Telling the Department of Fish and Game and the Fish and Game Commission they’d sue them if they didn’t get their way, a group of extreme environmental groups has petitioned the Commission to close the Mojave National Preserve to hunting much of the year under the specious guise of protecting endangered desert tortoises.
     Ironically, even the National Park Service hasn’t asked the state to do any special closures because their scientists recognize hunting is not an issue in the protection of tortoises.
     The 11-page petition asks that all hunting and gun possession be curtailed between Feb. 1 and August 31 in the Preserve, and that hunting of cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and predators be eliminated. Night hunting with lights would also be banned.
     The petitioners list three reasons for the necessity of the changes. First, they cite reports that say 15 percent of tortoises found dead were killed by gunshot. Second, they suggest that hunters leaving carcasses and trash in hunting areas increases the raven population, and ravens are perhaps the biggest known predator on tortoises. Last, they suggest road use by hunters is a problem because many tortoises are killed on roads.
     All three arguments are in fact wrong or the facts are misrepresented.
     First, the studies on tortoise mortality showed that about 15 percent of tortoise shells (mislabled carcasses by the petition) have signs of gunshot, but there was no forensic analysis to determine if the bullet holes in the carcasses were the cause of death or made postmortum. Target shooting was still allowed in all the areas where these studies were done and the most likely scenario was that plinkers found the shells and used them for target practice. This is correlated by mortality studies in remote areas, where hunting is more likely to take place, in which few shells had bullet holes.
     Second, the petition points out that desert tortoise populations have declined in the Preserve, although that data is sketchy. Even if taken at its face value, the number of hunters in the area has actually declined over the same period, so increases in raven populations and their predation cannot be blamed on hunters. The National Park Service has been improving roads, facilities, and non-hunting visitation in the Preserve, and the increase in ravens and other scavenging predators that also eat tortoises, is far more likely a result in other human uses in the desert that increase trash.
     Last, the petition blames hunters’ road use as a factor in tortoise mortality, even though they are more likely to be aware of tortoises and less likely to run one over than a tourist. The petition says that in one study 40 percent of tortoises found dead (again, we’re talking about shells or pieces of shells, not fresh carcasses) were killed by gunshot or vehicles, even though there was no way to be sure gunshot or vehicles actually caused the tortoise death. If a smashed shell was found near a road or OHV trail it was assumed to have been killed by a vehicle without any forensic proof of this. They could have died of disease, old age, or been eaten by a coyote.
     While there’s no question, tortoises are killed on roads, especially paved roads with vehicles whizzing along at 50 to 80 miles per hour, the evidence of actual mortality caused by humans is very small.
     Cliff McDonald, a long-time Needles hunter and conservationist who has battled to keep man-made wildlife water in the desert, points out that the Desert Tortoise Council Advisory Board, one of the groups involved in filing the petition, said in 2001 direct human mortalities represent only three percent of tortoise deaths (and that was assuming the inflated mortality speculated to be caused by vehicles and gunshots).
     The effort to ban predator hunting on the preserve will probably have a negative impact on tortoises because a number of studies have show that coyotes and grey foxes are the only predators that target older tortoises, not needing to break open the shells to kill and eat the reptile. By stopping the hunting of these animals, their populations will increase and even more mature tortoises will be eaten.
     Some other things puzzle me. If these issues were so critical to the survival of the tortoise, why didn’t the petitioners ask the Commission to ban hunting in all desert tortoise range? Why didn’t they ask the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management to close all roads and ban OHV use on public lands from February through September when tortoises are most active above ground? Why didn’t they ask for caps on visitation to be set during these periods to reduce trash to keep raven numbers in check? They didn’t do any of these things. They targeted hunters.
     The petition was filed with the Fish and Game Commission on November 19 by the Center for Biological Diversity, in conjunction with the California/Nevada Desert Subcommittee of the Sierra Club, the National Parks and Conservation Association, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), the Desert Tortoise Council, and Defenders of Wildlife. That same day, management staff in the DFG offices in Sacramento were told they would be sued if the Commission didn’t approve their petition.
     The petition is certainly not about protecting tortoises because there are far more important issues that could and should be addressed than any hunter-caused mortality. This is an anti-hunting petition, pure and simple. If the groups involved were concerned about tortoises they would be working diligently to get the federal government to allow the “take” or killing or ravens, which have increased over 1,000 percent in our deserts. Ravens are by far the biggest killers of young tortoises, but they are also federally protected and considered hands-off. If the petitioners really cared, these groups would work to come up with a vaccine for the respiratory disease that is a big killer of tortoises. And they would look at a breeding and restocking program that could replenish populations and restore genetic viability, in conjunction with reducing predation and disease issues.
     Humans might be killing fewer tortoises today than we have in our history, even with our roads and freeways chopping through their habitat. Native Americans ate them. You can bet that whenever a mature tortoise was seen, it was taken and eventually eaten. Since there is no historic data on tortoise populations, we might be at some sort of all-time high population level that is currently in a downturn because of drought. The reality is that we don’t know.
     What can be said with absolutely certainty is that hunting today in the Mojave National Preserve is not a factor in any downward tortoise population trend.

     SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PARKS NEWS: The first of the five San Bernardino County Regional Parks’ trout derbies will be held this Saturday at Cucamonga-Guasti Park with the largest trout eligible for 50 prizes ranging from $35 to $500 in value. Each lake will receive a bonus plant of trophy trout for their derby. Last year it took at least a 10 1/2-pound rainbow to win the top prize at each event, and the biggest fish landed during the derby series was a 19 1/2 pounder. Other parks hosting derbies are as follows: Yucaipa, January 9; Prado, February 6; Mojave Narrows, March 20; and Glen Helen, April 10. All derbies are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler, in addition to the $10 vehicle entry fee. For information, call 909-387-2757 or visit www.county-parks.com.
     In addition to being planted with trophy trout before each derby this year, San Bernardino County parks will also get plants of trophy rainbows topping 10 pounds throughout the trout season, which that runs through early April, 2010. While increases in trout costs forced the county to cut back on its stocking schedule, plants will be weekly from now through the end of the season with the exception of the last week in February. That week will be skipped. However, on Dec. 30, all the county parks will get trophy rainbows as part of their weekly trout plant for New Year’s weekend anglers. (Don’t forget to get your 2010 license.)
     Lastly, there are also going to be four junior fishing workshops to teach youngsters from five to 11 the fundamentals of fishing. Each workshop is from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and each child will be provided loaner fishing tackle. Since each class is limited to the first 100 participants, pre-registration is recommended by calling 909-387-2461. Cost is just $5 per child, in addition to the $10 vehicle fee to enter the park. The coming events will be held Dec. 19 at Yucaipa, Dec. 23 at Glen Helen, Feb. 13 at Mojave Narrows, and back at Yucaipa again, Mar. 6. There was a fifth even in November at Cucamonga-Guasti. For additional information, call 909-387-2461.

     DIAMOND VALLEY PART 1 -- LAUNCH RAMP TO REOPEN: The launch ramp at Diamond Valley Lake, closed since mid-October, 2008, will reopen to private boat launches Sunday, Dec. 20, and a week earlier on Sunday, Dec. 13, for season-pass holders. Due to low water conditions, the ramp needed to be entended and the work project has been completed nearly two months ahead of schedule. Three of the 11-lane launch have been extended by 228 feet. Boat launch fees have increased to help pay for the extension. Visitor entrance fee is still $7 per vehicle and the $3 per person fishing fee is the same, but the launch fee has jumped from $6 to $12. All watercraft must be inspected and registered before launching. For more information, visit www.dvlake.com or call the marina office at 951-926-7201 or 800-590-5253.

     DIAMOND VALLEY PART 2 -- CHARITY FISHING EVENT: Want to be in one of the first boats back on Diamond Valley? A combination bass and trout fishing competition will be held at Diamond Valley Lake this Saturday, Dec. 12 with proceeds to benefit Valley Wide Recreation, a group benefiting youth athletic and outdoor activities in the Hemet-San Jacinto area. Anglers entering this event will be the first angler allowed to launch at the newly extended launch ramp. Entry fee is $220 for bass anglers ($80 in options available) and $60 for trout anglers (or $20 for kids 15 and under). For more information or to sign up, call Last Chance Bait and Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410 or go to www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com.

     2010 FISHING LICENSES STILL NOT AVAILABLE: Planning on giving a 2010 fishing license as a present this Christmas? Normally, license vendors have the licenses before Thanksgiving, in time for Black Friday and the entire shopping month of December. Not so this year. A check of vendors from Bakersfield to San Diego showed that no one had 2010 licenses on Thursday this week and didn’t expect to receive them until at least the end of next week.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

     DECEMBER 12 DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE CHARITY FISHING EVENT: A combination bass and trout fishing competition will be held at Diamond Valley Lake December 12 with proceeds to benefit Valley Wide Recreation, a group benefiting youth athletic and outdoor activities in the Hemet-San Jacinto area. Entry fee is $220 for bass anglers ($80 in options available) and $60 for trout anglers (or $20 for kids 15 and under). Anglers fishing this event will be the first to use the new ramp to launch private boats and fish the lake. For more information or to sign up, call Last Chance Bait and Tackle in Hemet at 951-658-7410 or to to www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com.
     DECEMBER 12 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 2010 class dates have not be set up yet. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     DECEMBER 12-13 DEL MAR GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West 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 Fair Grounds, Del Mar. Admission is $10. The next Del Mar Gun Shows will be held Feb. 13-14, May 22-23, and July 17-18. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons are also available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     DECEMBER 19-20 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is now having hunter safety classes four days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of each weekend. 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 $10 per person. 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/.
     JANUARY 2-3 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 Shows will be held May 15-16 and July 31-Aug. 1. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     JANUARY 9-10 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. The next Ventura gun shows will be Mar. 13-14, June 5-6, Sept. 11-12, and Nov. 13-14. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
     JANUARY 30-31 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 shows are scheduled for Jan. 30-31, Mar. 27-28, June 5-6, and Aug. 28-29. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons 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. 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.
     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. 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 (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 nrajrc@msn.com.
     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 Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. 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. 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.

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