From Sportfishing
Fish Report for 9-3-2009
CDFG Press Release: California Outdoors Q&A
9-3-2009
Marine Management News
Contact: Carrie Wilson, Communications Office, CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov .
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Question: As an avid outdoor hiker/camper ("primitive") in the
wilderness, I have just learned that there is year-round hunting of some
sort throughout California, especially on Forest Service and Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) land. Since I wear and use materials that "blend"
with nature, I am now very concerned about whether I should be changing
my pup tent and clothing to international orange! As much as I respect
the right to hunt and recognize its importance in helping to manage
wildlife, I am very concerned about the safety of hikers/campers like
myself being shot in the crossfire! What are the statistics concerning
hunting accidents of this nature in California? (Pam K.)
Answer: Public hunting is allowed on most U.S. Forest Service and BLM
properties but not within National Parks or California State Parks. In
addition, most wild game in California have very regulated seasons.
Accidents due to careless hunters as you describe here are rare.
According to Hunter Education Administrator and Capt. Roy Griffith,
California sells nearly 300,000 hunting licenses per year, yet averages
only about 16 hunting (firearm-related) injuries per year, with two or
fewer resulting in death. In these cases, the injured person is
typically a member of the shooter's hunting party. This year
California had its first injury in more than 10 years in which the
victim was not a hunter (a farm worker received a minor "peppering"
when an individual shot at a dove out of season).
Studies in other states have proven wearing blaze orange reduces the
number of hunting accidents that result in injury. While California law
does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, it is highly recommended.
In fact, DFG recommends that anyone sharing the outdoors become familiar
with local hunting opportunities and seasons and wear blaze orange
during the local big game seasons. For more information on
California's hunting opportunities and seasons, check out
www.dfg.ca.gov/about/hunting/.
Question: Do I need a permit to harvest seaweed from a public beach
for the purpose of making instruments (primarily rattles) to use in
ceremony, or shells to adorn them or for special uses (such as adding
them to basket weaving projects)? I am an old California Native American
Indian woman, emanating from Monterey County, and I would appreciate any
information that you may allow me to have. Thank you -- be blessed.
(Xielolixii)
Answer: Individuals may collect certain marine plants for personal use
only. This could include using them to create handicraft or ceremonial
items, as long as none of those products are commercialized (traded,
bartered or sold).
Harvest is not allowed for eel grass (Zostera), surf grass
(Phyllospadix) or sea palm (Postelsia). These marine plant species may
not be cut or disturbed (Section 30.10). In addition, marine protected
areas and state reserves may restrict or prohibit cutting or harvesting
of other aquatic plants, so be sure you know where you are collecting.
For all marine aquatic plants authorized for take, the daily bag limit
is 10 pounds wet weight in the aggregate (except as provided in Section
28.60). For the most part, there are no closed seasons, closed hours or
minimum size limits for any species of marine aquatic plant.
A fishing license is not required for the take of marine plants, but
any critters (even the smallest mollusks) that are attached to the
plants may require a license. Kelp forests are home to and even a food
source for many small invertebrates and fishes, so if any of these
animals are hitchhiking on the plants when you collect them, you must
have a sport fishing license.
Question: If an angler fishing without a license from a public pier
hooks a fish and then guides it to the beach end of the pier, can he
land that fish while standing with his feet in the sand? (Randy O.,
Santa Cruz)
Answer: Not legally. The privilege to fish without a license from a
public pier applies only to anglers while on the pier. As soon as the
angler leaves the pier there are no free passes. Only licensed anglers
may fish (or land a fish) from the beach, even if the fish was first
hooked while the angler was on the pier.
Question: I know that a hunter cannot shoot a firearm from a roadway
or the shoulder of the road, but do the same laws apply to archers?
Answer: Yes. According to Game Warden DeWayne Little, no arrow or
crossbow bolt may be released from a bow or crossbow upon or across any
highway, road or other way open to vehicular traffic. This includes the
improved shoulder of a roadway or its right-of-way (Section 354[e]).
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