How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Recreation
- Details
- Written by: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Property-damaging squirrels
Question: We seem to have a whole new crop of squirrels that have invaded our yard and are tearing things up. We would like to trap and relocate them. Would this be permissible if they are damaging and destroying private property? (Seth, Cottonwood)
Answer: No, squirrels may not be relocated. Small nuisance mammals that are damaging property may be dispatched by the owner (as long as it is not in violation of local laws) but may not be released except in the immediate area.
Relocating nuisance wildlife not only moves the problem but also places the critter into an area where it has no established shelter or food and water source, plus they may also potentially spread disease.
A depredation permit, which allows for the killing of the squirrels, may be issued for tree (gray) squirrels. Another option, so that you can utilize the meat, would be to harvest the squirrels during the gray squirrel season when hunters are allowed a four-squirrel bag and possession limit.
Collection of striped shore crabs
Question: I have a question regarding Pachygrapsus crassipes, known as the striped shore crab. Is this crab legal to possess in California? If so, what's the limit? I want to catch some of these tiny crabs for a little taste test, but I can't seem to find any specific rules or regulations about them. (Steve Tran, Newark)
Answer: Yes, this crab is also sometimes called a "lined shore crab" and is identified by the square carapace quite easily. Since they do not have bag limits specific to their species, they default to the general invertebrate daily bag limit of 35 in possession (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.05).
Archery for quail
Question: I am planning on archery hunting for quail this year. Do the same laws from shotgun apply to archery? Does the quail have to be flying before shooting at it? Or if archery hunting, can the quail be standing on the ground or sitting in the trees? (John V.)
Answer: There are early archery seasons provided for quail, so using archery equipment generally allows you to hunt both during the archery season (listed under CCR Title 14, section 300) and during the general season. Otherwise, the bag and possession limits are the same.
As far as deciding whether to shoot the birds when flying vs when they are standing on the ground or roosting in trees is not a legal question but instead an ethics decision that you must make.
Under the widely accepted "fair chase" principles that most hunters abide by, shooting upland game birds or waterfowl under conditions other than when they are flying violate this widely accepted fair chase code of ethics.
Archery hunters are often viewed as having accepted an even higher level of fair chase principals due to the vastly greater challenge to successfully take game via archery (at least for most of us!), compared to firearm.
However, the decision to take a game bird on the ground vs. in the air remains a decision you must make on your own, regardless of your chosen method of take.
Depredation permit
Question: If I have a pig depredation permit, can I legally carry a firearm and a bow while hunting deer during the archery season? Does the person who helps me with my pig problem need a hunting license? Also, is there an expiration date on a depredation permit? I can't seem to locate one. (Bill)
Answer: No, while deer hunting during an archery season, you may not possess a firearm of any kind.
If you are listed as one of three allowed designated shooters on a pig depredation permit, you may remove property damaging wild pigs under conditions listed on the permit.
Someone "assisting you" with the depredation permit should also be listed as a designated shooter.
No hunting license is required for a person authorized under a depredation permit. The person assisting you must be at least 21 years old and may not have a conviction of wildlife law in the past 12 months.
All depredation permits have an expiration date listed on them. If you can't find it, please contact the issuing agent for assistance.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
This will also provide access to a 2-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail along the north shore of the Diversion Pool. Access to these sections of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area will be available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset.
“We’re thrilled to reopen access to these recreation areas to explore Oroville’s natural beauty,” said DWR’s Oroville Field Division’s Licensing Compliance Branch Chief Eric See. “Today’s announcement is part of a larger plan this year to fulfill DWR’s commitment to restore public access to all of the recreation areas impacted by the reconstruction of the Oroville spillways.”
The Thermalito Diversion Pool and adjacent Brad Freeman Trail are popular recreation areas for kayaking, mountain biking and hiking.
Kayakers will be able to park and launch at the car top boat launch on Burma Road, while bikers and hikers have access to two miles of the Brad Freeman Trail.
Public access to portions of the Brad Freeman Trail will remain closed until construction activities near the spillway are completed later this year.
Refer to the Oroville Recreation Closures map for current information. Fencing and closure signage will be installed to ensure public safety. The portion of the Brad Freeman Trail and Dan Beebe Trail on the southern side of the Diversion Pool were reopened to the public last year.
“Just in time for the busy season, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy this popular stretch of waterway and trail at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area,” said Matt Teague, California State Parks acting Northern Buttes District superintendent. “We thank the public for your patience during the past two years as we worked to restore access.”
The Diversion Pool and Brad Freeman Trail may be subject to temporary closure because of ongoing construction this spring and summer for public safety. DWR will notify the public before any temporary closures.
Additionally, the reopened areas of the Diversion Pool and Brad Freeman Trail may remain open if DWR uses the main spillway again this year. DWR and State Parks urge the public to use these areas with extra caution when the main spillway is being used.
This summer, DWR plans to open additional recreation areas impacted by the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project. DWR contractors began repaving operations on the Oroville Dam Crest Road, the Spillway Boat Launch facility, and other area roadways last week. DWR remains committed to reopening access to the Dam Crest Road and Spillway Boat Launch this year and will announce reopening dates later this spring.
Visitors are encouraged to recreate safely and responsibly at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Below are some tips:
– Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing to fit the season. Summers at Lake Oroville are warm to extremely warm.
– Know your personal limitations.
– Obey park rules, such as parking in designated areas and not entering closed areas.
– Wear a life jacket when recreating in or near water.
– Actively supervise children at all times, especially around the water.
– When hiking, make sure you have plenty of water and snacks. Stay on designated trails.
– View wildlife from a distance. Never feed or touch wildlife.
Invent your adventure at Lake Oroville by visiting www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville.
- Details
- Written by: Mendocino National Forest
Blue Tent Farms, contractor on the project, will turn out approximately 1,000 Kiko Savanna cross goats to reduce vegetation in a 100-acre demonstration project area in the undeveloped portions of the RBRA.
The goats will graze vegetation in designated locations to a height of four inches which is recommended by fuels management specialists to keep fires at low severity in the event of wildland fire.
The vegetation management project will reduce the risk of a large wildfire, and help improve public safety and visitor experience at the RBRA.
The project will not affect the campgrounds, picnic areas, the boat ramp or the Sacramento River Discovery Center. At no time will the goats have access to the Sacramento River, East Sand Slough or other wetlands.
The goats will be moved around within the 100-acre project area with a temporary, movable fence. The temporary fencing will help protect water quality for fish and elderberry tree habitat. Project managers expect the goats to be on the RBRA site for about a month.
There will be shepherds and guard dogs on location. Please do not approach the goats or dogs.
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The 2019 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 39,000 pounds – about 8,000 pounds greater than the 2018 quota.
Pacific halibut have become a popular target species for north coast anglers in recent years, with some fish tipping the scales in excess of 80 pounds.
Since 2014, the California sport fishery has been subject to closed periods during the season to slow catches and spread fishing opportunities out over more months, but with the higher quota amount for 2019, the periodic closures aren't necessary this year.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted an online survey in February to collect input on preferred 2019 season dates. More than 200 responses were received during the two weeks the survey was available.
The season dates are expected to continue to meet the goal of providing as much opportunity throughout the season while ensuring the quota is attained. The open dates are not guaranteed days, and the season could be closed early if it is determined that projected catches will exceed the California quota.
Again this year, field staff will be stationed at public launch ramps and charter boats landings to monitor catches of Pacific halibut along with other marine sportfish. If the catch is expected to reach or exceed the quota prior to Oct. 31, a closure date will be determined and the public will be notified.
The public can follow the progress of catch through the season on the CDFW Pacific halibut Web page, which will be updated weekly. Up-to-date information can also be obtained by calling the National Marine Fisheries Service Halibut Hotline at 800-662-9825 or the CDFW Recreational Groundfish Regulations Hotline at 831-649-2801.