special goose issue

WINTER 2011

California Waterfowl Association4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150Sacramento, CA 95834

change service requestedNon-Profit Org.U.S. Postage PaidSacramento, CA Permit No. 507

RAY LEWIS (1926 - 2011)

SPECIAL GOOSE ISSUE

www.RogersSportingGoods.com 816-883-4525FR

EE S

hip

pin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

esFR

EE S

hip

pin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

es

FREE

Sh

ippin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

es

Largest BlackCloud Dealer in the Nation!

Hard Hitting Waterfowl PerformanceSpeed & Power • Packed with heavier payloads • water-resistant seals

25,000 Cases of ammo IN stoCk

PWB146 12 Guage 2.75” 1oz, 1500 fPs shot sizes: 3

PWB143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1635 FPSshot sizes: BB, 2 - For Snow Geese

PWBH143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1635 FPSshot sizes: 3, 4

PWB142 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/4 oz, 1450 FPS shot sizes: BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PWB134 12 Gauge 3.5” 1-1/2 oz, 1500 FPS shot sizes: BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PWB107 10 Gauge 3.5” 1-5/8 oz, 1375 FPS shot sizes: BB, 2

PWB209 20 Gauge 3” 1 oz, 1450 fPs shot sizes: 2, 4

FE-WF140 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/4 oz, 1400fPs shot sizes: BBB, BB, 1, 2, 3, 4 Reg. $129.99

FE-WF143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1550 FPSshot sizes: BBB, BB, 1, 2, 3, 4 Reg. $129.99

FE-WF133 12 Gauge 3.5” 1-3/8 oz, 1550 FPS shot sizes: BBB, BB, 2, 3 Reg. $169.99


FE-WF207 20 Gauge 3” 7/8 oz, 1300 FPS shot sizes: 2, 4 Reg. $129.99

FE-WF208 20 Gauge 2.75” 3/4 oz, 1425 FPS shot sizes: 6, 7 Reg. $119.99

FE-WF107 10 Gauge 3.5” 1-1/2 oz, 1450 FPS shot sizes: t, BBB, BB, 2 Reg. $229.99

Heaviest Density Available to the Market

12 Ga, 3” 1-1/4 Oz., 1450 FPS, 100 Shells per case. Shot sizes 2, 4 FE-PHW142

Premium Ultra•Shok® Heavyweight 12 Gauge, 3-1/2”, 1-3/8 oz., 1450 FPS.

100 shells per case. shot sizes 2, 4 FE-PHW133

TOP GUN Target Loads Shipping Fees Apply Several models to chose from

12 & 20 Ga Steel Dove Loads Shipping Fees Apply

fRs12 12 Gauge • shot size 7fRs20 20 Gauge • shot size 7

FEDERAL .410 & 28 Ga Steel fRs413 .410 Gauge • shot size 6, 7FRS283 28 Gauge • shot size 6, 7

FEDERAL Prairie Storm PF154FS 12 Gauge 2.75” 1 1/4 OZ 1500 FPS 14999 CasePF129FS 12 Gauge 3” 1 5/8 OZ 1350 FPS 17999 CasePF258FS 20 Gauge 3” 1 1/4 OZ 1300 FPS 17999 Case

Black Cloud Steel

Premium® Heavyweight

Speed-Shok® Steel 10 Boxes of 25 Shells

13999

16999

18999

17499

17499

18999

24499

21499

17999

11499

9999

15999

15999

11499

7999

20999

Reg. $39999 saVe $230

Reg. $44999 saVe $260

NO

W

ON

LY!

NO

W

ON

LY!

NOW ONLY!case

case

case

case

case

case

case

Prices Good Until December 31, 2011 or While supplies Last

4999

11999

6499

8499

case

case

case

Plastic–28 Gauge or .410

Gold Medal Target Loads Shipping Fees Apply • Over 30 models to chose from

6699casecase

Plastic–12 or 20

Shipping Fees Apply

Prairie storm comes in sizes 4, 5, 6

Liberty, MO

www.RogersSportingGoods.com 816-883-4525

PW107 10 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 1/2 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2

PW133 12 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 3/8 oz.shot size: t, BBB, BB, 2, 4

PW134 12 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 1/2 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2, 4

PW209 20 Gauge, 3” 1 oz.shot size: 2, 3, 4

PW142 12 Gauge, 3” 1 - 1/4 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PW143 12 Gauge, 3” 1 - 1/8 oz.shot size: t, BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PW145 12 Gauge, 2.75” 1 - 1/4 oz.Shot Size: BB, 2, 3

PW168 16 Gauge, 2.75” 15/16 oz.shot size: 2,4

19999

17999

17999

10999

13999

12999

9999

11999

NOW ONLY! NOW ONLY!

Premium ultra-Shok high Velocity Steel

The perfecT shoT does exisT. There’s no way of knowing when iT will appear. BuT when iT does, Be sure you’re ready. success ouT There Begins righT now. federal premium® ulTra-shok™ loads are for serious waTerfowlers. our sTeel loads are fasT and sTouT. and high densiTy®

offerings BoasT dense shoT ThaT puTs more energy on TargeT. BoTh opTions mean more Birds. wiTh ulTra-shok, your hiTs in The air will Bring ducks and geese down quickly and cleanly.

it’S out there. go get it.

Liberty, MO

7499Save $35!

1999Save $10!

Skybird TrapA 3/4 Cock Trap has a one-way clutch that allows throwing arm travel in only one direction. CH-40903 Reg $109.99

39999Free SHiPPiNg

EasyBird Auto-Feed TrapPlus FREE Trap Taxi

$50 Mail-in RebateRebate expires December 31st

CH-40910

High Fly Spring Release Trap This trap’s balanced design delivers all regulation clay targets to challenging distances. CH-40901 Reg $29.99

24999Save $173!

WheelyBird Auto Feed TrapThe WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap takes mobility to the next level with a lightweight construction and a two-wheeled frame with pull handle. CH-40909 Reg $423.49

ATK Shooters Ridge Sasquatch

Hunting BlindBlend into your surroundings with the Sasquatch pop-up ground blinds from shooters Ridge. offering multiple windows that can be silently adjusted in a multiple of configurations and dozens of brush ties and loops. There's even a roof opening and dog access door for use in waterfowl situations. Blind folds to fit a backpack style transport bag that features padded shoulder straps, compression area for extra gear, removable gear pouch and sternum strap. medium Blind dimension: 58x58x66". AT-40520

NOW ONLY

9999

ad prices good through December 31, 2011 or while supplies last.


FREE

Sh

ippin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

esFR

EE S

hip

pin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

es

FREE

Sh

ippin

G w

ithin

the

48

Stat

es

Largest BlackCloud Dealer in the Nation!

Hard Hitting Waterfowl PerformanceSpeed & Power • Packed with heavier payloads • water-resistant seals

25,000 Cases of ammo IN stoCk

PWB146 12 Guage 2.75” 1oz, 1500 fPs shot sizes: 3

PWB143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1635 FPSshot sizes: BB, 2 - For Snow Geese

PWBH143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1635 FPSshot sizes: 3, 4

PWB142 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/4 oz, 1450 FPS shot sizes: BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PWB134 12 Gauge 3.5” 1-1/2 oz, 1500 FPS shot sizes: BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PWB107 10 Gauge 3.5” 1-5/8 oz, 1375 FPS shot sizes: BB, 2

PWB209 20 Gauge 3” 1 oz, 1450 fPs shot sizes: 2, 4

FE-WF140 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/4 oz, 1400fPs shot sizes: BBB, BB, 1, 2, 3, 4 Reg. $129.99

FE-WF143 12 Gauge 3” 1-1/8 oz, 1550 FPSshot sizes: BBB, BB, 1, 2, 3, 4 Reg. $129.99



FE-WF207 20 Gauge 3” 7/8 oz, 1300 FPS shot sizes: 2, 4 Reg. $129.99

FE-WF208 20 Gauge 2.75” 3/4 oz, 1425 FPS shot sizes: 6, 7 Reg. $119.99

FE-WF107 10 Gauge 3.5” 1-1/2 oz, 1450 FPS shot sizes: t, BBB, BB, 2 Reg. $229.99

Heaviest Density Available to the Market

12 Ga, 3” 1-1/4 Oz., 1450 FPS, 100 Shells per case. Shot sizes 2, 4 FE-PHW142

Premium Ultra•Shok® Heavyweight 12 Gauge, 3-1/2”, 1-3/8 oz., 1450 FPS.

100 shells per case. shot sizes 2, 4 FE-PHW133

TOP GUN Target Loads Shipping Fees Apply Several models to chose from

12 & 20 Ga Steel Dove Loads Shipping Fees Apply

fRs12 12 Gauge • shot size 7fRs20 20 Gauge • shot size 7

FEDERAL .410 & 28 Ga Steel fRs413 .410 Gauge • shot size 6, 7FRS283 28 Gauge • shot size 6, 7

FEDERAL Prairie Storm PF154FS 12 Gauge 2.75” 1 1/4 OZ 1500 FPS 14999 CasePF129FS 12 Gauge 3” 1 5/8 OZ 1350 FPS 17999 CasePF258FS 20 Gauge 3” 1 1/4 OZ 1300 FPS 17999 Case

Black Cloud Steel

Premium® Heavyweight

Speed-Shok® Steel 10 Boxes of 25 Shells

13999

16999

18999

17499

17499

18999

24499

21499

17999

11499

9999

15999

15999

11499

7999

20999

Reg. $39999 saVe $230

Reg. $44999 saVe $260

NO

W

ON

LY!

NO

W

ON

LY!

NOW ONLY!case

case

case

case

case

case

case

Prices Good Until December 31, 2011 or While supplies Last

4999

11999

6499

8499

case

case

case

Plastic–28 Gauge or .410

Gold Medal Target Loads Shipping Fees Apply • Over 30 models to chose from

6699casecase

Plastic–12 or 20

Shipping Fees Apply

Prairie storm comes in sizes 4, 5, 6

Liberty, MO


PW107 10 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 1/2 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2

PW133 12 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 3/8 oz.shot size: t, BBB, BB, 2, 4

PW134 12 Gauge, 3.5” 1 - 1/2 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2, 4

PW209 20 Gauge, 3” 1 oz.shot size: 2, 3, 4

PW142 12 Gauge, 3” 1 - 1/4 oz.Shot Size: T, BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PW143 12 Gauge, 3” 1 - 1/8 oz.shot size: t, BBB, BB, 2, 3, 4

PW145 12 Gauge, 2.75” 1 - 1/4 oz.Shot Size: BB, 2, 3

PW168 16 Gauge, 2.75” 15/16 oz.shot size: 2,4

19999

17999

17999

10999

13999

12999

9999

11999

NOW ONLY! NOW ONLY!

Premium ultra-Shok high Velocity Steel

The perfecT shoT does exisT. There’s no way of knowing when iT will appear. BuT when iT does, Be sure you’re ready. success ouT There Begins righT now. federal premium® ulTra-shok™ loads are for serious waTerfowlers. our sTeel loads are fasT and sTouT. and high densiTy®

offerings BoasT dense shoT ThaT puTs more energy on TargeT. BoTh opTions mean more Birds. wiTh ulTra-shok, your hiTs in The air will Bring ducks and geese down quickly and cleanly.

it’S out there. go get it.

Liberty, MO

7499Save $35!

1999Save $10!

Skybird TrapA 3/4 Cock Trap has a one-way clutch that allows throwing arm travel in only one direction. CH-40903 Reg $109.99

39999Free SHiPPiNg

EasyBird Auto-Feed TrapPlus FREE Trap Taxi

$50 Mail-in RebateRebate expires December 31st

CH-40910

High Fly Spring Release Trap This trap’s balanced design delivers all regulation clay targets to challenging distances. CH-40901 Reg $29.99

24999Save $173!

WheelyBird Auto Feed TrapThe WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap takes mobility to the next level with a lightweight construction and a two-wheeled frame with pull handle. CH-40909 Reg $423.49

ATK Shooters Ridge Sasquatch

Hunting BlindBlend into your surroundings with the Sasquatch pop-up ground blinds from shooters Ridge. offering multiple windows that can be silently adjusted in a multiple of configurations and dozens of brush ties and loops. There's even a roof opening and dog access door for use in waterfowl situations. Blind folds to fit a backpack style transport bag that features padded shoulder straps, compression area for extra gear, removable gear pouch and sternum strap. medium Blind dimension: 58x58x66". AT-40520

NOW ONLY

9999


4

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Glenn Rollins, Chair ∙ Joe Fleskes ∙ Yancey Forest-Knowles ∙ Dean Kwasny ∙ Peter Ottesen ∙ Erik Bergren, Communications and Operations Manager ∙ Courtney Ashe, Editor

ADMINISTRATIONJohn Carlson, Jr., PresidentColby Heaton, Chief Financial OfficerJake Messerli, VP Waterfowl, Wetlands, & Heritage ProgramsScott Mueller, VP Fund & Membership DevelopmentSylvia Done, Associate VP Fund & Membership Development

BOARD OF DIRECTORSYancey Forest Knowles, ChairGreg Daniel, Vice ChairJim Provenzano, TreasurerTom Tolliver, SecretaryBill Wright, District 1 DirectorDavid Honeyman, Jr., District 2 DirectorJim Waters, District 3 DirectorCraig Grilione, District 4 DirectorMike Eberhard, District 5 DirectorRyan Broddrick, DirectorRandall Brown, DirectorTracey Fremd, DirectorJay Goble, DirectorTerry Holberton, III, DirectorBill Quinn, Director

PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD2009 - 11 Bill Wright2007 - 09 Rick Timmer2005 - 07 Stuart Hanson2002 - 05 Rob Plath2001 - 02 George Kammerer, III1999 - 01 Bob Bell1997 - 99 Victor Gonella1995 - 97 Jim Callender1993 - 95 Zane Vorhes1991 - 93 Bill Quinn1989 - 91 Tim Egan1985 - 88 Leland Lehman1983 - 85 Dr. Jim Tanous1981 - 83 Bill Ready1978 - 81 Ray Lewis1974 - 78 Pat Gilligan1971 - 74 Joe Long1960 - 71 Dr. Jow Sweet1945 - 60 Carl Wente

DOME Printing: Design, Production, & Printing ∙ Printed on recycled paper. Advertising rates are available by calling (916) 648-1406.

California Waterfowl Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax identification number is 941149574. California Waterfowl is published quarterly by California Wa-terfowl as a membership benefit. Annual membership is $25, which includes $4 for the magazine. California Waterfowl has the exclusive responsibility to deter-mine whether any article or advertisement is, or is not, published in the magazine. Statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of California Waterfowl. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members of California Waterfowl does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured.

©2011 by California Waterfowl Association. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express written permission from California Waterfowl Association.

California Waterfowl Association4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150

Sacramento, CA 95834www.calwaterfowl.org

(916) [email protected]

RAY LEWIS, 1926-2011Dedicated Conservationist, Man of Action, and InspirationCompiled by Sylvia Done

GEESE GALOREA Brief Review of California’s Goose Populationsby Greg Mensik and Mike Wolder

12 TIPS TO BAG MORE GEESEDecoys, Calling, and Flagging for Novice and Expert Goose Huntersby Jeff Smith

GOOSE GEAR GUIDEEverything You Need to Make the Most of Your Season

Features

WINTER 2011 • VOLUME 38, ISSUE 4

Mike Peters, manager of the Colusa and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges, photo-graphed the white-fronted goose on the cover. Peters is a regular contributor of both photos and articles to California Waterfowl.

BACKGROUND PHOTO | David Loren Borges

ON THE COVER

5

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

12 TIPS TO BAG MORE GEESEDecoys, Calling, and Flagging for Novice and Expert Goose Huntersby Jeff Smith

GOOSE GEAR GUIDEEverything You Need to Make the Most of Your Season

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

IN BRIEF

PINTAIL PROGRESS

COHA UPDATE

CUISINE

CANINE CORNER

HUNTER HEALTH

A LOOK BACK

IN MEMORIAM

MEMBER PHOTO

HUNTERS CLASSIFIED

EVENT CALENDAR & TRACKS

DINNER DONORS

MEMBER SCRAPBOOK

MY FIRST HUNT

06

1819

33

3844

50525456576465

7374

07

08

10

12

14

43

46

48

58

66

68

70

76

78

80

82

IN eVerY Issue

IN tHIs IssueHUNT PROGRAM

CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL HELPS

FLOOD SUTTER REFUGE

CHANGES IN WHITE-FRONTED

GOOSE ECOLOGY

WILD GOOSE CHASE

CANADA GOOSE EARLY SEASON

2011 NAWCA SUMMARY

GOVERNANCE SELECTION PROCESS

BOOK REVIEWS

ARE YOU FULLY COVERED?

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

TRANSITION OF A HUNTER

SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL BRINGS

WILDLIFE ART TO LIFE

CREATIVE GIVING

GIVE THE GIFT OF CONSERVATION

6

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

PRES

IDEN

T’S

REPO

RT PresIDeNt’s rePOrt CHaIr’s MessaGeby JOHN CARLSON, JR. PRESIDENT

Loss, Legacy, and Moving Forward

As I write this report I am greatly saddened by the recent passing of longtime California Waterfowl Board Director Emeritus, Ray Lewis. If you were not fortunate enough to know Ray, let me tell you a few things about what he meant to California Waterfowl and the legacy he leaves behind.

Over the years Ray became a California Waterfowl icon who was integral in the formation of the organization, served as Chairman of the Board from 1978 to 1981, and held the exclusive title of Director Emeritus. He was a stalwart, a constant figure throughout decades of growth, success, and change. A staunch supporter of California Waterfowl, many would say Ray WAS California Waterfowl.

Ray participated on the Executive, Fundraising, Editorial, Waterfowl Regulations, Waterfowl and Wetlands Programs, and Nominating Committees. He also designed much of California Waterfowl’s merchandise (clothing, artwork, etc.) to sell and use at events.

The successful waterfowl conservation movement existing in California today is due in large part to Ray’s outstanding commitment and efforts. California waterfowlers have much to thank Ray for: he was a man of action, an extraordinary volunteer, and an inspiration to us all.

I will always remember Ray’s accomplishments, and whenever we face a tough decision I will reflect and think, “What would Ray do?”

Ray was working hard for waterfowl right up until the end. In fact, three days before he was admitted to the hospital for his final battle he was in our office to discuss several new ideas to help California Waterfowl become more successful.

I have now been with California Waterfowl for 16 months, and I am happy to say that over that time Ray became quite a mentor and advisor to me. As we move forward with our noble efforts to conserve waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage in California, I will always remember Ray’s accomplishments, and whenever we face a tough decision I will reflect and think, “What would Ray do?”

Moving forward I would like to inform you of some recent efforts that I have had the pleasure to work on with our conservation partners. In August I traveled to Washington, DC with California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) President, Bill Gaines, and fellow COHA Board member, Miles Moretti of the Mule Deer Foundation, to meet with the new US Fish and Wildlife Service Director, Dan Ashe. Bill and Miles also were able to secure several other meetings with staffers

and sister conservation organizations. These included Senator Feinstein, Congressman Mike Thompson, Safari Club International lobbyists, and Ducks Unlimited lobbyists.

I have also recently been appointed to serve on the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Stakeholder Advisory Group and the CalTIP Foundation Board of Directors. The overall charge of the Advisory Group is to provide advice, support, and recommendations to the executive committee and Blue Ribbon Citizen Commission to assist in the development of a Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision for the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Fish and

Game Commission. For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision please visit www.vision.ca.gov.

CalTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters) is a confidential secret witness program that encourages the public to provide DFG with factual information that will lead to the arrest of poachers and polluters. For more info on CalTIP, check out www.dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip.aspx.

Thank you again for all of your support for California Waterfowl, and please rest assured that we are fighting the good fight for our waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage!

Best Afield,

John Carlson, [email protected]

Concrete & Irrigation Products Division

Natalie C. M. Pires, MBA

22332 W. 3rd Ave.Stevinson, CA 95374Direct Line: 209-632-0057Phone: 209-632-0508 or 209-634-4836Fax: 209-632-8198Email: [email protected]

Class A Lic# 732637

“Precast Concrete Irrigation & Hunting Structures&

All Your Irrigation Needs” Single, Double, Triple & Dog Duck Blinds•Canal Gate Headwalls•Water Control Weirs•Irrigation Structures•Concrete Boxes•Waterman & Fresno Valves•Slide Gates•Polyethylene & PVC Pipe•Fittings & Adhesives•

7

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

CHaIr’s MessaGeby YANCEY FOREST-KNOWLES, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

The Importance and Value of Membership

Commit to bring one or more new members into our organization…we could literally double our membership to 40,000 in just one year.

Members are the life blood of California Waterfowl, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most effective state waterfowl association. Our association was formed in 1945 and has grown steadily in membership to more than 20,000 members strong. Our goal is to grow our membership in the hunting and conservation-minded communities to increase awareness and funding for critical programs including waterfowl preservation, wetland enhancement, youth education, hunting heritage, and public policy.

California Waterfowl offers several different types of memberships, and each has commensurate benefits that range from our quarterly magazine to free tickets to events. Whichever level you choose, whether it be an annual, family, or lifetime membership, we want you to have a great experience and enjoy the fellowship of people who share your passion. You can also make commemorative gifts and memorial gifts to California Waterfowl to mark a special occasion or honor a loved one.

I ask each of you to make a special commitment and join me on the Life Member Honor Roll. When you become a Life Member or above, your contribution will be invested in a special fund that can only be used to support hunting and conservation programs. Think about this as a direct investment in your waterfowl hunting over the next 10, 30, or even 50 years.

To make a gift, renew your membership, or upgrade your membership, please contact California Waterfowl at (916) 648-1406 or log on to www.calwaterfowl.org.

California sells 70,000 duck stamps annually, and the simple math shows that 40,000-50,000 duck hunters are not California Waterfowl members. We all have the responsibility to help ensure that our grandchildren will have the opportunity to hunt, and the best way to do that is to support California Waterfowl. So, here’s the easiest and most significant way that members can directly help California Waterfowl to grow in 2012: commit to bring one or more new members into our organization. With this reasonable effort, something that we can all easily do, we could literally double our membership to 40,000 members in just one year.

Some simple and effective ways to do this are to invite a friend to a local California Waterfowl dinner or event. Or, purchase a gift membership. I have personally given eight gift memberships this year; it really makes gift selection simple. If you hunt refuges, help recruit others while waiting in line by talking about the importance of what California Waterfowl does. If you are a club hunter, hold a club event where all club members join or increase their membership commitment. It doesn’t take much for each of us to recruit new members.

California Waterfowl represents the voice of waterfowl hunters in California, a collective voice that is heard loud and clear in both the state and nation’s capitols. As a member, your voice is added to the 20,000 others who are passionately committed to our mutual goals of promoting a strong future for California hunters and waterfowl, and for building our credibility as the leaders of wetland conservation. Our membership is the key to this, and our future depends on you. Please accept my challenge and help us double our membership in 2012. Your help truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

8

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

LETT

ERS

TO T

HE E

DITO

R

Migration Edition Mallards

The Migration Has Started...

FLOCKED HEAD AND TAIL . FOAM FILLED BODY . LIFELIKE REALISM

www.tanglefree.com

Letters tO tHe eDItOrIn your Fall 2011 issue the article by Bill Gaines on the Klamath Basin Water issue points out that you have not done any homework on this project. The Klamath Basin National Wildlife area as well as the farming industry are being held hostage by a group of environmentalists and the various Indian tribes holding back your water unless you agree to support the KBRA. The KBRA requires taking out all of the dams on the Klamath River which will eliminate the lakes behind the dams. These lakes and wetlands are home and breeding grounds for many of the Canadian Geese and a large variety of ducks and other water fowl as well as being one of the best fishing areas in California. The loss of the dams will also eliminate clean GREEN power for over 70,000 residents and businesses in Northern California and Southern Oregon.

I feel that it is unfortunate that your organization has taken a stand on this politically. It is with deep regret that I am canceling my subscription. Hopefully you will re-consider your support of this terrible piece of legislation and understand that if the dams do come out it is going to hurt many people and accomplish little.

—Tom Rickard, Sr.

Thank you so much for publishing the article about Bill Drake (fall 2011). It meant a lot to me, especially since dove season just opened. This time of year holds special memories. There were some errors in the article that need correction:

Bill was on the Board of Yuba County Resources Conservation District. (Being on the Board of a political District has a significantly different meaning than just being on the Board of some undefined entity.)

Bill’s company, Cable Cuts, did NOT make the cables that held up the Golden Gate Bridge as indicated in the article. His company made souvenirs out of the scrap cable and sold these souvenirs during the Centennial.

To me, these errors are not trivial. Please publish this letter in your magazine so these errors will be corrected. Thank you for your kind consideration. —Mimi Cary Drake

California Waterfowl maintains its support of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. The bottom line is, if the KBRA is enacted, the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex will receive a certainty of water delivery. This will be the first time in over 100 years that the Complex will have the water rights needed to serve the nearly one-quarter of the nation’s waterfowl population that relies on the Basin’s wetland habitat every year. Chief among California Waterfowl’s mission is waterfowl and wetland conservation, and we will continue to support public policy that furthers this mission.

16 CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL • FALL 2011

During the fall and winter of 2010, our nation’s most impor-tant waterfowl habitats suffered their most serious drought in over 30 years, placing substantial stress on our Pacific

Flyway waterfowl resource. Six months later, in a turn-around of epic proportions, these habitats are in good shape, and California braces for what could be the greatest fall waterfowl migration in decades.

The Upper Klamath Basin is arguably the most critical water-fowl nesting and staging area in all of North America. Each year, up to 80 percent of Pacific Flyway waterfowl – representing roughly one-quarter of the continental population – depend upon this Basin’s remaining wetlands and wildlife-friendly agricultural lands for fall and spring staging habitat during their annual mi-gration. The Basin’s wetlands are not only important to water-fowl, over 400 other wetland-dependent wildlife species have been documented on the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Ref-

uge (NWR) alone, including the largest wintering concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.

Historically, this Basin contained over 350,000 acres of natu-rally occurring seasonal and permanent wetland habitat. Howev-er, in the early 1900s roughly 80 percent of these natural wetlands were lost to land conversion. Recognizing this tremendous habi-tat loss, and the critical importance of the Upper Klamath Basin to migratory waterfowl, President Teddy Roosevelt established the Lower Klamath NWR by Executive Order in 1908. Over 100 years later, the Klamath Refuge Complex – including Lower Kla-math and Tule Lake NWRs – remains the most important water-fowl habitat within the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) vast National Wildlife Refuge System.

Due to significant changes in the natural hydrology of the Upper Klamath Basin, these refuge wetlands must now be “man-aged,” or artificially flooded and irrigated to recreate marsh con-

ditions. In effect, the USFWS must “farm” its Klamath wetland habitats for ducks. As a result, the quantity and quality of wetland habitat available in any given year – including the critical habitat avail-able on the Klamath NWR Complex – is heavily de-pendent upon availability of surface water supplies for wetland irrigation.

Tule Lake and Lower Klamath NWRs are locat-ed within the US. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) Klamath Reclamation Project (Project). Tule Lake NWR is somewhat protected from water shortages, as the refuge tends to be a collecting point for drain-age water from agricultural lands upstream. Lower Klamath NWR, however, only gets wetland water when the needs of the Tule Lake NWR “sumps” are met, and when Project water is available from Upper Klamath Lake. That is the way the physical plumb-ing works, but there is also “legal plumbing.”

Endangered species are first in line for water in

The UPPER Klamath BasinThe CAMPAIGN to WATER THE WETLANDS

by Bill Gaines, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Meeting at Lower Klamath NWR, representatives from several organizations discussed options for securing water for wetlands. Photo by Greg Yarris

P U B L I C P O L I C YP U B L I C P O L I C Y

Dear California Waterfowl Readers,I am excited to share this first issue

of California Waterfowl magazine featuring our brand new look. It has been several years since the magazine’s last facelift. We are proud to be updating our design to match the caliber of articles, photos, and advertisements. The magazine is just one of your member benefits for supporting California Waterfowl, and we strive to deliver a high quality product to your mailbox every quarter. I hope you find this issue fresh, familiar, and filled with everything you love about California Waterfowl. Happy reading!

— Courtney Ashe, Editor

KLAMATH WATER SPARKS DEBATE

REMEMBERING WILLIAM DRAKE

>> We want to hear from you! Send your comments to: Letters to the Editor, 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834. Or, email [email protected] with “Letters to the Editor” in the subject line. Letters are edited for length before publication.

Migration Edition Mallards

The Migration Has Started...

FLOCKED HEAD AND TAIL . FOAM FILLED BODY . LIFELIKE REALISM

www.tanglefree.com

10

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

IN B

RIEF IN BrIeF

The Take Your Best Shot Member Photo Contest is underway. The best part: it’s absolutely free! Join California Waterfowl’s Flickr page at www.flickr.com/groups/californiawaterfowl. There you can upload your best waterfowl, wetland, hunting, and dog photos. There is no limit to the number of photos you can enter. Your photo could be selected as the magazine’s member photo (see page 68) or as one of the grand prize winners printed in the summer 2012 issue of the magazine. For complete rules and entry instructions, visit www.calwaterfowl.org. Questions can be directed to Courtney Ashe at [email protected] or (916) 648-1406 x127.

Michael J. Flores, a 16-year old from Sacramento, secured the California Olympic Trap Championship this past July. Earlier this year, Flores was named a member of the 2011 Junior Olympic Trap Team. The competition was neck and neck throughout the event, which was hosted by Triple B Shooting Complex in El Monte. When the last shot was fired in the final round, Flores had crushed 24 of the 25 targets, cruising to a five-target lead and his second State Championship. “Hats off to the rest of the field for an exciting final. I am glad to have the title back!” Flores said. The young shooter is currently competing for a spot at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. To follow his progress, visit www.mjfshooting.com.

Sean Inderkum, California Waterfowl sprig member, and his dog, Luke, were the lucky winners drawn in the October 1 raffle for the sporting dog first aid kit. Sean is 14, and Luke is a 10-month-old yellow Lab. They love to hunt ducks, geese, quail, and pheasants.

It’s not too late for you to win! Members who enroll in the Canine Club by March 31, 2012, will be entered in the raffle for the Tri-Tronics Flyway G3

EXP, a $465 value. Sign up all of your dogs for more chances to win. Canine Club members receive a certificate, dog tag,

decal, and coupon for 30 percent off a product from Tri-Tronics, the official sponsor of California Waterfowl’s Canine Club. Visit www.calwaterfowl.org to sign up.

A new National Shooting Sports Foundation study found that the majority of Americans continue to support hunting. Seventy-five percent of respondents said they approved of hunting, a level of support that has not varied over the last decade. The study went a step further than previous research, however, revealing extraordinary support for the “right to hunt.” No matter what their opinion about hunting, Americans stand firmly behind a person’s right to hunt, with 94 percent of respondents agreeing it is “okay for other people to hunt if they do so legally and in accordance with hunting laws and regulations.”

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER YOUR PHOTOS

SACRAMENTO NATIVE CAPTURES TRAP CHAMPIONSHIP

CONGRATULATIONS TO OCTOBER’S CANINE CLUB WINNER

AMERICANS AGREE WITH THE “RIGHT TO HUNT”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL FLORES

Sign up for the Canine Club by March 31, 2012, for your chance to win!

Sean and his dog, Luke. | PHOTO BY DAVE INDERKUM

12

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

PINtaIL PrOGress

California Waterfowl’s banding crews set up trap sites for pre-season banding at Gray Lodge, Howard Slough, and Little Dry Creek wildlife areas. Capture events have resulted in 545 northern pintail banded. In addition, Department of Fish and Game banding crews worked throughout the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex to capture upwards of 1,000 pintail. California Waterfowl biologists will begin post-season banding efforts in February in the Sacramento Valley and will make their way to the Klamath Basin in March.

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) named the northern pintail as a species of focus for their prairie banding crews in 2011. Through our Partnering for Pintail Program, California Waterfowl was able to provide funding for an additional CWS banding technician. Support from US Fish and Wildlife banding technicians allowed the CWS to dedicate two crews to pintail efforts. The result was nearly 5,000 pintail banded this year with more than half of those being hatch-year birds.

CWS will continue to focus on pintail in the hope of understanding why the breeding population estimates continue to decline despite improved conditions on breeding grounds. California Waterfowl plans to continue our support of this effort in 2012, in the hope that collaboration will help us understand what drives the pintail population trends in the Pacific Flyway.

PRE-SEASON BANDING NUMBERS

SUPPORTING CANADIAN BANDING EFFORTS

13

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

World Famous Hunting & Fishing Boots

GET THE BEST YOU CAN GET.

Pro Line Manufacturing Co.186 Parish Drive • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 1-800-334-4612 • Fax: 1-973-692-0999 • www.prolineboots.com

42301MX4 Rogue• 100% waterproof breathable upper• High back design with elastic top line for better fit• Outside utility pocket with hook and loop closure• Wader belt for safety• Adjustable suspenders for excellent fit• YKK® buckles for easy on and off Bootfoot • Ozone resistant rubber to prevent cracking and deterioration• 600 grams of Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation for warmth• Molded outsole for better traction

600 gram insulation

200 gram insulation

Thinsulate is a trademark of 3M

WIN14807BU Men’s Insulated Camo Rubber Boot 18”• 100% waterpoof• All vulcanized rubber construction• Ankle fit gives the boot snug fit• Back gusset with adjustable strap• EVA midsole• Removable Insole• 800 grams of Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation• Rubber outsole

WIN61201MOB Shadow Tracker 9”• 100% waterproof construction with Winchester waterproof system• All over camouflage nylon uppers• 200 grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation• Removable EVA orthotic insole• Pull tab for easy on and off• Rugged oil resistant rubber outsole with EVA midsole• Steel shank for stability

WIN1009 Series Sharp Shooter 8”• 100% waterproof construction with Winchester waterproof system• Waterproof nubuck leather with 900 Denier Nylon on side panel • 400 grams of Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation surrounds the entire foot• Cambrelle® lining wick away any moisture• Orthotic molded insole• Injected lug outsole• Speed lace system

63001HWD Dakota 4”• All over camouflage nylon uppers• Elastic side gores for snug fit• Nylon pull tab for easy on and off• Lightweight long wearing rubber outsole• Soft removable insole

800 gram insulation

400 gram insulation

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

15973 PL_CAwaterfowl.ai 1 7/14/11 5:01 PM

14

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

COHA

UPD

ATES HuNtING aND

HaBItat uPDatesCalifornia Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) staff recently attended and spoke at a Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID) Board meeting on behalf of California Waterfowl to urge GCID to push back its January 8 water shutdown by two weeks.

The annual shutdown is necessary for water canal maintenance purposes but also threatens to leave many rice clubs, as well as parts of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, without water during last few weeks of duck season and the February junior hunt. In addition, it will result in less than optimal regional habitat conditions for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.

While the GCID Board was sympathetic to the delay request and the shutoff’s impact on hunting opportunity, it ultimately decided to keep the January 8, 2012, date because of other considerations.

Hunters with clubs within GCID should be aware of the possibility of lower water levels in their fields in late January and early February and are urged to share their concerns regarding this issue with farmers and other landowners within GCID.

After several years of working closely with San Francisco Bay NWR staff on the hunt program for the South San Francisco Bay salt ponds and adjacent sloughs and waterways, several changes supported by COHA and California Waterfowl were implemented to improve hunting opportunity for the 2011-12 season.

The revised hunt program provides additional salt pond levees available for hunting. The new regulations also clarify the ability of hunters to get out of their boats in tidal areas in order to retrieve downed birds. Portions of the Bay near Redwood City that were formerly closed to hunting due to local ordinances are now open. The NWR may also open up another salt pond unit (A6) , which is currently closed to all public use, to hunting in future years.

For over a year, COHA and California Waterfowl have been asking the California Fish and Game Commission to take steps necessary to protect waterfowl hunting at four separate North Coast estuary areas (Big River, South Humboldt Bay, Navarro River, and Ten Mile Estuary) slated for Marine Life Protection Act (MPA) closures.

While Commission members have sought to keep hunting legal in those areas, the Notice of Preparation (NOP) document released in September failed to include regulatory language permitting hunting at Big River. (South Humboldt Bay, Navarro River and Ten Mile Estuary would remain open for waterfowl hunting under the NOP). COHA staff notified Commission staff that the NOP was incorrectly drafted and has asked the Commission to change the proposed regulation to permit hunting at Big River.

In the meantime, due to opposition from local residents, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has now formally asked the Commission to consider banning hunting at Big River. There will likely be a separate meeting on this subject at a later date.

GCID URGED TO DELAY WINTER WATER SHUTDOWN

SAN FRANCISCO BAY NWR EASES RESTRICTIONS ON WATERFOWL HUNTING

DUCK HUNTING OPPORTUNITY THREATENED IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

15

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

RAY LEWIS M

EMORIAM

Ray Lewis was undoubtedly one of the most influential voices for waterfowl, wetland conservation, and duck hunting in North America for over 50 years. Ray developed his intense interest in wildlife and conservation from his early years as a hunter. He greatly expanded his knowledge while attending the University of California at Berkeley, where he met longtime friend and mentor, the late A. Starker Leopold.

Ray became active in Ducks Unlimited while attending UC Berkeley. In the 1960s, he joined the California Duck Hunter’s Association, which later became California Waterfowl. Not satisfied with simply being a member, he stepped forward to suggest that California Waterfowl increase

RAY LEWIS, 1926 - 2011compiled by SYLVIA DONE, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF FUND AND MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

DeDICateD CONserVatIONIst,

MaN OF aCtION, aND INsPIratION

membership, educate hunters, learn more about waterfowl, and find ways to improve wetland habitats in California.

In 1978, Ray became Chairman of the Board of California Waterfowl. This was a turning point for the association. During his three-year tenure membership grew almost tenfold! Ray and others who shared his vision and intensity would attend outdoor events and talk to any

“Ray was a good friend. I spent many relaxed hours with him. Ray instilled in me the importance of caring for habitat. Consequently, I have committed many acres of restoration to duck habitat. I can thank Ray for that.” —Ken Hofmann

>> Vintage Ray. As a young man Ray developed his passion for the outdoors.

>> An active sportsman to the end, Ray couldn’t keep himself out of the marsh.

16

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

RAY

LEW

IS M

EMOR

IAM

waterfowl hunter who would listen. Ray tirelessly spread the word about issues that affected waterfowl, their habitats, or the future of waterfowl hunting. He quickly earned a reputation that followed him the rest of his life – he was California’s foremost “duck guru.”

When his tenure as Chairman ended, Ray had established himself as the organization’s greatest advocate and remained an influential force in guiding the organization for the next 30 years. In the early 1980s, following Starker Leopold’s suggestion, Ray contacted waterfowl expert Dr. Dennis Raveling at UC Davis. This quickly led to the association’s partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and leadership role in studying California’s locally breeding waterfowl. The tie with Dr. Raveling eventually led to California Waterfowl’s hiring of its first biologist, Dr. Robert McLandress, who began the association’s early waterfowl studies in 1985. These successful studies gave scientific credibility and led to the establishment of California Waterfowl’s waterfowl and wetland programs.

Ray had exceptional skill in habitat management. Much of his talent was honed during the years leading up to what today’s professional habitat managers call “moist soil management,” and several biologists of the time recognized Ray’s knowledge and skills.

Glenn Rollins, a leading wetland habitat biologist with DFG for nearly 40 years, remembers fondly: “Ray was someone I greatly admired and a dear friend. He learned from trial and error in a time when there were few regulations to inhibit experimentation, and I turned to him many times to verify which marsh management techniques were the most efficient at reducing soil salinity, eliminating noxious weeds, and growing preferred waterfowl food plants. He helped us define best management practices in the Suisun Marsh and many of his proven techniques were recommended for use in the extensive marsh management manual published by the Department and distributed to every duck club in the Suisun Marsh.”

Ray also was an acknowledged master of fire, which is a great management tool for removing undesirable vegetation and rejuvenating unattractive wetlands.

Ray was a constant figure at California Waterfowl Board meetings throughout the years and was granted the exclusive title Director Emeritus when fellow Board members realized Ray’s knowledge and influence were indispensable. He continued

“Never have I met anyone more passionate and more devoted to the cause of waterfowl conservation, nor more outspoken about protecting waterfowlers’ rights to hunt, than Ray Lewis.”

—George T. Kammerer, III

“This is a huge loss for our California Waterfowl family and the waterfowl

community. Ray was a tireless advocate for the conservation of

wetlands and waterfowl throughout his life. He was an active participant on

our board right up until the end.”

—John Carlson, Jr., California Waterfowl President

>> Ray was a true sportsman and lover of all outdoor activities.

>> A fixture at the Butte Sink Barbeque, Ray was one of the original organizers of the event.

“I was privileged to know and shoot with Ray over many years. He was a true sportsman and duck hunter.

He has done a great service for California’s waterfowl and wetlands, to CWA and other organizations that

support responsible duck hunting.”

—Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr.

17

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

RAY LEWIS M

EMORIAM

to participate in Fundraising, Waterfowl Regulations, and Nominating committees.

From a continental perspective, Ray was a founder of the North American Waterfowl Federation, which was intended to unite state associations and give them a strong, national voice. In fact, he helped several other state waterfowl associations form and develop their own programs. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Ray was awarded the Federation’s first Founding Member Award in 1994.

Ray and his wife, Joanne, contributed generously to California Waterfowl. In addition to annually purchasing thousands of dollars of auction items at events, Ray donated thousands of items to dinners. He was recognized as one of California Waterfowl’s first ten Gold Benefactors and Joanne became a Life Sponsor.

Over the years, California Waterfowl presented Ray with the Harry C. Adamson, Joseph M. Long, and A. Starker Leopold Awards to recognize his exemplary efforts in promoting waterfowl artwork, volunteer excellence, and contributions to waterfowl management, respectively. In 1999, the “Ray Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award” was established to recognize individuals who dedicated their lives to outstanding contributions for waterfowl and wetlands conservation in California. Notable recipients include Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr.; Paul W. Crapuchettes; and Ms. Mary E. (“Mimi”) Eberhard.

In looking back, it could be said that the successful waterfowl conservation movement existing in California today is due in large part to Ray’s enduring efforts. California waterfowlers have much to thank Ray for; he was a man of action, an extraordinary volunteer, and an inspiration to us all. He will remain California’s one and only “duck guru.”

“Ray has been called up to join our friends - Dennis Raveling, Bill Ready, Tim Egan and many other waterfowl greats - to create a place for those of like mind to follow in the years ahead. I am confident that they will fashion a place with vibrant marshes, cool morning breezes, soft-colored sunrises, and the thrilling sounds of whistling wings.”

—Robert McLandress, California Waterfowl Past President

>> Ray was happiest at the Bohemian Grove.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ESTATE OF RAY LEWIS

18

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

HuNt PrOGraM

by JEFF SMITH, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL HUNT PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Hunt Program Adds New Properties

Through relationships with private landowners and government agencies, California Waterfowl is now managing hunting opportunities on three different properties for the general public including youth, women, and mobility-impaired hunters. In partnership with the California Conservation Fund and the Department of Fish and Game, hunts will be offered at the Denverton and Grizzly Ranch properties in Suisun Marsh. California Waterfowl has also partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to offer hunting opportunities at Cougar Wetlands on the Cosumnes River Preserve.

The Denverton property is positioned off Highway 12. It is a family hunting unit, which means each group will consist of one junior hunter and one hunting adult. The area consists of two stand-up blinds and one free roam area. Each blind is equipped with three dozen decoys, comfortable blind stools, and jet sleds, all donated by Tanglefree. The same is available to free roam hunters. Hunting parties have the option to apply for guided hunts, where volunteers will mentor inexperienced hunting parties, providing waterfowl identification, decoy placement, calling, and bird retrieval.

The 154-acre Cougar Wetland unit, located near Galt, is a beautiful marsh

HUNT

PRO

GRAM

area immediately adjacent to the Cosumnes River. California Waterfowl, in partnership with the Consumnes River Preserve and the US Bureau of Land Management, is managing waterfowl hunting on the area for youth, women, and mobility-impaired hunters. The unit consists of two tank blinds, two stand-up blinds, and two free roam units. Tanglefree equipment and volunteer guides are also available. All hunt applications are $5. There is a limit of one application per hunt, per person. Please visit www.calwaterfowl.org for full descriptions of each hunting opportunity and step-by-step instructions for the application process. Grizzly Ranch, where California Waterfowl has coordinated youth hunts for the past four years, is located in the Suisun Marsh. Unlike the lottery application system mentioned above, Grizzly Ranch junior hunts are offered through a first-come, first-served online application process. Hunters are limited to one hunt per year, allowing every eligible hunter the chance for a great hunting opportunity. Each junior hunter chooses his own hunt date and blind and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. The Ranch offers the hunters and their chaperones overnight lodging prior to the hunt, which includes an education session

on essential waterfowl identification, regulations, blind set-up, and firearm safety. Hunters are also treated to lunch following the hunt. Registration costs just $75.

>> The Hunt Program is part of California Waterfowl’s award-winning Hunting Heritage Program, preserving the love of our hunting tradition. We are always looking for new and exciting locations to provide hunting opportunities for the general hunting public, youth, women, families, and mobility-impaired. If you want to become a part of this nationally-recognized program by enrolling your club or property in the Hunt Program, please contact Jeff Smith, Hunt Program Coordinator, at (530) 305-9234 or [email protected].

19

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

California Waterfowl recently provided funds to pump water onto Sutter National Wildlife Refuge, which will result in an additional 300 acres of flooded wetlands in the public hunt area before opening day. Budget constraints this year would have otherwise delayed Refuge staff from flooding these acres until later in the hunting season.

“We are very appreciative of California Waterfowl stepping up to contribute and help us provide habitat for early migrants and additional wetlands for public hunters,” commented Mike Peters, Sutter Refuge Manager.

The portion of the Refuge that lies within the Sutter Bypass relies on gravity flow to receive water. The California Department of Water

Resources operates the main weir that feeds the channel to the Refuge and surrounding agricultural properties. During harvest season, some farmers in the area need the weir level held lower to allow fields to fully dry out for harvest activities. In years when this is necessary, Refuge

CaLIFOrNIa WaterFOWL HeLPs FLOOD sutter reFuGeby COURTNEY ASHE, EDITOR

300 Additional Acres Flooded for Public Hunters

The pump will allow staff to flood-up earlier despite the low water level in the Sutter Bypass channel.

SUTTER REFUGE

>> Wetlands at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge provide habitat for wintering waterfowl. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

staff are limited in their flood-up capabilities within the Bypass portion of the Refuge.

California Waterfowl, along with the Chesapeake Hunt Club, purchased a portion of the diesel fuel needed to operate the portable water pump that the Refuge leased. The pump will allow staff to flood-up earlier despite the low water level in the Sutter Bypass channel.

“Waterfowl and wetland conservation, along with hunting heritage and opportunity are very important to California Waterfowl,” stated John Carlson, Jr., President of California Waterfowl. “This will not only supply resources for the wintering waterfowl already beginning to arrive in California, but it will provide additional opportunity for public hunters.”

>> Learn about public hunting opportunities at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge at www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges/r_sutter.html.

Full Body Snow Geese

Neoprene Call LanyardNeoprene neck pad with 3 drops, 2 accessory clips. Max 4 camo. ROG-40355 Reg $29.99

Decoy Bags4-Slot Big Foot Decoy Bag ROG-40350 .....................39.996-Slot Big Foot Decoy Bag ROG-40351 ................ 44.996-Slot Full Body Goose Bag ROG-40331 ............... 27.9912-Slot Mid Size Goose Bag ROG-40352 .............. 32.9912-Slot Full Body Duck Bag ROG-40330............... 27.9912-Slot Floating Duck Bag ROG-40353 ................ 29.99Cloth/Mesh Bottom Bag ROG-40385 .................... 18.99

Neoprene and Braided Lanyard, Max-4

Foam padded neoprene neck, 2-Tone nylon braid (Hunter Green/ Earth Brown), 4 call drops, 1 dog whistle/accessory drop. ROG-40400

7999

1499Save $15!

6 PackHOT BUY!

3 Feeders, 2 Actives, 1 Rester. Ring bases. ROG-FBSGM

Neoprene Shell Belt 1499Save $15!

22 enclosed shell loops will hold 2-3/4” to 3-1/2” 12-ga shells. Neoprene pad, Max-4 camo. ROG-40356 Reg $29.99

Camo Traveler BagMulti-purpose large bag. Great for trips. Can be used as a carry on. Max 4 camo. ROG-40332

aS LOW aS

1899

3999

Spinning Wing Decoy BackpackNewly redesigned and larger for 2011. Easily fits 2 full size decoys, with room for accessories. ROG-SWBP

2899

Deluxe Canvas & Leather Gun Case ROG-40327 52” Shotgun Case ROG-999100 48” Shotgun Case

Rogers Floating Shotgun Case 52” in Max-4 CamoMade with heavy-duty water-resistant 600D material, High-density closed-cell Polyethelyne foam padding, Heavy-duty buckle closure, Adjustable shoulder strap, Zippered side ammo pouch, Designed to float, Advantage Max-4 HD Camo Pattern. ROG-40339

1499

Toughman Blind KitKit includes Blind, Snow Cover, Power Flag, Skull Cap. KW-1 camo. ROG-89984

19999

Blind Seat Warmer/Pad66” x 27”. Lightweight, comfortable. Tough polyester exterior. Fits all standard size and XL blinds. extra padding where needed. max 4 camo. ROG-50829

5999

UV washed snow covers, great quality, affordably priced. Covers include: X’Land’r ROG-

40333 , finisher ROG-40335. Goosebuster ROG-40337, Goosebuster XL ROG-40338, Hitman ROG-40334, Ground force ROG-40386, Pro Guide XL ROG-40340, Pro Guide/Top Gun ROG-50832, Sport Utility Blind ROG-40336

Fitted Snow Covers for Layout Blind

3999

Spring Board Blind AssemblyThis layout blind seat is awesome!! Made specially for the larger hunter who wants to be the first one out of the blind. seat will help you rise from the blind faster. This Cheater seat also acts as lumbar support and a hot seat. Very easy to use, no moving parts. Satisfaction guaranteed. ROG-40388

3999


2999

2499

Liberty, MO


4899Save $21!

Lower profile layout blind. 78” x 26” x 13”, cockpit opening 22” wide. max 4 camo. ROG-40326Goosebusters LP XL (Low Profile) Layout Blind. Extremely low profile layout blind with wider cockpit and waterproof flooring. 84” x 27” x 16”, cockpit opening 23” wide folds to 42” x 32”. max 4 camo. ROG-40325 max 4 camo......159.99

8999

Goosebusters LP (Low-Profile) Layout Blind

NeW!

9-Watt Rechargeable LED SpotlightHand-held with 3 Luxon high-power LeDs for long range. Includes chargers. CYC-9WS Reg $69.99

Floating Blind Bag

Magnum Satchel

Silhouette Saver

1899

1499

1999HS-08738 Reg 37.99

HS-08731 Reg 29.99

HS-00253 Reg 40.00

8999Save $7!

Game Spy D55 Infrared Game Camera5.0 megapixel camera! MOU-MFH-DGS-D55IR Reg $96.99

Free SHiPPiNgon these

Cameras!

HD Standard Mallard12 Pack 7 mallard Drakes, 5 mallard Hens with resting head styles. FA-475001 Reg $69.99

4499Save $30!

Viper SS Treestand

aluminum construction. Lower seat for gun hunting, raise for bow. Lightweight, two

piece seat, solid front bar. 300 pound weight limit. SUT-81066 Reg $279.99

22999Save $50!

TimberBlind V1 Ground Blind5 hub blind, weatherproof, 12 windows with shoot-

through mesh, 360° field of view. Backpack included. XD3 camo. TRT-TT900-XD3 Reg $99.99

14999Save $70!

The Vision Ground Max BlindPredator camo, fade-free UV coating. Windows and closures

secure with silent magnets. 77” width, 70” height. full zip entrance. 360° window and shoot through mesh placement. PR-GB3500 Reg $219.99

Goosebusters Deluxe Layout BlindComfortable headrest, large zippered foot opening, flag pocket, dual zippered flagging ports, waterproof floor and sides. All metal is anodized to avoid glare and reduce flaring. Large face mesh that covers back of head, detachable shell pouch, stubble straps. 84” x 29” x 18”. Max 4 camo. ROG-40329Goosebusters XL Deluxe Layout Blind. Cockpit opening 30” wide. 86” x 37” x 19”. ROG-40328 Max 4 camo.......189.99 16499

21999Save $80! Free SHiPPiNgBig Game Ultra-Max Ladderstandsteel Construction, 20’ to the shooting rail; Large, comfortable area designed for wide stance, padded armrests/shooting rail flips up and out of the way, Flex-Core™ Seat Technology - Flips up for full platform use - CR-4150-S Reg $299.99

Save $50! Free SHiPPiNgBig Game Titan Ladderstand

steel Construction, 16.5’ to the shooting rail; Large, comfortable area designed for wide stance, padded armrests/shooting rail flips up and out of the way,

Flex-Core™ Seat Technology - Flips up for full platform use - CR-4050-S Reg $229.99

1799940” x 50” Floating Decoy BagHeavy-duty padded backpack straps. HS-08182 Reg 39.99

1999

Game Spy L50 5.0 megapixel color camera, 50ft flash, 90 day average battery life. Mou-mfhp12535

7499 SHiPPeD!

Save 50% on these Great Buys!

7999Save $20!

Floating Honker SPECIALBuy 2 boxes FA-474161SP ReG $170.00 REcEivE 40” x 50” DELUxE DEcoy BaG FREE HS-08182

14000Save $40!

11499

Game Spy M80X5.0 megapixel infrared,Illumi-Night sensor. Widescreen images, video with sound. MOU-MFHP12545 Reg $139.99

Save $25!

www.RogersSportingGoods.com 816-883-4525Liberty, MO ad prices good through December 31, 2011 or while supplies last.

22

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEES

E GA

LORE

A person would be hard-pressed to come up with a time in recent decades when California’s wintering goose population picture and hunting story were much brighter. Most species have rebounded from their low population levels of the 1980s, and goose harvest regulations liberalized in response, making today’s bag limit of eight and possession limit of 16 in nearly all waterfowl hunting zones of the state, some of the most generous allowed in decades.

Pacific white-fronted geese are a great example of recent trends. Included in the Yukon Delta Goose Management Plan in 1984 due to their reduced numbers, Pacifics have rebounded due to limited harvest on both the breeding and wintering-grounds, and favorable nesting conditions during the past 20 years. Today, fall population estimates tally over 700,000, compared to approximately 100,000 in the

early 1980s, when there was a possibility that the white-front season would be closed. White-front’s are now included as “dark geese” in the regulations, with the daily limit of six per hunter in most areas of the state. An exception occurs in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area, where the vast majority of the larger and darker tule white-fronted goose populations spend the winter. Tules are a different subspecies of white-fronts, estimated to total 10,000-15,000 birds. For this reason, the daily white-front limit remains two birds and the possession limit four, with a shorter season ending December 21 this year.

Though not nearly as numerous as populations in other flyways, snow and Ross’s geese in the Pacific Flyway have been increasing in recent years. Both species are surveyed in December and are referred to collectively as “white geese.”

Geese GaLOreby GREG MENSIK, USFWS, RETIRED; AND MIKE WOLDER, USFWS

A Brief Review of California’s Goose Populations

23

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEESE GALORE

Their totals have increased to over 900,000 in recent years. Of particular interest is the percentage of white geese that are Ross’s, as this species was once rare but now comprises about one-third of all California’s wintering white geese (approximately 300,000 birds). Regulations have also been liberalized for white geese, with limits now allowing six white geese per day and 12 in possession, a late season to address depredation issues in the Imperial Valley, and a new five-day late season for whites and white-fronts from February 18-22, 2012 in the Balance of State Zone.

>> The geese on the left are Pacific white-fronts. The geese on the right are tules, which is the larger and darker subspecies of white-fronted geese. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

>> California’s wintering goose population is on the rebound, allowing more generous bag limits over the past decade. | PHOTO BY GARY KRAMER

>> The black “grin-patch” is the tell-tale feature distinguishing the snow goose from the Ross’s goose. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

>> The Ross’s goose is smaller in size than the snow goose, with a straight, vertical base at the end of its bill. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

>> Ross’s geese were once rare but now comprise about one-third of al l Cal ifornia’s wintering white geese. | GRAPH BY MIKE WOLDER

24

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEES

E GA

LORE

>> MAP COURTESY OF SACRAMENTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

>> Most of California’s wintering snows come from breeding colonies in the Western Canadian Arctic, such as Banks Island. A small percentage (about 10 percent) originate from a population breeding on Russia’s Wrangel Island, which utilize both the Skagit/Fraser River Delta in Washington and British Columbia, as well as California’s Sacra-mento Valley to escape the inhospitable environs of the far north during the winter. Mixed in with the snows on the wintering grounds are Ross’s geese, a similar but smaller version of a snow goose, which also originates in the Arc-tic, most notably from breeding colonies in the Queen Maud Gulf area.

25

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

>> By the early 1980s, Aleutian geese had received endangered status in the Pacif ic Flyway. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

Canada geese have also been a topic of concern in recent times for a variety of reasons. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, numbers of Aleutian and cackling subspecies had declined to critically low levels. Population numbers were low enough that these subspecies were given special considerations including endangered status for the Aleutian goose and a closed season on cacklers. Today both subspecies have rebounded, with Aleutians that once numbered as few as 800 birds now exceeding 120,000. The current yearly population indexes for cacklers have regularly indicated over 150,000 birds. Though historically more common in California, the vast majority of cacklers now spend their winter in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and southern Washington. Some believe that wildlife managers are guilty of being too successful, as conservation efforts have resulted in so many geese that damage to spring crops and pastures has become a problem. Included as dark geese, bag and possession limits during the general goose season have been increased to six and 12, respectively, and February hunting seasons have been implemented on private land to address goose depredation concerns.

Though not as plentiful, the larger Canada geese known as honkers continue to be of interest in California for differing reasons. Highly regarded and sought after by some hunters, certain resident populations of this larger subspecies have created safety and nuisance problems around airports, residential areas, city parks, and golf courses. Since breeding populations throughout northeastern California contribute significant numbers of honkers to our wintering flocks, reproductive success and population distribution are monitored annually by the California Department of Fish and Game. Considered dark geese, bag and possession limits on large Canadas have increased in recent years except in the Northeastern

>> Cackling goose populations have rebounded from their low numbers in the 70s and 80s. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

>> Although cackling and Aleutian Canada geese and black brant populations have been stable to greatly increasing, their non-breeding distributions have changed dramatically. More brant are staying year-round in Alaska, the vast majority of wintering cacklers now reside in the Willamette Valley (OR), and Aleutian geese have spread out to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and northern California coastal wetlands and pastures. | GRAPH BY MIKE WOLDER

Pacific Flyway Brant, Cackler, and Aleutian Canada GoosePopulations

Year

250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

079 84 89 94 99 04 09

26

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEES

E GA

LORE

California Zone, where it remains at two and four, and in the North Coast Special Management Area where it is one and two, respectively. In the Balance of State Zone, a special early season is now offered (see the article on page 44).

Black brant are small sea-going geese that breed on Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Most migrate south from their staging area in Izembek Lagoon to spend the winter in both Baja and mainland Mexico. Research has determined that many complete the nearly 3,000-mile journey nonstop in 60-70 hours, and lose up to a third of their body weight in the process. January population surveys of the west coast and Mexico have evidenced a population decline from 150,000 birds in the 1960s to 100,000-120,000 birds more recently. However, the number of brant remaining in Alaska over

SUTTER BASIN DUCK CALLS introduces 3 new calls for the 2011 Waterfowl season

EXP Meat - a timber sized single reed EXP XL - a full size competition style single reedSutter Storm - speck call

We are located in the Heart of Duck & Goose Huntingall of our calls were designed from the ground up to make them easy to blow and incredibly lifelike

For more information, visit our website or one of our retail partners:

• GunsFishing&OtherStuff,Vacaville• KittlesOutdoor&SportCompany,Colusa• SutterOrchardSupply-SOS,YubaCity•UnionAceLumber,Marysville•Schumacher’sWaterfowlSupply,OrangeCA•AceHardware,Gridley•Sportsman’sWarehouse,Rocklin

>> Most brant complete their nearly 3,000-mile journey nonstop in 60-70 hours, and lose up to a third of their body weight in the process. | PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

the winter has increased to 20,000 - 45,000, yielding a current total Flyway population estimate of about 145,000 - 150,000 birds. In addition to the brant in Baja, a small percentage winter in several bays along the California coast, offering hunting opportunities. In California, the 30-day season has a daily bag limit of two and possession limit of four, and begins in early or mid-November depending on the hunting zone. In Mexico, the season begins in November and continues through late February, with a daily bag limit of four in recent years.

So, all things considered, California goose populations, both resident and wintering, are doing quite well. With the goose population trends and hunting opportunities now available to hunters in California, things are looking better than they have in decades. The generous

bag limits and special early and late seasons all speak to this. Given favorable breeding and wintering ground conditions, and continued population inventory and harvest monitoring, we hope that thriving goose populations and ample hunting opportunity will be the case in California well into the future.

28

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

8 TI

PS

12 tIPs tO BaG MOre Geeseby JEFF SMITH, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL HUNT PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Waterfowl hunting can be frustrating when ducks and geese do not cooperate. There are plenty of reminders that hunters sometimes overlook when planning their hunt. These are the little things that can make or break a hunt. Here are a few helpful tips that will increase your chance for a successful goose hunt.

When you have a fresh field that the geese are consistently frequenting, it can be some

of the most exciting hunting. The geese are in the field to feed, so show them the frenzy: use 90-95 percent feeder decoys. An abundance of sentry decoys in a hot field sends the wrong message. Instead of looking alert, you want your spread to send the right message of “come and get it!”

If you are hunting with a dog, make sure the dog blind is well hidden from the eyes above. A

goose dog needs to be still and follow a lie down command. These seem like simple tasks to expect from any hunting dog, yet if a dog is sitting on a check, not in a dog blind or covered, it is a clear indication to the geese that there is danger below. Keep your dog hidden and steady.

FEEDING FRENZY DOGGIE DO

Group sleepers together in one big group, with just a few sentry decoys scattered throughout.

>> Integrate the natural cover of the field into your hide. Manufactured camo makes a great base layer, but adding natural cover on top of that will maximize the effect. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE KAMMERER

>> Set your blind in the natural depressions of the field for maximum concealment. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE KAMMERER

>> Gunner waits patiently in his dog blind out of sight from eyes above. | PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SMITH

29

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

12 TIPS

Geese have the appearance of a huge and slow target, but they have a relatively small vital

area. Shoot for the head and pattern your shotgun with multiple goose loads to determine which load patterns are best in your shotgun. Every gun is different, and chokes pattern in a variety of positions. Pattern your shotgun at a 20, 30, and 40 yards at a 30-inch target. This will give you a good idea of how your gun is patterning with different loads and chokes.

Stop the guessing of when to shoot, call, or set decoys. Designate a blind general to lead

the calling. Callers need to stay on the same page. You never want to over call or call on top of one another. In other words, if your partner is using low clucks and murmurs, the other caller(s) should follow his move and mimic his tempo and volume, as opposed to belting out a loud comeback call.

If you are hunting loafing areas like a lake or pond, use resting or sleeping decoys. Geese are usually

looking in these areas for a place to relax. Group sleepers together in one big cluster, with just a few sentry decoys scattered throughout.

When geese are at a distance, start flagging high with short bursts, progressively moving towards the

ground. Continue this motion to get their attention. Once they start working your decoys, use the flag only on the swing, to keep their attention out of the corner of their eyes. Do not to over-flag when the geese are coming straight towards you at a close range; the flag movements do not appear natural to them from head-on.

When setting your decoy spread, try to paint a picture of what the live birds were doing in the

field when you were scouting. This might include small family groups of Canada geese earlier in the year, then moving to bigger decoy spreads in the middle of the season, and returning to a smaller spread at the end of the year. Make sure you leave adequate room for landing zones to get the geese into gunning range. Lack of landing zones means the birds cannot finish. Landing zones are typical placed right in front of the blind.

Knowing when to call and how much is no easy task. When you think the geese are on their way

out and are not going to make another pass, throw the book at them. Start calling very aggressively and blowing every note you are capable of making until you find the sound that works. If they start to show interest again, go back to the notes you were making that initially captured their attention. These notes could include constant double clucks for Canada geese or rapid single clucks for specks.

HIT THE MARK DESIGNATE A GENERAL SUPER SLEEPER

FINESSE YOUR FLAGGING PAINT A PICTURE STAY ON ’EM

>> Designate a blind general to call the shots. This keeps all callers and shooters working as a team.| PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE KAMMERER

30

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

8 TI

PS

No matter what decoy brand you may use or how old your fleet may be, remember that

dull or dirty decoys can ruin any hunt. Make sure your decoys are clean and look sharp. Spruce them up by painting them or simply washing them with soapy water. If you repaint your decoys, use flat paint so the finish isn't shiny. Using individual decoy bags or slotted bags will help keep your decoys protected for continual years of use.

FIX UP YOUR FLEET

FULL BODY LOOK, Stacks like a shell... Moves with the wind

THE DECOYS YOU WANTTHE QUALITY YOU DESERVE

Greenwinged Teal

Bluewinged Teal

Pintail Shells and Floaters

Widgeon

Decoy Bags

Transformer Adapters

Mallard Decoys

Turkey Decoys

Look for our Water Extension Stakes to use your G&H shells in the flooded fields!

ghdecoys.com | 1-800-443-3269Call us for volume and military discounts

American Made since 1934!

WEATHER VANE DECOYS!WEATHER VANE DECOYS!

Once geese start working your decoys, use the flag only on the swing, to keep their attention out of the corner of their eyes.

>> Keep decoys groomed with fresh paint or a warm, soapy bath. Slotted bags help keep the finish looking fresh for longer.| PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE KAMMERER

31

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

12 TIPS

Scouting geese is must if you want consistent success. The geese may not be in a

particular field you have permission to hunt, yet knowing how many geese are in the area and the weather conditions will aid your success. When scouting, look for the resting and feeding areas where the geese are frequenting. A hunter can also look for other hunters in the area and determine the hunting pressure. Once you determine the regular patterns of the geese in your area, make a game plan and follow through with it.

Always use the natural cover in the field or habitat you are hunting. It will give an

advantage over manufactured products. If you are using camo materials from a name brand manufacturer, use it as the base layer and use the cover from the field as the top layer. The same goes if you are hunting from layout blinds. Always look for natural depressions in the field.

A weak caller will be more successful not calling at all. Practice at home and don’t

start calling in the field until you are proficient. Think of it like game day. You would not hit the field in any sport without practicing first, so practice at home to improve your game in the field.

Hunting is like any other sport; practice makes perfect. Too many times, hunters get stuck in a rut, hunting the same spots and making the same errors. Try to attend to each hunting experience to gain knowledge of your mistakes and successes. Adjust your game plan based on the details that have proven successful for a memorable harvest.

SCOUT OUT SUCCESS BUILD A NATURAL BLIND CALLING THE SHOTSFIX UP YOUR FLEET

FULL BODY LOOK, Stacks like a shell... Moves with the wind

THE DECOYS YOU WANTTHE QUALITY YOU DESERVE

Greenwinged Teal

Bluewinged Teal

Pintail Shells and Floaters

Widgeon

Decoy Bags

Transformer Adapters

Mallard Decoys

Turkey Decoys

Look for our Water Extension Stakes to use your G&H shells in the flooded fields!

ghdecoys.com | 1-800-443-3269Call us for volume and military discounts

American Made since 1934!

WEATHER VANE DECOYS!WEATHER VANE DECOYS!

July - August 201148 OUTDOOR CALIFORNIA

Call For Your Subscription: (916) 322-8911

Visit Us Online: www.dfg.ca.gov/ocal/

CALIFORNIAOutdoor

For More Publications:www.dfg.ca.gov/publicaion

See the Outdoors Through Our Eyes

33

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

WHITEFRONT ECOLOGY

by DANIEL SKALOS AND DR. JOHN EADIE, UC DAVIS; DAN YPARRAGUIRRE, SHAUN OLDENBURGER, AND MELANIE WEAVER, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME; DR. CRAIG ELY AND DR. JOE FLESKES, US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Those of us who have been around California during the last three decades have witnessed many changes to the environment. Changing agricultural practices and wildlife habitat conservation programs have greatly altered the landscape in which we pursue our hunting passion. Have you ever wondered how all of these landscape changes affect the waterfowl we hunt?

Well, waterfowl researchers and managers think about this all the time. In the last 30 years, researchers have

conducted several studies to evaluate impacts of the changing environment and their management efforts on waterfowl ecology in California. One important aspect of ecology is body condition, or the amount of fat a particular bird is carrying. Understanding changes in body condition in California is important, because it directly reflects habitat quality of our staging and wintering grounds. Condition also impacts survival and productivity on the breeding grounds. When waterfowl arrive on the breeding grounds, some species use fat acquired

solely from the staging or wintering areas to breed. Bottom line: fatter ducks and geese mean more ducks and geese.

Starting in 2009 we undertook a study to determine the impacts of habitat changes and management programs on the ecology of greater white-fronted geese. Fortunately, similar research conducted 30 years ago provided a base of information for comparison. We replicated methods of this earlier study conducted by Dr. Craig Ely and Dr. Dennis Raveling at UC Davis. We collected 465 white-fronts for body condition analysis during the fall, winter, and spring of 2009–10 and 2010–11. Our study concentrated on the population of white-fronts that nest in the Yukon Delta of Alaska, referred to as “Pacifics” to differentiate them from the larger “tule” white-fronts. Pacifics comprise the vast majority of white-fronts that winter in California. We collected geese in the Klamath Basin and the Sacramento Valley with a number of objectives: 1) to examine the change in body condition over time; 2) to examine the differences in body condition between the Sacramento Valley and Klamath Basin; and 3) to examine changes in habitat that could explain changes in goose distribution.

PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

CHaNGes IN WHIte-FrONteD

GOOse eCOLOGY

34

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

WHI

TE-F

RONT

ECO

LOGY

What do we mean by changes in goose distribution? Well, if you’ve hunted in the Klamath Basin since the 1990s you may have noticed fewer white-fronts stopping there in fall. This has been occurring at the same time the Pacific white-front population has greatly increased from 73,000 to about 750,000. Up until the mid-1980s, managers assumed that nearly all of the Pacific white-front population used the Klamath Basin as a fall stopover prior to migrating to the Central Valley wintering grounds. When the Pacific population crashed in the 1970s, a special survey was implemented to aid managers in obtaining accurate population estimates. According to that survey, almost all Pacifics stopped in the Klamath Basin during fall in the 1970s; however, by the early 1990s this was no longer true. Surveys revealed that the majority of the population now bypasses the Klamath Basin in fall and arrives in the Sacramento Valley by October (see graph).

Our research shows that during October, Klamath Basin birds were fatter in 1980 than in both 2009 and 2010. Birds were similar in the Klamath Basin and

Sacramento Valley during 2009 and fatter in the Klamath Basin during October 2010. Why are geese in Klamath Basin now less fat than in 1980? Pacifics are very dependent in fall on cereal grain to replace fat reserves depleted during their migration from Alaska. Since 1979 cereal grain planting has decreased significantly in the Klamath Basin, falling from 83,000 acres to 39,000 acres. In contrast, rice planting in the Sacramento Valley has increased by 16 percent in the past 30 years, and post-harvest decomposition flooding has increased the amount of flooded rice from 60,000 acres to 200,000 acres. Additionally, the expansion and enhancement of refuge properties, both public and private, thanks to the North American Wetland Conservation Act and its conservation partners (e.g., US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and California Waterfowl), has increased the amount of natural wetlands by 70,000 acres. This increase in wetland habitat has created ample undisturbed roost sites, which reduces the distance geese have to fly to find food, saving energy. Overall, the combination of decreasing grain in the Klamath Basin and increasing rice and wetlands in the Sacramento Valley has probably contributed to the shift in October distribution of the Pacific population.

The majority of Pacifics are in the Sacramento Valley in the winter (October-February). Currently, body condition of geese in the winter is similar to that of geese collected in 1980. Body condition decreases from January to February due to a switch in diet from seeds to grass. Grass is more abundant and easier to find than seeds by February but contains less fat than seeds.

Up until the mid-1980s, managers

assumed that nearly all of the

Pacific white-front population used

the Klamath Basin as a fall stopover prior to migrating

to the Central Valley wintering grounds.

>> Ninety-f ive percent of the Pacif ic white-front population wil l use the Klamath Basin area in spring to bui ld up fat reserves prior to migration. Pacif ics feed almost nonstop start ing in Apri l and wil l double their body fat prior to the 2,800-mile f l ight to Alaska. | PHOTO BY PHIL ROBERTSON

35

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

WHITE-FRONT ECOLOGY

Historically, most Pacifics migrated to the Klamath Basin in mid-March. However, survey data indicates that geese are now arriving in the Klamath Basin earlier, sometime around late February. This probably isn’t a bad thing, because early migrants are typically fatter birds. Our body condition data supports this idea, because geese in 2009 and 2010 were fatter in the Klamath Basin in February. Interestingly, based on our March collections, conditions of birds in the Klamath Basin declined compared to birds in the Sacramento Valley. This could be due to harsher weather conditions in the Klamath Basin or the arrival of food resource competitors, such as Ross’s and snow geese. At present, the condition of geese in March is similar to that of 1980.

The Klamath Basin is the most important area for Pacifics during spring. Ninety-five percent of the population will use this area to build up fat reserves prior to migration. This means geese need adequate food resources during this time. Geese feed almost nonstop starting around the second week of April. During April,

Pacifics double their body fat prior to the 2,800-mile flight to Alaska. Body condition during 1980, 2009, and 2010 was the same suggesting that late-spring food availability is similar now to that of 30 years ago in the Klamath Basin. Anecdotal accounts of more white-fronts staying in the Sacramento Valley during spring are not due to a higher proportion staying over; rather, it is most likely due to the tenfold population increase in the past 30 years. Given the population increase combined with the favorable body condition information, it is apparent that white-fronts have adapted well to the habitat changes that have occurred. In conclusion, harvest management and habitat conservation programs have resulted in a healthy and thriving population of Pacific greater white-fronted geese.

FEATURED ON:

“BERETTA’S BIRD HUNTER’S JOURNAL”

For Details

308-665-1741 WWW.WINEMAKERSISLAND.COM

HUNT North Platte River WATERFOWL

Sam Sebastiani’s 2,300 acre

Waterfowl Wonderland

Be sure to secure your reservation to shoot this

prime duck and goose retreat with six miles of private

river frontage

Hunting from North Platte River Blinds on an island encircled by

cornfi elds you will experience phenomenal shooting over

decoys at reasonable ranges on

WINEMAKER’S ISLAND A RARE HUNTING

OPPORTUNITY

>> The majority of the Pacif ic white-fronted goose population bypasses the Klamath Basin as a fal l stopover point and arr ives in the Sacramento Valley by October. | GRAPH PROVIDED BY DAN SKALOS

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Nu

mb

er

of

Wh

ite-f

ron

ts

Fall Coordinated White-front Survey

Klamath Basin

Sacramento Valley

Total Geese Counted

38

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GOOS

E RO

UND

UP

Nothing captures the imagination of hunters and the curiosity of scientists as much as the travels of an animal with the ability to fly. Flying north and south, flocks come and go with the seasons, invoking a sense of wonder, such as, “I wonder where they went.” A flock of snow geese that relentlessly circles a cornfield on Friday might disappear before the decoys are spread on Saturday. Frustration and fascination. You have sensed both if you are a waterfowl hunter, perhaps simultaneously.

And while there are mysteries yet to be solved, waterfowl are arguably the most studied wildlife in the world. This can be attributed largely to their status as a game species. The programs used to monitor waterfowl provide the information needed to verify population status, track long term trends, and quantify the impacts of hunting to ensure sustainable harvest levels (see article on page 22).

There are several methods used to monitor populations. Aerial surveys are used to determine trends in breeding and wintering populations. These surveys give us an annual estimate of the size and distribution of a population but don’t provide information about individual movements or survival. To gather that type of data, capturing and banding ducks and geese is the most cost-effective method.

A number of organizations, agencies, and individuals participate in the banding of waterfowl in California, and the method of capture changes depending on species and the time of year. Wood ducks can be trapped in nest boxes while incubating eggs.

Since 1950, DFG has banded about 35,000 geese in northeastern California.

WILDGOOse CHase

by GREG YARRIS, CENTRAL VALLEY JOINT VENTURE

>> DFG Biologist Shaun Oldenburger leads a team to the far shore of the lake. To avoid alert ing geese of their presence, f ield crews must often drag their kayaks over land to get in posit ion for the “round up.”

>> After a suitable number of molt ing geese are located on a wetland, a large funnel is constructed to direct them into holding pens.

>> DFG Biologist Jul ie Garcia uses a kayak to push geese towards the funnel and into the holding pen. Up to 10 kayakers are used to encircle a f l ightless f lock of geese and move them in the desired direct ion.

39

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

WILD GOOSE CHASE

>> Once geese are onshore, they are sorted into holding pens and banded and processed as quickly as possible to minimize stress.

>> DFG biologists Melanie Weaver and Brad Burkholder band an adult Canada goose. Large geese are more powerful than ducks, so two people are required to accomplish the task.

>> California Waterfowl/Modoc NWR intern Cameron King releases a banded goose. Adult geese are released alone immediately after banding, while young gosl ings are released with their brood mates.

PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR

Mallards have an appetite that makes them easy to capture in baited swim-in traps. Large numbers of loafing pintails can be captured by launching nets over them using rockets. Many goose species are vulnerable after the nesting season, when they congregate on large bodies of water to undergo their annual wing molt.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) takes advantage of the flightless status of Canada geese during their molt and captures and bands a sample each year in the primary breeding grounds of northeastern California. Since 1950, DFG has banded about 35,000 geese in this region. The process is not simple because of the remoteness of the region, but after many years of experimenting with different techniques it has become an amazingly efficient operation. The technique involves using kayaks and quietly herding flightless geese into a pen on the shore of the wetland. Geese are directed into the pen by a giant funnel, the “wings” of which are assembled from individual panels linked end-to-end. Once the geese scramble up on land and into the pen, the door is closed behind them, and the banding begins.

Banding locations are chosen during aerial surveys the week prior, and an effort is made to focus on different areas each year (and return to each area every three years). Banding normally lasts about a week and occurs in mid-June, when adults are molting and some goslings have not gained flight. This year, trapping was focused at Honey Lake Wildlife Area (Hartson Reservoir), Alturas Ranch, and various wetlands in Lassen National Forest and the Devil’s Garden area of Modoc National Forest. A total of 579 geese were captured and banded this summer.

Most of the bands recovered from the harvest of these geese have been returned by California hunters. Of the 1,900 or so recoveries since 2000, over half (about 1,180) were from the northeastern part of the state where they were banded. About 560 were shot elsewhere in California (foothills and Central Valley), and about 150 were recovered outside the state in Oregon, Nevada, and other areas of the Intermountain West and Great Basin regions. A few recoveries (about 40) from Canada were also documented.

Banding is one of the most important management tools being used in California by the DFG, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Waterfowl to study and monitor ducks and geese. Ultimately, the success of these programs relies on the participation of waterfowlers across the state by providing timely and accurate information when a banded bird is recovered (www.reportband.gov). With each recovery, we get a little closer to uncovering more of the mysteries of migration.

40

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEAR GOOse

Gear GuIDeEverything You Need to Make the

Most of Your Season

New for 2011, the Sutter Storm from Sutter Basin Calls was inspired by traditional Louisiana and Texas-style calling. The Storm

sounds exactly like a speck and can replicate bent notes, yodels, ground clucks, and peck notes. From the inside barrel design to the custom-made, acrylic guts, this call will set you apart from all other callers - except the ones landing in your decoy spread. www.sutterbasinduckcalls.com

The Speck Crusher from Basin Calls is designed for easy blowing, both simple to use for the beginner but also versatile

for the advanced speck caller. The all-acrylic call has an amazing range of notes and pitches and can be blown one-handed. A uniquely shaped mouthpiece and carefully cut and tuned reed system allow the Crusher to whistle, scratch cluck, grunt, and produce all sounds of the white-fronted goose. www.basincalls.com

From Final Approach, the SUB layout blind can go just about anywhere. The compact design collapses to fit inside car trunks, and

the lightweight, rust-free aluminum frame weighs just 18 lbs. Built with field-proven durability, the SUB includes a fully-adjustable reclining backrest and headrest, padded for your comfort. Includes stubble straps and flagging side holes. Available in Advantage Max4, Mossy Oak, and field brown. www.fabrand.com

>> The 2011-2012 waterfowl season gives California goose hunters reason to celebrate. Thriving goose populations al-lowed us special early-season and late-season hunts, meaning bigger limits, more opportunities, and more days in the field for you. If there ever was a season to “get your goose on,” this is it.

“SUTTER STORM” SPECKLEBELLY GOOSE CALL

BASIN CALLS SPECK CRUSHER

FINAL APPROACH PACK-N-GO SUB LAYOUT BLIND

41

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEAR

The Pro Series Specklebelly Goose decoys, new from Tanglefree in 2011, are fully-flocked, full-bodied decoys. The realistic paint scheme will help fool

the wariest late season bar bellies. Available in six packs, these decoys come with 6 “run-n-gun” field stakes and 6 round bases. Tanglefree always brings you quality, affordability, and attention to detail. Available in: 6 one-piece feeders or 2 high actives, 2 actives, and 2 resters. www.tanglefree.com

Rogers Sporting Goods brings you this full-body snow goose decoy, new for 2011. Sold in 6-packs, each contains 4 feeders (fixed heads), 1 active, and 1

semi-active (detachable heads); motion stakes included. The decoy is designed to be responsive to a light breeze but is made out of durable thick plastic that can withstand the toughest of seasons. Do not let the incredible price fool you; Rogers backs these decoys with a 100% money-back guarantee. www.rogerssportinggoods.com

Rig’Em Right’s 6-Slot Goose Floater Decoy Bag is built for the demanding waterfowler. Made from the toughest materials, this bag

features bottom drains, floatation, padded sides for comfort, durable construction, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and enough room to stow decoys with heads attached. www.rigemright.com

TANGLEFREE PRO SERIES SPECKLEBELLY DECOYS

ROGERS SNOW GOOSE

RIG’EM RIGHT 6-SLOT DECOY BAG

Tanglefree’s Pro Series Canada Goose Flag has a sturdy graphite handle, collapsible flag, and Max4 camouflage on the backside. Effective for both

Canadas and Specklebellies, the flag is the perfect tool for attracting the attention of distant and passing geese. www.tanglefree.com

TANGLEFREE PRO SERIES CANADA GOOSE FLAG

42

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GEAR CuIsINe

by SCOTT LEYSATH, THE SPORTING CHEF

Goose Stew

Higdon’s Pulsator 2 System consists of a main-wire that runs a distance of 60’ from your blind/hunting location then splits off into four separate

wires (lengths 10'-30’). Attached to the end of each are the new Pulsator 2 duck butts, which spray water every time the switch is pushed (from your blind), perfectly simulating feeding

ducks. A 12-volt battery is required (not included). www.higdondecoys.com

The MOJO Mallard is the motion decoy that revolutionized duck hunting. The new PVC wings turn faster, are quieter, and give longer

battery life. MOJO Mallard is one of the quietest, most effective, user-friendly spinning wing decoys on the market. Includes 4’ support pole, 6-volt battery, charger, and charging adapter. Available in drake or hen. www.mojooutdoors.com

The Super Wonderduck Combo has a built-in pole mount and can be used with a variety of wing, foot, and paddle attachments on a pole

or in the water. According to Wonderduck, the weedless paddling feet are allowed by California Fish and Game before December 1. After that, you can choose to add the rotating wings or Wonderduck’s new flapping wings. The 500 rpm motor runs 15-25 hours on two D batteries.

All Wonderduck Decoys come with a lifetime repair guarantee.

www.wonderduck.com

Wake up your decoys with this new pocket-sized jerk rig. Place the anchor in your spread, run the line to your blind, and

pull the string. Decoys swim towards you on the pull and away when the bungee retracts. Rig comes ready to use with miniature folding anchor, 100’ of line, bungee cord, and swivels for rigging 4 decoys. Light-weight and compact, the rig fits into your coat pocket or blind bag. Recommended for water depths 5’ or less. www.rigemright.com

HIGDON PULSATOR 2, PLUG-N-HUNT HARDWIRE SYSTEM

MOJO MALLARD

WONDERDUCK COMBO DECOY RIG’EM RIGHT JERK RIG

SPECIAL MOTION DECOY GUIDE

>> On December 1, 2011, California waterfowlers can add mechanically-operated decoys to their fleet, in addition to the wind-powered devices that the first part of the season is limited to. Consider adding one of these motion decoys to your late-season arsenal.

CUISINECuIsINeby SCOTT LEYSATH, THE SPORTING CHEF

Goose Stew

California waterfowl hunters really don’t have much to complain about when it comes to winter weather. Rarely do we have to break through ice or suit up in subzero-rated gear to keep from freezing our tails off. As a matter of fact, when the water does freeze, California ducks and geese just pick up and head on down the road until they find warmer conditions. Like us, they’re spoiled. But even though we don’t have to brave the elements, relatively speaking, it does get cold enough for us to appreciate a warm, hearty bowl of stew when the day is done.

I’ve found that there are basically three ways to properly cook a goose – medium-rare, slow-cooked, or jerky. Anything else just doesn’t work for me. If you cook a big honker breast past medium-rare, it’ll get tougher and more livery tasting as you continue to cook it. However, you can also slowly cook it with liquid until the meat is fork-tender, much like perfectly stewed beef or a moist pot roast. If you’ve been dissatisfied with the way your goose tastes when cooked, there’s a good chance that it has been cooked somewhere beyond medium, but not slowly simmered until it is more like a fall-apart pot roast. Grilling a goose breast until it is well-done will result in a off-tasting, chewy, dry hunk of meat.

If you have some spare time, try making stock or broth out of the carcass, legs, and thighs of a goose. Don’t bother plucking the bird, just peel it, clean it, remove the breast fillets, and save them for the stew. Cut the legs off the carcass, and place them in a large roasting pan with the body. Toss everything with a light coating of olive oil. Add some celery, carrots, and onions into the pan. Place into a 400 degree oven for about an hour or until everything is well browned. While roasting, give the goose a turn or two so that all sides are browned. When this stage is completed, dump the contents of the pan into a large stock pot and cover with cold water. To add additional flavor, toss in some garlic, herbs, peppercorns, bay leaves, and anything else that you think will enhance the stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for several hours, making sure that there is still enough liquid to just cover the contents of the pot. Eventually, the meat will fall off the bone and you’ll wind up with a very flavorful, dense liquid that will make for an even better batch of goose stew. Strain the contents through a colander lined with paper towels or cheesecloth into another pot and discard. Add salt to taste and use this stock in place of beef broth. I frequently have days when I make large batches of various stocks that I will freeze for later use, like when I want to make a big pot of goose stew.

This recipe works with any type of goose, but, like most hunters, I do prefer specs over snows. However, this is a good way to make the most of the less popular geese, like snow geese, but I’d highly recommend that you soak your snow geese for 12 hours in a brine to remove the blood. If you prepare this dish as per the recipe and the meat is not tender, keep cooking. It shouldn’t disintegrate, but you should be able to break it apart with just light pressure with your fingers.

Brown the bacon in a large stock pot over medium heat. Increase heat to medium-high,

add the chunked goose breasts, and cook until evenly browned. Add the onion, celery, carrot, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook for five minutes or until the onions are translucent.

SPICY GOOSE STEWThe jalapeno pepper adds the spicy component to this recipe. If you prefer a stew without the heat, don’t add the pepper. Serve with warm, crusty bread and a good glass of zinfandel. Makes 8-10 servings.

½ pound bacon, diced4 cups skinless goose breast fillets, cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks3 cups onion, roughly chopped4 stalks celery, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick slices2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced4 cloves garlic, minced2 quarts canned beef broth (or homemade stock)3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce2 sprigs fresh rosemary1 15-ounce can diced tomato, with liquid¼ cup tomato paste3 cups potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper salt and pepper to taste

Try making stock or broth out of the carcass, legs, and thighs of a goose.

Add broth, Worcestershire, rose-mary, and diced tomato. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and

simmer for two hours, covered, stirring occasionally. Then stir in tomato paste and potatoes. Remove lid and continue cooking until the meat is tender and potatoes are just-cooked.

Remove rosemary sprigs, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

/8

44

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

EARL

Y SE

ASON

CAN

ADAS

by GEORGE T. KAMMERER, RANCHO MURIETA, CA

CaNaDa GOOse earLY seasON HuNt

California’s first early season resident Canada goose hunt in 2010 was a resounding success. It helped achieve the dual purpose of reducing burgeoning resident Canada goose populations in the Balance of the State Zone (fast becoming a nuisance in many localities) and increasing hunter opportunity during the first week of October. Vince Crudele, Field Reporter for Western Outdoor News said, “The 2010 early Canada goose season was a spectacular opportunity for California sportsmen and women. Not only did we find plenty of birds, but the collection of wings from harvested geese provided valuable scientific information to the agencies verifying that these were indeed non-migratory, resident Canada geese supporting the early hunt.” It was very satisfying to see the early season and liberalized bag limits approved again in 2011, considering California Waterfowl had championed the opening of just such an early season for the past 12 years.

October 1, 2011: Opening morning of California’s second-ever early resident Canada goose season dawned in the high 50s – enjoyably cool after a 98-degree heat wave had thankfully broken barely 24 hours before. Everyone relaxed in place in their layout blinds, guns loaded, patiently awaiting the first honk in the distance. Captain Ron Koyasako, owner of Aku Nui Sportfishing and our eagle eye spotter and shooter, yelled, “Eight birds from the northeast a mile out locked up and coming fast.” Everyone crouched expectantly scanning the

northeastern sky. Then there they were: eight giant Canada geese, probably 12-15 pounds each, locked up in formation and descending fast upon our spread. Professional goose caller, Chris Ravencroft of Sparks, Nevada, went to work making sweet goose music. He was joined by back-up singers Chris Giampaoli and Brad Forsythe of Chico, Mike Doi of the East Bay, and Pete Piccardo of Folsom on a variety of short reeds, flutes, and barrel calls. After spiraling down from 200 yards up, the final swing came in from behind us, and I yelled at the guys to “flag, flag, flag!”The birds picked up just before landing behind us and drifted straight over the group at 15 yards. “Go, go, go!” Shotguns rang out, and birds started peeling out of the sky. When the last shot sounded, all eight honkers were kicking up dust in the decoys.

For the next two hours flock after flock appeared on the horizon, spotted the decoys, and descended the staircase. Dead eye shooters, Larry Booth and his sons Lawrence and Andrew, Mike Howard and his son Sutton, Tom Mahan, Pete Piccardo, Steve Krahn, Scott Zangrando, Mike Doi, and Ron Koyasako issued revolutionary war-style barrage after barrage. Even though the shot angles were tough with an un-forecasted reverse wind direction, the group did quite well, finishing the shoot with 34 resident Canadas on the turf that would no longer terrorize elementary school playing fields or golf courses in the region.

>> (L to R) Andrew, Lawrence, Pete, Tom, Chris, Mike, Steve, Brad, Scott, and Sutton took 34 honkers, shot from layout bl inds in corn f ields east of Lodi on Saturday, October 1. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL HOWARD

SECOND SEASON SUCCESS

45

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CANADA GOOSE EARLY SEASON

There they were: eight giant Canada geese, probably 12-15 pounds each, locked up in formation and descending fast upon our spread.

>> Maddox and Rick Martinez posed after the Sunday, October 2, hunt. The group took their l imit in just 90 minutes that day. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PHIL QUINLEY

October 2, 2011: The birds worked much better than the day before, presenting themselves in front of the shooters on the final pass this day instead of trying to land behind us. Experienced goose hunters, Tom Neutzling and his son Dustin, Chuck Helget, Dave Siegel, Phil Quinley, Stephen Van Pelt, Mike Doi, and Rick Martinez rose to the occasion, flock after flock in unison. Today’s eight shooters (plus myself) finished off generous limits of six geese apiece after

just two hours with an amazing 50 resident Canada geese in the bag! Twelve year old Maddox Martinez, along for his first waterfowl hunt, did his best to assist his father Rick’s retriever, “Major,” and Chuck Helget’s Labrador, “Zeke,” in run after run into the field after guns were emptied to carry back multiple geese dropped from each flock.

The early season resident goose hunt appears to be very popular with waterfowl hunters and will hopefully become a regulatory fixture we can count on for years to come. Vince Crudele said it well: “As with the late season Aleutian goose and the brand new 2012 late season white-fronted and white goose hunts, the resident Canada goose early season is a milestone for hunter opportunity that ALL California hunters should participate in and enjoy.”

2012 TRX420FM

7829 Fair Oaks BlvdCarmichael, CA1-800-WE-RIDE-1www.chmmotorsports.com

FourTrax® Rancher® / FourTrax® Rancher® EShonda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ATVs CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE RESPONSIBLE. READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. ALL ATV RIDERS SHOULD TAKE A TRAINING COURSE (FREE FOR NEW BUYERS. ASK YOUR DEALER OR CALL ASI AT 800-887-2887). NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ON PAVED SURFACES, ON PUBLIC ROADS, WITH PASSENGERS, OR AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS. NO STUNT RIDING. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN RIDING. FourTrax® and Rancher® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (10/11)*Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excludes $275 destination charge. **Plus freight, set-up, license, Doc and tax. Offer expires 12-31-11

MSRP* CHM Discount

Sale Price**

= $ 6099= $ 818

= $ 5281

46

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CANI

NE C

ORNE

R

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SMITH

CaNINe COrNer

by JAN BURKHOLDER, STONEWALL RETRIEVERS

Four Steps to Getting Your Dog Ready for Goose Hunting

A goose is more than just a supersized duck. Although both belong to the same biological family, Anatidae, they have some different characteristics. Geese graze mainly on land, while ducks usually feed in the water. Geese also have a serrated beak and more aggressive attitude. And, of course, their calls are different.

When it comes to training your dog for goose hunting, there are many similarities to training a dog for duck hunting. For starters, your dog must have learned to respond obediently to basic commands, including sit, down, and stay, as

well as remain steady and deliver to hand. If your dog has accomplished those tasks, he or she is ready for Goose 101, which has four main components: the goose call, the decoys, the dog concealment blind, and the layout blind.

The exercises below will get your dog ready for goose hunting, but if you find that the dog is not catching on after three or four sessions of any one exercise, consider consulting with a professional for help.

47

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CANINE CORNER

Put your dog on a leash with a choke chain. Kneel beside your dog and hold the leash at the point where it is attached to collar. Blow the goose call. If your

dog gets up, licks your face or does anything other than remain quietly in position, stand up while jerking downward on the leash. At the same time, say, “No” in a firm tone of voice.

Repeat this exercise a number of times for a few days until you see that your dog understands that he shouldn’t react when you blow the goose call. If your dog has already learned this, it is a good idea to run the exercise as a refresher right before hunting season. It’s always easier to teach these important skills to your dog before you get out in the excitement of a hunting situation with its many distractions.

Because the size difference between ducks and geese is significant, buy – or borrow – goose decoys. Use somewhere between a half dozen and a dozen decoys,

and spread them out in your training area. Walk your dog through the spread. If he tries to pick up a decoy or anything else, correct with a light jerk on the leash, saying “No,” and continue walking.

If your dog, however, appears to be afraid of the full-bodied decoys, do not jerk! Instead, kneel by the decoy and touch it to show your dog that it won’t hurt him. Wait patiently for your dog to touch it, praise him with an enthusiastic “Good boy,” and walk on.

Again, repeat the exercise for a few days until your dog is strolling nonchalantly through the decoys.

Many hunters use pup tents or huts to conceal the dog, which is the functional equivalent of a canine layout blind. Set up the hut or tent that you are using.

Leave your dog on a leash with a choke chain, but don’t hold the leash. It’s just there for you to grab it if a need to do so arises.

Then, open the doors fully on your tent. Throw a biscuit into the tent, telling the dog to “kennel.” Most dogs will jump right in to get the treat. When the dog is inside, tell him to “down.” After he lies down, close the door. Then toss a bumper in such way that he can see it fall. Most of the tents have visibility through the doors, but sometimes the sides are solid, so take that into account when you toss the bumper.

Then send your dog to retrieve the bumper, and have him deliver it to hand. After he delivers the bumper, tell him to kennel once again. Correct him if he tries to take the bumper inside the tent.

Again, repeat this exercise as needed so that your dog is comfortable with the tent and understands that he should stay inside until he is sent to retrieve the goose.

Set up a layout blind. Walk your dog, on a leash, around the blind, and then have him lie down next to the blind. Keep holding the leash while you get into

the blind and shut the doors. Then spring open the blind and sit up as if you are going to shoot. You can use an unloaded gun if you’d like to better simulate the hunting situation. If your dog gets up, correct him, and repeat until he understands.

If your dog waits patiently while you blow the goose call, is comfortable around goose decoys, can stay concealed in his hut until he needs to retrieve, or can wait comfortably beside your layout blind, you should be all set for some good goose hunting.

Jan Burkholder has been training gun dogs for more than two decades and owns her kennel, Stonewall Retrievers, in Acampo, CA. Learn more at www.stonewalldogs.com.

STEP ONE | Introduction to the Goose Call

STEP TWO | Introduction to Goose Decoys

STEP THREE | Introduction to the Dog Concealment Blind

STEP FOUR | Introduction to the Layout Blind

PHOTO BY MIKE CHRISTENSEN

48

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

HuNter HeaLtH

by JEFFRY METHENY, MD

Layout Blind and Scull Boat Hunting

Work Your Core

HUNT

ER H

EALT

H

The concept of sport-specific training has been with us since the Spartan training camps of ancient Greece. They knew that all exercise is beneficial, but to excel at a specific physical event, it is best to focus the workout accordingly. Bringing this concept to the waterfowler, one might say that running and bicycling are fantastic aerobic exercises but add little benefit to the goose hunter concealed in his layout blind in the middle of a corn field or to a sculler out in the bay. Think for a moment; what physical tasks will he repeatedly ask of his body?

The layout or sculling hunter will benefit from core exercises to strengthen that part of the body that pulls one upright to sit, swing, and shoot. Repeat that series 30-40 times in one day without preparation,

A complete core workout takes only 15-30 minutes.

Designed and manufactured in the USA by MTECH, IncChico, CA 95973

ADVANCED POLYMER TECHNOLOGY

Limited Lifetime Warranty- Waterproof- Non-abrasive- Insulated qualities- Rust & corrosion proof

- Lockable lids- Internal shelves- Flame resistant- Impact resistant

1-4 Man duck blinds and custom sizes available

www.mtechincorporated.com/blackboxblinds888.797.5100

and trunk muscles will fatigue, making the hunter slower and less accurate, not to mention, the total body ache that will overtake him the next day.

The “core” refers to 25 muscles that are located on the chest, back, pelvis, and hips. They work in synchrony to support the back and trunk, providing stability to the body whether arms and legs are in motion or planted firmly on the ground.

Complex movements all begin at the center of gravity, or core. When strong and functional, core muscles provide power for rotational activities like shoveling, sweeping, swinging a golf club, or aiming a shotgun. When the core is injured, weak, or out of shape, arms and legs must overcompensate, risking injury to them.

Classic core exercises include bridges, planks, and crunches (see diagrams). They can be done on the floor or using a large exercise ball to facilitate the exercises. The position is held for a length of time (i.e. one minute), and progression is done by

adding time, not repetitions. A complete core workout takes only 15-30 minutes and, when done regularly, is guaranteed to improve performance and decrease injury, aching muscles, and sore joints throughout the season.

49

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

HUNTER HEALTH

Lie on your back with your hands at your sides. Bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the floor shoulder-width apart. Lift your hips, and place your hands beneath you. Continue to bend your upper torso so that it touches (or attempts to touch) your chin. Hold this position.

Lie on the floor face down. Place your forearms on the floor, and extend your legs behind you, resting on your toes. Keep your back straight, and tighten your abdominal muscles to help you hold the position correctly. Don’t forget to breathe!

Lie on your back. Bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. Rest your arms across your chest. Roll your body forward so you bend at your waist, lifting your head and shoulders forward. Slowly lower toward the floor, keeping your neck and back in line, and repeat the up/down motion.

BRIDGE

PLANK

CRUNCH

50

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

by CHADD SANTERRE, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL WETLAND PROGRAMS SUPERVISOR

$3 Million for California Waterfowl Habitat

Over the summer months California Waterfowl’s biological team undertook construction projects up and down the state in anticipation of the arrival of wintering waterfowl. Most of those projects are now underwater and providing habitat and food resources to waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. The North American Waterfowl Conservation Act (NAWCA) awarded at total of $3 million to California Waterfowl in 2011 to help make many of these projects happen.

The Suisun Marsh Managed Wetland Enhancement Project, Phase III, was one of the habitat projects receiving NAWCA funding this year. The project includes nearly $1.5 million in habitat improvements across the Marsh on 30 private properties and five state-owned properties. Regional Biologist, Robert Eddings, has been coordinating construction, which started this past summer and will continue through 2012. Once completed, 9,730 acres of wetland habitat will be directly affected as a result of the enhancement project.

The Southern San Joaquin and Tulare basins received $1.3 million in habitat improvements through NAWCA. The grant, in addition to a new partnership with the Tulare Basin Wetlands Association, allowed California Waterfowl to hire the new Tulare Basin Regional Biologist, Jonathan Pickett. Jon has been working with Rich Wright, San Joaquin Regional Biologist, to complete numerous habitat projects. When completed, the grant will restore 330 acres and

enhance an additional 1,575 acres of wetlands. Waterfowl and hunters can expect to see improved conditions at the Mendota Wildlife Area, Kern National Wildlife Refuge, and eight private properties.

The Northeastern California project also received NAWCA funding in 2011, which has been a goal of California Waterfowl for nearly a decade. Through the generosity of our contributing partners, Pacific Gas and Electric, four private landowners, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the project and its funding have finally become a reality. In total, just over $1.1 million has started the restoration of 230 acres and enhancement of 1,982 acres of wetlands across the region. Regional biologists Rich Maher and Greg Heydeman will continue habitat work on Modoc and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges in 2012.

Through the dedication of our staff and the support of all of our partners, California Waterfowl continues to restore the state’s wetland landscape. The end result is healthier waterfowl populations and greater hunter opportunity. Our efforts are only

Some wetland enhancement projects involve transplanting tules. Strategically placed tules can help provide biodiversity, food, and cover for many wetland-dependent species. | PHOTO BY CHADD SANTERRE

9,730 Acres of wetland habitat will be directly affected as a

result of the enhancement project.

51

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

NAWCA

>> Since 1997 California Waterfowl has been awarded 25 NAWCA grants providing $24 million in federal funding. In total, these funds combined with contributions from our partners have produced nearly $30 million in on the ground habitat improvements for 370 different projects, restoring 16,750 acres and enhancing an amazing 105,419 acres of habitat for wildlife throughout the state.

>> California Waterfowl biologists conduct topographic surveys to map out properties during the restoration planning process.| PHOTO BY CHADD SANTERRE

>> Excavators are used to clean water con-veyance channels, helping enhance water delivery to wetland habitat. | PHOTO BY CHADD SANTERRE

possible through your support. If you are currently a member, THANK YOU! You are supporting our statewide waterfowl and wetland conservation efforts.

If you need assistance with a habitat project, contact a California Waterfowl biologist at (916) 648-1406. We can provide an analysis for improving your habitat conditions and help you explore funding options. As a member of California Waterfowl this is just one of the many benefits you receive for your support of the organization.

52

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GOVE

RNAN

CE S

ELEC

TION

by MIKE EBERHARD, DISTRICT 5 DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

CaLIFOrNIa WaterFOWL’s GOVerNaNCe seLeCtION PrOCess

AVAILABLE NOW!They Came to Shoot - A History of California Duck

Clubs and Wetland Conservation is destined to become a standard work on the long over-due topic of California

waterfowl hunting traditions.

With about 500 pages, this book will feature a complete listing and basic history of over 3,000 historic duck clubs. Over 100 historic black and white photos included, most never before

published.

More than a coffee table book, it is packed with information that makes it a virtual encyclopedia of California duck clubs, both active and long gone. Written by retired Fish and Game

biologist Frank Hall, it is the perfect book for the duck club or gift for that special duck hunter.

LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!

Order your copy today at www.calwaterfowl.org

or call (916) 648-1406.

$69.00plus shipping & handling

An important measure of the quality of an organization is the quality of its board of directors. For this reason, California Waterfowl follows a careful process in selecting its directors. Term limits require California Waterfowl to continually search for new leaders. The Board’s directive is to find replacements better than those departing to continually increase the quality of the Board.

The Board manages this search and selection process through its Governance Committee, comprised of current directors. This committee searches throughout the year for rising stars who bring new energy and fresh experiences and perspective to the Board.

The search for new directors begins each year in March. The Governance Committee determines the number of directors scheduled to term out and reviews the geographic distribution and the skill sets most needed on the Board.

California Waterfowl is organized into five geographic districts from the far north to the far south. Some districts have more members, wetlands, and waterfowl hunting than others, and for this reason some districts have more directors than others.

DISTRICT 1 Northern CaliforniaDISTRICT 2 Sacramento ValleyDISTRICT 3 SF Bay/Central CoastDISTRICT 4 San Joaquin ValleyDISTRICT 5 Southern California

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

53

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GOVERNANCE SELECTION

HUNT THE HEART OF THE MIGRATION

Tracy Northup • 1792 337th St., Decorah, IA 52101 • (563) 382-0530 • www.HuntUpNorth.com

You’ll see what it’s like looking up as flocks of snow geese dump into our large Deadly® Decoy spreads. Jump into the passenger’s seat as we plow our way through the Spring Snows. $15.99includes shipping

VIDEO PROOF OF OUR QUALITY HUNTSSPRING SNOW GOOSE HUNTS

• Liberal laws & limits• Established Professional Guide Service

• Very high success rate

KANSAS/MISSOURI/SOUTH DAKOTA February - April

Our name says it all...Canada Goose Pintails

Drakes only

Specklebelly Goose

Snow & Blue Goose

Mallard Duck6 Hens/6 DrakesDeadly®

Decoy Bag

(563) 382-4883

Flyers Snow, Blue, Drake Mallard & Canada Goose

1792 337th St., Decorah, IA 52101

Directors from each district are tasked to identify qualified individuals with a passion for waterfowl and hunting and willing to give their time. The board especially values experience in business management, water, finance, fundraising, law, marketing, public relations, government affairs, and land use and acquisition. Prior experience on boards of other companies is valued but not required. Our very capable staff and management provide the scientific knowledge of wildlife and wetlands biology, essential to California Waterfowl’s mission.

Members who have the needed qualities, experience, and skill sets and would like to obtain additional information regarding opportunities to become involved with the Board of

Directors are encouraged to contact their District Director. You can find your District Director at www.calwaterfowl.org. You may also contact us at [email protected]

or at (916) 648-1406, and we will put you in touch with a director in your district.

SKILL SET

BOARD DISTRICTS

>> There is currently an immediate need for a director in District 1. Please contact Bill Wright at [email protected] or (530) 221-8100.

54

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

BOOK

REV

IEW

S BOOK reVIeWs

by HANK SHAW, RODALE, 2011 | reviewed by PETER ARNOLD

by GARY KRAMER, PATAGONIA PUBLISHING, 2011by FRANK HALL, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL, 2011

For Fireside Reading This Winter

HUNT, GATHER, COOK: FINDING THE FORGOTTEN FEAST

WINGSHOOTING THE WORLDTHEY CAME TO SHOOT

Those of us who check in regularly to Hank Shaw’s award-winning blog, Hunter, Angler, Cook (http://honest-food.net) have been waiting with scant patience for the release of his new book Hunt, Gather, Cook.

The book is divided into three parts: gathering (foraging) things that grow, fishing (including gathering

shell fish), and hunting both birds and four-footed game. Shaw includes recipes with each chapter, and they by themselves

Through the words and images of award-winning photographer and writer Gary Kramer, readers are taken on a visual journey to the far corners of the globe in search of waterfowl, doves, partridge,

pheasant, and a host of other winged quarry. His unique writing style, ability to capture the essence of the hunt, and the birds these shooters pursue make this book a milestone achievement. This volume is the most ambitious book ever attempted on the subject of worldwide bird shooting.

Highlighted are 30 destinations in 17 countries, from the snow-capped peaks of Iceland and the boreal forests of Canada’s Northwest Territories to the bushveld of South Africa and the vast marshes of Argentina’s Parana River. As you turn the pages, you will be transported to wingshooting locations that you may know well and scenes that you have probably only dreamed about. If you are a well-traveled sportsman with a lifetime of experience or an armchair reader, this book will help you relive the memories and dream the dreams. This coffee table book contains more than 600 color photographs.

Hall’s book is a comprehensive look at historical waterfowl hunting and habitat in California. It covers each of the state’s major wetland regions and a nearly complete listing of the basic information on over 3,000 historic and modern duck clubs. There are also descriptions of historic duck hunting vessels used on San Francisco Bay,

Suisun Marsh, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and biographical profiles of a dozen legendary figures as duck shooters and conservationists.

Learn how tens of thousands of acres of coastal wetlands and hundreds of duck clubs were obliterated from coastal Los Angeles and Orange County as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, why some marshes were protected from development, and the role of duck clubs in the preservation of wetlands through the critical 1920s and 1930s, before public funding for the conservation of California’s marshes. Meticulously researched, filled with data on historic duck clubs, and illustrated with historic hunting scenes, They Came to Shoot fills a long needed niche in the history of California’s marshes. Added bonus: the book includes a disc containting a dozen regional maps of modern and historic duck clubs.

are worth the price of admission. A delightful mélange of personal experiences, descriptions, and instructions, Shaw’s writing style is captivating. He could write a book about a shovel full of mud, and I’d not be able to put it down until the very end.

Hank is an accomplished chef and provides clear instructions in how to prepare what you have gathered, caught, or shot. I totally agree with his philosophy on how to cook duck: the skin crispy, and the meat rare.

While this is a how-to book that assumes the reader is brand new to acquiring and cooking plants and game, even seasoned hunters and fisherman will find new and valuable techniques scattered throughout this superbly-written book.

55

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

BOOK REVIEWS

by PHILIP GARONE, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS, 2011

by ROBERT M. WILSON, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON PRESS, 2010

by SUE WATKINS, SAFARI PRESS, 2011 | reviewed by SPORTS AFIELD

reviewed by FRANK HALL

THE FALL AND RISE OF THE WETLANDS OF CALIFORNIA’S GREAT CENTRAL VALLEY

SEEKING REFUGE: BIRDS AND LANDSCAPES OF THE PACIFIC FLYWAY

GETTING INVOLVED! A GUIDE TO HUNTING AND CONSERVATION FOR KIDS

>> The latest books in waterfowl hunting and wetland conservation are here. Perfect as holiday gifts or cozy armchair reads, these books would make a great addition to any conservationist’s library this winter.

Dr. Philip Garone, an environmental history professor at California State University, Stanislaus, and perhaps California’s most knowledgeable wetland historian and geographer, has written a superb overview of the rebirth of Central Valley wetlands in the 20th century. Garone accurately captures the intense efforts of California duck hunters, state and federal wildlife agencies,

and conservation groups attempting to reverse the onslaught on the Valley’s wetlands. Following the destruction caused by mining, agriculture, and water projects that swept over California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, waterfowl and wetlands were in deep trouble by the 1930s.

The trials and tribulations of Central Valley wetlands are extensively detailed from the dams, drainage, and intensity of agribusiness to the tragedy of selenium poisoning at Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in the 1980s. But Garone’s work is not just another doom and gloom story. The establishment of refuges and state wildlife areas, duck club development, and the implementation of conservation easements over the past half a century or so has given all of us concerned with California wetlands and waterfowl some real reasons to hope for a brighter future.

The book is well-documented and researched; a bibliography of over 30 pages with hundreds of published and unpublished sources adds quality background to rarely-reported events in California’s conservation history. It is a delightful read and not easy to put down.

In the twentieth century, farmers used the wetlands to irrigate their crops, transforming the landscape and putting migratory birds at risk. The US Fish and Wildlife Service responded by establishing a series of refuges that stretched from northern Washington to southern California. What emerged from these efforts was a hybrid environment, where the distinctions between irrigated

farms and wildlife refuges blurred.

Seeking Refuge examines the development and management of refuges in the wintering range of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Although this is a history of efforts to conserve migratory birds, the story Wilson tells has considerable salience today. Many of the key places migratory birds use - the Klamath Basin, California’s Central Valley, the Salton Sea - are sites of contentious debates over water use. Migratory birds connect and depend on these landscapes, and farmers face pressure as water is reallocated from irrigation to other purposes. Seeking Refuge demonstrates the need to foster landscapes where both wildlife and people can thrive.

Getting Involved! is a great new book for kids and a fun and educational way to combat anti-hunting messages. Author Sue Watkins—a reformed anti-hunter herself—explains in an easy-to-understand way why hunting is so important to conservation.

The book highlights the important roles of hunters and hunting organizations in

preserving wildlife, covers the basics of firearm safety, discusses the role of state game agencies, and profiles young people who have excelled in hunting, shooting, and conservation activities. It also contains a detailed, state-by-state list of hunting-friendly organizations that kids can get involved in. This is a great addition to any school or public library, and a great book to give to any kids you know, whether they are hunters or not.

56

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

INSU

RANC

E PR

OGRA

M

by JENNIFER TOLMAN, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Calling All Artists

Announcing the California Waterfowl Insurance Program

art CaMP

are YOu FuLLY COVereD?

Did you know that most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not completely cover your firearms and other valuable hunting equipment? Some only cover your firearm until it leaves your home, and some severely limit firearm

coverage to $500 for the entire collection. Many California Waterfowl members have more than $500 invested in just one gun, let alone their entire collection. Through the new

Your valuable firearms and accessories are exposed to numerous risks everyday, while at home or in transit. Fire, theft, water, and other accidental damage can occur at a moment’s notice. California Waterfowl Firearms Insurance covers your legal firearms, bows, and accessories against theft, accidental loss, and damage. Serial numbers are not required to secure coverage.

Club plans offer a broad range of products, from basic protection for the club’s firearms to million-dollar liability coverage for the club and its members. Coverage is not restricted to just the club’s premises; activities that the club participates in – shooting competitions, fundraisers, or other normal club functions – are covered. Other optional, business-related coverages are also available.

Make sure your firearms, hunting equipment, and club are completely covered through the members-only California Waterfowl Insurance Program. Members can find out more about the program by visiting www.CWA.locktonaffinity.com or by calling (888) 843-3340.

Most homeowner’s policies severely limit firearm coverage to $500 for

the entire collection.

FIREARMS & HUNTING EQUIPMENT INSURANCE

WHOLE CLUB INSURANCE PACKAGES

California Waterfowl Insurance Program, members will have access to the most complete and comprehensive firearms and hunting accessory coverage on the market today.

Lockton Affinity, a leader in insurance for the firearms industry, has partnered with California Waterfowl to provide customized insurance programs for individual members or entire duck clubs. Their innovative programs fill in the gaps that standard policies exclude, leaving your valuable hunting equipment completely covered under almost every circumstance imaginable. Lockton Affinity can also build a customized plan to cover all of your hunting club’s insurance needs.

57

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

ART CAMP

by JENNIFER TOLMAN, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Calling All Artists

Do you know a high school student interested in nature or wildlife art? Then Flyway Journeys Wildlife Art Camp is the perfect gift! While so many students will be spending winter break indoors, 12 lucky students will participate in this , exciting three-day camp in Willows. Students will receive training from professionals in photography, field sketching, decoy carving, duck processing, and more, including a backpack full of art supplies! While the camp is only three days long, campers agree the impact and memories last a lifetime:

“Wildlife art is not the only important goal of this conservation program. We took time out from field sketches and photography to spend time learning about waterfowl, wetlands, and conservation efforts. The interaction between hunters and California Waterfowl corresponds with the current balance of the environment.

After camp, we were asked to create follow-up projects in order to spread awareness for environmental conservation. I took the knowledge I learned and brought it to my local library in Contra Costa County, where I worked with fellow art-camper Rosanna Ren to teach children the importance of environmental conservation and the dangers wetlands currently face. We taught the children how to draw waterfowl and encouraged them to enter the Junior Duck Stamp competition. Later, I told my art class about the reasons why wetland conservation is important. I convinced 75 percent of the class to enter, even though they had never heard of the contest before. Afterwards, teachers and students alike expressed the desire to participate in the contest again to do their part to protect the environment.

Using art for a worthy cause, and encouraging others to do so as well, gives me a sense of accomplishment. To me, this camp was more than just a winter vacation. I became aware of the need to actively help the environment in everything I do and learned many things I otherwise never would have."

—ALICE HU, 2010 ATTENDEE

>> Special thanks to Donna and Allen Thomas, Ruth Dwight-Adams, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento NWR Complex, and the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association. The efforts of the PFDA volunteers were made possible by a generous grant from the International Wildfowl Carvers Association as part of their efforts to promote the development of wildlife art through their youth program.

art CaMP

Interested in attending? For more information or an application, visit www.calwaterfowl.org, or contact Jennifer Tolman at [email protected], (916) 648-1406 x102.

California Waterfowl members will be accepted on a first come, first served basis before December 2. Non-members are welcome to apply, but will not be considered until the December 2 deadline. Only 12 spots are available. Students must be in high school.

>> Art campers get direction on field sketching, painting, photography, carving, and more.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER

SPORTINGCLAY FACILITY

B

i

r

d

s

Landing

• Corporate Events• Breakfast and Lunch (Available 7:00 am – 2:00 pm)

• PRO SHOP Guns, Ammo, Gun Safes, Hunting / Target Shooting Apparel & Accessories

“Keep your shooting skills sharp during the off-season”“CLIP THIS AD” and receive a 10% discount

on a round of 100 targets.

For more information call Birds Landing (707) 374-5092www.birdslanding.net

WINTER HOURS: Wednesday-Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm

58

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

a LOOK BaCKby FRANK HALL, SUSANVILLE, CA

Duck Club and Wetland History of the North Coast

The wetlands of California’s north coast, from the Golden Gate to the Oregon state line are mostly associated with bays, estuaries, and river mouths. Numerous bays and lagoons are located on the ocean side of Marin County including Tomales, Limantour, Drakes Estero, and Abbott’s Lagoon. Bays and lagoons decrease further north along the Sonoma and Mendocino county coasts, but increase again in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Inland Sonoma County has some wetlands along the Russian River Plain (Laguna de Santa Rosa, etc.), and Lake County is dominated by Clear Lake, California’s largest natural fresh water body. Many small lakes, farm ponds, and reservoirs were constructed in Marin and Sonoma counties, away from the immediate coast, and these provided

some waterfowl habitat as well. Humboldt Bay is the second largest coastal estuary in California and was an early focal point for northwest waterfowl hunting.

The earliest duck clubs in the region were located on the ocean side of Marin County beginning about 1890 (Country Club), in Sonoma County at the Laguna de Santa Rosa (Petersen Gun Club) in 1903, near Humboldt Bay (Island Club) in 1902, and the Lower Eel River in Humboldt County (Salt River Gun Club) in 1902.

Duck clubs in this part of California were the only ones to take black or Pacific brant more than occasionally. Clubs along Tomales Bay and those at lagoons on the seaward side of Point Reyes took

A LO

OK B

ACK

59

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

A LOOK BACK

substantial numbers of brant, at least up through the 1950s. In addition, members from some Bay Area, Suisun, and more inland duck clubs often made special trips to this region in the 1890-1920-era to hunt brant, usually on Tomales Bay, in December through February each year. While Humboldt Bay usually attracted even more brant, most clubs there concentrated on ducks along shore wetlands and flooded pastures rather than brant on the open waters of the Bay.

The Country Club was a vast hunting and fishing club leasing over 76,000 acres from the San Francisco Bay side of Marin County to the open ocean coast near Point Reyes. The clubhouse site was located in Bear Valley about a mile west of Olema. The club was founded in 1890 and was touted as “one of the finest game preserves in the world,” from near Burdell Island on the Marin shore of San Francisco Bay to near Tomales Bay and Point Reyes. When established, the club leases were “…assured of holding the property until at least the year 2000.” They didn’t last until then. The club was founded primarily for

>> Because Humboldt Bay is home to one of the premier wildlife science colleges in the nation, a

considerable amount of local investigation of waterfowl hunting and

habitat has taken place in Humboldt County.

>> RIGHT SIDE PHOTO: Vineyard Club Lake in Sonoma County. This 23-acre artificial lake provided some very good duck shooting in the 1960s and 1970s. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VINEYARD CLUB

>> LEFT SIDE PHOTO: North Humboldt Bay shore, possibly Arcata Bottoms and looking west towards Manila, about 1910. The shooters are, from left to right, Lee Wiley, Rastus Dickerson, Reese Wiley, Walter Wiley, and “Ack” Garcelon. The Wiley brothers were owners of the Arcata Union newspaper, founded by their father, Austin Wiley. The take looks to be mostly sprig, green-winged teal, wigeon, and shovelers. | PHOTO COURTESY OF HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

deer (two buck club limit per hunter) and California quail (300 bird club seasonal limit per hunter), and included fishing in the ponds, streams, and ocean; shell fishing for abalone and clams; snipe meadows; and duck marshes. Many limit hunts of pintails and/or canvasback were shot by club members, especially on Bear Valley Lagoon and the marsh near Olema. With 76,000 acres, this was arguably the largest duck club ever to operate in California. A few native Roosevelt elk were reportedly present on the club when it was founded in 1890 but apparently did not persist.

The Country Club was an auxiliary of the Pacific Union Club in San Francisco, with a separate membership limited to 125 in 1893. The club included leases of the Howard, Shafter, and Hamilton Ranches, which totaled over 30,000 acres, and also on nearly 50,000 acres of the original Spanish land grants of Rancho Punta de los Reyes and Rancho Punta de los Reyes Sobrante. Most of the western portions of the original club site are now within Point Reyes National Seashore. The clubhouse site of 120 acres was purchased

60

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

outright by the club and accommodated 35 members with bedrooms overlooking a wide veranda onto lawn and flower beds. The first club keeper was Jean Garcia who was followed by John Tennyson in 1901 through the late 1930s. Bliss Brown described the interior of the clubhouse in 1936 as “a veritable museum of the unrecorded history of Marin (County) events. Trophies of the hunt adorn the walls; letters, paintings, photographs of gala occasions, and guest books with an array of names whose owners have helped [make] history…” Reported early guests included Teddy Roosevelt and the musician Jan Paderewski. The membership had declined to five by 1936, and the clubhouse was demolished in the early 1950s.

Other early Marin County duck clubs near Tomales Bay included Pierce Brothers (1895), Tomales Gun Club (1900), Point Reyes (1904), and the Leap and Eckert Club (1914). The Salmon Creek Gun Club, located at the mouth of Salmon Creek in Sonoma County between Bodega Bay and the mouth of the Russian River in 1909, would seem an improbable spot for a duck club, but the estuary and wetlands there may have been much more extensive 100 years ago than they are today. Similarly, the Lake Cleone Duck Club (1930) and Laguna Gun Club (1931), three miles north of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County would seem to be near the end of the earth to many California duck hunters. However, transportation to other locations with more ducks would have been very difficult for coast-bound residents in the early 20th century.

The lower Eel River was the largest tidal river estuary on the north coast. The delta

included many islands, sloughs, and tidal marshes, and while the Eel had a smaller volume of water than the Klamath River, it provided much more wetland habitat for waterfowl. This area was settled and farmed beginning in the 1850s, and the first duck clubs were established here about 1900. By the early 1950s, at least 18 duck clubs were active in the lower Eel River area, mostly shooting on flooded pastures downstream from Fernbridge. Much of the western portion of this area is now within the California Department of Fish and Game’s 2,100-acre Eel River Wildlife Area.

Significant wetlands were adjacent to Humboldt Bay and comprised the largest wetlands on the north coast at one time. The most important wetlands were in the Beatrice Bottoms in the southwestern portion of the Bay, and the plains and flats adjacent to North Bay, essentially north to the mouth of the Mad River. Almost all of the area adjacent to north Humboldt Bay from the mouth of Jacoby Creek on the east to the base of the Samoa Peninsula (North Spit) and Mad River Slough on the west was occupied by sloughs, tidal channels, and flooded meadows. Humboldt County’s earliest

A LO

OK B

ACK

>> A posed duck hunting photo from The Swanlund-Baker Studio in Arcata in 1906; the hunt was likely near the north shore of Humboldt Bay. Note the duck wings in two of the hunter’s hats. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS G. WEYNAND

61

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

A LOOK BACK

>> The Lower Eel River was an early duck club area on the north coast. These three hunters were from Cock Robin Island, about 1912. Note the beverage bottle to keep the chill off in the far right gent’s pocket. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS G. WEYNAND

duck club, the Humboldt Fish and Game Club, also known as the Salmon Creek Gun Club, comprised about 1,400 acres and was founded in 1895 on the McBride Ranch (later Russ Ranch) in the Beatrice Bottoms. This site is now the core of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). There were at least 22 duck clubs adjacent to Humboldt Bay in the early 1950s.

Because Humboldt Bay is home to one of the premier wildlife science colleges in the nation (Humboldt State University), a considerable amount of local investigation of waterfowl hunting and habitat has taken place in Humboldt County. One study done in 1959 and 1960 compared scull boat hunters and land-based shooters around the Bay and concluded that “experienced scullers normally had little difficulty in securing limit bags of desirable species.” However, club hunters from the only club checked averaged within one duck of the limit for the season. Shore hunters on South Spit were credited with at least two-thirds of all of the black brant killed.

At the far northwestern corner of the north coast of California, the lakes and lagoons south of the mouth of the Smith River in Del Norte County, especially lakes Earl and Tolowa, provided significant wetlands and important waterfowl habitat and still do. Between Lake Earl and the mouth of the Smith River, the area near Yontocket Slough (also known as Pala Slough) and

now occupied by Tolowa Dunes State Park once supported a few duck clubs. The most northwestern wetland in California is Tilas Slough just north of the Smith River. By the early 1950s there were at least eight duck clubs in Del Norte County and virtually all were within the coastal plains described above.

Laguna de Santa Rosa was once the largest wetland in the Russian River Drainage and includes 10 percent of the Russian River watershed. It was originally a series of lagoons, flooded riparian woodlands, and flooded meadows of more than 30,000 acres that stretched from near the Russian River south to near modern Cotati and contained over 80,000 acre-feet of water when full. The site was an

It is easy to overlook that some of these out-of-the-way clubs and ranches once provided quite good duck shooting.

COMMERCIAL TRUCK AND FLEET SALES

SINCE 1926

Celebrating 85 years of business to San Francisco and Peninsula Residents

1601 EL CAMINO REAL

REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063

LARGEST FORDCOMMERCIAL FLEETDEALER IN BAY AREA

Order your 2012 model car or truck at

special “X” Plan prices

Eco Boost Enginesin stock now

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS HOURS

7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Direct fl eet line

650-562-2267Fax: 650-364-9060Cell: 415-786-1701

Email: [email protected]

Frank J. GinottiCommercial Truck and

Fleet ManagerCWA LIFE BENEFACTOR

DUCKS UNLIMITED SPONSOR

TOWNE

62

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

A LO

OK B

ACK

important market hunting area for ducks beginning in the 1860s, and one commercial hunter reported taking 6,200 ducks from the Lagoon in the season of 1892. The Lagoon included at least one duck club (Peterson Gun Club) in 1903, but channelization, water quality issues, and drainage schemes continued to decrease the Lagoon’s value as a viable wetland. By 1990, 92 percent of the Lagoon’s riparian forest had been eliminated.

Numerous farm ponds and small reservoirs have been created in interior Marin, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties since the 1900s. Most were created to provide stock water, to supplement irrigation, and for fire protection purposes. Many hundreds of these ponds are less than five surface acres but a few are 20-30 surface acres or more. Almost all of these ponds provided some duck hunting, especially jump-shooting, and sometimes shooting over decoys in the 1940s through at least the 1960s. Historically effective hunting techniques often involved placing decoy shooters on larger ponds and other shooters jumping ducks from smaller, nearby ponds.

It is easy to overlook that some of these out-of-the-way clubs and ranches once provided quite good duck shooting. At one 2½-acre pond in Marin County in the fall of 1956, 273 ducks were reported taken by 45 guns on 13 shoot days for a 6.1 per-hunter, per-day average, and 40 percent of the ducks taken were pintails. Similarly, I know of a 23-acre artificial lake in Sonoma County which produced about one duck per-acre, per-shoot day in the mid-1960s. Small wetlands in remote sites can often have more remarkable habitat values, and better shooting, than if they were surrounded by larger contiguous wetlands.

After Highway 299 was improved in the 1930s, many Humboldt County waterfowl hunters traveled early each season to hunt the Lower Klamath Basin and Tule Lake in northeastern California.

Del Norte County duck and goose hunters traveled to this area via Highway 199 through southern Oregon. After California was split into multiple waterfowl hunting zones with different opening dates in 1956, this “seasonal migration” to northeastern California increased markedly in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Black brant have always been among the most prized waterfowl on Humboldt Bay. Brant distribution and the numbers of brant using the bays on the northwest coast have been fairly well tracked since James Moffitt first started counting them in the early 1930s. Brant shooters over 100 years ago, especially on Tomales and San Diego bays, commented on how susceptible brant were to disturbance and over-gunning, and how quickly they would abandon feeding on eel grass inside the bays to fly out and roost on the open ocean. Special regulations intended to prevent over-harvest on the bays during migrations and over-wintering periods have been in place since the 1920s. Humboldt Bay, the most important bay for brant in California, has always been a focal point for interest and special regulations.

Humboldt Bay and South San Francisco Bay were the main original areas for scull boat hunting in California. The earliest reference to the use of scull boats I know of from California was in the fall of 1879, but that was a mention of scull boats for market hunting in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Scull boat shooters have usually been loners and not often club members. After all, most scull boat hunters took up sculling so they could shoot ducks without having to belong to a club or compete for shoreline sites. As a hunting art form, sculling can be decidedly effective for taking ducks.

Humboldt Bay scullers were and are practically a club of their own. The legendary ones from the 1950s, 1960s, and earlier included names like Bob Burdick, Frank and Bill

In the early 1970s many of these blinds were burned or

chain-sawed down by persons who shall remain nameless

including one well known federal Game Management

Agent, now retired.

>> Sculling Tomales Bay in about 1955, Ken Moorish with four black brant. | PHOTO COURTESY OF VINCE AIELLO

63

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

A LOOK BACK

Nellist, Heinie Domeyer, Bill Roberts, Gordon MacIntosh, Bill McCormick, Hank Moore, Wade De Lashmutt, Dick Bermuda (or Bermudez), George and Wes Dean, and Henry “Rock Bottom” Grossi. Most of these guys are gone, but a few are still at it. On the water, they competed fiercely, but back at the launch area they were friends. There certainly wasn’t any camaraderie between South Bay scullers and stilt blind hunters, on the water or off, who were also competing for the same brant.

In the late 1960s there were at least 16 stilt blinds on South Bay, mostly over private land, but some were built illegally on state land. In the early 1970s many of these blinds were burned or chain-sawed down by persons who shall remain nameless including one well known federal Game Management Agent, now retired. Once Humboldt Bay NWR was established in 1971, management of brant disturbance and brant hunting became somewhat more effective. Changes in brant hunting

seasons on Humboldt Bay and restricting seasons to late November since the mid 1980s have increased the numbers of brant using the Bay.

Other than the Eel River and Lake Earl wildlife areas and Humboldt Bay NWR, there is very little publicly accessible waterfowl hunting currently available on the north coast of California. Humboldt Bay NWR was founded in 1971, but purchase of the McBride Ranch (now Salmon Creek Unit) more than tripled the size of the refuge in 1983. A lack of traditional duck clubs reduces opportunities for shooting on much of the private lands and waters. Only limited public hunting opportunities exist on Tomales and Humboldt bays. Almost all of the historically important duck hunting sites in western Marin County are now within Point Reyes National Seashore. State Park acquisition of Stone Lagoon in Humboldt County and Tolowa Dunes in Del Norte County has further restricted

the areas open to waterfowl hunting access at these two sites.

The isolated nature of much of the north coast has given it an atmosphere much different than the better known spots like Suisun Marsh and the Central Valley. The isolation of this area from the rest of California has not decreased the value of its waterfowl heritage. If one thinks the north coast is short on waterfowl traditions, just ask any longtime brant hunter.

Frank Hall spent over 37 years with the Department of Fish and Game, retiring as a wildlife biologist in Lassen County. This article will appear as part of Chapter 5 of They Came to Shoot – A History of California Duck Clubs and Wetland Conservation. This article is copyrighted, and no portion of it may be used or reproduced without the expressed written permission of the author. Contact the author at (530) 257-2957 or [email protected].

64

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

There was a time in my younger years when nothing could keep me and my shotgun away from the duck blind or goose pit. Hunting was in my blood, in my genes, and a way of life I deeply cherished; perhaps even “lived for.”

Today, in my 60s, I find the memories of great hunts from when I was much younger still delight my mind and my

>> Michael Pieretti still loves to hunt, but over time he has transitioned to “hunting” with his camera rather than a shotgun. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PIERETTI

…the sense of a family resting and feeding calmly together, yet always under the watchful eye of the two

sentries…

heart. I still head for the fields and wetlands every chance I get, still delighting in the sights and sounds of the ducks and geese I so loved to hunt. But something has changed deep inside me, in my heart and perhaps even my soul.

Although part of me is reluctant to say this out loud, I find my desire to carry my shotgun being replaced more and more by my desire to have my camera with me, and my delight transitioning from the harvest of the hunt to being a part of those special

traNsItION OF a HuNter

by MICHAEL PIERETTI, COURTLAND, CA

As the Years Move On

CALIFORNIAOPEN 2012

W I L D L I F E F E S T I V A LFebruary 11-12, 2012Saturday 9:30-4:00 • Sunday 9:30-4:00Donation $5.00 Adults, under 12 free

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST WILDLIFE ARTS, INC.

www.pswa.net

• World-ClassCarvingCompetition Wildfowl, Fish and Birds• WildlifeArtists• ArtistswithDisabilities• AntiqueDecoysandAppraisals• Sat.NightAuction,Wine/Cheese

LocationLibertyStation-NTCPromanadeCorkyMcMillanEventCenterSanDiego,CA92106

DelHerbert•(619)[email protected]

The show is funded in part by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

moments of connection when man and nature become one in the now.

Perhaps watching the small flock of Canada geese enjoy a wet winter morning through the lens of my camera and from the small blind I was hiding in was one of those moments. The attempt to capture that moment – the sense of a family resting and feeding calmly together, yet always under the watchful eye of the two sentries that stand out so boldly in this image – was worth as much as any past hunting memory. Maybe even more.

This morning represented a transition from my life as a hunter to my life as one who simply longs to share the moment with the waterfowl I love so much, and to delight in sharing it with you.

65

Imagine a weekend full of waterfowl, field trips, children’s activities, vendors, artwork, and a special exhibition of two

of the Pacific Flyway’s most celebrated artists. It all happens this January in both downtown Chico and at the newly renovated Orland Art Center. The 13th Annual Snow Goose Festival takes place January 26-29, 2012, and will offer over 50 field trips and workshops, junior naturalist activities, and art – lots of art! There are two art shows on Friday night in Chico at the Avenue 9 Gallery and the Chico Art Center with a free trolley service running festival goers between the venues. On Saturday night, the Gathering of Wings Banquet will feature keynote speaker Greg Miller, famed birder of the book and movie The Big Year.

Nationally renowned wildlife artists Peter Mathios and George Lockwood will come together for a

special two-man exhibition of new paintings.

ART SHOW

aNNuaL sNOW GOOse

FestIVaLBrINGs WILDLIFe

art tO LIFe

In conjunction with the festival, nationally renowned wildlife artists Peter Mathios and George Lockwood will come together for a special two-man exhibition of new paintings at the renovated Orland Art Center. The handsome three-story historic building is located in downtown Orland and was originally built in 1913 to be occupied by the Bank of Orland. The gallery is a spacious 2,500 square feet with a beautifully carved ceiling and is one of the finest galleries in northern California. The Orland Art Center show opens January 6, with the artist’s reception that afternoon from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The free show will run until the last day of the Snow Goose Festival (January 29).

Mathios and Lockwood have exhibited together in several shows in the past, but this is the first time they have joined forces for a select, two-man exhibition. Lockwood has created 20 state duck stamps, held the title of North American Sheep Foundation Artist of the Year, and has been featured on the cover of California Waterfowl magazine. Mathios was honored as the 2009 International Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year, designed a label for the California Waterfowl Wine Program, and designed the 2002 New Zealand Fish and Game Stamp among his numerous winning stamps.

>> Resting Widgeon | GEORGE LOCKWOOD

>> Lakeside Refuge | GEORGE LOCKWOOD

>>Winter Flurry | PETER MATHIOS

>> Solitude | PETER MATHIOS

>> For more information:www.snowgoosefestival.orgwww.orlandartcenter.comwww.lockwood-art.comwww.mathiosstudios.net

66

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

IN M

EMOR

IAM IN MeMOrIaM

IN MEMORY OF DAVID WIDELL

IN MEMORY OF CHARLES MIER

When David Widell passed away last August, the waterfowl community lost an incredible ally, friend, and one of our most passionate and influential supporters. Dave was the General Manager of the Grassland Water District in Los Banos, whose primary function is the delivery of water to one of the most important wetland complexes in the Pacific Flyway. Dave defended the natural resources of the Grasslands fanatically, but his efforts and influence reverberated throughout the Valley. Dave’s knowledge of complicated policy issues, his ability to work with diverse partnerships, and his capacity to anticipate future challenges made him a unique and effective conservationist.

A true native son, Dave spent most of his life in the Central Valley. He spent countless hours hunting waterfowl in Central Valley wetlands and fishing for trout in the Sierra Nevada streams that fed them. His love of fishing and hunting fueled his passion to ensure these natural resources would be there for generations to come. Throughout his professional career, Dave reminded us that passion is the most solid platform, and advocacy is the best policy.

Dave held several key positions in both the public and private sectors, including working for both California Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited. After graduating from UC Davis in 1990, where he studied political history, he immersed himself in politics while working for Assemblyman Rusty Areias. In 1992, he returned home to Los Banos where he acted as the Assistant General Manager for the Grassland Water District for five years before heading back to Sacramento. In 1997, he joined the Government Affairs team (as Deputy Director) of California Waterfowl, where his quick wit, broad smile, and characteristic laugh are remembered by all who worked beside him.

Dave’s work ethic and political aptitude while at California Waterfowl were recognized in the Capital, and it wasn’t long before he was appointed to several key positions for the State of California. He served as Deputy Director for State Parks, where he effectively balanced the demands of a growing population of off-highway vehicle users with land and resource conservation.

Charles “Chuck” Mier passed away in July at age 74. Chuck was a Sacramento native who owned and operated the Club 2-Me in East Sacramento with his wife of 54 years, Karen. The club’s success was largely attributable to Chuck’s

hospitality and love of people. Before that, he had a lengthy career as sergeant-at-arms for the State Assembly.

Chuck had a passion for waterfowling and conservation. Of the many organizations he supported, he was an active contributor and volunteer with California Waterfowl. In 2002, Chuck was honored by the association for his fundraising and volunteer efforts to provide hunting opportunities to persons with disabilities. When the first fundraising dinner for disabled hunters was started, ticket sales were slow. “Chuck shared an idea on how

— provided by GREG YARRIS

From there, he was appointed as Assistant Secretary at the California Resources Agency, where he supported both the Davis and Schwarzenegger administrations. After his public service with the State ended in 2005, Dave was drawn back to waterfowl and joined the staff of Ducks Unlimited as the Director of Conservation Policy. In 2007, Dave returned to Grassland Water District as General Manager after Don Marciochi retired.

Dave’s contributions to waterfowl and wetland conservation are numerous, and the mark he leaves on the Central Valley is indelible. He is probably best known for his unwavering dedication to the Grasslands Ecological Area, and his efforts to defend its resources against development and other threats by highlighting the national and international significance of its wetlands. However, Dave’s expertise and impact on water policy, especially his relentless pursuit of refuge water supplies, had widespread implications that were indeed precedent-setting.

California Waterfowl members, staff, and directors will forever appreciate Dave’s stalwart efforts on behalf of waterfowl and wetlands. Those whose lives he touched have lost a loyal friend. Our deepest sympathy and support go to Dave’s son Ty and the rest of his family, as well as his fellow employees of Grassland Water District. The family asks that donations be sent to the Grassland Fund, 22759 S. Mercey Springs Road, Los Banos, CA 93635, or to your favorite charity.

67

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

IN MEM

ORIAM

IN MEMORY OF ANDY J. TIRAO

IN MEMORY OF DAVID RUNGE

MEMORIAM GIFTS

Andy, 69, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He was born and raised in Fairfield, California. He worked on the family farm in his younger days, attended the local schools, and graduated from Armijo High School. Andy proudly served his country in Vietnam and was retired from the Mare Island Shipyard.

He was a dedicated duck hunter and conservationist for the Suisun Marsh, where he spent a great deal of his time as caretaker and part owner of Tule Farms and Walnut Creek Gun Club. Andy was a very generous person. He hosted many barbeques at the duck club and invited many of his friends to hunt with him. A Life Member of California Waterfowl and co-chair for the Wood Duck Program’s annual banquet, Andy worked tirelessly for 15 years. He was a great friend and supporter to California Waterfowl and the Wood Duck Program, and he will truly be missed. The 2012 Wood Duck Banquet will be dedicated in his memory.

Andy is survived by his wife, Vicki; son, Andrew; niece, Krista; and his sisters, Diane and Connie; brother, Richard; and many other nieces and nephews. Andy’s family requested that donations be made to an organization of your choice.

David Runge was a man of few words, so it seems ironic to use so many words to describe him. Those who knew him can tell you how much his character, smile, and handshake could say. His work ethic and dedication to family were beyond question. He spent 34

years at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as a machinist, and his later years as shipyard superintendent. His attitude was “if you’re gonna do it, do it right. And if you say you’re gonna do it, then do it.”

He often worked long days, leaving before his family got up in the morning, but he was always home at 5:00 p.m. for dinner. That was family time; and anything that wasn’t work time was family time. When he took his fishing trips, he’d wake his daughters Timber and Amber at 4:00 a.m. to go to the Feather River to fish with their “Baba.” Despite how much he put into work, it was obvious that family was where he wanted to spend his time.

As his children grew and he retired, he still remained very busy and involved with salmon fishing, crabbing, trap shooting, abalone diving, wine making, helping at blue grass festivals, and organizing California Waterfowl dinners.

David was the committee chair for the Petaluma dinner. “He was the glue that held everything together,” commented Tim Davanis, California Waterfowl Fundraising Representative. “Dave held the planning meetings at his house, sold tickets, and made sure that everything was first class - that was his big thing- the best food, the best guns, the best prizes.”

He really enjoyed life, and enjoyed it even more when his grandchildren Annie, Laurie, and Steven came along. He may no longer be here, but he will never be forgotten.

— provided by GREG YARRIS

— provided by ROBERT FRANCO

— provided by AMBER BALSHAW

>> The following individuals and organizations have contributed to California Waterfowl in honor of their loved ones:

• Dwight L. Merriman, Jr., in memory of James Balsdon.

• John Church, Georgia-Rae Drake, Jess Nelson, Joe Pappas, and Ron Ramont

in memory of Joseph DellaMora.

• William F. Berry in memory of Ted Dress.

• Bart Bates, Donald C. Butts, Richard A.Cuneo, and Laurence L. Friedman in

memory of Tim Egan.

• Jack Wilson in memory of I.M. Hayes.

• Bart Bates, Howard Bloom, Charles F. Lowery, and Dwight L. Merriman, Jr.,

in memory of Ray Lewis.

• Daniel Cole, Ted Grebitus, and Peter J. Raffetto in memory of Chuck Mier.

• Steve A. Moreno, Sr., in memory of Grant Pegg.

• Daniel U. Cregar in memory of Walter Tweedie.

he could sell tickets, and he ended up selling over a hundred in one week. He purchased multiple tables at each disabled hunters dinner. Chuck carried good times around in his pockets, was a natural and generous host, and folks approached him to see if a seat was available at one of his tables,” remembered Paul Jensen, a dear friend and hunting partner of Chuck’s.

Although ill-health kept him out of the marsh over the last few years, Chuck never lost his fascination with ducks and waterfowling.

68

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

MEM

BER

PHOT

O

MeMBer PHOtO

>> Each issue the Editorial Committee will select a favorite photo submission from the Take Your Best Shot Member Photo Contest to feature in the magazine. If you would like to submit your wildlife, wetland, or hunting photos, visit: www.calwaterfowl.org.

Philip Robertson of Lincoln, CA photographed this stun-ning egret last January. The egret is one of many wetland-dependent species that, like waterfowl, rely on marsh habi-tat to forage for aquatic food.

69

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Alberta’s Fall Flight—19

Archer’s Pest Control—51

Athletic Hunter—78

Birds Landing—57

Capitol Yamaha—45

Carmichael Honda—45

CWA Heritage Fund—17

Deadly Decoys—53

Duck Blinds Unlimited—60

ESP—12

Feather Ranch Kennels—75

Fowl Media—18

G & G of Lambertville—26

G & H Decoys—30

Gibson’s Duck Blind Covers—79

Guns, Fishing & Other Stuff—36

Hastings Island—07

Hedgerow Farms—63

Hightest Kennels—63

Hunt.Fish.Overstock—14

Kittles Outdoor—49

Loyall—84

MBI Concrete—06

MTECH, Inc.—48

Neumann & Bennett’s—69

NorCal Earthmoving—56

Outdoor California—32

Wildlife Art Festival—64

Phantom Goose Flag Hats—48

Pro Line—13

Proport—64

Raahauge’s—69

Refuge Rat—14

Rig’Em Right—83

Rogers Sporting Goods—2,20

Sportstand—69

Sutter Basin Calls—26

Tanglefree—09

They Came to Shoot—52

Towne Ford—61

Tri-Tronics—27

Up North Outdoors—53

Wetland Enhancements, LLC—47

Winemaker’s Island—35

Wonderduck—11

BUSINESS PAGE BUSINESS PAGE

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Pacific Southwest

70

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CLAS

SIFI

EDS CLUBS / REAL ESTATECLUBS / REAL ESTATE CLUBS / REAL ESTATE

DUCK CLUB MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

Colusa County For more information, call(707) 477-4008www.rsctduckclub.com

WEST VALLEY FLYWAY3,000 Acres of Flooded RiceNorth of Willows2 & 4 man blinds and dry rice field goose blinds available.Call Phil: (530) 518-3619

NORTH BUTTE SINK AREA1/3 interest in 203 acre Duck ClubAll Natural Ponds, next to Bird Haven, Clubhouse $525,000Call Bill Cotter 530-724-3321Broker #00388966

FAMILY DUCK CLUB AVAILABLE!!!South Grasslands – Los Banos Area• Enjoy Hunting Memories On Your Very Own

Family Duck Club!• 68 Acre Pond Marsh Surrounded By Historic Premier Area Duck Clubs• Ample Buildable Compound Area For Your Trailer or New Hunting Cabin?• Well + Septic Tanks + RV Pad + Storage Units On Premises + Gravel Compound• Newer Single – Double & Triple Concrete Blinds

With Gravel Paths• All Weather Easy Access Roads Yet Feel of

Remote & Private Location• Family Recreational Opportunities Abound!

Waterfowl Hunting, Camping,• A Real Turn-Key Gem Of A Club + Finally A Place

To Call Your Very Own Retreat!

A Rare Find @ $295,000. Questions / Info Please E-Mail: [email protected]

PREMIUM RECREATION PROPERTY

468 acre N. Dist. 10 Hunt Preserve,

wetlands/uplands, Ducks, Geese,

Pheasants, Turkey, Doves

$2,000/per acre (530) 520-2247

Free and Easy Way to List or Lease a Blind

CONSERVATION EASEMENTSAs a 501c3 not for profit organization, California Waterfowl is a qualified conservation easement holder. Additionally, California Waterfowl has recently been approved by the California Department of Fish and Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to hold mitigation and conservation bank easements. If you’re interested in conservation or mitigation bank easements, please contact Jake Messerli at 916-648-1406 ext 125.

MURDOCK GUN CLUB2,500 acres, 2 miles northwest of Gray Lodge, bordering Butte Creekand Upper Butte Sink WARotating and Non Rotating BlindsFor information:

P. O. Box 4801, Chico, CA 95927(530) 893-1907www.murdockgunclub.com

FOR SALELos Banos Grasslands, 6 Memberships Start-ing At $35,000. & 5 Clubs Starting At $2,600. Per Acre. Also Available A 3 Br/2Ba Cabin On Wild Duck Road. For More Info Or To Preview Call Charlie Fisher At Bailey Prop-erties (Dre#00263203) Specializing In The Sale Of Duck Clubs & Duck Club Memberships In The Los Banos Grasslands Since 1967. (888)688-7434 X231 Or (831)818-0408. Prime Delta Membership By Venice Isl. & Kings Isl. Also Available.

YOLO BYPASS CLUB1200 +/- ac non-farm natural habitatAdjacent to fish & game refugeModern clubhouse, A-1 roadsIndependent plentiful waterNo hunting assessment$275,000 / 5% shareBruce MacBride RLTR (916) 402-7005

Your source for bird hunting information, Duck Clubs, Game Bird Clubs, Public Areas, Hunting Guides, Gun Dogs and more.

COMING SOON: Nows, Thens, and Other Times: A Fireside Reader for the Hunter - A Life-

time of Hunting at home and abroad by Tony Arnold, Author of Suisun Marsh History and regular columnist for California Waterfowl. Special introductory offer of $32.50 for the first 150 orders!For detailed informa-tion on contents, inquire at [email protected]

WANTED: Old Wooden Decoys, Duck Calls, Shell Boxes, Old Fishing Lures And Reels. FOR SALE: Matching Numbers Calif. And Nevada Duck Stamp Prints (415) 459-8854

FOUR WINDS DUCK CLUB65 acres in Suisun Marsh with year round road access. Large turn key 5 bedroom clubhouse fully furnished. New fiberglass blinds plus decoys. Call Tony Vaccarella 650-464-8518. Mark Burkett 530-872-1532

COLLECTOR’S ITEMS

CLUBS / REAL ESTATE

HuNter’s CLassIFIeD

71

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CLASSIFIEDS

CLUBS / REAL ESTATECLUBS / REAL ESTATE CLUBS / REAL ESTATE

DOGS

Gun Dog Training for All Hunting BreedsJan Burkholder

Acampo, CA(209) 366-2816 | www.stonewalldogs.com

GARY MILLER REALTYDuck Clubs for Sale(530) 741-3494(530) 304-7889

OWNERSHIPS FOR SALE:Field & Tule Duck Club

Live Oak Duck ClubMallard Pacific Duck Club as well as other Sac Valley & Butte Sink hunting properties

www.garymillerrealty.com

KLAMATH SPRIG AND HONKER CLUBAdjoins Lower Klamath National Refuge

Clubhouse and Trailer IncludedGreat Hunting in Spectacular Setting

Full Membership $6,000(415) 435-3978

PRUDENTIAL DUNNIGAN REAL ESTATEYolo Bypass Duck Club MembershipsSuisun Marsh Recreation Club PropertyContact: Monika [email protected]

WWW.WTMORGAN.COMfor additional information check websiteWE NEED LISTING IN THE SUISUN MARSHSUISUN MARSHCORDELIA GUN CLUB – 610+/- acresexcellent hunting – call for new price.

BEAR VALLEY – 13,000 +/- acres Winter Cattle Ranch,hunting deer, wild pigs, and turkey.HONKER FARMS – 300+/- acres on Van Sickle Island 5,000-sq ft. clubhouse, 17+ blinds on the property.ANTIOCH-GOLDENEYE DUCK CLUB(Antioch Portion)-undivided ½ interest in 290.42+/-acresBLACK DOG GUN CLUB – 115+/- acres WESTWIND DUCK CLUB – 351+/- acresGUM TREE SOUTH – 502+/-acres, front of Grizzly Bay, Road AccessPENDING SALESTULE RED CONFERENCE CENTERBRASS BUTTONS DUCK CLUB

William T. Morgan Real EstateLicense #00318291(530) 662-8696

TIN CAN LOUIE DUCK CLUBBeautiful 83 acres in Lambertville with a gorgeous home and adjoining guest quarters. The property is in pristine shape along with the living quarters. Must be seen to be appreciated.Purchase price - $695,000.

COLUSA COUNTY DUCK CLUB235 acres located in an excellent flyway for waterfowl along the 2047 canal. Excellent opportunity to own a duck hunting property in its entirety. Purchase price - $625,000.

FRANCO’S DUCK CLUBTen percent (10%) interest In 134 acre duck club in Lambertville. A very nice hunting marsh with a clubhouse.Purchase price - $80,000.

HIDDEN MALLARD DUCK CLUBOne-third (1/3) ownership interest in a gorgeous 123 acre duck club bordering the Llano Seco Wildlife Refuge. Excellent hunting with very liberal guest rules.Purchase Price - $495,000.

NINELANDS DUCK CLUB194 acres of pristine duck hunting property in the Suisun Marsh. Large club house, gravity flow water and minutes from the bay area.Purchase Price - $375,000.

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER HUNTING CLUB“OLD TRADER VIC’S” Established in the 1950’s. 681 acres, m/l, plus outstanding clubhouse and headquarters in the heart of the upper Butte Sink and surrounded by “top” producing duck clubs in the Butte Basin waterfowl area.Purchase price – $3,500,000.

SWANSTON RANCH DUCK CLUBWe have several parcelsfor sale ranging from140 acres to 382 acres inthis “premier” ranch. We havepersonally hunted the ranchwith limits of mallards in lessthan an hour. Call us for details.

107 ACRES SACRAMENTO RIVERThis recreation property is anoutdoor sportsman’s paradise.This property’s abundance of fishand wildlife offers a fabulousopportunity for a top notch, qualityhunting and fishing club.Purchase price - $295,000.

TEAL RIDGE DUCK CLUBDo you want to have youryour own waterfowl refuge?At 2,400 acres, m/l you canhave it all with this property.Call us for details.

BUTTE LAND COMPANY87.5% ownership interest121 acre Butte Land Company.Superior location. One-half mile eastof the U. S. Fish & Wildlife“Bean Field Sanctuary.”Purchase price - $850,000.

DUCK AND GOOSE HUNTERSCall NOW for Available Blinds

BUTTE CITY HUNTING CLUB“Located in the Butte Creek Flyway.”

We offer Clubhouse, Bunkhouse, Hot Shower Facility and secured trailer parking

Call: (530) 982-0234

or go online to buttecityhuntingclub.com

(530) 671 -2770s t r omer r ea l t y. c om

(530) 671 -2770s t r omer r ea l t y. c om

STROMER REALTY COMPANY OF CAL I FORN IA

STROMER REALTY COMPANY OF CAL I FORN IA

72

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

DUCKWORTH RETRIEVERSComplete Retriever Training ProgramFor Hunt Test and Gun DogsUsing the Gentle ApproachStarted Dogs Available for the Discriminating Sportsman

LYNN HANIGAN210 Leach Drive, Midland, OR 97634(541) 882-6137e-mail: [email protected]

CLAS

SIFI

EDS

EQUIPMENT

HUNTING OUTFITTERSFOR SALE

SERVICES

SUTTER BASIN DUCK AND GOOSE CALLS

Single and Double Reed, Acrylic and Wood Custom Calls By Gene Carter of Yuba City, Ca

For more info or to order, call 1-888-943-8257 or 530-635-1362Or, visit our website at www.sutterbasinduckcalls.com

WESTERN WILDLIFE ADVENTURES, LLC

236-A W. East Avenue, PMB 349Chico, CA 95926

Phone and Fax: (866) 748-1277Website: www.wildlifeadv.com

NEVADA MULE DEER HUNTSpecial guides draw ~ Guided

(2x1 Hunt) $3900 / HunterFood, Lodging, Transportation

WASHINGTON MALLARDS ~ LODGE3-Day w/food, lodging $1300

Flooded Corn Fields!

CENTRAL CALIF. PIG HUNTS1-2 hunters on Private Prop.One day guided Hunt - $600

WES’S MARSH MANAGEMENTHabitat & water management.Program assistance.Mowing-Disking-BackhoeEverything from trees to decoys.We are the only mgmt. co. withour own equipment.Specializing in the Grasslands area.We don’t just recommend,we make it happen!Contact: WES (209) 761-1638

MEXICO, HERMOSILLO3 Days Doves – From $1,550

ARGENTINA DOVES & PIGEONS3 Days $1,895

NELSON’S For 25 yrsPO Box 462 - Lathrop, Ca 95330 209-605-1911Air not included

NORTH BUTTE SINK GUIDE SERVICESmall with quality in mind

Goose/duck hunts; 4-man blindGuided, Excellent areaSeasonal Duck Blinds

Trained retrievers(530) 570-5276

licensed-bonded-insured

NEW ZEALAND EARLY SEASON WATERFOWL HUNTFEBRUARY & MARCH 2012Hunt paradise ducks, geese and pigeons.Complimentary trout fishing.Excellent rates, group discounts.Daily flights from SFO or LAX.USA inquiries may be directed to Michael Martin at 530 521-6832.

OWN A PART OF

HISTORY Master Carver Tom Taber is best known for carving ducks, geese,

pheasants, and shorebirds. FOR SALE: The business

Oregon Wildlife Carvings along with all of Tom’s master carvings

(over 150 originals). Each carving can be duplicated on a CNC or duplicating machine.

For more information: (541) 431-6900

www.oregonwildlife.com

TheFowlPluckerOven ready ducks in 1-3 minutes. Shop vac

ready. For home, duck clubs, and commercial use. USA Made by duck hunters.

Fingers replace Orvis® finger pluckers.530.501.7494 OR 510.387.2793

Lifetime Guarantee! $595 Patent Pending

DOGSDIAMOND P LABRADORSPatti Jo Scott & Ron Burger Field Trial & Gun Dog Puppies4699 Ryer Road East Walnut Grove, CA 95690(916) 775-0089 • www.diamondplabs.com

PACIFIC NORTHWEST GUN DOG TRAINER FOR THE HUNTER!

• Extremely well bred choc pups available now.

• Started 7 month olds ready to go Nov 2011 $2-3k.

• January litters: black, yellow, & choc.

All dogs and pups are tested for EIC, CNM, OFA & CERF.

Training No Cali training grounds Oct to May. Training

structured best for young gun dogs.

www.loveslabradors.net Jana Love #541-580-5159

COMPLETE RETRIEVER TRAINING PROGRAMFor Gun Dogs, Trained Dogs and Puppies Available45 Years Experience. Gary Bethel60 Bartle Lane, Oroville, CA 95966(530) 532-4423

Trained retrievers for saleready for the duck blind

PIN-MARK RETRIEVERSTed Robinson

530-635-3333www.pin-mark.com

RETRIEVER TRAINING“Specializing in making your best friend

your best hunting partner!”

Started Gun Dogs AvailableLocated on CRTA’s “Goose Lake” Training Grounds, Lost Hills, CA

Brian Clasby661/304-6018

www.runninretrievers.com

Retriever Training – Puppies- Started Dogs For sale

Jared Rocha(209) 648-8690 www.rocharetrievers.com

73

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CreatIVe GIVING

by KATIE MCCARTY, CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

A New Vehicle for California Waterfowl Biologists

In June 2011, Arthur Feidler, a California Waterfowl member for more than 20 years, donated a low mileage 2003 Ford Explorer. It couldn’t have come at a better time! Many of the vehicles in the California Waterfowl fleet that biologists and field representatives use to travel to projects have upwards of 200,000 miles on them and are due to be replaced. Reliable vehicles are essential to keeping our team out in the field conserving habitat and protecting our hunting heritage. California Waterfowl benefited from this generous donation, and Feidler will be able to claim the fair market value of the vehicle on his tax return.

>> Would you like to tell your story about the legacy you’re leaving for future generations? Contact Katie McCarty at [email protected] or (916) 648-1406 x105.

CREATIVE GIVING

>> Arthur Feidler’s generous donation will help keep California Waterfowl staff on the road and fulfilling our mission across the state.

Feidler grew up in Marin County and got his hunting start in 1954 with his dad and Carl Wente (one of the founders of California Waterfowl). He later became a member of a club in Lambertville and also joined the Colusa Shooting Club. He chose California Waterfowl as beneficiary of this gift, because he believes in the mission to conserve waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting in California.

For more information about the many creative ways you can give to California Waterfowl, contact me at (916) 648-1406 x105.

Last CHaNCe!Rollover Your IRA to California Waterfowl

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 is about to expire! December 31, 2011, is the last chance for IRA owners age 70 ½ and older to make an IRA charitable rollover. A charitable rollover to California Waterfowl allows you to make your required IRA income payout for the year without having to include the amount in your federal taxable income. This is the perfect way to give to California Waterfowl and avoid additional tax burden.

The process is simple. Contact your accountant today, and tell them you want to make a charitable IRA rollover to California Waterfowl. If you have questions about this limited opportunity, contact Colby Heaton, at (916) 648-1406 x137 or [email protected].

*IRA charitable rollovers are tax free up to the first $100,000. See Section 408(d)(8)(A) of the tax code.

74

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GIFT

OF

CONS

ERVA

TION For The Hunter Who Has Everything…

GIVe tHe GIFt OF CONserVatION

With the holidays around the corner, many people are already thinking about gifts for their loved ones. This year, why not give the gift of conservation? Making a donation to California Waterfowl in the name of a loved one is the perfect gift for the hunter who has everything, the friend who needs to hear the mission of conservation, or the mentor who introduced you

It just takes $25 to enroll your loved one as a California Waterfowl member ($15 for sprig members age 17 and under). Members will receive California Waterfowl’s award-winning quarterly magazine, a membership card, and invitations to California Waterfowl events in their area.

A gift of $100 helps cover the cost of one child to attend hunting camp. Or, the same amount can provide a classroom of 30 students with a hands-on conservation education presentation. California Waterfowl’s outdoor camps and classroom programs reach more than 7,000 young people every year. Pass on the heritage: help us reach even more kids in 2012.

One wood duck nest box costs California Waterfowl an average of $50 to construct and install. Your $50 gift would sponsor a box with the potential to support 24 ducklings every year! The California Wood Duck Program has hatched more than 580,000 ducklings since its inception, and you could be a part of that legacy.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP

CONNECT YOUTH WITH THE OUTDOORS

BUILD A WOOD DUCK BOX

to the hunting heritage. Your gift of any amount will warm the heart of your loved one while making an impact in California Waterfowl’s mission to conserve waterfowl, wetlands, and our hunting heritage. Don’t forget: gifts made by December 31 will be deductible toward your 2011 taxes.

>> PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM DUNN

75

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

GIFT OF CONSERVATION

Since 1985 California Waterfowl has banded more than 200,000 ducks, helping us monitor populations through our Partnering for Pintail and Mallard Legacy programs. A gift of $250 will allow biologists to band and monitor five ducks. Plus you get an added bonus: five more chances next season to add a piece of silver to your lanyard!

Less than 10% of California’s original wetland habitat remains intact today. A gift of $500 is enough to restore an acre of habitat that will help provide for wintering waterfowl, locally breeding ducks, and additional hunter opportunity. You can be a part of California Waterfowl’s 400,000-acre restoration legacy with your gift.

Giving the gift of conservation is easy: logon to www.calwaterfowl.org to make a secure online donation; mail a check to California Waterfowl, 4630 Northgate Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA, 95834; or call (916) 648-1406. When you make your donation, you’ll have the option to receive a holiday postcard for each person you are honoring. We’ll send you the postcards, and you can add a personalized message and mail them to your loved ones to let them know a gift was made in their names.

BAND 5 DUCKS

RESTORE AN ACRE OF HABITAT

*Dollar amounts and gifts described above are suggestions only. No actual goods will be received, with the exception of those enrolled in gift memberships.

>> PHOTO BY MIKE PETERS

PROFESSIONAL RETRIEVER TRAINING• Over 30 years full-time training experience• Gun Dog Training Program — Retrievers, Pointers, Flushers• Obedience Training (all breeds) • Owner Training Program• Specialized Force Fetch Training

• Black, Yellow, Chocolate, Fox-Red • Proven FC/AFC Bloodlines• Gun Dogs & Companion Dogs • Hips & Eyes Guarenteed

Started and trained dogs available

Los Banos, CAwww.featherranch.com [email protected]

Phil Mueller (209) 826-1568 Debbie Mueller

QUALITY LABRADOR PUPPIES

Call for current litter information

FEATHER RANCH KENNELS

76

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

CALE

NDAR

/ T

RACK

S

CALENDAR 2011-2012

Galt-Lodi Rib Feed. Lisa Strapp,

(209) 481-6693; or Marlon Strapp,

(209) 481-6694.

Ripon Dinner. Tom Homen,

(209) 606-7257; or Rob Nielsen,

(209) 402-7142.

Hollister Banquet. Ron Rodrigues,

(831) 637-4341; or Roger Miller, (831) 636-9686.

Wheatland Banquet. Tim Davanis,

(916) 335-9604. Tri Valley Prawn and Steak Feed.

Jerry Russell, (925) 447-3730; or

Darren Solaro, (916) 275-5143.

Oakdale Banquet.

Paul Eche, (209) 847-9664; or

Mike Bacigalupi, (209) 847-2985.

San Diego Banquet. John

Howard, (619) 440-8319.

Yuba-Sutter Banquet.

Debbi Burdick, (530) 701-7275; or

Rik Jimerson, (530) 674-9300.

Pocket-Greenhaven Banquet.

Gene Andreuccetti, (916) 422-0831.

Oroville Dinner. Ruthie Allen,

(530) 532-9646; or Tim Davanis, (916) 335-9604.

Imperial Valley Duck Dinner. Hollis Daker,

(909) 615-6329; or Frank Theodoropoulos,

(714) 227-3304.

Petaluma Dinner.Tim Davanis,

(916) 335-9604.

Colusa Banquet. Tim Davanis,

(916) 335-9604; or Darren Solaro, (916)

275-5143.

Gustine Westside Dinner.

Tom Homen, (209) 606-7257; or

Mike Azevedo, (209) 854-2507.

Gridley Banquet.

Jon Moss, (530) 682-2914.

Willows Dinner.

Bruce Billings, (530) 330-0209.

Alameda Prawn Feed.

Darren Solaro, (916) 275-5143.

Davis Duck Days Dinner.

Scott Mueller, (916) 648-1406 x133.

San Dimas Dinner. Tom Homen, (209) 606-

7257; or Greg Pedrola, (909) 599-7333.

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

traCKsSHOWCASING THE VOLUNTEERS ANDSPONSORS OF CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL

Sacramento ISE Show Visit www.sportsexpos.com for more information.

>>BLACKHAWK

77

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

>>BLACKHAWK

>>CHOWCHILLA

>>COMMITTEE FUN DAY

>>HUNTING EXPO

>>SACRAMENTO>>SOUTH BAY

>>SONOMA-MARIN

>>UKIAH

>>COON CREEK

>>NORTH COAST EUREKA>>USS HORNET

>>WATSONVILLE

>>IMPERIAL VALLEY

>>LANCASTER>>CHINO

TRACKS

78

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

DINN

ER D

ONOR

S DINNer DONOrsCalifornia Waterfowl’s fundraising committees received donations of $500 or more from the following companies and individuals. Whenever possible, please support the businesses listed below.

Harry C. AdamsonA. Gary Anderson FoundationAIM AdventuresA.L. Lease CompanyAl’s Roofing SupplyAllen & Allen, LLPAlpen OpticsApple Mountain Golf ResortB. Pista CompanyBarry Swenson BuildersBay Area BeverageBeau and Jim BarrettBenelli FirearmsBetty, Bill, Karen, and Paul BachanBig Water Duck ClubBlackhawk Auto MuseumBlue Runner Fishing ChartersBlue Wing GalleryBoss Hog Fishing ChartersBridge BankBridgford FoodsBruce Foods CorporationBurbank Guide ServiceRay BurmasterEric BuskaCal ArmoryCalifornia DawnCalifornia GiantDario CalossAdolfo Campos, Jr.

Capitol Oral SurgeryCenterville EstatesCentral Valley GunDogsCharles Krug WineryChevrolet of WatsonvilleVince ChianeseChico Castro FamilyDarrel S. Chun, DDSClint Miller FarmsDave ColcloughColumbia SportswearCouch DistributingCounty AsphaltCounty Quarry ProductsCustom Design and SportsDavis Auto PartsDel Mar Food Products CorporationDeluxe Foods of AptosDeMello RoofingD.H. Smith Company, Inc.Jan and Steve DifuDJ OutdoorsDobler & Sons, LLCDom’s Outdoor OutfittersDominic’s Original Delicatessen in Napa and OaklandDon Chapin CompanyDorothea DichfieldEagle Lakes LodgeEberhart Decoys

Steve EberhartEnglunds CateringJackie and Rich FallettiFavorite Feathers TaxidermyFirst Class OutdoorsForli RistoranteRich and Sue FreemanG & G of LambertvilleG & H DecoysThe Gun ShopJoe GennaroGenova Delicatessen in Walnut CreekGeorgia-PacificGibson Duck BlindsGolden Eye Duck ClubJay GreenwellDiane and Phil GrunertRoy HaysJim and Joe HarneyHevi ShotHildebrand and Son TruckingHarold HornerHooter’sHutchinson and BloodgoodIl Fornaio RestaurantIl Povone RestaurantIntrepid SafarisJ & J FarmsNelson Johansen, DDSJack Link’s Beef JerkyCarolyn and Don Johnson

K.B.K. InsuranceGeorge Kammerer, III, Esq.Kemper RefrigerationKerley’s Outdoor AdventuresJim KirwanTom LaineLarge’s Metal FabricationDorothea LeaseLes Schwab Tire Centers (Folsom, Sacramento, Orangeville, and West Sacramento)Ray LewisLincoln Hills Golf CourseLong Barrel ApparelLongview Fibre Paper and PackagingLouis A. Martini WineryLoyall Premium Dog FoodThe MacDonald GroupManuel MacedoMarin Landscape MaterialsMarin Mazda/SubaruMarkley’s Indoor Range and Gun ClubMarkstein Beverage CompanyMartinelli CiderMarty Franich Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler,

Dodge, and JeepMcSherry and HudsonMechanic’s BankMehl’s Colonial ChapelMFJK PartnershipMichael David WineryMile High Duck ClubMill Valley Refuse ServiceModern RoofingMonterey MushroomsMoreno Petroleum CompanySteve MortensonNorth Bay CorporationNovato DisposalNuLight SolutionsOak WorldOakland RaidersPacific AG PakPacific Crest EngineeringPacific OutfittersPajaro Valley Cold Storage CompanyPassage YachtsPCP MotorsportsDr. John PetersonPhelan Development CompanyProctor and GambleProLineQuail Point Hunting PreserveRich RadigondaRedwood Valley Gravel ProductsRegional Roofing

79

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

DINNER DONORS

Register-PajaronianMike ReynoldsRig’Em Right WaterfowlRJD Mechanical & ConstructionJeff RoderickRogers E. Johnson & AssociatesJerry RussellThe Rynearson FamilySacramento Coca Cola Bottling Company, Inc.Sambrailo PackagingSanta Barbara Bank & TrustSanta Cruz County BankScott’s Seafood Bar and GrillThe Screen ShopScurich Insurance ServicesSee Spot Run Pet Supplies of AlamedaSerrano Country ClubSierra Nevada Brewing CompanyLorraine and Tony SilveiraSilver Oaks WinerySilver Sage CateringSlicArt Custom ApparelBrad and Janet SmithSmith FarmsSporting Adventures InternationalSportsman’s GoldSportsmen’s SupplyDon SpringerStalfab, Inc.Stanford Atwood and AssociatesSteve Wollbrinck Blade RentalsStephen E. Stringari, CPASuperior FoodsSutter Orchard Supply

TanglefreeTaylor’s MarketTemple-InlandThomas/Swan Sign CompanyAllen and Donna ThomasThunder Hill Pheasant ClubTile WestRick Timmer

Don TorrecillasTri-TronicsUnion Bank Investment ServiceUnion Bank of CaliforniaUSS HornetUSS Hornet MuseumAlan K. Uyematsu, CPAValley Convalescent Hospital

Valley Heights Senior Rental CommunityValley Hi Country ClubValley Packing ServicesW.L. Jefsen CompanyWalkabout HatsWatsonville Chapter CommitteeWatsonville Coast Produce

Watsonville ProduceWeatherbyWestern Wildlife AdventuresWilderness UnlimitedWillow Glen MeatsDonovan WilsonWoodland Motors

80

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

SCRA

PBOO

K sCraPBOOKPhotos From California Waterfowl’s

Staff, Volunteers, and Members

Max, the three-year-old black Lab owned by Jimmy Calonico, had his first experi-ence with ice on a honker hunt in Alturas last season. | PHOTO BY JIMMY CALONICO

Robert Ferrol’s dog, Suzy, earned the title of “snow goose Suzy” the morning this photo was taken. | PHOTO BY ROBERT FERROL

Brett “Bo” Lawson, Jr., age 12, took his first Canada goose in Sheridan on the first day of California’s early goose season. | PHOTO BY BRETT LAWSON

Josh Wright, age 9, showed off his first bird ever, a Canada goose. | PHOTO BY CORBETT WRIGHT

Dean Copsey and his 100-pound Lab Tater make a great hunting team together. | PHOTO BY R.E. HOUSTON

81

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

SCRAPBOOK

Emery and Taylor Mesich, age 14, had a great hunt at Delevan National Wildlife Refuge. | PHOTO COURTESY OF EMERY MESICH

(L to R) Tristan Kittenger, Garret Fisher, Zack “Wack Master” Fesperman, Foster Hengst, Darius Lyles, and Dewey Patrick shared a great hunt with loyal duck dog, Moose. This was Dewey’s first hunt out with the boys. | PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE FESPERMAN

David Oshima and Roger Arrieta kicked off their season at the Silverback Duck Lodge. | PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID OSHIMA

Member Mike Taber had an amazing end-of-season hunt last January. He took a limit of ducks, six snow geese, and one white-front. That hunt also marked his first blue goose in over 30 years of waterfowling. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE TABER

>> Have a scrapbook photo? Email your favorite photo with a caption to [email protected].

82

CALI

FORN

IA W

ATER

FOW

L WIN

TER 2

011

MY FIrst HuNtSENATOR TOM HARMANM

Y FI

RST

HUNT

In September, California Waterfowl staff had the opportunity to interview California State Senator Tom Harman (35th District). The Senator reflected on his first hunt and growing up in a community of sportsmen.

CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL: Who introduced you to hunting?SENATOR HARMAN: My father, “Doc” Harman was a very dedicated quail and pheasant hunter. My dad always had two, sometimes three, working dogs. As a young boy, it was my duty to feed and water the dogs, even in the winter when temperatures were below freezing. They had a large oak barrel with a bale of straw and canvas cover that they would nest in to keep warm.

CW: When did you start hunting?SH: I remember one hunt we went on in Southeast Kansas (I grew up in the Kansas City area). We would typically drive around on back country roads until we saw a large covey of bobwhite quail. We’d stop and ask the farmer if we could hunt on his property. Folks were much more accepting of that back in those days. If we shot a whole bunch, always within our limit though, we’d give a few to the farmer when we left.

CW: Tell us about your first gun.SH: When I was 14, my dad gave me a Winchester Model 12 20-guage pump shotgun. The stock was way too long for me. He bought me a used stock and cut it off so I could reach the trigger. We left that on a couple years and then put the standard stock back on. I still have the gun. I use it every year.

CWL: Was hunting a big part of your life?SH: My dad belonged to the Kansas Field and Gun Dog Association, which owned 80 acres outside of Kansas City that was used for trap and skeet shooting. I was the trap boy. Back in those days they didn’t have the automatic trap throwers. I’d sit in the trap box – it looked a lot like today’s trap sheds – and listen to the Kansas City Athletics (now th e Oakland A’s) on the radio while I loaded the trap, one clay target at a time. In the old days, when you said, “Pull!” it was referring to the pipe that was connected to the trap house. The range manager would pull the pipe, which was connected to the spring-loaded trap. After the target was thrown into the air, the trap would be re-cocked, and the trap boy would set the next clay target. I learned to shoot trap at the club, and I

>> Senator Harman grew up in a hunting community and continues to bring his outdoor heritage into his political life today. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SENATOR HARMAN

have wonderful memories of growing up there and being around people who loved to hunt and shoot. To say I have fond memories of that place would be an understatement.

CW: How are you passing on your hunting heritage?SH: I have a long background in hunting and shooting sports and bring them into my political life by sponsoring legislation and getting others involved in these types of activities. One thing that I think is important is to get young people involved in the tradition. At the Sporting Caucus Dinner, one of the speakers shared his personal goal to introduce at least 10 new people to hunting every year. That’s an admirable goal that I would like to set for myself. It’s important to get more young men and women involved in hunting so this sporting tradition doesn’t fade away.

Learn more about Senator Harman at www.sen.ca.gov/harman.

Rig'em Right_Product Line Ad_Full.indd 1 10/22/11 9:20 AM

Rig'em Right_Product Line Ad_Full.indd 1 10/22/11 9:20 AM

Now you’re bothlocked & loaded.

©2011 Cargill, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

For more information, visit www.LoyallPetFood.com

Loyall® pet food is made by Nutrena®, a trusted leader in premium animal nutrition for more than 80 hunting seasons.

Loyall® premium pet food by Nutrena® has formulas designed specifically for your hunting partner. These contain our highest levels of nutrients to support maximum endurance and recovery after work. Our patented Opti-Cook® process helps ensure consistency and digestibility that leads to less gas and stool. Fuel his greatness with the highest quality ingredients and a taste he’ll crave—even after a long, hard day.

• Natural source of Glucosamine to support joint health

• Natural source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to help support a balanced immune system

• Optimal blend of trace minerals important for skin and coat

• Prebiotics to help support nutrient digestion

• Crunchy nuggets formulated to freshen breath and cleanse and whiten teeth

Reward his performance.Feed him Loyall®.

3054CG_LY Jake Retrvr_CAWtrFwl_7/2011.indd 1 7/20/11 10:39:47 AM

special goose issue

Documents