California Sportsman Magazine - December 2023 by Media Index Publishing Group

FISHING • HUNTING • TRAVEL

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California

Sportsman Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource

Volume 16 • Issue 2 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott

G P

EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTORS Mark Fong, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Tim E. Hovey, Cal Kellogg, Todd Kline SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Grant Cunningham, Guy Ricciardulli, Zachary Wheeler DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Aumann INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER Chris Wegeleben of Prolite Rods in the Pacific Northwest tried out some of his rods to target stripers in the California Delta. Among many shaker bass, Chris managed to land this nice 13-pounder. See more on page 29. (IAN RIGLER)

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 2

COUPLE TAKES ON COYOTES

FEATURES 19

THE ALMANOR CHALLENGE For Cal Kellogg’s money, “Lake Almanor is the premier trout fishing destination in Northern California.” It’s not just the size of its hardfighting rainbows and browns, but also the challenge that this yearround fishery represents. Kellogg, a seasoned Almanor vet, admits he’s been“baffled” by the trout there, but stick with his time-tested tips and you just might solve the Sierra reservoir’s mysteries.

A few months ago, longtime correspondent Tim Hovey shared a story about introducing his wife Cheryl to upland bird hunts. Cheryl, who previously left the hunting to Tim and their two daughters, now has the buzz herself, and recently the duo traveled to the high desert in Nevada to call in coyotes. Tim recaps a fantastic husband-wife adventure.

ANGLER EARNS HIS STRIPES When Pacific Northwest custom rod maker Chris Wegeleben wanted to try his Prolite Rods products out on stripers, he and our NorCal bass chaser Mark Fong boated out to the San Joaquin River Delta’s Broad Slough in Contra Costa County for a day of live bait fishing. How well did Wegeleben’s rods hold up and, oh yeah, how was the fishing?!? Fong details the day.

LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Before you know it, the December holiday rush will be here and you might find yourself scrambling to find the perfect gift for the outdoor lovers in your life. For ideas, check out some of Scott Haugen’s favorite waterfowl hunting equipment, including waders, duck calls and decoys. And in her half of their From Field to Fire column, Tiffany Haugen shares a holiday party appetizer or entree you can make with leftover fish and halved peppers!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

11 The Editor’s Note 13 Adventures of Todd Kline 17 Outdoor calendar 35 59

NorCal crab and rockfish combo trips Holiday gifts for gun dogs

(TIM E. HOVEY)

Get the digital version of California Sportsman for free. Go to www.calsportsmanmag.com/digital California Sportsman is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Annual subscriptions are $39.95 (12 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2023 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. 8 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

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THEEDITOR’SNOTE

The editor (left) and his buddy Chris Shaffer got decked out in West Virginia Mountaineers gear for football and a lot of fishing and hunting talk on a recent weekend trip. (CHRIS COCOLES) MORGANTOWN, W.V.— I recently reunited with longtime friend, colleague and onetime California Sportsman correspondent Chris Shaffer for a weekend getaway back East. As we watched a college football game in West Virginia and saw a hockey match and ate massive, decadent sandwiches in Pittsburgh, we had plenty of time to reminisce about past adventures. I met Chris while we were competing reporters covering high school sports in Los Angeles back in the early 2000s, and one of our first outings was fishing with a couple of other pals at Quail Lake, a California Department of Water Resources body of water in northern Los Angeles County. Quail Lake is a popular night fishery, so four of us headed from our San Fernando Valley-area homes on a Friday night, stopped for bait and snacks in Castaic and then headed a few miles up I-5 towards the lake, which is lacking in facilities, but still drew a good crowd of anglers on this spring night. We had to crawl through a fence to get

to a spot that was fairly busy. We ended up catching a couple catfish that night, but I also caught a nickname that’s stuck with me 20 years later, Pescado. (It helps to differentiate Chris and I when we’re talking to other people, which we did frequently on this getaway to West Virginia and Pennsylvania.) Since those early days we’ve traveled together both abroad and throughout the U.S., whether it was fishing at other SoCal lakes or the Tahoe area, and frequently for sports-themed trips. In Morgantown, W.V., we tailgated at the West Virginia-Cincinnati game with one of Chris’s buddies he met while representing the bait and tackle company he works for. While sipping beers and eating burgers and dogs on a sunny but brisk day in Morgantown, we talked about coming back that way next spring to do some fishing, and my new friend Pat was eagerly excited as he prepared for the following week’s deer hunting opener in his home state.

After the game ended – a dominant West Virginia Mountaineers team routed the longtime rival Cincinnati Bearcats 42-21 – the entire stadium belted out the iconic John Denver hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, a song about West Virginia that West Virginians cherish. Even a less-thancapacity Mountaineer Field crowd sounded wonderful as they sang along to the lyrics: I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me The radio reminds me of my home far away Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin' That I should've been home yesterday, yesterday. Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia. It was fun to travel some of those roads together again. From Quail Lake to West Virginia, we’ll have a lot of similar stories to swap the next time. -Chris Cocoles

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

s e r u t n e v d A

e’re not ashamed to admit it: Todd Kline has the kind of life we wish we could experience. Kline’s a former professional surfer, a successful co-angler on the FLW Tour and a Southern California bass guide, plus he gets to travel the world as a commentator for the World Surf League’s telecasts. Todd has agreed to give us a peek at what he’s up to each month. For more on Todd or to book a guided fishing trip with him, check out toddklinefishing.com, and you can follow him on Instagram at @toddokrine. –The Editor

This past month I had an awesome time visiting my buddy Brandin in North Carolina. We had a blast catching spotted bass. (TODD KLINE)

I spent part of the long Thanksgiving weekend at the Dana Point Turkey Trot. Yes, I was only a spectator, but my wife Tiffani and son Dylan (both far right) participated! (TODD KLINE)

A great shot from the road during my travels. (TODD KLINE) calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

Friend, former NB Los Angeles ClippeA player and current Shaw (right) and rs assistant coach Brian for a fun day pullihis son B. J. joined me ng in fish. (TODD KLI NE )

r rget, but you neve ss on my Active Taslab! (TODD KLINE) ba g in as ch am I This time of year be mixed in – this crappie was a know what might

The smile says it all. I love guide trips with kids like A.J. (TODD KLINE) 14 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

The fall bite before they has been fun with fish trip to San Dgo into winter mode. Thchewing up is iego. Happy holidays! (TODwas a recent D KLINE)

Kern River producing Trout more than a FOOT long The Kern River that feeds Lake Isabella in the Kern River Valley is proving to be the destination for trout fishing this early winter. Both the upper river where the river feeds the lake and the lower below the Isabella Dam are productive. Trout were recently delivered for fattening in the holding pens at the lake. Over 10,000 pounds of fish that will only get bigger before Derby Days over the Easter Holiday.

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

DECEMBER

2 Most bighorn sheep hunting seasons open 2 Balance of State American crow season opens 10 Last day of fall wild turkey season 15 Second Northeastern Zone scaup season opens 16-24 Southern Zone bandtail pigeon season dates 21 Fort Hunter Liggett Period 3 tule bull elk hunt season opens 24 Last day of statewide pheasant season 25 Second archery-only pheasant season opens Viking Travel is a full-service travel agency 31 Last day of general bear hunting season that has been around for 42 years. We are here to help you with your Alaskan Adventure. JANUARY 1 Online harvest reporting begins for steelhead, sturgeon and North Coast salmon 4 Start of second Northeastern Zone white and white-fronted geese season 15 Mad River Steelhead Derby begins (madriversteelheadderby.com) 17 Last day of duck and scaup hunting seasons in Northeastern Zone 18-21 Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo, Cal Expo; sportsexpos.com/attend/sacramento 20-21 Northeastern Zone Veterans and Active Military Alaska is big and can be confusing to navigate, so Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days (ducks only) let us alleviate the stress that comes along with planning 25-28 Bart Hall Show, Long Beach; hallshows.com your fishing, hunting or sightseeing trip to Alaska! 28 Last day of most general quail hunts 28 Last day of most general tree squirrel and rabbit and 800-327-2571 • AlaskaFerry.com varying hare hunts 29 Start of falconry rabbits and varying hare season 31 Last day of duck season in most zones 31 Last day of falconry take of ducks (including mergansers), geese, American coots and common moorhens in most zones

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18 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

FISHING

This impressive Lake Almanor rainbow was feeding on pond smelt holding over a submerged hump near Canyon Dam on a warm early-fall morning. A Northern California gem, Almanor can be a challenging place to catch trout, but it’s a great year-round fishery. (CAL KELLOGG)

STUDY TIPS FOR ‘TROUT FISHING UNIVERSITY’ LAKE ALMANOR’S WILY RAINBOWS, BROWNS REWARD OBSERVANT ANGLERS By Cal Kellogg

ven with trout fishing destinations like Shasta, Tahoe and Eagle Lake, I’m going to go out on a limb and say Lake Almanor is the premier trout fishing destination in Northern California. A bold statement to be sure,

but I feel that way for two reasons: First, the lake produces very large trout; and second, the fish are highly difficult to catch. I’ve been fishing Almanor my entire life, and the lake’s big trout still confuse, confound and frustrate me. Let me tell you a story that typifies my trout fishing relationship with Almanor …

THE P.B. WILD RAINBOW It’s day two of a three-day fishing and filming adventure. Lucy the Labrador and I are trolling from my Hobie Pro Angler kayak. Everything is perfect. It’s late October. The moon is in a nearly dark phase. The weather is stable, and the surface temperature is hovering just below 60 degrees. My

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING Author Cal Kellogg scoops a husky Almanor brown trout after an exciting fight. (CAL KELLOGG)

sonar unit has been crowded with hard marks and bait balls for almost two days, but I’m striking out. On the first day, I have one brief hookup on a silver spoon. The unseen fish is on just long enough to smoke several yards of line off my reel, followed by wild head shaking, slack line and the gut-punch feeling you get when you lose a monster. Now I’m trolling along the peninsula, trailing a white-pondsmelt-imitating fly 60 feet behind the kayak, perhaps 2 feet deep, at about 2 mph. The sonar screen indicates there is a virtual war going on beneath the surface, but I can’t get hit. That’s when my cell phone rings. It’s my buddy Wes. I answer and he asks how I’m doing. “Horrible; awful; I can’t buy a bite.” As I lament my lack of luck, suddenly the rod rips into a deep bend and I hear a heavy fish explode out of the water and splash down. I drop the phone and wrench the rod out of the holder. Line is disappearing from the reel. After 30 seconds of pandemonium, I settle into the fight. The fish is hot and powerful. What is it? A big rainbow? A monster brown?

Gradually, I work the fish closer to the kayak. The net is ready. When the fish materializes off the port side, I can see that it’s a huge rainbow. It’s the biggest wild rainbow I’ve ever hooked, and it doesn’t look spent. For some reason known only to the fish, it charges at the kayak. It’s less than a foot from the surface and looks like a torpedo. I reel as fast as I can to keep slack from forming. At the last possible second before collision, the trout leaps out of the water and up and across the bow of the kayak. It almost clears the Hobie, which is about 36 inches wide. The rainbow’s tail hits the far side of the forward hatch. I’ll never forget the trout’s frantically swimming tail gliding across the top of the kayak’s hatch. Somehow, the hook stays in place, and despite nearly being overcome by elation, adrenaline and the blistering fear I’ll lose the monster before I can bring it to the net, I am able to land the fish. According to my cheapo digital scale, the sleek silver rainbow weighs 7 pounds, 12 ounces. The feeling of accomplishment I get from landing my personal best wild rainbow is indescribable.

20 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

I’ve caught plenty of huge, fat double-digit planters for myself and my clients at valley and foothill lakes, but my Almanor rainbow is different. Savvy to the ways of the world, it made its living gobbling up pond smelt and when it felt the sting of the hook, it went absolutely nuts.

A DIFFERENT TROUT FISHING EXPERIENCE This incident provides a thumbnail sketch of what Almanor trout fishing is all about. The lake is full of huge, hard-charging rainbows and browns, but they live in a clear, forage-filled environment, which makes them exceedingly difficult to hook. I describe Lake Almanor as Trout Fishing University, because the lake offers the promise of true trophy-size trout, but hooking and landing them is extremely challenging. Let’s take a closer look! Lake Almanor is one of the Golden State’s larger reservoirs, with 52 miles of shoreline, a capacity of 1,308,000 acre-feet of water and a maximum depth of about 90 feet. In other words, Almanor has a large footprint, but is fairly shallow by California standards. The reservoir is formed on the North Fork of the Feather River.

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING The reservoir is stocked with upwards of 50,000 Eagle Lake-strain rainbows every year. The trout grow fast in Almanor’s rich waters and provide an exceptional opportunity for visiting anglers. (CAL KELLOGG)

Almanor’s iconic discharge tower sits in front of Canyon Dam. The 130-foot-tall dam was completed in 1927. (CAL KELLOGG)

The Great Western Power Company first dammed the river in 1914. Canyon Dam, which created the impoundment known as Lake Almanor, was completed in 1927. Prior to dam construction, the area now beneath the lake featured a series of large meadows and dozens of springs. The meadowlands were

rich in nutrients and now those same nutrients fuel Almanor’s ecosystem. While the lion’s share of water in the lake comes from snowmelt flowing down the North Fork Feather, there is a significant amount of inflow from the springs. These springs are a magnet for baitfish and trout during the summer months. The location Kellogg and his canine fishing partner Lucy teamed up to land this mixed limit of pan-sized browns and rainbows while trolling small spoons near Canyon Dam. (CAL KELLOGG)

22 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

of many of these springs are closely guarded secrets among the local angling community. One trick you can employ to locate springs is to watch for willow trees on the bank. The willows mark the location of springs, and they often extend out into the lake. Find the springs, find the fish … Sometimes!

THE FISH AND THE FORAGE Almanor has numerous fish species, but the ones of primary interest to anglers are rainbow trout, brown trout, king salmon and smallmouth bass. Rainbows to 5 pounds are common, but anything over 5 is considered big. I know there is a holy grail rainbow beyond 10 pounds in the lake with my name on it. The lake has consistently been stocked with Eagle Lake-strain rainbows for over 20 years. Well over 1 million fast-growing Eagle ’bows have been introduced to the lake in total. Typically, about 50,000 rainbows are planted annually. Some of them are reared in pens by the Almanor Fishing Association (almanorfishingassociation.org). These fish are robust 2- to 3-pounders upon release, and many of them avoid anglers and predators to become jumbo holdovers. The lake’s browns grow larger than the rainbows. Browns up to 7

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING

A limit of “average-sized” Almanor rainbows provide large, high-quality filets, not to mention an epic fishing experience. (CAL KELLOGG)

pounds are common and fish up to and beyond the 10-pound mark are caught annually. There was a time when Almanor boasted kings ranging to 10 pounds and more, but those days seem to have passed. Today, salmon numbers are down, but trout trollers still pick up the occasional bonus king in the 2- to 5-pound class. Smallmouth are another incidental catch often recorded by trouters. Hard-fighting bronzebacks in the 2to 3-pound class are common, but much larger bass are caught every year. I caught my personal-best smallie at the lake while targeting trout from the bank. It weighed in at over 6 pounds. As for the forage, there are three distinct categories at Lake Almanor. There are clouds of pond smelt, several varieties of aquatic insects, including Hexagenia mayflies – the largest mayfly species in North America – and a prodigious crawfish population, which provides forage for both trout and bass.

ELEVATION IMPACT Almanor sits at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. This is an important part of the lake’s productivity. The lake is high enough to provide cool water all year long, but low enough to have a functional year-round ecosystem. Another way of saying this is that the lake’s trout feed throughout the year, and as a result get larger than trout living in higher-elevation lakes that go dormant for the winter in response to frigid conditions.

ALMANOR TROUT FISHING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR I’ve heard there are many ways to skin a cat, which is probably true. The same philosophy can be applied to hooking trout at Lake Almanor. I hit the lake in spring, summer, fall and winter. I’m going to share my approaches and how they vary by the season. This is intended to be a basic schematic to get you headed down the road to success. With time, you’ll undoubtedly come up with seasonal tactical variations that work for you.

24 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

When I hit the lake in early spring – think March – I find the rainbows and browns to be aggressive. These fish are generally cruising in the top 15 feet of the water column, and I often encounter them near the shoreline. The trout are hungry after the cold winter months, and forage isn’t as abundant as it is in summer and fall. For this reason, I like to troll spoons, trolling flies and minnow-imitating plugs. My trolling speed ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 mph. At these speeds strikes are often exceedingly violent. It’s exciting when a 3- to 4-pound rainbow smashes a bait stepping along at 3 mph! As spring progresses, the water warms and the forage base sparks to life. As a result, the trout have more options and become less inclined to blitz spoons and plugs. I still pull spoons, but I lean toward more compact models that work well at 1.8 to 2.2 mph. I continue to pull flies, as they work well at virtually any speed. I also begin incorporating soft plastics like my Trout Trix Worms and Trigger Minnows. Soft plastics have a seductive action, feel real and hold scent well. With warming water, you’ll still encounter fish near the surface early, late and anytime there is wind chop or overcast, but you’ll start marking deeper fish in the 20-foot range. This is the time of the year when you’ll score with leadcore, downriggers and toplines at the same time. The high point of the spring comes in the latter half of May. The big Hex hatches occur in earnest in early June, but the nymphs become active earlier. They spend their lives on mudflats from 20 to 40 feet deep in general. To hatch they need to leave the mud and swim to the surface. Picture a cricket-sized nymph backstroking to the surface from 30 feet down through an armada of 2- to 10-pound trout. It’s quite a spectacle, with results for anglers that can be spectacular. Once you find a flat crowded with marks, troll small brown or olive flies or 1-inch pieces of threaded worm to

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING hook up. A sleeper approach that is wildly effective is mooching a cricket across the flats with a single split shot added to the line to hold the bug down near the bottom. Summer is my least favorite season at Almanor. It’s downrigger time, with most of the trout holding from 20 to 40 feet deep. They will nip at soft plastics, flies and threaded worms, but the trout tend to be surrounded by prey and are overfed, lazy and finicky. When water temperatures start dropping in the fall, the trout move back up toward the surface. At this time, they feel an ever-increasing urgency to feed. You can speed up once again and pound the top 15 feet of the water column with spoons, flies and minnow plugs. My favorite offering in the fall is a trolling fly in a smelt color pattern. As water temps drop below 50 in the winter, the trout continue to feed, but they will become more lethargic.

At this time, I slow my troll down to 1.5 to 2 mph. My most productive winter baits are threaded worms, soft plastics and flies.

PARTING PRINCIPLES I’m going to close with some final notes about Almanor trout fishing. If you are hitting the lake to troll, you should always have worms. Worms are my fallback plan when nothing else is working, regardless of the season. When the going gets tough, slow trolling a threaded worm without a flasher or dodger can save your bacon. I kayak Almanor a lot, but it’s a boater’s lake. The wind can come up fast on the big lake and it can get dangerously rough. If you decide to fish from a kayak or small craft, stay reasonably close to the ramp or be prepared to go to shore and wait out the wind. I have a small tent, stove, coffee maker and such in my kayak just in case I get caught too far from

the ramp in a big wind event. It’s happened before! Finally, I don’t want to overlook the bank anglers. Bank fishing with nightcrawlers, PowerBait and crickets can be outstanding in the spring, fall and winter. The most famous bank fishing area is the mouth of the Hamilton Branch, but I tend to avoid that area because it draws a lot of anglers. Access is good around the dam and along the west shore. I’ve had very good success around the Canyon Dam boat launch and down off Rocky Point. If you are willing to hike and explore a bit, you can get into good bank action during the colder months of the year. CS Editor’s note: Cal Kellogg is a longtime Northern California-based outdoors writer. Subscribe to his YouTube channel Fish Hunt Shoot Productions at youtube. com/user/KelloggOutdoors.

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FISHING

SORTING THRU DELTA SHAKERS A PACIFIC NORTHWEST ROD MAKER TRIES HIS LUCK, PRODUCTS DRIFTING LIVE BAIT FOR NORCAL STRIPERS By Mark Fong

ver the course of the last several months, I had been in contact with Chris Wegeleben about carving out some time on his calendar to join me for a few days of fishing in Northern California. Wegeleben, the owner and proprietor of Prolite Rod Technology in Tumwater, Washington, was eager to experience some new fisheries, add a few new species to his list of catches and perform some on-the-water research and development. With this in mind, we decided to venture to the California Delta for a day of striped bass fishing.

SEARCHING FOR STRIPERS On a beautiful, cold midfall morning, my friend Ian and I met Chris and his buddy Nick at the Antioch Public Marina. After making introductions and exchanging pleasantries, we quickly launched Ian’s big North River boat and headed west towards Pittsburg. A few days earlier Ian had found several nice schools of fish and he wanted to check to see if they were still around. A quick pass through the area with the electronics showed little activity, so we were off in search of new water. We made our way towards the

Chris Wegeleben, who makes custom gear for his Pacific Northwest company, Prolite Rods, managed to coax a 13-pound Delta striper into the boat around the Antioch/Pittsburg area on a day that saw mostly shakers biting. (IAN RIGLER) calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING mouth of Broad Slough on the San Joaquin River side. There were half a dozen or so boats working the east side of the slough, and our plan was to cover water by trolling deep-diving minnow plugs in 12 to 20 feet of water, or up shallow with rattle baits. The water, however, was littered with floating tules, hyacinth, witch’s hair and other debris, which made trolling a nearly impossible task. Debris can be common on the Delta this time of year, but every experienced fisherman has a backup plan. Ours was to drift fish with live bait. Ian and I made a quick stop at the bait shop, where we picked up several dozen live jumbo minnows. As we motored down the slough, we began to see scattered fish on Ian’s fish finder. The further west we graphed, the more activity we saw. When Ian stopped the boat along the edge of a dropoff, we pulled out the live bait rods.

TAKING DOWN LINESIDES Chris brought a Prolite 9-foot, 6-inch (12-30 line rating) Takedown rod

to test out on Delta stripers. He was eager to see how it would fish. The Takedown line of rods was designed for the needs of the Pacific Northwest salmon angler. The blanks are a composite of fiberglass and graphite, which results in a moderate action with plenty of power, also making them well suited for striped bass. Chris paired the rod with a Daiwa Lexa 300 LC reel spooled with 40-pound braid. A live bait rig is simple to construct: Attach a three-way swivel to the end of the mainline. To one end of the swivel add an 18- to 24-inch length of 20-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 1/0 octopus-style hook via a perfection loop knot. On the remaining loop of the swivel, attach a short 8-inch dropper of light monofilament affixed to a 2-ounce cannonball-style weight.

GOING LIVE After baiting up with a lively minnow, I carefully free-spooled my rig to the bottom and placed my rod in the rod holder for our first drift. We made several passes through the area without a bite. As the outgoing tide

The guys spent most of the day around Broad Slough on the San Joaquin River. Windmills are among the most notable scenery in this area of Contra Costa County. (MARK FONG) 30 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

began to slow, I was hopeful that our luck would change. On our next pass, Ian adjusted the position of the boat, and it wasn’t long before he was hooked up with the first fish of the day. Unfortunately, the fish was an undersized shaker, which we quickly released. Not more than a few minutes later, I was hooked up with my first striper, but this fish too was a shaker. It did not take long for me to get bit again on the next drift. As I was fighting the small fish back to the boat, Chris’s rod began to load up. In an instant he was hooked up with a nice striper. The fish made a powerful run, and it was apparent that this one was a different grade of striper. I tried my best to keep our lines from crossing, and with a little bit of skillful over-and-under rod exchange, we were able to avert disaster. I quickly landed and released the small fish just in time to take in the action as Chris battled a nice Delta striper. After several strongly sustained runs, Chris had the fish to the side of the boat, where Ian skillfully slipped the net underneath

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FISHING the fish and lifted it into the boat. The Takedown made easy work of the bass, and we celebrated with grins and high fives all around. The striper pulled down the needle on the scale to a bit over 13 pounds.

SHAKING OFF THE SHAKERS The bite window this morning was quite short – as quickly as it got going, it ended. Once the tide turned and started to come back in, we got into some sporadic shaker action, but nothing more. Ian ran a bunch of spots looking for active fish, but we did not find much activity. Still, at the end of the day it was mission accomplished, since Chris was able to check off all of his objectives and experience some Delta striper excitement. CS Wegeleben’s Takedown series of rods are built for salmon fishing around his base in Washington. But they also are a good fit for targeting linesides in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta. (MARK FONG)

Editor’s note: For more on Chris Wegeleben’s custom-made Prolite Rods, check out his website (proliterods.com) and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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FISHING

CRABS, COMBOS & CHRISTMAS DUNGIES WITH A SIDE OF ROCKFISH IS A NORCAL HOLIDAY TRADITION, AND HERE’S HOW TO LOAD UP By Cal Kellogg

ravel the United States enough and you’ll find a lot of culinary traditions. For example, the first time I visited Iowa, my host introduced me to deep-fried pickles. No visit to Texas is complete without sampling fried rattlesnake, and in the Deep South they eat shrimp and grits on Christmas Eve!

In Northern California, eating Dungeness crab is a fall and winter tradition, particularly around the holiday stretch that began last month with Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day. Having grown up in NorCal, crabbing and crabs have always been part of my life. Visitors consider Dungeness to be a delicacy, but for the state’s northern natives they are

standard fare. Crab is just what’s for dinner or lunch or a snack in the late fall and early winter. At risk of sounding like Bubba in the movie Forrest Gump, in NorCal we dine on fresh crab, frozen crab, crab soup, crab stuffing in our holiday turkey, crab salad, grilled crab sandwiches, and even crab quesadillas. The start of the season in midNovember is marked by the blessing

Fall and winter are prime for partaking in the Northern California holiday tradition of catching and eating delicious Dungeness crab. Just watch out for those claws; they can give you a pretty good pinch! (JAMES SMITH/CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING) calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

FISHING of the crab boats (Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is ground zero of the Dungeness crab world). When the boats return with the first crabs of the year, the shellfish are dropped into massive streetside pots in front of restaurants and steamed or boiled to perfection. Walk past these big pots and somebody will likely hand you a crab cocktail in a paper cup. You can sit down for a crab meal inside a restaurant or purchase a cooked and cleaned crab to take home. And for the record, a crab should never be taken home from Fisherman’s Wharf without a loaf of the wharf’s worldfamous sourdough bread, the perfect side for a hearty crab dinner.

The crab fishery along the California coast is very robust. These crabs were landed after only a one-hour soak. (JAMES SMITH/CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING)

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES If you grew up in the East Bay Area like I did, the crabs didn’t come with all the fanfare associated with Fisherman’s Wharf. Instead, you’d find them fresh in the seafood department at the supermarket. I was about 16 years old when I Hoop-style crab nets have proven to be very effective for charter boat anglers. (JAMES SMITH/ CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING)

discovered the absolute best way to score a limit of crabs: jumping aboard a charter boat for a crab or crab combo trip. A crab trip is just that, a trip focused only on catching crabs. A crab combo is a trip when crabbing is combined with fishing, generally for rockfish, but I’ve been on combo trips that featured crabbing beyond the Golden Gate and drifting for halibut inside the bay. When you return from such a trip, there is usually someone in the marina with steaming boilers ready to cook, chill and clean your catch. As good as supermarket crab is, uberfresh crab takes things to a whole new level of awesomeness. I’ve got a lot of fond memories of chasing rockfish and crabs in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. I was able to provide my family with a supply of fresh crab meat. I remember one trip in particular when I got a limit of rockfish and a bonus 18-pound halibut that grabbed a shrimp fly. To top things off, I

36 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

accidentally snagged a Pacific octopus the skipper estimated to be about 60 pounds. After checking out the octopus, we returned it to the sea. I’ll never forget the sinister look in the bright red cephalopod’s eyes as it flowed over the rail and down the side of the boat to freedom!

THE COMBO TRIP GODFATHER A lot of NorCal skippers claim to have come up with the idea of a combination crab and rockfish trip, but the most compelling of the lot is the legendary Capt. Rick Powers of New Sea Angler Sportfishing in Bodega Bay (bodegabaysportfishing .com). Rick is a great fisherman and entrepreneur. He often shares the story of how he came up with the idea of combining crabbing and rockfish fishing with anglers aboard his boat. The mystique of targeting rockfish and crabs on a single trip struck a nerve among Northern California’s charter boat fishing fraternity. It has become a staple fall and early winter

FISHING trip for boats in Bodega Bay and along the North Coast, down through the Bay Area to Half Moon Bay and waters further south. Over the years there have been a lot of regulatory changes relating to crab and rockfish fishing. The biggest recent change in the NorCal fishery is the requirement of hoop-style crab nets rather than traditional traps.

HOOPLA OF CRAB FISHING

A fish box on the California Dawn II is crammed with limits of feisty crabs. “Based on what I’ve seen over the first two weeks of the season,” Capt. James Smith says, “I’d say we are in an up year. We are getting quality crabs on every trip and plenty of jumbo-size crabs have been showing.” (JAMES SMITH/CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING)

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I recently had a conversation with Capt. James Smith of California Dawn Sportfishing (californiadawn .com) about how the crab season is progressing and the strategy for scoring crabs with hoops rather than traps. “Crabs definitely run in cycles,” Smith told me. “There are down years, up years and great years. Based on what I’ve seen over the first two weeks of the season, I’d say we are in an up year. We are getting quality crabs on every trip and plenty of jumbosized crabs have been showing. Most

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FISHING

These anglers enjoyed wide-open rockfish action before moving into shallower waters to load up on limits of crab. Combo trips can yield large vermillion rockfish. (JAMES SMITH/ CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING)

anglers most days are taking home 10crab limits of beautiful commercialquality crabs. That’s enough crabs to enjoy them fresh and have enough to freeze for later.” “When we were allowed to use traditional crab pots, we had the luxury of letting our traps soak for an extended period, since the crabs went in and seldom were able to escape. These days we are required to use hoop traps and very short soaks in order to protect marine mammals from getting tangled in crab lines. The law requires our hoops to be checked a minimum of once every two hours, so we run our gear constantly until we have the crabs we need,” Smith added. “The hoops are really effective; it’s just a different style of fishing than we’ve done in the past. The crabs can

crawl into and out of the traps. The only way you’ll get them is to raise the net when they are standing on top of it working on the bait. We’ve been using a combination of fish carcasses and squid in sealed cups for bait. The scent from the squid really draws them in, and the fish gives them something to pick at until we come back around and raise the gear. It’s amazing how many crabs get into some of the traps with only an hour of soak time.”

ORDERING THE COMBO Some Golden Gate skippers are running crab-only trips, but Smith has been running traditional crab and rockfish combos. “This year we are restricted to working water in excess of 50

40 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

fathoms for our rockfish, so we’ve got to run out to deep water, but it’s been worth it,” Smith said. “The rockfish action has been absolutely wide open. (Recently) we made one 50-minute drift and put 28 full limits of husky rockfish on the boat. That’s 280 fish in less than an hour.”

PRIVATE BOAT AND PIER CRABBING What if you want to chase crabs from your own boat, from a pier or from the bank? You can absolutely score some yummy Dungeness without booking a charter boat trip. If you have a seaworthy vessel, familiarize yourself with the regulations and go

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FISHING hard as the season progresses, but if you put in the work and fish smart, you’ll find plenty of keepers.

BAIT BASICS Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of different baits for crabbing. There is one “secret” bait that will keep the crabs in your hoop for the longest possible amount of time. You’ll want to use a bait jar crammed with squid and chopped-up sardines. This will provide the scent to attract crabs from a distance. Instead of using fish carcasses for your exposed bait, run with either turkey or chicken wings. Crabs make their living stripping dead fish clean, and they can do it in a hurry. Apparently, they don’t encounter too many turkeys or chickens in the depths because they haven’t figured out how to deal with the skin. They can clean up the carcass of a big lingcod a lot faster than they can break down a single turkey wing. You want those sea bugs gnawing and nipping at your bait when you come back to raise the hoop on them!

CRABS FROM THE BANK?

A sack containing a limit of 10 big bad crabs heads for the boiler for this lucky angler’s dining pleasure. “As good as supermarket crab is, uberfresh crab takes things to a whole new level of awesomeness,” author Cal Kellogg writes. (JAMES SMITH/CALIFORNIA DAWN SPORTFISHING)

for it. You can round up a good mess of crabs with four to six hoop traps. Likewise, there is good crabbing to be had for anglers dropping hoops from the many piers dotting the Central and Northern California coasts. If you are fishing from a boat, you are not restricted to the number of hoop traps you can drop; just be aware you can only harvest 10 crabs per angler per day, and you can only have 20 total crabs in your possession. While crabbing off a pier you can only employ two crab hoops, but if the sea conditions are good and you work hard, a limit or near-limit is possible.

If you are fishing off a pier, you really don’t have much of a choice as to where you’ll drop your gear. But if you are working from a boat, you’ll want to put some thought into the areas you choose to work. Sure, you can find crabs near rocks, but the best fishing generally takes place in areas that feature a sandy bottom. You can fish as deep as you want from a boat, but remember that with hoops you’ll be raising and lowering the gear a lot. If you don’t want to wear yourself out, I advise staying in water that is 30 to 60 feet deep. These shallow areas can get hit

42 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

Indeed, you can catch crabs from the bank or from a pier with a surf fishing rod using a crab snare, which is an addictive game. A crab snare features a wire bait cage surrounded by several sliding loops constructed of heavy monofilament. Pack the cage with squid, add a sinker and fire the rig out. You fish it on a tight line, and when you sense the tugs and taps of a crab trying to access the baits, reel and lift. Your goal is to have one of the loops close around the claw or leg of a crab and stay closed long enough for you to reel the crab in. The process is not quite as hard as it sounds, and it can be quite a chess game. It’s a good idea to have a longhandled net at your disposal, as the time when you lift the crabs out of the water is when they often make their escape. There are few things as frustrating as losing a robust keeper just moments before you lift it safely ashore! CS

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calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

HUNTING

FROM FIELD...

The LaCrosse Alpha Agility Waders have been proven in Alaska and throughout much of the West. Comfortable boots, ergonomic features and adjustable features are just the start to this comfy wader. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

ATTENTION: HOLIDAY WATERFOWL SHOPPERS BEST GEAR GIFTS FOR A PERFECT DAY IN THE BLIND THIRD OF THREE PARTS By Scott Haugen

love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday of the year and it marks the peak of duck season. If looking for new waterfowl gear this season, either for yourself or as a gift, these are items I used and will keep on using.

LACROSSE ALPHA AGILITY SELECT WADERS I’ve worn LaCrosse’s line of Alpha Agility waders a lot in recent seasons. I’ve let friends borrow them; now they own a set. One buddy guides in Cold Bay, Alaska, from September through

December, and loves ’em; wore them all season. The new model with the zipper front are my dad’s favorite waders, and their boot comfort rocks. These versatile waders serve a wide range of waterfowl hunters’ needs. The new Alpha Agility Select Waders

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

HUNTING

... TO FIRE

MAKE FISH LEFTOVERS SING By Tiffany Haugen

inter is here, but this is sunny California and there’s fishing to be enjoyed yearround, right? Whether you’re cooking up a fresh catch or pulling some fish out of the freezer, there’s almost always leftovers, which are the best beginnings for appetizers. Sometimes a “little bit of this” and a “little bit of that” can quickly and simply come together to create a dish that doesn’t even resemble what it was the night before. Reheating fish can be tricky, but mixing it into a pepper filling helps retain the moisture and keeps the flavor fresh. This filling can also be used to stuff larger bell peppers to serve as an entree. If you have any remaining salmon

Pair leftover fish and halved mini or large bell peppers for a tasty, new and creative appetizer or entree. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)

from the last time Californians could fish for kings in the Golden State, or trout, kokanee, bass, stripers, ocean-caught fish, bottomfish or any other species in the freezer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. We’ve even enjoyed it with bluegill, catfish and northern pike.

2 tablespoons minced herbs (parsley, basil and/or cilantro) 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, jack and/ or Parmesan) Additional cheese for sprinkling Additional herbs for garnish

1 cup cooked, flaked fish 10 to 14 mini peppers 1 cup cooked, cooled rice ½ cup tomato salsa ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Cut mini peppers in half long ways and remove seeds. In a medium bowl, mix rice, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, herbs, garlic and grated cheese until combined. Gently fold fish into the rice mixture. Stuff each pepper and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with more cheese and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 12 to 14 minutes. Peppers can also be cooked on a grill over indirect heat. Garnish with additional herbs and serve warm or at room temperature. Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany’s popular book, Cooking Seafood, and other best-selling titles, visit tiffanyhaugen.com.

46 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

HUNTING BIG AL’S SILHOUETTES

Slayer Calls have a complete line of duck and goose calls that are capturing the attention of many hunters across the country, and with good reason. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

feature upgrades to the liner, which makes getting in and out of them easy. The YKK waterproof zipper is a winner. The waders are lightweight and breathable, and the abrasionresistant nylon is 100-percent waterproof with double-stitched and taped seams. The boot features hand-laid premium rubber over 7mm of neoprene for a comfy, flexible fit, and the 1600-gram Thinsulate keeps feet warm. Available in solid brown, MAX-5 and Bottomland patterns. Info: $690; lacrossefootwear.com.

Going on three seasons now, nothing has impacted my duck hunting success more than silhouette decoys. They’ve increased my mobility, allowing for quick adjustments to account for changing wind conditions and bird reactions, and have been a game changer in increasing spread size on competitive public lands. Big Al’s line of mallard, pintail and wigeon silhouettes are regulars in my spreads. Last September I hunted over their new Lesser Canada Goose Silhouettes and Super Specks in Canada. I was impressed with the results, as we filled multiple limits each day. In the Pacific Northwest, I hunted over Big Al’s brand-new Cack Pack, which were great by themselves all fall, plus they did the job in the late season when combined with full-body cackler decoys. Made of high-quality material in the USA, they retain excellent color and detail. Info: from $65 per dozen; bigalsdecoys.com.

FINAL APPROACH LIVE FLOATING WIGEON DECOYS Adding Final Approach Live Floating Wigeons decoys to my Big Al’s wigeon silhouettes has accounted for

SLAYER’S RANGER DUCK CALLS I instantly fell in love with Slayer Calls’ the Ranger, a double-reed call that’s easy to run, offers excellent sound control and gets the attention of ducks. The Ranger can handle a lot of air, which is ideal for getting ducks to look on those windy, stormy days. The acrylic barrel produces crisp, clear sounds that even make my calling sound good, and I’m not a very good duck caller. Info: $135; slayercalls.com.

The Benchmade Flyway is a great knife for breaking down waterfowl and upland bird carcasses. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

48 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

more wigeon than I ever dreamed of the past two seasons. These incredibly realistic-looking floating decoys greatly add to my wigeon hunting success and deliver a noted splash of color to my big puddler spreads. When you look at Live Floating Wigeons from a distance and see the distinct colors, they honestly do look real. The paint job is eye-popping on the lifelike feathers. They’re made of premium EVA plastic, are full size, lightweight and very durable. Info: $100 for package of six; fabrand.com.

BENCHMADE FLYWAY KNIFE I once helped design knives for a prominent knife company. Benchmade isn’t the company and the Flyway isn’t the knife, but I wish it was! The Flyway instantly exceeded my expectations: sleek, streamlined, easy to handle and control – even with bloody, greasy hands. The blade style is perfect for articulating cuts around the keel, shoulders, leg joints and thighs. Strong, lightweight and sharp, I’ve used it on hundreds of upland birds and waterfowl and not had to sharpen it one time. Info: $200; benchmade.com.

HUNTING SEA SUMMIT BIG RIVER DRY BAGS This dry bag first got my attention when I used it at a bird hunting camp in the Midwest, where it was hot, sandy and windy. The 20L Big River Dry Bag protected my valued camera gear and other select

items. I also used it fishing in the ocean and it kept saltwater spray and driving rains from penetrating. Then I used it on multiple duck hunts, as well as a carry-on during a recent cross-country plane flight. You get the picture. I like it – a lot! Multiple sizes and colors.

Author Scott Haugen with a limit of honkers taken in Alberta over a spread of the new Big Al’s Lesser Canada Goose Silhouettes. The Big Al’s line of decoys represent the author’s top choice when it comes to hunting over silhouettes. (SCOTT HAUGEN) 50 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

Info: from $40; seatosummit.com. CS Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s popular book, Cooking Game Birds, and other best-selling titles, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

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HUNTING

Cheryl Hovey now has the hunting bug and joined her husband Tim on a coyote hunt in the Nevada high desert. (TIM E. HOVEY)

A NEW PARTNER FOR PREDATORS AS WOMAN DIVES HEADLONG INTO HUNTING, SHE AND HUBBIE TRY TO MATCH WITS AGAINST COYOTES By Tim E. Hovey

n the fall of 2022, we were set up at the edge of a drainage with an amazing view of the sage-covered plateau. I had hunted coyotes a few times at this exact location and done well.

I looked over to my wife Cheryl and nodded. She returned the gesture, and we got ready to start calling. This was to be Cheryl’s firstever coyote stand. Earlier that spring, Cheryl had decided that she wanted to start hunting with me. She had never

shown an interest in heading outdoors with me and my daughters, and had always stated that it was “our thing.” Now, with both kids finished with college and out on their own, Cheryl decided she wanted to give hunting a try. We’ve now gone dove hunting together (California Sportsman, Sept.

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

HUNTING 2023) and also added a predator hunt to our checklist. At the edge of the drainage, I started up the caller and we began searching. At about the five-minute mark, I happened to glance at Cheryl and spotted a coyote coming in hard on her side. The animal dropped into

the creek and was out of sight for about 20 seconds. I caught Cheryl’s attention and told her we had a customer. I could see the instant excitement in her eyes. The coyote reappeared at the call, smelled me and then headed out fast. Luckily, out at about 220 yards

he stopped to look back. That was the last thing he did. I squeezed off a round from my Howa .22-250 and hit him in the heart. On the hike back to the truck, Cheryl had mentioned that she was surprised how fast everything had happened on the stand. She was convinced that she would never be able to calm her nerves enough and get a coyote in the scope. I told her we just needed to keep practicing. Over the next year, every time we headed out to hunt, we’d make a few coyote stands to start off the day. Unfortunately, calling was tough over the next several months, and into the early fall of 2023, we had yet to call much in.

IN EARLY OCTOBER, WE decided to plan

Windy conditions made it difficult to call in any coyotes at the outset of the trip. (TIM E. HOVEY) 54 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

a dedicated predator hunting trip to Nevada. The pattern for us over the last year had been to head out early, make a couple of stands and then shift gears and hunt other critters. Overall, Cheryl really hadn’t been on that many stands. I asked her if she wanted to head out for a couple of days and just concentrate on coyotes. She gave me a resounding “Yes!” In Nevada, we headed out early and started looking for good spots to call. Over the next several hours, we explored the area and made stand after stand with no luck. The constantly swirling wind was killing us and making conditions tough. As the sun began to dip, I found a good-looking canyon and the wind became cooperative for the time being. We hiked in, set up and started calling. Within minutes, a coyote came in fast on Cheryl’s side, but almost instantly reversed course and left. We had both spotted him, but now he was gone. He reappeared 250 yards out, but Cheryl said the shot was too far for her. I ended up dropping the first coyote of the trip on that stand. The next day was much of the same. Poor conditions plagued us, and I was getting frustrated. Finally,

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

HUNTING

Cheryl celebrates her first predator kill. (TIM E. HOVEY)

Cheryl suggested we head back to the canyon where I had shot the coyote the day before. I normally don’t call the same spot very often, but I thought what the heck. Once again, we hiked in, set up and started calling. Within minutes, ravens started diving toward the call and squawking loudly. “Stay alert!” I whispered to Cheryl. Again on Cheryl’s side, a coyote came loping in. He stopped, checked things out and then started walking towards the call. When he dipped behind a series of bushes, Cheryl moved her setup and waited for him to show again, just like I’d taught her. When he reappeared, slowly walking, she squeezed the trigger and dropped her first coyote. To say we celebrated in that remote canyon in Nevada is an understatement. The stand and the shot were picture-perfect, and she handled herself and her nerves

After some frustrations, the Hoveys went back to their first-day canyon where Tim had scored his desert dog. Cheryl wanted one of her own. (TIM E. HOVEY) 56 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

perfectly. We walked down and collected her coyote. We took lots of photos and talked about the stand. Honestly, I believe we’ll both remember that day forever.

ON THE DRIVE HOME, I started to dissect the last year of training and what had helped Cheryl take her first coyote. She had mentioned early on that she was having issues seeing through the scope. I recommended that she keep both eyes open, something I’ve done for a very long time. Within a few trips, she mentioned that the tip had helped her a lot. We also spent time shooting her coyote rifle. On almost every trip out, we’d find a place to eat lunch and then I’d set targets up for her to practice on. I’d set three targets up at slightly different distances and angles. I’d stand behind her and tell her to swing on a different target and take a shot as fast as she could. Honestly,

HUNTING I think that this and keeping both eyes open during the aiming process helped her tremendously in dropping her first coyote. Towards the end of the second day, we found a nice-looking spot to take some photos. I told her I wanted one of the two of us and her coyote so I could put it next to the two pics I have of our daughters’ first coyotes. My wife’s recent interest in the outdoors has definitely rekindled my passion for the sport. I enjoy her company and her enthusiasm. It’s been awesome to watch her excitement with just about every aspect of the pursuit. She wants to learn everything about hunting. After I trained my daughters how to hunt as teenagers and then watched them navigate adulthood, my interest in hunting slowed down. But now with Cheryl showing an enthusiastic interest, it looks like I have another hunting partner. Life is good! CS

After helping his now young adult daughters take their first coyotes, Tim was excited to watch Cheryl join the family’s successful coyote hunting club. (TIM E. HOVEY)

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

58 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

HUNTING

Among Scott Haugen’s Christmas gift ideas for gun dog owners is the MTM Mule, a lightweight, durable storage crate that has many uses, especially when it comes to training and hauling gear during hunting season. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

HOLIDAY PRESENTS FOR YOUR POOCH (AND YOU) By Scott Haugen

t’s that time of year when you get to spoil your hunting companion even more! If you’re looking for some holiday gift ideas for your gun dog, try these; I did, and I liked them a lot.

GUNNER DOG BOWL The Gunner Dog Bowl is one of those

specialized items I found an immediate use for. I hunt a lot with my dogs yearround. I never feed them before a hunt for fear of stomach issues. Before I owned these bowls I used to scoop their food into a sealable plastic bag, then empty it into a bowl for each dog once the hunt was over, back at the truck. With the Gunner Dog Bowl I simply fill Echo and Kona’s bowls the

night before a hunt, seal the lid and they’re ready to eat the next day. As advertised, the punch-seal lid does hold water, even when turned upside down. But I add water to the bowl once the dogs are done eating. Fast, efficient, easy to clean and the rubber feet keep the bowls in place in the back of my truck. You can even have them personalized with your

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

HUNTING because it’s very high in protein, which is ideal for my two lean and very active gun dogs. When NutriSource offered the formula in a freeze-dried option, I was excited. It’s so lean; animal ingredients provide at least 90 percent of the protein ingredients in the freezedried bites and sliders. High in nutrients and flavor, my dogs love all three options: beef and lamb, chicken and duck, and turkey and venison. If providing the freezedried option as a complete meal, I like adding bone broth, goat milk or water to it to soften it up and add further health benefits. It’s supplemented with NVGEN, which is designed to optimize the microbiome necessary for full utilization of a high-animalprotein diet. No matter when I feed it to my dogs, they think it’s the best treat ever. And like all NutriSource dog foods I feed, it’s high protein so you actually can feed less, meaning meal for meal, you save money. Info: nutrisourcepetfoods.com. Wiley X Detection glasses, with their five large interchangeable lenses, are ideal when it comes to training sessions and hunts where eye contact is crucial. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

pup’s name, or do it yourself, like I did. Info: $50; gunner.com.

MOMARSH VERSA-VEST I’ll be honest, I almost threw this vest in the trash before I even got it on my dog. Then I took a deep breath, read the directions, watched a YouTube video on how to customize the Momarsh Versa-Vest and the rest is history. I got this vest for Kona, my big male pudelpointer, who tips the scales at 63 pounds. He’s long-legged, deepchested and narrow at the waist. He’s thin-skinned and muscular, too, which means it’s a challenge to find a dog vest that truly fits him. With its six points of multidirectional Velcro fastening points, I was able to adjust the vest to securely fit Kona’s unique build. It took a while but once I got it figured out and put it on Kona, he took off running through the field and

I knew we had a good thing. We’ve hunted in it and there’s been no rubbing under the legs, chest or neck. The rubberized chest panel is sturdy and does its job protecting against thick brush, submerged sticks and more. The paracord handle and metal leash loop are sturdy and well-placed. The 5mm rubberized Neoprene and water-repellent-coated poly fabric keeps your dog warm and helps them float in water. The best thing is that it can be adjusted anytime to fit your dog’s body, even as it ages over the years. Info: $100; momarsh.com.

NUTRISOURCE FREEZE-DRIED TREATS Used as a treat, topper, even a complete meal, this high-protein option is available in bite sizes or sliders. I’ve been a fan of NutriSource Pet Foods Element Series of dog food since it first came out

60 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

WILEY X DETECTION GLASSES The last two items on my list serve you as much as your dog, making them great options for both of you. I never wear sunglasses when training dogs because I want my dogs to see and be able to read my eyes. Then Wiley X came out with their Detection glasses and that all changed. With its five interchangeable, large lenses, your field of view is wideopen, meaning you can easily see your dog and they can see your eyes. Simply pick one of the shades that blocks glare when training on sunny days, and get to work. If lighting changes, change lenses on the spot. These glasses have no bulky frame, just two flexible extensions on each side that the lenses quickly snap into. Wrap the extensions around your temple, over the ears, and you’re set. They’re so comfortable you’ll honestly forget you have them on. I use mine when training on sunny days, as well as when the wind, pollens and bugs are bad. I’ve worn them on several hunts, as they’re the perfect shooting glasses, and yes, the dogs can still see my eyes. I also wear

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them when doing yard work, mowing fields and cutting wood. They’re some of the best all-around glasses I’ve ever worn. Info: $210; wileyx.com.

MTM MULE MOBILE GEAR CRATE I’m always looking for the most sensible option to store and carry all my dog training gear. The MTM Mule is an affordable, midrange gear box that’s durable, functional and easy to handle. The Mule is MTM’s largest crate, handling everything from big bumpers to bird launchers, vests to first aid kits, even water bottles, dog food bowls and treats. Efficient handles and recessed wheels make it easy to maneuver around the shop. The Mule is divided into three compartments of various sizes and heights. The roomy lift-out tray rides at either end of the crate, with additional space below for shallow items. Tiedown points, four no-break snap latches, padlock tabs and a water-resistant O-ring seal keep gear safe, dry and ready to go. Constructed of high-impact polypropylene in the USA, the box measures 43.5 inches by 14.7 inches by 11.5 inches and holds 75 pounds worth of gear. Info: $120; mtmcase-gard.com. CS Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time writer. See his basic puppy training videos and learn more about his many books at scotthaugen .com. Follow his adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

Holiday Gift Guide

WMD Guns

wmdguns.com Give the gift of long life! The proprietary NiB-X nickelboron-coating process from WMD Guns extends firearm life by permanently defending against wear, abrasion, rust and corrosion. So this year, give NiB-X-coated parts – they just might be the longest-lasting gifts you ever give! (And check out WMD’s Beast NiB-X AR rifles/pistols.)

Skinner Sights

California Wild Sheep Foundation

cawsf.org California Chapter of Wild Sheep Foundation, formed in 2001, has worked with agencies and other conservation groups to combat disease and provide habitat enhancements for the iconic desert sheep in California. CAWSF encourages all who are interested in putting and keeping sheep on the mountains to join them.

skinnersights.com What do you get the person with everything? Something to put it in! Looking for a great way to conceal a rifle or shotgun (up to 40 inches in length), a couple handguns and magazines, accessories, tactical flashlight, etc., where they can be hidden in plain sight? The Skinner Sights Concealed Carry Garment bag will hold all that and more. Constructed of heavy-duty Cordura, premium stitching and using the world’s strongest hanger, this bag can be hung in a closet along with clothes for excellent concealment. Available in tactical black or inconspicuous olive. The hanger is removable, allowing the bag to be folded into an easily carried case. Made in Montana, this is a great gift for those who want to be prepared. $189

Eastern Washington Guides

easternwashingtonguides.com The perfect gift: a waterfowl facial! The folks at Eastern Washington Guides love landing birds in your face! They offer fully guided hunting and fishing trips around the greater Columbia Basin, Moses Lake and the Potholes Reservoir. Waterfowl trips target Canada geese, snows and ducks with hunts available throughout the holiday season. Give the one you love the perfect gift, a waterfowl facial from Eastern Washington Guides. Happy holidays! To get $50 off your booked trip, use code NWSGIFT at checkout. 62 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) from Black Hills Ammunition pushes modern 6.5 high-BC projectiles another 250 feet per second faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor and with comparable accuracy. Ballistics with these calibers were similar, but the 6.5 PRC has advantages over all of them. For Black Hills’ first loading, they chose to load this cartridge with the Hornady 143-grain ELD-X.

Fish Hunters Guide Service

fishhuntersguideservice.com Contact Fish Hunters Guide Service to find out how you can get $50 off a full-day guided fishing trip. Offer not valid on half-days, or per person pricing. Discount is valid off of the total price of your trip. Booking the boat for a private rental includes a free Fish Hunters Guide Service T-shirt or hat.

Alaska Family Motorhomes

Holiday Gift Guide

Willie’s Distillery

alaskafamilymotorhomes.com Alaska Family Motorhomes is offering a free bedding package on any motorhome or camper van rental booked prior to January 15, 2024. Just email afmotorhomes@gmail.com with the subject “Holiday Free Bedding” and make your reservation on their website and they will do the rest.

Flylabel

flylabel.com The Case 1973 7 Dot Classic Reddish Brown Cattle Bone 6347 PU Serpentine Stockman pocket knife has beautiful glazed polished clip/spey point/punch stainless steel blades with “for flesh only” etched on the spey point. Clip/punch open to 8 5/8 inches long, closes to 3 7/8 inches and weighs 2.8 ounces. There is no box with this knife.

williesdistillery.com A small-batch distillery located on Main Street in picturesque Ennis, Montana, on the banks of the fabled Madison River, Willie’s mission is to make world-class spirits for world-class individuals. They use fresh mountain water straight from the source, and acquire their grains and ingredients from small Montana farms and growers ranging from a local apiary to the barley fields of the Montana Hi-Line. Each bottle is handled and filled with care.

calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2023 California Sportsman

Holiday Gift Guide

Davis Tent

davistent.com The sleeping bag cover from Davis Tent is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized.

Silver Horde

silverhorde.com The KatchKooler Deluxe “keeps your catch fresher.” The compact design makes it easy to stow and a high-density closed-cell foam layer insulates the fish to keep it extra cold on the boat. Made with durable waterproof outer fabric and equipped with a strong handle. Silver Horde suggests reusable ice packs to protect your catch from bacterial degradation and prevent leakage. Great to transport fish home or to a derby weigh-in. It’s the perfect gift for the angler in your family.

Rocco Handmade

roccohandmade.com Handmade cutlery, tools and leather goods. Carefully crafted in Michigan.

Buktek Products

thetacbox.com Be ready. Keep your pistol and gear in reach with the TacBox. Your fastest access to a firearm is when your gun is mounted in the same location and position every time. The TacBox is easy to mount in multiple positions and holds your gear securely, but at the ready. For use in vehicles, home office, gunsafes, etc.

Robbins Custom Cases

robbinscustomcases.com Available in high-quality nylon, vinyl or leather (on special orders) with a plush, padded interior. Plain cases are customizable with embroidered nylon or embossed vinyl. Variety of sizes to fit your needs.

Anglers Edge Sportfishing

anglersedgesportfishing.com At Anglers Edge Sportfishing, a six-person fishing charter out of Westport, Washington, they are passionate about fishing and providing their clients with the best experience possible. If you’re ready to have a great time and make some unforgettable memories, contact them today. Gift certificates are available and make a great Christmas present. 64 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

Cut Plug Charter seattlesalmonfishing.com Cut Plug Charter offers Puget Sound fishing trips for salmon and lingcod. Hands-on fishing experience with light tackle is what they specialize in!

Lazy Bear Outfitters

lazybearoutfitters.com/ products/lazy-bear-gift-card Make gift-giving fun and easy with a Lazy Bear Gift Card! Perfect for friends, family or special occasions, the card never expires and will fund an unforgettable experience! Treat your loved ones to a unique and memorable gift – they’ll be thrilled (and may even owe you one!).

The Grip Guy

gripguy3.com The finest handmade custom grips for your firearms. Made in Texas.

Puget Sound Fly Shop

pugetsoundflyshop.com Christmas is right around the corner. Puget Sound Fly Shop offers gift cards and many items that would make the perfect gift for the avid fly fisherman.

Westview Marina

westviewmarina.com/ m3dia/promo-video-2021 Drive or fly in, four nights lodging, three full days of guided fishing/catching salmon, halibut, lingcod and much morea, with all of your meals off a large restaurant menu. $2,100 USD each for a crew of four to six people.

Fly Gyde

flygyde.com Give a gift that can never be wrong and will surely thrill the fisherman in your life! Fly Gyde’s Gift Card can be redeemed for fishing trip options and any products from their online fly shop. Happy holidays!

Elk Mountain Tents

elkmountaintents.com For your outdoor adventures, Elk Mountain Tents offers quality canvas tents in a variety of types and sizes. 66 California Sportsman DECEMBER 2023 | calsportsmanmag.com