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August 27, 2008
Commentary
Dove opening set for Labor Day;
limits shouldn’t be too much work
By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service
Dove
hunting season opens on Monday, Labor Day, this year, and reports from
across the popular desert hunting areas point to a good opener, barring
last minute thunderstorms -- which are a possibility today through this
weekend according to weather forecasters -- that will push birds south.
David Dolton, who is in charge of the dove program with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, said that the dove population has been stable for
about the past decade in the Western management unit, which includes
California, and there is little change between this year and last year
in the total dove population.
But reports from the field along the Colorado River and Imperial Valley
suggest this year might be better than normal, and certainly better than
the past two or three years. In fact, long-time Imperial Valley hunters
and Palo Verde Valley (Blythe area) hunters are suggesting this could --
could -- be a terrific year.
“Some of the [public] fields are really, really loaded. But you kno.JPG) w
what’s really exciting? There are more whitewings than I’ve ever seen
here,” said Leon Lessica, a long-time Imperial Valley hunter and head of
Desert Wildlife Unlimited (DWU), which has been behind the public fields
planted in the Imperial Valley each year with volunteer effort, DFG
funds, and the assistance of private landowners.
There are again 32 fields in 17 locations in the Imperial Valley. Since
the locations are the same as the last couple of years, hunters can use
previous year’s maps or download one off the DWU web site (www.DesertWildlifeUnlimited.com.)
Hunters also can find public hunting at the Wister Unit of the Imperial
Wildlife Area, and most of the desert areas adjacent to the agriculture
are opening to hunting and holding a lot of birds.
On the Colorado River, things also look very good. Mary Bradley, who
runs the sporting goods department at the Yellowmart in Blythe, was
enthusiastic about this year’s hunt.
“The south end of the valley had all kinds of wheat and most of it is
still in stubble,” said Bradley. “Last year, the valley was mostly
planted in cotton, but I guess wheat prices were up and there was a lot
more of it this year.”
Bradley also said the DFG’s Palo Verde Ecological Reserve was in milo
again and holding a lot of birds. She also mentioned the Colorado River
Indian Tribes (CRIT) lands on the Arizona side of the river also were
looking good, and the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge had two planted
wheat fields this year open to hunters (but steel shot is required on
the wildlife refuge)..JPG)
Further south on the Colorado River, the Yuma area dove season looks
like it will again be one of the hottest areas in the West with both
mourning doves and whitewings at their usual high numbers here. Yuma
always attracts a large contingent of hunters from both Southern
California and the Phoenix metropolitan areas. This is also the 20th
anniversary of Sprague’s Sports’ Big Breast Contest, and informal
contest to see who shoots the largest dove opening day. Of course,
thunderstorms are a likely in this area every day today through opener.
One of the only dull spots in the forecast for this year’s opener is the
Camp Cady Wildlife Area east of Barstow near Newberry Springs. This
state-run wildlife area traditionally has grain fields planted just for
doves and other wildlife, but each of the past two years equipment
failures have shut down the irrigation process and no grain was grown.
The San Jacinto Wildlife Area near Moreno Valley in western Riverside
County should be better than the last few years, but light rainfall in
the spring has kept the amount of sunflowers and other dove-attracting
feed at only modest levels.
Many hunters are confused about the non-lead ammunition requirements
within the range of California condors. This requirement does not
include bird hunting. Lead shot can still be used for dove hunting
within the condor area -- so long as you are not hunting big game at the
same time. The wide availability of steel promotional shotshells -- many
at prices less than equivalent lead ammunition – has added to the
confusion.
Why is lead ammunition now the same price or more than steel? The cost
of raw materials. The price of raw lead has skyrocketed over the last
couple of years, going from 20 cents a pound to as high as $1.80. The
cost of copper and brass has only increased pretty dramatically. Many
hunters are experiencing sticker shock when buying new ammunition this
year.
The first half of the dove season extends through Sept. 15, and the
California bag limit is 10 per day with 20 in possession after the first
day. A state hunting license with an Upland Bird stamp and Harvest
Information Program (HIP) stamp is required to hunt doves. You should
check a copy of the hunting regulations to get all the details about
shooting hours. New this year, the Department of Fish and Game lifted
the limit on Eurasian Collard doves so hunters can shoot as many of the
non-natives as they want this season.
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
AUGUST 30 INLAND EMPIRE NWTF BANQUET: The Inland Empire Chapter of the
National Wild Turkey Federation will have its second annual Hunting
Heritage Banquet beginning 5:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Elks
Lodge, 2055 Elk’s Drive, San Bernardino. Tickets are $60 per person, $90
per couple. Contact numbers, 909-380-3629, 909-208-2212, or
909-815-5682.
AUGUST 30 NORCO 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 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.
AUGUST 30-31 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows
Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 30-31 at the
Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The next Bakersfield gun show will
be Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com.
AUGUST 31 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL IMPERIAL VALLEY FUND-RAISER: The Imperial
Valley Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its fun
dove opener fund-raising dinner beginning 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31 at
Aspen In The Desert, 595 W. Main St., Brawley. Tickets are $30 per
person. Contacts: Frank Bailey at 760-359-0200, Hollis Daker at
909-615-6329, Keith Cowell at 760-455-8990, or Frank Theodoropoulos at
714-227-3304. Web site: www.calwaterfowl.org.
SEPTEMBER 6 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour
certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho
Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters
before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held
from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and
limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
SEPTEMBER 6-7 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 (not
valid in San Bernardino County). Other dates for 2008 classes are 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.
SEPTEMBER 13 NORCO 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 Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6.
Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact
Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
OCTOBER 4 RANCHO CUCAMONGA HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour
certified hunter safety class will be held at Bass Pro Shop, Rancho
Cucamonga. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters
before a hunting license can be purchased. These free classes are held
from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Bass Pro and
limited to 40 people. Reservations by calling Bass Pro at 909-922-5500.
OCTOBER 4-5 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 (not
valid in San Bernardino County). Other dates for 2008 classes are Nov.
1-2 and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web
site is www.ftatv.com.
OCTOBER 11 NORCO 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 Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Sign-ups
are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at
951-735-7981.
DECEMBER 20 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL IMPERIAL VALLEY FUND-RAISER: The
Imperial Valley Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will
have its mid-season fund-raising dinner banquet beginning 5 p.m.,
Saturday, Dec. at the St. Patricks’s Community Center, 133 E. Church,
Calipatria. Dinner tickets are $55 per person, $80 a couple. Contacts:
Frank Bailey at 760-359-0200 or Keith Cowell at 760-455-8990. Web site:
www.calwaterfowl.org.
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. 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 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.
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 first Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant,
7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at
rickmacey@juno.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
Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA
92427-0007 or e-mail it to
odwriter@charter.net. 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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report, is prohibited without written permission. Posting of links to the
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