially after long
range fishing trips I realize I have more than I really need. Is it
possible for hunters and fishermen to donate surplus fish and/or game to
shelters and soup kitchens? (Jason K.)
Answer: Yes. Fish and wild game can be donated to these privately run
organizations (Fish & Game Code section 3080), however, several health
code sections govern how they must store and process uninspected meat.
Game is uninspected and generally must be stored and processed in
different facilities from the inspected meats and/or with different
implements. This added burden has caused many of the organizations to
stop accepting the donations. The best thing to do is to call around to
find out who accepts fish and/or wild game donations and find out what
they require to legally accept them as donations.
Question: I was out fishing last weekend, I had my fishing license on
my hat, my hat flew off my head and I couldn't get it or my license
back. I don't mind buying a new hat, but is there a way that I can get
a replacement license so that I won't have to buy a new license, too?
(Jared P., Vacaville)
Answer: You will be able to purchase a duplicate sportfishing license
($8.65 this year) if you have the yellow "Application for Duplicate
Fishing License" carbon copy that came with your original license. Show
this copy to most any license vendor as they will need the number of
your old license to transfer to a duplicate license to make it valid.
Without this original carbon copy to show as proof of purchase of your
license, you will have to pay full price for a new license.
Question: If I'm in the field upland bird hunting and a flock of
ducks/geese fly over head, am I allowed to take a shot on those birds
also? (Robert G.)
Answer: According to game warden Todd Tognazzini, if you are legally
hunting upland birds and it is waterfowl season you can shoot at
waterfowl if you are using and possessing only steel shot while hunting
and have the required state and federal waterfowl stamps affixed to your
license. The federal stamp must be signed across its face to be valid.
Question: I have been taking my 15-year-old son duck hunting. He is
licensed; I am not. Is it legal for me to use some of his duck calls as
a way to be more active in the hunt? (John K.)
Answer: Absolutely! It is perfectly legal for you to accompany your
son on his hunts and to participate as the caller, retriever, spotter,
decoy carrier or in whatever capacity you would like. As long as you are
not carrying a gun or ammunition and have no means to take (harvest) the
game, you are in good shape.
By the way, I applaud you for supporting and encouraging your son in
his duck hunting endeavors! Even though you won't be actually
"hunting" while with him, I'll bet that by your interest and
efforts to share in his hunt, you will enrich your son's hunting
experiences all the more.
Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question and answer column appears weekly at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA. While she cannot personally answer everyone's questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov .
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