Rhode, Hancock win skeet golds

Except for brief -- almost mandatory -- coverage of two U.S. Olympic shooters -- Kim Rhode and Vincent Hancock who won gold medals in skeet and set a pile of Olympia records in the process, the television and national print media has been dismal. The sad part is that the way the shooting sports are staged today, they are tailor-made for television coverage. The 10-meter air rifle final was breath-taking. The 10-shot final is digitally scored in fractions of a point, so a perfect 11-point, center target hit is now possible, scores are flashed instantly on the scoreboard so everyone can see the shot and how the point total is changing. The two shooters who ended up winning the gold and silver medals traded the lead back and forth, and it looked like one was pulling ahead by the middle of the round, but then the other shot a pair of 10.8 shots a row, taking the lead back, swinging the tables the other direction. But then on his ninth shot, he had a dismal 9.4-point scoring shot, probably the worst of his entire match. He ended up losing by .6 points.

Here is a summary of how US shooters have been faring and some notes. There are also links to the direct scoring page on the Olympic site.

US OLYMPIC SHOOTING RESULTS

Saturday’s Events
10 Meter Women’s Air Rifle
US shooters Jamie Lynn Gray and Sarah Scherer made the finals of the 10-meter Women’s Air Rifle event on Saturday, finishing in 5th and 7th respectively with scores of 499.7 and 499.0 of a possible 510 points, including the digitally-scored final 10-shot string. Siling Yi of China won the gold with a score of 502.9.

10 Meter Men’s Air Pistol
US shooters did not make the final round of eight in the 10-meter Men’s Air Pistol event, but Daryl Szarenski finished in 23rd (575 points of a possible 600) and Jason Turner was 34th (569).

Final results for Saturday’s events are here:
http://www.london2012.com/shooting/schedule-and-results/day=28-july/index.html

Sunday’s Events
Women’s Skeet
US shooter Kim Rhode made Olympic history Sunday becoming the first Olympian in history to win medals in five consecutive Games when she won the gold medal in Women’s Skeet, setting an Olympic record and tying the world record by breaking 99 of 100 targets in the event. She won the gold by eight targets, with her nearest competitor only breaking a 91. Rhode had a 74 in the preliminary round (four targets ahead of her nearest competitor), and shot a perfect 25 in the final round of skeet.

10 Meter Women’s Air Pistol
US shooters did not make the final round of eight in the 10-meter Women’s Air Pistol event. Sandra Uptagrafft finished 28th with a score of 378 (of a possible 400) points.

Final results for Sunday’s events are here:
http://www.london2012.com/shooting/schedule-and-results/day=29-july/index.html

Monday’s Events
10 Meter Men’s Air Rifle
Top US shooters were Jonathan Hall at 592 and Matt Emmons at 590, good for 27th and 35th respectively.
In an ignored but made-for-TV event, the final shoot-off round was a nail-biter between Romanian Alin George Moldoveanu and Italy’s Niccolo Campriani. The pair traded the lead back and forth through the 10-shot final, with Campriani shooting two 10.8s in a row on his sixth and seventh shots to take the lead, but then his ninth shot registered a low 9.4-score dropping him below Moldoveanu. It was Campriani’s worst shot of his final round. Moldoveanu’s lowest scoring shot in the final round was a 9.9, and he ended up winning the gold by just .6 points with a total of 702.1 vs. Campriani’s 701.5. Both entered the final round with 599s.

Men’s Skeet (Preliminary Round)
US Shooter Vincent Hancock broke 123 targets in the preliminary round of Men’s Skeet, a new Olympic record. Frank Thompson finished the preliminary round with a 119, one target from making the final round.

Final results for Monday’s events are here:
http://www.london2012.com/shooting/schedule-and-results/day=30-july/all-day.html

Tuesday’s Events
Men’s Skeet (Final Round)
US Shooter Vincent Hancock followed in Kim Rhode’s footsteps and was perfect in the final 25-target round of Men’s Skeet to win the gold medal with a final score of 148 of 150 targets, a new Olympic record. Anders Golding of Denmark won the silver with a 146 total, breaking 24 in the final. The bronze was decided in a sudden-death shootoff between Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiya and Russia’s Valeriy Shomin who both finished the final round with 144s. Shomin missed his sixth target, but Al-Attiya broke his to claim the bronze.

Final results for Tuesday’s events are here:
http://www.london2012.com/shooting/schedule-and-results/day=31-july/index.html

Kim Rhode, a Southern California girl who builds muscle cars and collects rare first-edition children's books, won Olympic gold in Women's skeet today (Aug. 29) in the 2012 Olympics in London. She becomes the first athlete in history to medal in five consecutive Olympic games.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/kimberly-rhode-1st-american-medal-5-straight-olympics-133916141--oly.html

By JIM MATTHEWS

www.OutdoorNewsService.com

The Humane Society of the United States, an organization that does little to nothing for animal shelters, but sues, badgers and lobbies politicians and businesses into adopting its radical animals rights agenda, is getting a taste of its own medicine.

In a little-reported ruling by a judge in the District of Columbia earlier this month, the HSUS is going to court to face charges under RICO statues on racketeering, obstruction of justice, malicious prosecution and other charges for a lawsuit it brought and lost against Ringling Brothers Circus’ parent company Feld Entertainment, Inc.

After winning the case alleging mistreatment of elephants in its circuses brought by Friends of Animals (later merged into HSUS), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), lawyers at Feld filed a countersuit with a litany of charges ranging from bribery to money laundering to racketeering. The attorneys for the animal rights groups asked the judge to dismiss all charges, but most stuck because the evidence was overwhelming. So in early August, HSUS will be facing the music in a case that should attract the attention of hunters, ranchers and farmers, and anyone impacted by HSUS radical animal rights agenda.

While district judge Emmet G. Sullivan did dismiss allegations of mail and wire fraud, but he only did so because Feld didn’t have standing to file this charge. His ruling all but set the stage for a class-action RICO lawsuit against HSUS for misrepresenting itself in its fundraising campaigns across the nation. This future lawsuit could easily bankrupt HSUS and put it out of business – and send some of its top executives to prison.

For the first time, a group has fought back against the animal rights and environmental extremists who have been setting policy in this country for the past 20 years or more. Now, instead of getting rich off their lawsuits and fund-raising schemes that misrepresent their efforts and accomplishments, they could be driven out of business when they start getting larger doses of their own medicine. These animal rights groups have cost the farming and ranching industry jobs and raised the price of products we all buy every day. They are behind the efforts to ban sport hunting across the nation. They have forced state wildlife and fishery agencies to waste countless millions of dollars on lawsuits, and they have spearheaded policies and legislation like the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which has ruined livelihoods in recreational and commercial fishing without helping marine resources.

These groups operate with surly arrogance, and they believe they are above the law. Thankfully, that is not the case. Stay tuned. I'm sure there will be more to talk about in the near future….

RATTLESNAKE TRAINING FOR DOGS: Over 25 years ago, I did a newspaper story about a local, young taxidermist who created incredible, museum-quality mounts of gamebirds. Web Parton was an avid bird hunter and even then was training his own bird dogs. He stuck with it. A few years ago, I picked up a copy of a comprehensive book he wrote on where to hunt birds in Arizona, where he had relocated. Then we met again on a quail hunt where I had the pleasure of watching his bird dogs work Gambel’s quail. He’s one of those rare people who has an artistic gift when it comes to animals and nature, a true whisperer.
Parton is coming back to California, not permanently, but to give a series of rattlesnake training sessions for hunting dogs. His sessions are unique because he doesn’t use caged or mouth-taped snakes, but rattlesnakes that have been defanged. The lessons take up to an hour for each dog because he makes sure the dog knows how the snake looks, sounds, and smells, and he involves the owner so they can learn their dog’s reactions.
The dogs become rattlesnake sentinels that alert their owners when a snake is even in the vicinity by their behavior after this training, and he’s never had a dog bitten after the training.
The sessions will be held August 17, 19, and 20 (Friday, Sunday, and Monday) at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises in Corona, and on August 23, 24, and 26 (Thursday, Friday, and Sunday) at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga.  For more information or to reserve a spot, you can contact Web Parton at 520-465-3460 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . His web site is www.snakesafe.com.

STATE PARKS HIDES $54 MILLION: A huge corruption scandal has engulfed the State Parks Department after it was discovered the agency didn’t report $54 million in two of its primary funding accounts over the past several years. There was also an employee vacation buyout program that cost the state $271,000 last year. The Sacramento Bee has been investigating this story, and on Friday the director of parks, Ruth Coleman, resigned.  The deputy director, Manuel Thomas Lopez, who was responsible for the vacation buyout program was demoted last year and then resigned in May.
The parks department had targeted 70 parks for closure because of lack of funds. Most remained open when non-profits and local governments stepped forward to run the facilities.
But there’s even worse news. The state legislature will now decide how best to spend the “found” money, which is like giving stolen money to heads of the theft ring.

BIRD HUNTING SEMINARS: With dove hunting season just a little over a month away (with a Sept. 1 opening day), I will be doing a series of public land hunting seminars over the coming weeks. The first is a session designed for beginning or new California hunters to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga that will cover doves, quail and chukar hunting. The next are a pair of dove-specific dove hunting sessions. The first will be at the San Marcos Turner’s Outdoorsman store from 10 a.m. to noon, August 4, with the second set for 10 a.m. to noon , August 11, at the Fountain Valley Turner’s.
All seminars are $50 per family with pre-registration required because of limited seating. The fee includes a two-issue trial subscription to my where-to-go bird hunting scouting report called Western Birds. For more information or to sign up, call 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com.

END

OUTDOOR CALENDAR for 26jul12

JULY 28 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28-29 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 6-7. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 4 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, San Marcos. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 4 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL LANCASTER FUND-RAISER: The Lancaster Chapter will be having its annual Bucks N’ Ducks fundraising dinner beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 240 E. Avenue K, Lancaster. Cost is $50 per person, $25 per junior (17 and under) and $25 per life member or spouse. For more information contact, Robert Neaman at 661-943-8844 or Rodney Torres at 209-769-1088, or at www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 4-5 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 10 HIGH DESERT FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The High Desert Chapter of the Friends of the NRA will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10 at the Hilton Garden Inn conference center, 12603 Mariposa Rd., Victorville. Cost is $55 per person or $100 a couple. For more information, call Kelly Bergstrom at 760-949-8865 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For a flyer or information about other FNRA events in California, go to www.friendsofnra.org/ca.
AUGUST 11 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Fountain Valley. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 11 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL VISTA FUND-RAISER: The Vista Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Vista Elk’s Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista. Cost is $50 per person, $75 per couple, and $35 per sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact Steve Fettes at 760-450-5965 or Tim Davanis at 916-335-9604 or go to www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 11 TEHACHAPI FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Tehachapi Chapter of the Friends of the NRA will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Benz Headquarters,
1401 Goodrich Dr., Tehachapi. Dinner tickets are $40 per person or $80 per couple. For more information, call Bob Naumann at 661-821-5233 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For a flyer or information about other FNRA events in California, go to www.friendsofnra.org/ca.
AUGUST 11 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 11 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 17, 19, 20 RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING FOR DOGS: Web Parton, an Arizona dog trainer and hunting guide, is bringing his SnakeSafe Training to Southern California for a series of classes to teach dogs rattlesnake avoidance. The sessions cost $100 per dog and reservations must be made in advance. Sessions are being scheduled mornings and evenings on Friday, Aug. 17, Sunday, Aug. 19, and Monday, Aug. 20 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, 14995 River Road, Corona. For information or to schedule a session, contact Web Parton at 520-465-3460 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The web site is www.snakesafe.com.
AUGUST 18 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Reseda. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 18 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 18-19 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18-19 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa show will be November 24-25. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 19 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, August 19, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 23, 24, 26 RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING FOR DOGS: Web Parton, an Arizona dog trainer and hunting guide, is bringing his SnakeSafe Training to Southern California for a series of classes to teach dogs rattlesnake avoidance. The sessions cost $100 per dog and reservations must be made in advance. Sessions are being scheduled mornings and evenings on Thursday, Aug. 23, Friday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 26 at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. For information or to schedule a session, contact Web Parton at 520-465-3460 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The web site is www.snakesafe.com.
AUGUST 23 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 7 p.m. Thursday, August 23, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2012 class dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 25 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 25, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25 SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Southwest Riverside County Chapter of the Friends of the NRA will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Temecula Creek In’s Kiva Ballroom, 44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd, Temecula. Cost is $80 per person. For more information call Mike Davis at 714-368-0451 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For a flyer or information about other FNRA events in California, go to www.friendsofnra.org/ca.
AUGUST 25-26 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next date for the Bakersfield gun show is Nov. 17-18. For information, call 805-481-6726 or go to www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
AUGUST 31 IMPERIAL VALLEY DOVE DINNER FOR CWA: The California Waterfowl Association will have its annual Imperial Valley Dove Dinner fund-raiser beginning 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 at 275 Marjorie Avenue, Brawley, CA. Cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Brad Luckey at 760-791-2175, Hollis Daker at 909-615-6329, or Rich Sheffield at 760-791-0905, or go to www.calwaterfowl.org.
SEPTEMBER 8 RAAHAUGE’S FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises Chapter of the Friends of the NRA will be having its annual fund-raising sporting clays fun shoot and dinner banquet beginning 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at the range on 14995 River Road, Corona. Cost is $75 per person for dinner with the clays event an additional $25. For more information or to order dinner tickets, contact Mike Davis at 714-368-0451 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For general event information, contact Steve Gomez at 909-560-6000 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All Friends of the NRA events in Califonria and ticket ordering is available on line at www.friendsofnra.org/ca.
SEPTEMBER 13-16: 2012 FFF FLY FISHING FAIRE: The Southwest Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers will have its 2012 Fly Fishing Faire Sept. 13-16 at the Mammoth Lakes campus of Cerro Coso Community College. The event is a how-to, where-to-go fly-fishing cornucopia of seminars, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction. Show hours are 2-5 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 per person (kids 16 and under free), valid for all four days. Information at southwestcouncilfff.org/faire. On-line registration at www.regonline.com/flyfishingfaire.
SEPTEMBER 29-30 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun show will be Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
OCTOBER 6-7 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. Dates for the 2013 shows have not been set yet. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

CALENDAR RESOURCES
For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION (SOUTHERN CALIF0RNIA CHAPTER): The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association meets 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Glenn Tessers at 310-429-5222.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at its clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CONEJO VALLEY BASS CLUB: The Conejo Valley Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, Thousand Oaks. Events are the third Saturday. Contact Kevin Gelsinger at 818-951-1630.
DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
GOLDEN STATE FLYCASTERS: The Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 meets 6 to 9 p.m. Monday before the third Thursday of each month at Tio Leo’s Restaurant, Del Mar. Information at www.goldenstateflycasters.org.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Information at hidesertflyfishers.com/wordpressblog/.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (High Desert Chapter): The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Road, Victorville. Contact Karen Shackleford at 760-887-1092.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County usually meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Central Ave., Huntington Beach. 2011 schedule of meetings: Jan., Feb., Mar., first Wednesday of month, other months first Tuesday. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION: The Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation meeting the third Thursday of every month beginning 7:30 p.m. at the Oaktree Gun Club. Contact Derek Fong at 661-297-0876 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.scvquwf.com.
QUAIL FOREVER (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Forever meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Trap tune-up shoots are the first Sunday of each month beginning 9 a.m., also at Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Phil Garo at 760-241-9011 or go to the web site at www.highdesertquailforever.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL UNLIMITED (VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER): The Ventura County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Smogie’s Smog Shop, 3940 Market St., Ventura. Contact Till Tocci at 805-659-2226 or 805-981-3426 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Jeff Simonides at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Prough at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]
END

MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The Lake Perris bluegill and redear bite just won’t go away. Limit-style fishing is still the word here with float-tube, boat, and even shore anglers getting a lot of nice panfish to 1 1/2 pounds at east end of the island, off Bernasconi Beach, the tire reef, and the Rock Climber’s Cove area. The best bite has been on red worms, but small jigs or trout plastics, wax worms, or crickets are also getting fish. For an update on the bite check with the marina staff at 951-657-2179.

2. It was a battle for the number two spot between Hesperia Lake or Lake Elsinore for the best catfish action. But Hesperia Lake remains in the No. 2 spot again this week for its consistent limit-style fishing. The best action is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and some catfish are pigs, with fish topping 14 pounds this past week. The bite has been good on any cut bait doused with Love Sauce. You don’t need a state fishing license here, either. For an update on this bite call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.

3. Fly-fishermen take note: Crowley Lake is off the charts. The trout have all stacked up in the inlets and bays with fresh water inflows and are just hammering the midge larvae and damsel patterns. The bite is better this year than it has been in several seasons, perhaps ever. Lots of quality two to four-pound rainbows, along with a few bigger cutthroats and browns. For an update on this fishing, call The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517 or the Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760-935-4301.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The upper Kern River has been excellent above Lake Isabella and it’s a top pick. The trout bite throughout the Eastern Sierra region remains excellent and most high elevation waters are open and have good action. Top picks in a region filled with good fishing would be Crowley Lake, which is wide open for fly anglers, and Bridgeport Reservoir is just a notch behind. The Virginia Lakes are also excellent. The entire Bishop Creek drainage is also a very good bet, especially South Lake. In urban Southern California plants have ended most places and the bites have gone in the tank quickly. Top bet is Jess Ranch in Apple Valley (which is continuing to get weekly plants), but it has been just fair. In the local mountains, Big Bear Lake remains fair in the main body of the lake and deep-water shorelines along the north shore with the fish sounding with warm weather. Jenks Lake and Gregory both have been pretty fair. Lake Hemet and Lake Cuyamaca have also been producing limits on pan-sized trout and a new lake record at over 15 pounds came from Cuyamaca.

BLACK BASS: The bass action remains good most places on plastics, reaction baits, and swim baits. The surface frog bite is good most places, too. Top bets include Diamond Valley, Skinner, Casitas, Perris, Castaic, Piru, and the whole lower Colorado River. Cachuma and Santa Margarita, and even the higher elevation waters like Piru, Pyramid, and Silverwood are also good. Irvine remains a sleeper pick.

STRIPED BASS: On the Colorado River, the only striper bite of note is the action on big fish to 30-plus pounds this week at Willow Beach. The action went in the tank from Bullhead south through Lake Havasu (with most anglers blaming rains that made the river a little off color). The California aqueduct near Taft is slow, so the best bet for volume catches of two to five-pound fish is Castaic, Diamond Valley, Silverwood, Skinner, or Pyramid -- in about that order. Silverwood is also pretty decent on smaller fish. Elsewhere, the striper bites all are very spotty right now, and no place is producing any quality fish. An exception to this is the striper bite at San Antonio on the Central Coast where there striper action has really taken off on four to eight-pound fish and there were fish to 12 pounds reported this week. The wiper bite at Lake Elsinore is slow.

PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites continue to be hot in a lot of places. Top bets for nice stringers are Lake Perris, Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner, Otay, and Hodges. The crappie bites have pretty much tanked in the region, with only a few fish showing at Henshaw, Cachuma, and Sutherland. Piru might just be the best bet. A few quality fish are also showing at Isabella, but this bite is tough. The Salton Sea tilapia bite is fair, but the average size has declined. Mornings have been best bet because of the heat.

CATFISH: The flathead catfish bite on the Colorado River is good. Lots of eight to 15-pound fish and cats to 30 pounds are being reported each week now in the lower river from Havasu south. The channel cats are also on a pretty good bite. Outside of the river, Hesperia Lake, Anaheim Lake, Irvine lake, and Corona Lake are the top bets for planted fish (all are planting regularly), and Elsinore is really good to excellent for wild fish to 10 pounds or more.

For our complete fishing report, including the water-by-water reports and our saltwater update, please go to our new partners at FISHHOUND at this direct link:

http://www.fishhound.com/pro/directory/user/ONS---Fishhound-Pro-Staff-%28Outdoor-News-Service%29

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By JIM MATTHEWS

www.OutdoorNewsService.com

The Cleveland National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management are moving ahead with plans to attempt to eradicate wild hogs on public lands in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties. The comment period on the joint Environmental Assessment (EA) ended Thursday this week, and it has drawn outrage from hunters and anyone concerned about fiscal responsibility within government agencies.

While the document never talks about the initial or long-term cost of the project, Greg Cheatham with HuntWildPig.com has conservatively estimated it would exceed $100 million over five years with massive public closures in the affected areas.

The entire budget for the Cleveland is around $7 million each year.

“After reading the plan, I feel that this would be a futile act, and a waste of taxpayer’s dollars to put in action,” said Cheatham in his letter to the Forest Service.

Cheatham is diplomatic. It’s simply moronic and unnecessary.

The EA tries to make wild hogs out as a massive destroyer of the Cleveland National Forest’s pristine resources, but the only documentation of verified damage is on a couple of pre-historic archeological sites, which could be fenced for a few hundred dollars, far less money than this massive and expensive air and ground assault on the relative small population of wild hogs in the region would cost.

I get frustrated with EAs that have no evidence of damage, only speculation. It says wild pigs “are” competing with native species, but offers no scientific proof of this. It lists several T&E species and says “irretrievable and irreversible harm may occur” to these species, but offers no evidence this has happened or the likely scenario how wild hogs could impact each species. It doesn’t offer examples from other forests in California with the same or similar species and how wild hogs there have impacted them. Why? Because the wild hog damage on public lands where public hunting is allowed has been minimal in California. It is insignificant at worst and could be argued to be non-existant.

The EA goes on to suggest pig wallowing “may be” detrimental to water quality in watersheds used by San Diego City for drinking water, but the photo “documentation” shows two wild hogs drinking in a pristine stream, not any actual damage.

Other photos that show “damage” illustrate how wild hogs have helped control non-native arundo along a watershed, and helped break soil (by rooting) in a meadow compacted by decades of cattle grazing that “could” encourage new vegetation growth.

It is ironic to me that cattle grazing on the Cleveland is still allowed, but that a smaller population of wild hogs has caused a huge uproar.

The one thing the document calls for that is both advisable and good science is an assessment of hog numbers and their current impacts. There then needs to be a credible analysis if wild hogs are causing impacts that threaten anything in the long term to justify such a huge expenditure of public tax dollars. Are hogs worse than cattle grazing, hiking, backcountry camping, or wildlife deaths caused on the many roads in the forest? It’s highly unlikely.

Second, the EA’s distribution map shows that wild hogs exist outside of the proposed treatment areas, which means this is not a permanent fix. The hogs will return. Will we have to spend millions of dollars every few years, effectively pounding money down a rat hole for a project with dubious resource protection values.

The forest service’s own plan calls for the agency to “contain and control” non-native species. It never uses the words eradicate. Sport hunting and natural predation can contain and control the existing wild hog numbers.

The Forest Service would be hard pressed to find evidence that wild hog populations anywhere in California have caused significant damage on public lands where sport hunting is allowed. Sport hunters and natural predation prevent the hogs from settling into one area and overpopulating it. While hog range has expanded in California, there is no evidence that hog numbers in a specific region are ever-increasing and grow to the point of significantly damaging public lands.

The assessment of impacts is advisable so the National Forest has a benchmark on today’s wild hog population and some definitive handle on the damage the population is causing, if any. But to embark on a wildly expensive project that will likely fail in eradicating the hog population is a boondoggle beyond belief.

[Hunters interested in more information should go to Cheatham’s web site at http://www.huntwildpig.com/wild-pig-in-cleveland-national-forest/.]

RHODE TO MAKE OLYMPIC HISTORY?: As the Summer Olympics kick off, history could be made by Southern California shotgun shooter Kim Rhode. If she medals in either international trap or international skeet, she’ll become the first athlete in history to medal in an individual sport in five consecutive Olympic Games.

Rhode won a gold medal in Atlanta at 17 years old during the 1996 Olympics and has won gold, silver, and bronze in the three Olympics between then and now. Does the American media care about this incredible feat?

Even in Europe, which is arguably more anti-gun than the United State, they appreciate great achievement in the shooting sports. When I covered the Olympics in Los Angeles, I was doing daily stories for Associated Press and Gannett News Service on the shooting sports. During these events there were only two reporters there from the United States, most days, along with a larger group of reporters and television crews from outside the country. When Italian shooter Luciano Giovannetti won the gold medal in international trap, he became the first person in history to win back-to-back golds in that event and the media tent was crammed with over 500 press from around the world (and still no one from the USA).

An Italian reported told me that Giovannetti would become as famous as "your Babe Ruth" in Italy. Kim Rhode is poised to become shootings’ Cal Ripkin Jr., yet I somehow doubt that she will be swarmed by our nation’s network media if she medals.

END

By JIM MATTHEWS

www.OutdoorNewsService.com

My wife harps on me during those first warm days of spring when I start fishing regularly again about making sure I put on sunscreen. She has for years. Like most men, I don’t listen. I didn’t listen to my mother, who said the same thing when I was young, and I ignored legions of fishing and hunting buddies who offered the same advice, along with suggesting long sleeves, floppy-brimmed hats, and collared shirts.

I knew I would brown up.

A few weeks ago I had a dark, irregular mole on my forearm removed and tested. It came back positive for melanoma, the nasty form of skin cancer. While the whole mole/cancer was removed in the initial skin punch, it was a little bigger than the doctors would have liked so I had a follow-up surgery to get more tissue around the area and a lymph node in my armpit was removed to make sure it had not spread. All the tissue came back negative for more melanoma, and there were big sighs of relief in the Matthews’ house this week.

I want you to Google or Bing “melanoma,” if you don’t know much about this cancer, and maybe you’ll have a personal wake-up call (without going through what I’ve just experienced) about protecting yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. I was lucky. We caught this quickly, and it’s gone.

Don’t tell my wife, but I’ve put sunscreen in all my outdoor gear “go bags,” my fishing vests, and tackle bags. The long-sleeve shirts have been moved to the front of the closet, and I’ve knocked the dust off some of those goofy-looking fishing hats with broad brims and flaps and thrown them in the truck.

I get preachy in this column more often than not, and I feel like I’m preaching to the choir most of the time. But this is an issue I’ve ignored, so I’m assuming many of you are in the same boat. Here’s the preaching: You need to start protecting your skin, too, and keeping a close eye on all those spots you’re accumulating.

I can e-mail you a photo of my forearm divot with the four-inch incision and the 18 staples if you think that might be inspiring (like it was to a niece who simply wrote “Gross” six times in response, with exclamation marks and an eye-squenching emotocon). It could have been a lot worse than just gross. I’m usually the one flinging the bullets, but I dodged one here.

HAULING WATER FOR BIGHORNS: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep will be hauling water to important desert bighorn sheep water sources throughout the summer and into the fall, according to Gary Thomas with the volunteer conservation group.

“This is the worst year I can remember for water in the desert,” said Thomas. “We have delivered around 18,000 gallons so far, and if we don’t get rain we will have to haul that much more before the weather cools.”

Volunteers are needed the weekend of July 20-22 to haul water to water to a nearly-dry big game drinker in the Newberry Mountains east of Barstow. This is the only water source in this range and supports a thriving population of desert sheep – at least for now.

“This year will be remembered for a long time [as hard on desert sheep], so come out and be a part of the effort to save as many sheep as we can,” said Thomas.

Thomas is looking for volunteers with four-wheel trucks that can haul 1,000 pounds of water for trips into the drinker on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Volunteers will meet at Camp Cady Wildlife Area on Friday evening.

This is going to be an ongoing program this year of filling and repairing big game drinkers in the desert, and volunteers are needed for this work. For more information, contact Thomas via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on the SCBS go to http://sheepsociety.com/ or call 310-339-4677.

DUCK NUMBERS AT RECORD LEVELS: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its preliminary report on North America’s breeding duck population for this year and said it was at a record high.

The report is based on surveys conducted in May and early June, and the USFWS said the total population estimate of 48.6 million breeding ducks represents a seven percent increase over last year's estimate of 45.6 million birds and the highest estimate record in the history of the survey. The estimate is 43 percent above the 1955-2011 long-term average and marks only the sixth time in the survey's history that the total duck population exceeded 40 million.

Poorer habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas, however might not translate into a record fall flight of ducks in 2012 because poorer production this year. Still, it is a good sign that should translate into another good fall hunting season.

PUBLIC LAND BIRD HUNTING SEMINARS: And finally, in a fit of shameless self-promotion, I will be conducting three beginning bird hunting seminars in July. Two will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, and Saturday, July 28 at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, and one will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, July 22 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises in Corona. Cost is $50 per person. Seminar flyers and registration forms are available at www.OutdoorNewsService.com, or simply by calling my office at 909-887-3444.

END

OUTDOOR CALENDAR -- 12jul12

JULY 14 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 14 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL CHINO FUND-RAISING BANQUET: The Chino Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at HomeStrong USA, 8711 Monroe Court, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets are $50 per person, $75 per couple, $25 per life member or sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact the Debbie Davis at 909-730-7730 or visit www.calwaterfowl.org.
JULY 14 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 14-15 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun shows will be September 29-30 and Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
JULY 21 YOUTH SAFARI DAY: Help expose youngsters who've never had a chance to experience the outdoors by rounding up neighborhood kids, inviting single moms, and bringing your own clan to the 14th Annual Youth Outdoor Safari Day, where they can learn to fish, rock climb, shoot .22s and shotguns, kayak, make quail calls, and identify wildlife. Registration begins at 7 a.m., Saturday, July 21 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $30 per family with pre-registration on line at youthsafariday.com, or $40 per family the day of the event. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
JULY 21-22 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 22 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters stating 10 a.m. Sunday, July 22, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28-29 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 6-7. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 4 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, San Marcos. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 4 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL LANCASTER FUND-RAISER: The Lancaster Chapter will be having its annual Bucks N’ Ducks fundraising dinner beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 240 E. Avenue K, Lancaster. Cost is $50 per person, $25 per junior (17 and under) and $25 per life member or spouse. For more information contact, Robert Neaman at 661-943-8844 or Rodney Torres at 209-769-1088, or at www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 4-5 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 11 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Fountain Valley. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 11 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL VISTA FUND-RAISER: The Vista Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Vista Elk’s Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista. Cost is $50 per person, $75 per couple, and $35 per sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact Steve Fettes at 760-450-5965 or Tim Davanis at 916-335-9604 or go to www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 11 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 11 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Reseda. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 19 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, August 19, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 18 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 18-19 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18-19 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa show will be November 24-25. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 23 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 7 p.m. Thursday, August 23, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2012 class dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 25 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 25, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25-26 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next date for the Bakersfield gun show is Nov. 17-18. For information, call 805-481-6726 or go to www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
SEPTEMBER 29-30 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun show will be Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
OCTOBER 6-7 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. Dates for the 2013 shows have not been set yet. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

CALENDAR RESOURCES
For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION (SOUTHERN CALIF0RNIA CHAPTER): The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association meets 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Glenn Tessers at 310-429-5222.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at its clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CONEJO VALLEY BASS CLUB: The Conejo Valley Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, Thousand Oaks. Events are the third Saturday. Contact Kevin Gelsinger at 818-951-1630.
DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
GOLDEN STATE FLYCASTERS: The Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 meets 6 to 9 p.m. Monday before the third Thursday of each month at Tio Leo’s Restaurant, Del Mar. Information at www.goldenstateflycasters.org.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Information at hidesertflyfishers.com/wordpressblog/.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (High Desert Chapter): The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Road, Victorville. Contact Karen Shackleford at 760-887-1092.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County usually meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Central Ave., Huntington Beach. 2011 schedule of meetings: Jan., Feb., Mar., first Wednesday of month, other months first Tuesday. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION: The Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation meeting the third Thursday of every month beginning 7:30 p.m. at the Oaktree Gun Club. Contact Derek Fong at 661-297-0876 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.scvquwf.com.
QUAIL FOREVER (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Forever meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Trap tune-up shoots are the first Sunday of each month beginning 9 a.m., also at Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Phil Garo at 760-241-9011 or go to the web site at www.highdesertquailforever.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL UNLIMITED (VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER): The Ventura County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Smogie’s Smog Shop, 3940 Market St., Ventura. Contact Till Tocci at 805-659-2226 or 805-981-3426 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Jeff Simonides at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Prough at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]
END

MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

1. The bluegill and redear bites are very good to excellent a lot of places right now, but Diamond Valley Lake has cranked out some pig ‘gills to two pounds this past week in a hot bite on the dam steps and in most coves with stickups. The action is on the usual array of baits, but small jigs tipped with meal worms or wax worms have been the hot set-up. The best bite has been early in the morning. For an update on this bite, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410.

2. For yet another week, Hesperia Lake remains in the No. 2 spot because of the excellent, limit-style fishing for catfish. The best action is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, but a lot of nice stringers of catfish with fish to nearly 20 pounds were reported this past week and one-hour limits were common again. The bite has been good on any cut bait doused with Love Sauce. You don’t need a state fishing license here, either. For an update on this bite call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.

3. The striped bass bite has been steadily improving at Castaic Lake over the past couple of weeks, and its full-on summer bite is starting. There has been hot topwater action early and late in the day when the fish come up on shad, and then a good bait bite at Sharron’s Rest and the buoy line the rest of the day. Most of the fish are 1 1/2 to three pounds, but some bigger fish are showing. For an update on the bite call the marina at 661-775-6232

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

TROUT: The upper Kern River has been excellent above Lake Isabella and it’s a top pick. The trout bite throughout the Eastern Sierra region remains excellent and most high elevation waters are open and have good action. Top picks in a region filled with good fishing would be Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake, the entire June Lake loop, and the Twin Lakes at Bridgeport. The entire Bishop Creek drainage is also a very good bet, especially South Lake. In urban Southern California plants have ended most places and the bites have gone in the tank quickly. Top bet is Jess Ranch in Hesperia (which is continuing to get weekly plants). In the local mountains, Big Bear Lake remains good in the main body of the lake and deep-water shorelines along the north shore. Jenks Lake and Gregory are getting DFG fish now. Lake Hemet and Lake Cuyamaca have also been producing limits on pan-sized trout.

BLACK BASS: The bass action remains good most places on plastics, reaction baits, and swim baits. Good surface action is also ongoing early and late in the day at most waters. Top bets include Diamond Valley, Skinner, Casitas, Perris, and the whole lower Colorado River. Cachuma and Santa Margarita, and even the higher elevation waters like Piru, Pyramid, and Silverwood are also good. Add Isabella to the mix, too.

STRIPED BASS: On the Colorado River, the striper bite from the upper end of Havasu all the way upriver to Bullhead City is still good, but the average size fish has dropped into the one to two-pound class. But there are still quite a few six to 10 pounders showing. The bite has been surprisingly good. The Willow Beach bite is fair to good on bigger fish. Closer to home, the California aqueduct near Taft slowed, so the best bet for volume catches of two to five-pound fish is Castaic, Diamond Valley, Silverwood, Skinner, or Pyramid -- in about that order. Elsewhere, the striper bites all are very spotty right now, and no place is producing any quality fish. The wiper bite at Lake Elsinore continues to muddle along with a few nice fish showing each week, but no wide open bites.

PANFISH: The crappie bites have pretty much tanked in the region, with only a few fish showing at Henshaw, Cachuma, and Sutherland. The Salton Sea tilapia bite has been excellent with the full ice-chest mode the rule much of the past week. Mornings have been best with fish to two pounds. The bluegill and redear bites continue to be hot in a lot of places. Top bets for nice stringers are Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Perris, Lake Skinner, Otay, and Hodges. The bite on the all four of the Central Coast lakes -- Lopez, Santa Margarita, Nacimiento, and San Antonio -- are good, in about that order.

CATFISH: The flathead catfish bite on the Colorado River is very good. Lots of eight to 15-pound fish and cats to 30 pounds are being reported each week now in the lower river from Havasu south. The channel cats are also on a pretty good bite. Outside of the river, Hesperia Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine lake, and Corona Lake are the top bets for planted fish (all are planting regularly), and Elsinore is really good to excellent for wild fish to 10 pounds or more.

For our complete fishing report, including the water-by-water reports and our saltwater update, please go to our new partners at FISHHOUND at this direct link:

http://www.fishhound.com/pro/directory/user/ONS---Fishhound-Pro-Staff-%28Outdoor-News-Service%29

***Attention Outdoor News Service Subscribers***

Fishhound and ONS are looking for product testers for products made by Rapala, Strike King, Damiki, PK Lures, Bruiser Baits, and more. Try the product testing for free by going to the link below and typing ONS in the Club Field.

http://www.fishhound.com/registration/monthly/club

By JIM MATTHEWS

www.OutdoorNewsService.com

Most environmental and conservation groups “work” by spending money lobbying legislatures or in court rooms today, trying to badger government agencies into doing good things for wildlife.

There are two huge down sides to that.

First, the government agency has to defend itself in court and frequently ends up paying more than just their attorney fees when they lose, which is most of the time.  In the case of the state and federal wildlife agencies, that money ends up coming from programs that should be benefitting wildlife. Second, lobbying is even more expensive and frequently politicians do what conservation groups want them to do but don’t include any funding mechanisms for the do-gooder measures. The new legislation forces agencies to juggle stretched monetary resources even further to try to accommodate the legislators’ demands.

That kind of “conservation” might win battles, but it loses the war. In most cases nothing ever gets done on the ground to help wildlife because there’s simply not the money to do the job. So then the groups lobby and/or sue some more because nothing is getting done, and the cycle repeats itself. The only beneficiaries are the lobbyists and attorneys getting rich on government money that should be supporting wildlife programs.

Cliff McDonald’s Water for Wildlife is a different sort of “conservation” group. If you were to donate $500 -- as Turner’s Outdoorsman did recently -- to Cliff’s group of volunteers, it will have a tangible and concrete impact on the long-term survival and health of a desert animals.

The work they do isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s mostly concrete and plumbing work adapting to helping provide a needed drink of water to wild dwellers of the Mojave Desert. Working with those same government agencies that other groups sue, McDonald and his crews construct or repair “guzzlers” (man-made water catchments that store rain water), dig out and plumb springs, repair historic stock tanks and wind mills and make sure they are accessible to wildlife.

Frequently, the only factor limiting where more than 90 species of wildlife can live in the desert is a readily available place to drink. Give them a new, permanent water source and you’ve opened up a whole new area of habitat. It’s like the wildlife housing tract was there all along, but it just never was piped for water which would allow the residents to move in. It’s that simple.

McDonald and his volunteers have also been extremely successful in getting land managers with the Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service to see this water work as a form of mitigation, a way to make up for desert habitat lost to sprawling desert cities, wind farm and solar developments, and military base expansions.

When habitat is lost one place, the addition of a water source in a new place can allow the replacement of what has been eliminated. The growth of California desert bighorn sheep herds can directly be traced to the expansion of water sources for these animals.

So the Water for Wildlife guys and gals have quietly been been going about their business the past eight years. They’ve spent over $50,000 in cash on the raw materials needed in the repair and construction of 120 small game drinkers or guzzlers, the repair of 12 springs (making them permanent water sources instead of dry or sometimes-dry water sources), and rebuilding four cattle wells, converting them all to wildlife use. McDonald says they have put in water lines, dug trenches, repaired water tanks, patched burro-exclusion fencing, and driven thousands of miles to repair, maintain, and fill desert water sources. He figures they deliver over 5,000 gallons of water to existing water sources per year.

He has over 600 volunteers on his e-mail list. During the last of six projects done this year in and around the Mojave Preserve, 54 people showed up in June to invest a little sweat equity for wildlife. It’s a big camp-out, pot-luck work party. No one gets paid. No one gets sued. No one gets lobbied. When they need to buy something to get the work done, they check the bank account and if it’s empty, an e-mail goes out.

In 2009, McDonald was one of three nominees for the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award, and won a $5,000 runner-up prize for Water for Wildlife because the winner is chosen via a popularity contest and almost no one knows about Water for Wildlife.

Well, now you know. Sending Water for Wildlife $25 or $50 won’t get you a fancy magazine or even a newsletter. You will simply get e-mails from McDonald asking for help when they have a project. He and the gang are working on next year’s slate now. You can get more information at ww.WaterForWildlife.us or by calling McDonald at 760-449-4820 on his cell or at home at 928-768-4107. The e-mail is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

BILL TO BAN HOUND HUNTING STILL ALIVE: The bill that would ban hound hunting for bears and bobcats passed out of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on Monday this week, a step that will likely send it to the House floor in Sacramento later in July. Senate Bill 1221 by Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance., passed on an 8-4 vote after being voted down the first time it came up in this Committee.

DUCK NUMBERS AT RECORD LEVELS: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its preliminary report on North America’s breeding duck population and said it was at a record high.

The report is based on surveys conducted in May and early June, and the USFWS said the total population estimate of 48.6 million breeding ducks represents a seven percent increase over last year's estimate of 45.6 million birds and the highest estimate record in the history of the survey. The estimate is 43 percent above the 1955-2011 long-term average and marks only the sixth time in the survey's history that the total duck population exceeded 40 million.

Poorer habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas, however might not translate into a record fall flight of ducks in 2012 because poorer production this year. Still, it is a good sign that should translate into another good fall hunting season.

FREE FISHING DAY SATURDAY: Angler’s do not need a fishing license to fishing this Saturday in any public fishing water in California. This Saturday, July 7, is one of two Free Fishing Days designated by the Department of Fish and Gamewhen people can try their hand at fishing without having to buy a sport fishing license.

All other fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, and fishing hours remain in effect. The next free fishing day is September 8.  For more information on Free Fishing Days, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/freefishdays.html.

PUBLIC LAND BIRD HUNTING SEMINARS: And finally, in a fit of shameless self-promotion, I will be conducting three beginning bird hunting seminars in July. Two will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, and Saturday, July 28 at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, and one will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, July 22 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises in Corona. Cost is $50 per person. Seminar flyers and registration forms are available at www.OutdoorNewsService.com, or simply by calling my office at 909-887-3444.

END

OUTDOOR CALENDAR -- 05jul12

JULY 7 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 11, Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
JULY 7-8 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 14 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 14 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL CHINO FUND-RAISING BANQUET: The Chino Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at HomeStrong USA, 8711 Monroe Court, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets are $50 per person, $75 per couple, $25 per life member or sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact the Debbie Davis at 909-730-7730 or visit www.calwaterfowl.org.
JULY 14 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 14-15 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun shows will be September 29-30 and Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
JULY 21 YOUTH SAFARI DAY: Help expose youngsters who've never had a chance to experience the outdoors by rounding up neighborhood kids, inviting single moms, and bringing your own clan to the 14th Annual Youth Outdoor Safari Day, where they can learn to fish, rock climb, shoot .22s and shotguns, kayak, make quail calls, and identify wildlife. Registration begins at 7 a.m., Saturday, July 21 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $30 per family with pre-registration on line at youthsafariday.com, or $40 per family the day of the event. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
JULY 21-22 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 22 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters stating 10 a.m. Sunday, July 22, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28-29 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 6-7. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 4 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, San Marcos. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 4 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL LANCASTER FUND-RAISER: The Lancaster Chapter will be having its annual Bucks N’ Ducks fundraising dinner beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 240 E. Avenue K, Lancaster. Cost is $50 per person, $25 per junior (17 and under) and $25 per life member or spouse. For more information contact, Robert Neaman at 661-943-8844 or Rodney Torres at 209-769-1088, or at www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 4-5 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 11 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Fountain Valley. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 11 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL VISTA FUND-RAISER: The Vista Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Vista Elk’s Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista. Cost is $50 per person, $75 per couple, and $35 per sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact Steve Fettes at 760-450-5965 or Tim Davanis at 916-335-9604 or go to www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 11 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 11 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Reseda. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 19 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, August 19, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 18 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 18-19 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18-19 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa show will be November 24-25. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 23 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 7 p.m. Thursday, August 23, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2012 class dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 25 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 25, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25-26 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next date for the Bakersfield gun show is Nov. 17-18. For information, call 805-481-6726 or go to www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
SEPTEMBER 29-30 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun show will be Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
OCTOBER 6-7 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. Dates for the 2013 shows have not been set yet. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

CALENDAR RESOURCES
For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION (SOUTHERN CALIF0RNIA CHAPTER): The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association meets 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Glenn Tessers at 310-429-5222.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at its clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CONEJO VALLEY BASS CLUB: The Conejo Valley Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, Thousand Oaks. Events are the third Saturday. Contact Kevin Gelsinger at 818-951-1630.
DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
GOLDEN STATE FLYCASTERS: The Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 meets 6 to 9 p.m. Monday before the third Thursday of each month at Tio Leo’s Restaurant, Del Mar. Information at www.goldenstateflycasters.org.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Information at hidesertflyfishers.com/wordpressblog/.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (High Desert Chapter): The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Road, Victorville. Contact Karen Shackleford at 760-887-1092.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County usually meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Central Ave., Huntington Beach. 2011 schedule of meetings: Jan., Feb., Mar., first Wednesday of month, other months first Tuesday. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION: The Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation meeting the third Thursday of every month beginning 7:30 p.m. at the Oaktree Gun Club. Contact Derek Fong at 661-297-0876 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.scvquwf.com.
QUAIL FOREVER (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Forever meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Trap tune-up shoots are the first Sunday of each month beginning 9 a.m., also at Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Phil Garo at 760-241-9011 or go to the web site at www.highdesertquailforever.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL UNLIMITED (VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER): The Ventura County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Smogie’s Smog Shop, 3940 Market St., Ventura. Contact Till Tocci at 805-659-2226 or 805-981-3426 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Jeff Simonides at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Prough at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]
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MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK
1. The ocean was hammered by winds this past week, but the forecast is for better weather and tides. In spite of the weather, the fishing has been excellent all along the coast for most species. It’s time to hit the salt. Top picks in the ocean are the Channel Islands white seabass, the calico and sand bass along with barracuda for the whole nearshore scene from San Diego to the Santa Monica Bay, and the overnight boats out of San Diego are just hammering the yellowtail on the kelp with a few Bluefin in the mix. The top ocean pick would be San Clemente Island where the bite has been excellent on huge yellowtail to 40 pounds, and the bite on quality calicos is also top notch.
2. For yet another week, Hesperia Lake remains in the No. 2 spot because of the excellent, limit-style fishing for catfish. The best action is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, but a lot of nice stringers of catfish with fish to nearly 20 pounds were reported this past week and one-hour limits were common again. The bite has been good on any cut bait doused with Love Sauce. You don’t need a state fishing license here, either. For an update on this bite call the tackle shop at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.
3. The bluegill and redear bites are very good to excellent a lot of places right now, but Diamond Valley Lake has cranked out some pig ‘gills to two pounds this past week in a hot bite on the dam steps and in most coves with stickups. The action is on the usual array of baits, but small jigs tipped with meal worms or wax worms have been the hot set-up. The best bite has been early in the morning. For an update on this bite, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS
TROUT: The upper Kern River has been excellent above Lake Isabella and it’s a top pick. The trout bite throughout the Eastern Sierra region remains excellent and most high elevation waters have opened up almost a month ahead of normal. Top picks in a region filled with good fishing would be Bridgeport Reservoir, Crowley Lake, the entire June Lake loop, and the Twin Lakes at Bridgeport. The entire Bishop Creek drainage is also a very good bet, especially South Lake with rainbows to four pounds this week. In urban Southern California plants have ended most places and the bites have gone in the tank quickly. Top bet is Jess Ranch in Hesperia (which is continuing to get weekly plants). In the local mountains, Big Bear Lake remains good in the main body of the lake and deep-water shorelines along the north shore. Jenks Lake and Gregory are getting DFG fish now. Lake Hemet and Lake Cuyamaca have also been excellent.
BLACK BASS: The bass action remains good most places on plastics, reaction baits, and swim baits. Good surface action is also starting most places. Top bets include Diamond Valley, Skinner, Casitas, Perris, and the whole lower Colorado River. Cachuma and Santa Margarita, and even the higher elevation waters like Piru, Pyramid, and Silverwood are also good. Add Isabella to the mix this week, too.
STRIPED BASS: On the Colorado River, the striper bite from the upper end of Havasu all the way upriver to Bullhead City is still good, but the average size fish has dropped into the one to two-pound class. But there are still quite a few six to 10 pounders showing. The bite has been surprisingly good. The Willow Beach bite is fair to good on bigger fish. Closer to home, the California aqueduct near Taft slowed to just fair, and the top bet for a quality fish is Lake Silverwood and the best bet for volume catches of two to five-pound fish is either Diamond Valley, Castaic, Skinner, or Pyramid -- in about that order. Elsewhere, the striper bites all are very spotty right now. The wiper bite at Lake Elsinore took off three weeks ago and while winds slowed this bite late last week, it’s still something to watch for fish to 10 pounds or better.
PANFISH: Henshaw’s crappie bite stalled from shore, but they are being landed again in deeper water by boat anglers in good numbers. The crappie bite at Elsinore is dismal. Cachuma, Piru, and Isabella, are all pretty fair bets in deeper water for boat anglers, and a few fish are showing at Perris. Casitas has been slow, but some pigs to three pounds have been caught on live shad. The Salton Sea tilapia bite has been excellent with the full ice-chest mode the rule much of the past week. Mornings have been best with fish to two pounds. The bluegill and redear bites really exploded in a lot of places. Top bets for nice stringers are Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Perris, Lake Skinner, Otay, and Hodges. The bite on the all four of the Central Coast lakes -- Lopez, Santa Margarita, Nacimiento, and San Antonio -- are good, in about that order.
CATFISH: The flathead catfish bite on the Colorado River is very good. Lots of eight to 15-pound fish and cats to 30 pounds are being reported each week now in the lower river from Havasu south. The channel cats are also on a pretty good bite. Outside of the river, Hesperia Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine lake, and Corona Lake are the top bets for planted fish (all are planting regularly), and Elsinore is really good to excellent for wild fish to 10 pounds or more.

For our complete fishing report, including the water-by-water reports and our saltwater update, please go to our new partners at FISHHOUND at this direct link:

http://www.fishhound.com/pro/directory/user/ONS---Fishhound-Pro-Staff-%28Outdoor-News-Service%29

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Fishhound and ONS are looking for product testers for products made by Rapala, Strike King, Damiki, PK Lures, Bruiser Baits, and more. Try the product testing for free by going to the link below and typing ONS in the Club Field.

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By JIM MATTHEWS

www.OutdoorNewsService.com

News reports about a new scientific study released this week in the Proceedings National Academy of Science (PNAS) produced screaming headlines in newspapers across the nation about the dangers of ammunition lead residue to endangered California condors:

“Condors threatened by 'epidemic' lead poisoning from hunters' bullets,” howled the Christian Science Monitor.  “New study: Lead poisoning of condors at 'epidemic proportions',” screeched the San Jose Mercury News.

The scientific paper practically sets the stage for the animal rights community and our out-of-touch legislature to call for a complete ban on all hunting in California to protect condors. What the study doesn’t point out is this: That would not help at all.

The scientific paper paints a gloomy picture for condors, even with the ban on using lead ammunition in condor range and a nearly 100 percent compliance by hunters. Apparently the big birds are getting lead at a rate that is almost unchanged from before the ammunition was outlawed.

The paper, entitled “Lead poisoning and the deceptive recovery of the critically endangered California condor,” is meant to be a comprehensive look at the impacts of lead poisoning on this iconic bird and how the lead ban has impacted its recovery. The paper concludes that the population would slip into extinction if the current level of management were to end. That management includes the steady introduction of captive breed birds back into the wild and regular intervention to treat lead-poisoned birds from the wild, a program that costs more than $5 million a year.

The research points out that even with the lead ban, condors’ background blood lead levels and the possibility of lethal episodes are almost unchanged. It also concludes that the primary source of lead is ammunition residue in hunter-left gut piles from legally taken game or from hunter-wounded and lost game. It goes even further with modeling that shows that even if the number of lead-laced food sources is reduced by 99 percent, nearly half the condors would still face exposure to ammunition lead each year and virtually all of them over a 10 year period.

Ironically, the lead ban and the high compliance rate by hunters, is having a dramatic impact on reducing the lead poisoning in scavenging vultures and golden eagles within condor range. A study published last year in PLoS One showed that 83 percent of the resident eagles in the study area (condor range in Kern County) had excessive exposure to lead before the ban, but virtually none of the resident birds after the ban showed lead levels above the normal background level in their blood. Even with migratory eagles which likely feed outside the lead ban area, 77 percent showed exposure before the ban and only 12 percent after the ban. With vultures, which also migrate in and out of the lead ban area, the results were nearly as dramatic with 61 percent showing elevated blood lead levels before the ban and only nine percent showing above background levels after the ban.

Since this study was conducted the first year of the lead ban, when non-lead ammunition availability was not as good as today, the results are likely even more dramatic today. The lead ban is working with golden eagles and turkey vultures.

So how can the condors not be showing any improvement in their blood background levels? It’s difficult for understand for two reasons.

First, condors are believed to primarily if not exclusively feed on large mammal carcasses, meaning that lead in small game and birds that might be eaten by eagles and vultures, would be ignored by condors, making the effect of big game hunter compliance even more dramatic. The scientists in the PNAS study do an excellent job of showing that condors feed on 150 to 300 carcasses per year and that even if one percent of those are tained by poachers or others breaking the lead-ban law, all of the birds could be impacted over a 10 year span. But it doesn’t try to determine how many lead-laced carcasses it might take for the condors to have the lead blood and feather levels they routinely exhibit. Between the feather and blood data and the testing that is done twice a year, scientists could estimate the incidents of lead exposure with some accuracy. It would give them a way to predict how many lead-laced carcasses are found each year and better understand why the lead ban isn’t working for condors like it’s working for eagles and vultures in the same range.

Second, the PNAS study virtually dismisses any possibility that condors might be getting lead in the wild from any other significant source but lead ammunition, yet their own work shows that 13 percent of all condors have “unexplained” lead, or lead that doesn’t match the isotope ratios found in lead bullets. Since most solid lead (a wheel weight, for example) has the same isotope ratio as lead bullets, there are no efforts to see if condors might be getting lead from other sources, in addition to bullet lead. Even if the bullet lead could be eliminated, the lead that comes from other sources in that other 13 percent would still hinder the recovery of the species. Scientists simply ruled out all other possible options for solid lead and other types of lead a long time ago and refuse to consider other lead may be involved – even when they identify there is more to the lead problem.

Lastly, it is amazing to me there has never been a comprehensive study done on condor feeding behavior or food choices. Scientists speculate that most if not all feeding is done on large mammal carcasses, but that is anecdotal knowledge. With every bird in the wild wearing radio telemetry equipment, a food study would be simple to conduct. Scientists could follow them to feeding locations and examine the site. You could analyze droppings at roost sites. It is incredible to me that it’s still a mystery what California condors eat – especially since over $5 million a year is spent on this species. This study would give them big clues about where the birds are really getting the lead.

Hunters are doing their part. Now it’s time for the scientists to do their part and find the solutions instead of giving the anti-hunting community fuel to end sport hunting.

END

OUTDOOR CALENDAR -- 28jun12

JULY 7 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 11, Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
JULY 7-8 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 14 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 14 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL CHINO FUND-RAISING BANQUET: The Chino Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at HomeStrong USA, 8711 Monroe Court, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga. Tickets are $50 per person, $75 per couple, $25 per life member or sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact the Debbie Davis at 909-730-7730 or visit www.calwaterfowl.org.
JULY 14 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 14-15 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun shows will be September 29-30 and Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
JULY 21 YOUTH SAFARI DAY: Help expose youngsters who've never had a chance to experience the outdoors by rounding up neighborhood kids, inviting single moms, and bringing your own clan to the 14th Annual Youth Outdoor Safari Day, where they can learn to fish, rock climb, shoot .22s and shotguns, kayak, make quail calls, and identify wildlife. Registration begins at 7 a.m., Saturday, July 21 at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $30 per family with pre-registration on line at youthsafariday.com, or $40 per family the day of the event. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
JULY 21-22 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
JULY 22 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters stating 10 a.m. Sunday, July 22, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28 BEGINNER’S DOVE, QUAIL AND CHUKAR SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a three-hour dove, quail and chukar hunting seminar for beginning hunters starting 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps and detailed information on bird hunting on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
JULY 28-29 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 6-7. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 4 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, San Marcos. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 4 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL LANCASTER FUND-RAISER: The Lancaster Chapter will be having its annual Bucks N’ Ducks fundraising dinner beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 240 E. Avenue K, Lancaster. Cost is $50 per person, $25 per junior (17 and under) and $25 per life member or spouse. For more information contact, Robert Neaman at 661-943-8844 or Rodney Torres at 209-769-1088, or at www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 4-5 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the third Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 11 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Fountain Valley. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 11 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL VISTA FUND-RAISER: The Vista Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will be having its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Vista Elk’s Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista. Cost is $50 per person, $75 per couple, and $35 per sprig (junior hunter). For more information, contact Steve Fettes at 760-450-5965 or Tim Davanis at 916-335-9604 or go to www.calwaterfowl.org.
AUGUST 11 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 11 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, Reseda. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 19 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, August 19, at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises, Corona. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 18 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The remaining 2012 class dates are Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 18-19 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is offering hunter safety classes five days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of those weekends. Classes are also held the second Saturday. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $20 per person, but each student who passes the course receives a $20 Bass Pro Gift Card. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
AUGUST 18-19 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa show will be November 24-25. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
AUGUST 23 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 7 p.m. Thursday, August 23, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25 RAAHAUGE’S HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2012 class dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge’s at 951-735-7981.
AUGUST 25 PUBLIC LAND DOVE HUNTING SEMINAR: Jim Matthews, publisher of the Western Birds where-to-go hunting newsletter, will give a two-hour public land dove hunting seminar beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, August 25, at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Cost is $50 per person and includes a trial two-issue subscription to Western Birds and a package of public land dove hunting maps, dove hunting and map information, and how to find places to hunt on public lands. For information or to register, call Matthews’ office at 909-887-3444 or go to www.OutdoorNewsService.com for a flyer and registration form.
AUGUST 25-26 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next date for the Bakersfield gun show is Nov. 17-18. For information, call 805-481-6726 or go to www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
SEPTEMBER 29-30 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the Del Mar Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar gun show will be Dec. 8-9. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
OCTOBER 6-7 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. Dates for the 2013 shows have not been set yet. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

CALENDAR RESOURCES
For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION (SOUTHERN CALIF0RNIA CHAPTER): The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association meets 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact Glenn Tessers at 310-429-5222.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at its clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CONEJO VALLEY BASS CLUB: The Conejo Valley Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Elks Club, Thousand Oaks. Events are the third Saturday. Contact Kevin Gelsinger at 818-951-1630.
DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
GOLDEN STATE FLYCASTERS: The Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 meets 6 to 9 p.m. Monday before the third Thursday of each month at Tio Leo’s Restaurant, Del Mar. Information at www.goldenstateflycasters.org.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Information at hidesertflyfishers.com/wordpressblog/.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (High Desert Chapter): The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Road, Victorville. Contact Karen Shackleford at 760-887-1092.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County usually meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Old World German Restaurant, 7561 Central Ave., Huntington Beach. 2011 schedule of meetings: Jan., Feb., Mar., first Wednesday of month, other months first Tuesday. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION: The Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation meeting the third Thursday of every month beginning 7:30 p.m. at the Oaktree Gun Club. Contact Derek Fong at 661-297-0876 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.scvquwf.com.
QUAIL FOREVER (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Forever meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Trap tune-up shoots are the first Sunday of each month beginning 9 a.m., also at Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Phil Garo at 760-241-9011 or go to the web site at www.highdesertquailforever.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
QUAIL UNLIMITED (VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER): The Ventura County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Smogie’s Smog Shop, 3940 Market St., Ventura. Contact Till Tocci at 805-659-2226 or 805-981-3426 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Jeff Simonides at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Prough at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]
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