Contacts
Harry Morse, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8962
Scott Barrow, DFG Fisheries Branch, (916) 445-7600
Adrianna Shea, Fish and Game Commission, (916) 508-5262

Ocean Salmon Season, Most Mammal Hunting Regulations Set by Fish and Game Commission
The Fish and Game Commission (FGC) today adopted ocean salmon sport fishing regulations that allow for a limited season in 2010. The inland salmon season regulations were adopted for the Klamath and Trinity rivers. The Central Valley regulations have been tabled until the FGC's next meeting on May 5.

The newly adopted ocean salmon sport fishing regulations conform to those adopted by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council last week. They are now available on the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp.

The FGC will also take action on a limited salmon sport fishing season for the Central Valley on May 5. DFG staff are currently reviewing the draft for potential impacts on listed winter run Chinook salmon, and examining whether additional angling opportunities are feasible. The proposed regulations would allow fisheries for Sacramento River fall run Chinook salmon. Once the review and revision is complete, DFG's proposed seasons and zones will be posted on the FGC Web site at www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2010/proposedregs10.asp#cv.

The FGC today also adopted the proposed 2010-2012 mammal hunting regulations, taking DFG's recommendation not to change existing bear hunting regulations at this time. DFG made this recommendation after it determined more time was needed to review comments, in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. A memo sent from DFG Director John McCamman to the FGC can be viewed at www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2010/265memo42010.pdf.

The FGC directed staff to schedule an agenda item to begin a new regulatory package for bear hunting regulations at their May 5 meeting.

The regulations approved today also increase elk hunting opportunities through the addition of new hunts, reduce deer harvest in Zone X1 and set in place regulations for mammal species for the upcoming seasons.