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February 28, 2008 Commentary By JIM MATTHEWS The granddaddy of Southern California sportsman shows -- the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle and Boat Show -- will kick off next Wednesday for its five-day run at the Long Beach Convention Center. The event has been going on for over 60 years, and it attracts anglers from all over Southern California. The big draw is this show’s breadth. It’s part flea market, with some of the best buys on fishing boats and tackle, fishing gear, and outdoor accessories available each year to consumers. It’s part exhibition, with shows and activities that are just plain fun to watch -- like hot little gymnast Lilja Stepanova who gets into contorted positions and then shoots a bow... with her feet. It’s a big dose of education, with nearly 400 seminars held over the five days of the event on everything from bluegill to bluefin from fly tying to flying bait kites. And it’s a world of destinations, with guides and outfitters who cater to anglers lined up to show their special fishing opportunities from all over the globe -- taimen to tarpon and all the other letters of the alphabet. In all, there are over 2,000 exhibits and displays. “We have a couple of new things coming to the show this year,” said Bart Hall, who runs the show. Then he proceeded to check off about 20 new things, stopped, and then laughed. “There’s too much stuff going on.” If you tried to see everything at the show, you couldn’t get it done if you attended all five days every hour the show was open. This week’s edition of Western Outdoor News gives you some idea of how expansive this show has become. Western Outdoors has a 72-page special section on all the activities at the show, and the other 68 pages of the newspaper devote a lot of those pages to additional show coverage. If you want to get the most out of the show, it would be wise to pick up a copy of WON and pour over it so you can decide which day or days you want to go and which of the many events you don’t want to miss -- because you will miss most of them. Just some of the “new” things include: With the exploding popularity of kayak fishing, there’s a new kayak testing pool where anglers can actually try out some of the new fishing craft. “It’s where they can get wet -- and probably will,” said Hall. Only a little behind the quagga mussel crisis curve, the Department of Fish and Game will introduce Ellen, the quagga mussel-sniffing dog. Warden Lt. Lynette Shimek will be giving daily demonstrations of Ellen doing her magic. Dogs like Ellen may be the future to allowing private boats on many reservoirs. There are two laser shooting booths at the Fred Hall Show this year. One is inside the 10,000-square foot Turner’s Outdoorsman retail “booth.” This Laser Shot is being run by the Beverly Hills Police Department who will be, according to Hall, recruiting Eddie Murphy look-alikes for their force. The second Laser Shot is in the arena, which is events’ central, and it is being run by the Department of Fish and Game, also looking for recruits, but you don’t have to look like Eddie Murphy to apply. Turner’s Outdoorsman has an air gun range outside of the main show building that will be a great place to start or end your day with the kids. The shooting is supervised and the targets are all reactive. All that gleeful squealing you’ll hear will be coming from this booth. Rock Creek Pack Station and the Eastern Sierra Packers will have an ongoing “seminar” on how they pack horses and mules for trips, how they set up a tent camp, and campfire cooking techniques. The packers will be demonstrating the skills they use on trips into Sierra Nevada for golden trout. This is perfect for everyone who wants to learn how to tie a diamond hitch. A special event, only held from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday of the show, is a unique luncheon seminar with bass fishing legends Hank Parker and Larry Nixon. This event costs $50 per person and is limited to 100 people each day who sign up on the Fred Hall web site (www.fredhall.com), but it includes lunch and show admission, and “you actually get to hang out with these two guys for two hours before the show opens,” said Hall. Show hours are 2 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 per person, and most of the parking around the convention center is in fee lots. For more information, call 805-389-3339 or go to www.fredhall.com.
Dan Richards, new Fish and Game commissioner, reveals a little about his outdoor commitment
Dan
Richards, the current chairman of the San Bernardino County Fish and
Game Commission, was appointed to the state Fish and Game Commission by
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday, Feb. 14. Richards, 55, of
Upland, is the chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker
Commercial-Inland Empire, which he founded in 1983. He’s been married 34
years to his wife Judy Kirk, a retired school teacher in Upland. He has
one daughter, Kendra, who is married and works in the fashion district
in Los Angeles. He is an avid outdoorsman and a member of the San
Clemente Trap and Skeet Club, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and
Quail Unlimited. He replaces Judd Hanna, who resigned last year at the
request of the governor. Richards agreed to a question and answer session. Here are the questions and his responses: Question: We've had a succession of state Fish and Game commissioners who aren't avid hunters or fishermen. What kind of hunting and fishing background do you have and what are your favorite outdoor activities? Answer: I grew up in West Virginia and have been hunting and fishing, literally, all my life. I got my first gun at 10, which was a family tradition. It was a .410 single shot. During those years, I shared a lot of awesome weekends with family and friends in the woods and mountains of West Virginia. Many times we camped out for the weekend. I was a Boy Scout, and we always left the woods cleaner than we found them. West Virginia was a great training ground and allowed me to spend special times hunting and fishing with older sportsmen. They were my early role models and true environmentalists. They were very protective of the field and stream, and they left a lasting impression on me. Today, Judy and I own a [second] home in Idaho that sits on the Snake River, and I love to fly fish. I have enjoyed deep sea fishing in California and used to really enjoy the albacore run but have sort of replaced that with the fly fishing these days. I have a good buddy who will occasionally run up to Baldy [San Antonio Creek] with me and get a line wet for our local fix. Given the perfect day, I'll go for big browns on the lightest tackle that is reasonable. They are tough to catch and great fighters. I also love duck and goose hunting. I believe in using the best and most advanced weapons available. So I use the Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a 26-inch barrel, and also the Beretta Extrema, also with a 26-inch barrel. Both are camo guns, and both accept 3 1/2-inch shells. I love to keep my shotgun skills sharp, and I shoot at both San Clemente [Trap and Skeet] and Raahauge’s [Shooting Enterprises]. I don't do it nearly enough, so I'm an average shot, at best (laughing). My early hunting in West Virginia was mostly for squirrels and rabbits and -- when I was a little older -- deer. Then, I always used a .30-30 for the deer. We never had a shot over 75 yards. I’ve done a lot of big game hunting since then. Three years ago I bagged a Royal elk – seven points per side -- at 275 yards with a Weatherby .30-06 in Idaho. I could tell stories for an hour. Question: Do you think it's important that Commission members, who set hunting and fishing regulations, are insiders -- people who hunt and fish -- and why?
Answer: I think it's important -- but not the only criteria. Fishing and
hunting are rights we've had from the beginning of this country, but
with that come responsibilities. I'm hopeful I can be a Commissioner of
reason and be a proponent of hunting and fishing. But I also intend to
be Commissioner who will be very mindful of our environment and its
safe-keeping. Question: Do you think it is appropriate that sportsman's money -- hunter's and fisherman's license and tags fees and the excise taxes they spend on sporting equipment -- is used for programs that may not directly benefit game animals or game fish? Answer: I believe that if the fees were collected for a specific purpose, they should be spent on that purpose. Otherwise, it’s really misleading and unfair to the sporting public. Just like most people believe that gas taxes should go to take care of the roads, and school assessments should go to building schools, our license and tag fees should go directly back to supporting and sustaining that habitat. Question: What can you do as a Commissioner to directly benefit sportsmen in California? Answer: I'm going to try to listen and be responsive to reasonable and prudent issues California sportsmen have. We live in a very diverse state, and the need for all sides to be fairly represented and heard is important. I hope I can be a person of balance, fairness, and a willingness to compromise -- but not to the detriment of sportsmen. I have a history of taking my time and investigating the facts so that when I make a decision, I have some first-hand knowledge. I will make every effort to personally view, review, and participate so that I can make an informed decision. Question: The number of hunters and -- to a lesser extent -- fisherman has been steadily declining every year. What to you see as the biggest threats to continued participation in fishing and hunting? Answer: I truly believe the biggest single reason for the decline is the breakdown in the family. Hunting and fishing were, for so very long, an important part of the fabric of our country. It still is in many parts of the country, but not like it was – and, in particular, it’s not in California. We have a lot options for "entertainment" in California, and when you see all of the negativity aimed at hunting and fishing through various media outlets, that regular bombardment has an effect. Having said that, as fuel prices rise, license fees increase, and the attempts by some to limit access to public lands, we see less and less young people in the field. When dads and moms don't take their children in the field, whether fishing or hunting, we lose a very important part of our history and the fabric of life in America become a little more frayed. As any true outdoorsman knows, it's not about the catching or killing, it's about the experience, the sharing, the friendships. I'm adamantly opposed to those who break the law and abuse our public lands, but I also know that these bad actors are a small percentage of the people in the field. I know how much I value that time outdoors with my dad, brother, family and friends and also how much I have enjoyed it with my own children. I know what it means to them and what it meant to me. It is important we encourage the proper and reasonable use of our natural resources by responsible, educated, and licensed citizens. Question: Do you think we can we turn these declines around and get more people back into these traditional outdoor sports? Answer: I don't know. I hope so. There are so many factors involved. As our country matures, we see lots of declines in a lot of activities we once enjoyed universally. I know it's not declining in my world, and I certainly don't want to ever do anything that would further enable that decline or restrict folks from enjoying the great outdoors. Question: Do you see Dan Richards as a go-along, get-along Commissioner, or will sportsmen be reading your name and liking what they see, saying to themselves, "This guy is fighting for me even when it's not a popular position to take"? Answer: I hope both (laughing). I am a sportsman and have been my whole life -- not just lately, but since I was a small boy. I like sportsmen. I like the outdoors and I value and respect the things that make it so special. Having said that, I think reality demands someone who can work with others -- who may not appreciate the greatness of the outdoors and value the things we hold so dear. Anytime someone in a position of great authority, like the state Fish and Game Commission, is too much of a proponent or opponent on one issue, they lose a lot of credibility. It's no secret what I love and enjoy or where my passion lies. I admire what Governor Schwarzeneggar has been able to accomplish. He has made the deals he needed to make in order to keep the ship a float while steering a course that is reflective of his convictions. I hope to try to do the same. Question: (Laughing) Whoa, Dan, that last comment sounds like a flagrant suck-up to the governor and the legislature. Is this your way of making sure you’ll be confirmed? Answer: (Laughing) Actually, I really mean it. I can only hope to bridge some of the divides as deftly as he does. Not easy, but I'm going to give it a hell of a try. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me.
Can anyone land the monster rainbows being planted in Santa Ana River Lakes?
Two
days before Christmas, two of the largest rainbow trout ever seen in
California were planted into the waters of Santa Ana River Lakes. These
Mt. Lassen Trout Farms fish each weighed over 29 pounds. Jim Davis, lake manager at SARL, said he was amazed when he watched them come down the stocking chute. He’s seen a lot of trophy-sized rainbows, including the current lake record of 28.1-pounds caught back in 2005 by Mike Lopez of Paramount (shown at right). “These were bigger. A lot bigger,” said Davis. “I’d bet one was 29 1/2 pounds and the other one was 31 pounds or more. And when they hit the water, they were gone.” They’ve been gone ever since. Oh, it’s not that anglers are SARL aren’t seeing or hooking the fish. One of them made its presence know the very next day on Christmas eve. Fishing in Chris’ Pond the big trout rolled, giving everyone a good look, and then surged out to the middle of the pond, shearing the angler’s light line. In the middle of January, lake regular Jason Silva made a valiant effort to land one of the bruisers. Silva was fishing La Palma point with a Thomas Buoyant lure dipped in White Lightning Nitro Grease when he hooked up with the huge trout. After 30 minutes of a long, give-and-take battle, the big trout was tiring and Silva worked it close enough to shore to get a good look at it. A crowd who had gathered to watch the battle also saw the size of the fish, and everyone confirmed it was one of the huge 30-pound class fish. But then the bruiser spit the hook and disappeared into the stained water. Both record-setting rainbows had been spotted in Chris’ Poind earlier, but at least one of them had swam back up through the pipe that feed water into the pond and was living in the big lake. Since then there are stories every week of big fish being hooked and lost. It’s landing one of the bruisers that has become problematic. SARL anglers learned long ago that finesse fishing techniques are generally required to hook the big trout, but there’s a big difference between hooking and landing a 30-pound trout on two-pound test line. Now some anglers are even wondering if trout this size can be landed at all on this light tackle. Trout over the 28-pound mark were planted last winter, too, and none of them were landed. Now there are two more of the huge fish in SARL, and since Christmas the big fish have snapped lines, almost at will. Bryan Friedman, a top-notch big trout angler and maker of the Lip RipperZ line of trout plastics, jigs, and spoons, isn’t sure it can happen. “Honestly, I didn’t think anyone would land the 27- and 28-pounders that were planted in 2005. Most of the people are using two- or four-pound test line – mostly two. It’s like tying yourself to a train and trying to pull it uphill. The train is going to move you,” said Friedman. His biggest rainbow is a 16-pound fish, and he admits that he’s hooked a few bigger fish, including one monster at SARL that simply ran across the lake and spooled him. “I don’t know, but I just don’t think it will happen on two-pound test,” said Friedman. “Maybe if you could hook one on six-pound test, you’d have a chance.” Maybe not.
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
MARCH 1 EARLY TROUT SEASON OPENER DERBY: The early Eastern Sierra trout season opens on Saturday, March 1, and the Lone Pine Early Trout Opener Derby will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Diaz Lake. Prizes for the largest fish and largest stringer along with an $800 blind bogey trout. Entry fee is $5. Contact Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at 760-876-4444 or go to www.lonepinechamber.org. MARCH 1-2 PASADENA FLY-FISHING SHOW: Southern California’s annual Fly Fishing Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2 at the Pasadena Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. The event features fly-fishing gear manufacturers, destination resorts, fly-tying demonstrations and seminars. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 per day or $24 for a two-day pass. More information at www.flyfishingshowwest.com. MARCH 2 SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS BIGHORN SHEEP COUNT: Volunteers are needed for the annual bighorn sheep count in the San Gabriel Mountains. Conducted jointly by the Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, and several conservation groups, the comprehensive count relies on ground-based volunteers throughout the range and government crews in helicopter. The count provides the agencies with accurate population data on the sheep to help management. There is a mandatory orientation meeting on March 1 for all volunteers and preregistration is recommended by February 15. For information and to volunteer, call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2851. MARCH 5-9 FRED HALL LONG BEACH SHOW: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat, and Travel Show will be held March 5-9 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This is the West Coast’s granddaddy of sportsman’s shows filling the convention center with hundreds of exhibitors showing the latest fishing tackle and outdoor accessories, fishing boats, and fishing and hunting destination resorts. There are multiple stages where seminars and exhibitions are ongoing hourly throughout the event. Admission to the Hall Show is $15 for adults and kids are free. For more information, go to www.fredhall.com or call 805-389-3339. MARCH 7 WEST VALLEY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The West Valley Friends of the NRA will have its annual banquet beginning 6 p.m., Friday, March 7, at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center. Speaker will be Chuck Michel, one of the leading firearm attorneys in California. This banquet is normally in the fall, so mark the calendar. Contact Steve Gomez at (909) 560-6000 or via e-mail at westvalleyfnra@aol.com. MARCH 8 QUAIL UNLIMITED GUN DOG SHOWDOWN: The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited is hosting its 20th annual Gun Dog Showdown beginning 7:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8, at the Prado Regional Park Dog Training Area, Chino. The event is open to all hunting breeds and will feature planted chukar. Hunter-dog teams will be scored on time and shells expended to shoot and retrieve all three birds. Cost is $65 for non-QU members, $60 for QU members, $50 for re-runs. There is also a $10 park entrance fee. Contact Tim Bovard at 909-624-7411. MARCH 8 BALD EAGLE CENSUS: Volunteers are needed for the winter census of bald eagles at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and Lake Hemet on Saturday, March 8. Counts are conducted the same day and same times at all four waters. Volunteers need to bring binoculars, a watch, and wear warm clothes. For more information about eagle counts, please call Marc Stamer with the San Bernardino National Forest in Big Bear at 909-382-2828 to count at Arrowhead or Big Bear; Heidi Sellers at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2945 to count at Lake Hemet; or Rick Reisenhoffer at 760-389-2281 to count at Lake Silverwood. MARCH 8 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 2008 class dates are Apr. 5, May 3, June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981. MARCH 14-16 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE WORK PROJECT: The Mojave Preserve Water-for-Wildlife Volunteer Group will have a guzzler repair project in the Cima area of the Mojave National Preserve March 14-16. Five guzzlers and two springs are scheduled for repair and restoration. Food will be provided two evenings and two mornings, but everyone should bring camping gear, water, firewood, food or lunch and snacks, and gloves. Next project dates are April 11-13 and May 16-18. For more information and directions to the camp site, contact Cliff McDonald at 760-326-2935 or via e-mail at bigmc@citlink.net. MARCH 15 HIGH DESERT NWTF BANQUET: The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will have its second annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15 at Hesperia Terrace, 17581 Sultana, Hesperia. Tickets $60 per person, $95 per couple. Contacts: 760-956-7092, 760-887-1092, 760-694-1191. MARCH 15 BISHOP CWA BANQUET: The Bishop Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15, at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1141 N. Main St., Bishop. Tickets are $65 per person. Contacts: Joe Pecsi at 760-872-0999 or Tom Homen at 209-587-0886. Information: www.calwaterfowl.org. MARCH 26-30 FRED HALL DEL MAR SHOW: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat, and Travel Show will be held March 26-30 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This is the companion show to the Long Beach event, and it is the largest sportsman’s show in San Diego County. Admission to the Hall Show is $15 for adults and kids are free. For more information, go to www.fredhall.com or call 805-389-3339. MARCH 29-30 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa guns shows will be June 7-8, Aug. 16-17, and Nov. 29-30. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com. MARCH 29-30 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are April 19-20, May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com. APRIL 5 CALIFORNIA DEER ASSOCIATION SAN BERNARDINO BANQUET: The Southern California Chapter of the California Deer Association will have its 7th annual fund-raising banquet beginning 5 p.m. at the National Orange Show, San Bernardino. Funds are used to benefit deer and deer habitat throughout the state, including work on a number of Southern California projects. Dinner tickets are $70 per person or $105 per couple. Contact Merle Binder at 909-794-3604, Glen Tessers at 310-973-8148, or Dave Mahosky at 951-237-0573. Information: www.caldeer.org. APRIL 5 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 2008 class dates are May 3, June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981. APRIL 5-6 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Victorville event will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next Bakersfield gun shows will be June 21-22, August 30-31, and Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com. APRIL 12 and 19 POWER SQUADRON BOATING COURSE: The U.S. Power Squadron will be hosting a two-day boating skills class for boat owners and their families April 12 and 10 in Victorville. The class includes instruction on boat handling, seamanship, equipment, rules and regulation, knots, charts and aids to navigation, engine troubleshooting, trailering and much more. The first day is classroom work, while the second day is on-the-water instruction at Silverwood Lake. Information call 888-367-8777, e-mail seo@arroheadsps.org, or visit the web site at www.arrowheadSPS.org. APRIL 19-20 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com. MAY 3 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 2008 class dates are June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981. MAY 17 SPRING SMACKDOWN TROUT DERBY: The annual Spring Smackdown Trout Derby will be held at Diamond Valley Lake from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Entry fee is $35 for adults, $10 for juniors. Top prize is $1,000. Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Southwest. Contact: Last Change Bait and Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410. MAY 17-18 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario gun show will be Oct. 11-12. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com. MAY 17-18 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com. JUNE 7-8 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. The next Ventura gun shows will be Sept. 6-7 and Nov. 1-2. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com. JUNE 21-22 VICTORVILLE GUN SHOW: The Victorville Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the San Bernardino County Fair Grounds, Victorville. Admission is $9. The next Victorville gun show will be Sept. 27-28. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.victorvillegunshow.com. AUGUST 9-10 GLENDALE GUN SHOW: The Glendale Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, Glendale. Admission is $9. The next Glendale gun show will be Nov. 15-16. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.glendalegunshow.com.
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. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426. 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 steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com. CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s 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 idpamike@yahoo.com. 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 fish_90605@yahoo.com. 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 m_r_cross@yahoo.com. DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers hold their monthly meetings 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. HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966. 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 incareal@juno.com. 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 mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net. 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 Rd., Victorville. Contact Dave Recce at 760-956-7092 or Dave Halbrook at 760-553-2794. 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 prendergasts@netzero.com. 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 meet 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Bob Peters via e-mail at bpi1@ca.rr.com or Don Jamroz at donjamroz@aol.com. QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net. QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com. QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 17501 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino (one block west of Euclid, just off the 71 freeway). Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. 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 davidpreddy@cox.net 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 sgvqu@onebox.com. 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 Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. 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 sssarmi@sbcglobal.net. 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 crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com. 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 TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com. 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
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