Sports

Validating weekend game

Question: The California Hunting Digest states that, “Only Department of Fish and Game (DFG) employees may validate bear tags. Bear tags must be validated before the bear can be transported, except for the purpose of taking it directly to the nearest person authorized to validate the tag.” Why? This requirement caused me to lose the edible portion of my bear last year.

For the last few years I have tagged my bear very early on the morning of the start of archery season via pre-season game cameras. Last year, knowing that I would fill my tag early, I arranged to have a few game wardens’ cellphone numbers ready, but because of the hectic nature of the archery opener, no wardens could tag my bear until the next day. While it waited on ice for someone to validate it before my game processor would take it, the carcass rotted and the game processor destroyed it.

There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

—Steven Wright

High elevation lakes

We are fortunate to have quite a number of high elevation lakes within very short travel distance.

These little jewels are my favorite fishing venues this time of year.

Some of the better lakes require a bit of a hike to reach. The lakes of Caribou Wilderness just east of Lassen Park, and Lakes Basin out of Graeagle both offer great fishing in beautiful little lakes just a short day hike from the trailhead.

“Pursuing” wildlife for a photo

Question: California Fish and Game defines “take” as to “hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill” or attempt to do so. Much discussion and conjecture has been generated amongst wildlife photographers regarding use of the term “pursue” in this definition and how it may apply to them. Some photography and wildlife watching groups have recently gone so far as to recommend their members obtain sporting licenses due to uncertainty surrounding interpretation of the word “pursue.” However, this is of little use if a picture is taken of something that cannot be “taken” under the authority of a sporting license. For example, if a photographer informs a warden they are searching for the endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frog to capture on film with their telephoto lens, could this person be cited for “take” by “attempting to pursue”?

For the sake of discussion, please assume photography is for recreation, habitat is not altered and that wildlife is never touched, possessed or otherwise under the control of the individual behind the lens.

The wildlife watching and photography community would greatly appreciate clarification on this point.

Whitehawk Ranch Ladies Golf Club

Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Whitehawk Ranch Ladies Golf Club had its monthly “Ace of Aces” event. Patty McNamara captured the low gross score with a 79 and the net winner was Aggie Keese with a net 66. They each qualify to play in an end-of-season tournament. Congratulations to both ladies!