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October 2, 2008

Commentary
Upland birds make a nice
comeback after two years
of zero spring production


By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service


Even I shot chukar in 2005. That was the year the production was so good, there were even young birds even down on the creosote flats. On the steep hillsides you had to wade through them. I know guys who counted well over 1,000 chukar in a pre-season scouting drive around a single desert mountain in 2005.
The next two hunting seasons were progressively worse and bird numbers dropped precipitously. Last year’s hunt was absolutely dismal. The reason? No spring production for both of those two springs.
But this year looks to be a surprising reversal. Brood counts are up again and hunters can expect a fair to good bird year for both quail and chukar, with the general hunting season for these two species opening on Oct. 18 throughout the southern part of the state.
Quail and chukar brood counts done in July by Andy Pauli, the Department of Fish and Game field biologist for the Mojave, were “better than I thought they were going to be.”
In the West Mojave, Pauli said he tabulated nearly 300 chukar and the brood size averaged about seven birds in the areas he tallies around Apple Valley. Pauli’s quail counts in the East Mojave near Hole-In-The-Wall campground tallied about 225 birds and the average brood size was a hefty nine young per pair.
Rocky Thompson, Pauli’s counterpart in the Southern Sierra, said his chukar counts in the Rand and El Paso mountain ranges near Red Mountain this summer were very good. Broods were over 16 birds. His count consisted of 641 chukar, and 572 of those were young-of-the-year birds -- that’s 8.3 young per adult.
Comparing these counts to the last three years is an example of the chukar’s bounce-back qualities. Last year, Thompson counted just 170 chukar, and all of them were adult birds -- zero young. The year before, he counted 486 birds, but there was 1/10th of a young bird for each adult. The boomer year of 2005, Thompson counted 2,630 chukar with 8.6 young per adult.
“The population cycles like this. We knew they’d come back, but it’s still nice to see,” said Thompson.
How many young can a pair of chukar pull off in a good year? Thompson said the highest young-to-adult ratio he’s tallied since being on the job was in 1995 when he counted 11.4 young birds per adult chukar. That means the average for each pair of chukar was nearly 23 young. Since we know clutch sizes don’t get much past 12 to 16 birds that is the best evidence we have for multiple broods in a single season.
Interestingly, that year was one of his lowest count years where there was good production, with only 336 birds counted. That means there were only about 30 adult chukar -- 15 pairs -- of birds doing the breeding. We had twice that many adults going into this breeding season. If any of you remember the 1994 season (and I can’t remember last week, let alone 1994), I’d bet money it was worse than even last year.
Thompson’s quail counts in the Southern Sierra Nevada were almost as good as the chukar. He had nearly identical brood sizes for both valley quail and mountain quail with 5.1 young per adult or just over 10 young per brood.
SAN SEVAINE ROAD OPENED: Deer hunters in the D11 zone will have access to the San Sevaine Road (1N34) in the San Bernardino National Forest when the season opens Saturday, Oct. 11. This the first time this road has been opened since the 2003 Old Fire.
The road is opened only to the Joe Elliott campground, but the area should provide good hunting because it has been closed for five years, with only hike-in access. Hopefully, the DFG will set up a hunter check station on this road opening weekend, since there is only one access road in and out of the popular hunting area now.
The San Bernardino National Forest opened the road on Sunday, Sept. 21, now that fire rehabilitation and hazardous tree removal has been completed. Hunters should contact the Lytle Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2850 or the San Bernardino National Forest supervisor’s office at 909-382-2600 to check on fire restrictions or emergency closures.
SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE AREA MANAGEMENT MEETING: Over 70 hunters, environmental activists, and hikers and equestrians from the local community attended the San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s third scoping session to give input on what the public would like to see in the new management plan being drafted for the area, and its new nearby addition, the Protrero Unit.
The crowd on Monday evening at the wildlife area consisted of over 50 hunters who asked that hunting opportunity be maintained and expanded at the public facility. It was pointed out that San Jacinto is the closest public waterfowl hunting area for the greater Inland Empire, Orange County and Los Angeles metropolitan region. Hunters also pay -- through their hunting fees, licenses, and stamps -- the bulk of the day-to-day expenses to staff and run the facility.
The Department of Fish and Game, which operates the facility, has contracted with Dudek, an environmental and engineering firm in Riverside, to write the new management plan and environmental document that will accompany it.
During the meeting, comments from some in the environmental community -- many who would like to see hunting eliminated or reduced at San Jacinto -- made it clear a lawsuit was likely over the final plan and environmental document if they didn’t like the findings.
Tom Paulek, the former area manager now retired from the DFG and currently the conservation chairman of the Friends of the Northern San Jacinto Valley (FNSJV), said, “all I see is the potential for significant impacts” if public hunting and other uses are expanded.
Paulek and Sue Nash, also with FNSJV, have been sharply critical of the way the wildlife area has been managed since Paulek retired from the DFG. Ironically, there has been a massive increase in wetlands, areas managed for seasonal wet soils, food plots, and ponded water, all which have increased wildlife use since Paulek left. There has also been more than a doubling of hunter opportunity.
Hunters, who would like to make suggestions about management options, hunting opportunity, or environmental concerns, can send written comments to the Draft Management Plan, San Jacinto Wildlife Area, P.O. Box 1254, Nuevo, CA 82567.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

OCTOBER 4 QUAIL UNLIMITED DOG CHALLENGE: The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited is hosting its second annual Dog Challenge beginning 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Prado Dog Training Facility, Chino. There are still slots available for hunters who want to run their dogs in the pointing and flushing dog trials or retriever event. Entry form and more information is available on the Riverside QU web site at www.quriverside.com.
OCTOBER 4 SAN FERNANDO FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The San Fernando Valley Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its fundraiser beginning 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Elks Lodge, 20925 Osborne St., Canoga Park. This is a new FNRA banquet. Cost is $50 per person with $20 tickets for a special Kimber NRA Freedom Warrior .45 drawing. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/eventdocs/California/SFV08.pdf. Contact: Lissa Lee via e-mail at llee@nrahq.org.
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.
OCTOBER 12 BRIDGEPORT FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT: The Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation will be hosting the Bridgeport Fly Fishing Tournament beginning 7 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 12. There are two divisions in the catch-and-release fundraiser -- a Bridgeport Lake division and an East Walker River (Miracle Mile) division. The Miracle Mile Division is limited to the first 25 anglers who sign up for $125, while the Bridgeport Lake Division is only $75 with no limit on anglers. Entry fee includes the awards dinner, hat, and gear bag. All funds are used to enhance area fisheries. For more information and entry forms, visit www.BridgeportFishEnhancement.com.
OCTOBER 12 SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The South Orange County Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its fundraiser beginning 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12 in Mission Viejo. Guest speaker is NRA and gun rights lawyer Chuck Michel. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/eventdocs/California/SouthOCWeb.pdf. Contact: Hal Finelt at 949-716-5441 or via e-mail at socfnra@aol.com
OCTOBER 16 KERN COUNTY CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISER: The Kern County Chapter of the California Waterfowl Association will have its annual fundraiser banquet beginning 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Elks Lodge, 1616 30th Street, Bakersfield. Cost is $75 per person, $125 per couple. Contact: Jim Delmarter at 661-327-1486 or go to the CWA web site at www.calwaterfowl.org.
OCTOBER 23 POMONA FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The Pomona Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its fundraiser beginning 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $50 per person. Guest speaker is Steve Cooley, Los Angeles district attorney. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/EventDocs.aspx?eid=3384&sid=5. Contact: Anthony Weber at 626-564-1551 or via e-mail at info@fnra-la.org
OCTOBER 27 BURBANK FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The Burbank Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its fundraiser beginning 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27. Tickets are $60 per person if purchased before Sept. 30. Guest speaker is Bruce Colodny, a gun rights attorney. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/eventdocs/California/SoCalMailer.pdf Contact: Carl Overmyer at 714-991-5999 or Lissa Lee via e-mail at llee@nrahq.org
NOVEMBER 1 BIG GAME DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep is coordinating and hosting an extensive big game drinker repair effort Saturday, Nov. 1 in the Kingston Range (north of Baker). The Right Wrong Ridge Drinker needs fencing, rain matt repair, and new plumbing. Volunteers should be in moderately good condition (the drinker is a half-mile hike in) and be willing to work at least a half-day. Bring work clothes, gloves, and hiking boots. Food will be provided Friday evening and after the work project, but volunteers should bring water and snacks. Contact Gary Thomas for more information and directions via e-mail at g.cranky@verizon.net.
NOVEMBER 1 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 date is Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
NOVEMBER 1 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.
NOVEMBER 1 EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY FRIENDS OF NRA FUNDRAISER: The East San Diego County Friends of the National Rifle Association will have its fundraiser beginning 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 in San Diego. Tickets are $40 per person. Auction highlight: A wild turkey hunt guided by Congressman Duncan Hunter. For an event flyer, go to http://friendsofnra.org/eventdocs/California/EastCoWeb.jpg Contact: Ronnie Smith at 619-562-3629 or via e-mail at rsnsd@cox.net
NOVEMBER 1-2 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
NOVEMBER 15-16 GLENDALE GUN SHOW: The Glendale Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, Glendale. Admission is $9. The next Glendale gun show will be March 7-8, 2009, Aug. 8-9, 2009, and Nov. 21-22, 2009 Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.glendalegunshow.com.
NOVEMBER 22-23 BAKERSFIELD GUN SHOW: The Central Coast Gun Shows Bakersfield event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield. The 2008 dates for the Bakersfield gun shows include Jan. 5-6, April 5-6, June 21-22, Aug. 30-31, and Nov. 22-23. Information at www.centralcoastgunshows.com or call 805-481-6726.
DECEMBER 6 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 2009 class date schedule has not be set yet. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
DECEMBER 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). This is the final date for 2008 classes. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867 for information about this class of the 2009 schedule. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
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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