FISHING • HUNTING • TRAVEL CALSPORTSMANMAG.COM
AWESOME
AUTUMN OPS Offseason Sierra Trout Quacker-whackin’ Gear SoCal Yellowtail San Diego Panfish
Kiwi Magic New Zealand Fishing
WOUNDED WARRIOR'S VISION Guide Takes Fellow Disabled Vets Hunting, Fishing
Holiday Party Platter Make Wild Game Appetizers
U|xaHBEIGy01291rzuv,:,
2 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
North Star Outfitting
Providing whitetail deer hunts, mule deer hunts, black bear hunts, moose hunts and waterfowl hunts in Alberta for over 22 years In Aug 2017, we acquired another waterfowl area just across the border in Saskatchewan. This will give us the opportunity to take clients for sand hill cranes now!
At North Star Outfitting we personally guide whitetail deer hunts, mule deer hunts, black bear hunts, moose hunts and waterfowl hunts. When you book a hunt with us you will be accompanied by a professional hunter who is focused on the specific species you are hunting. We know what it takes to make your hunt successful and enjoyable. Our guides were born and raised in this area and know the hunting area and the behaviors and patterns of the animals we hunt. Our waterfowl hunts are either 3 or 4 day. You will enjoy goose hunts & duck hunts along the North Saskatchewan River in eastern Alberta. We are very fortunate that we have the North Saskatchewan River right next to us that holds the waterfowl until freeze up. Even on a dry year we always have the river to keep us in birds! All hunters stay in a lodge with all the amenities of home. We have full cell phone coverage, wireless internet, and satellite TV. In the evenings, we also have plenty of room to socialize while sitting around a bonfire. Call or visit our website for more information!
Book Your Next Hunting Trip In Alberta, Canada CALL NEIL: 780-808-0318 | EMAIL: neil@northstaroutfitting.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
3
4 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
5
6 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
7
Sportsman
California Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource
Volume 10 • Issue 2 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dick Openshaw EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brittany Boddington LEAD WRITER Tim E. Hovey CONTRIBUTORS Mark Fong, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Todd Kline, Bill Schaefer, Mike Stevens SALES MANAGER Katie Higgins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold PRODUCTION MANAGER Sonjia Kells DESIGNERS Sam Rockwell, Jake Weipert PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Kelly Baker
DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING Audra Higgins ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Sauro INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn CIRCULATION MANAGER Heidi Belew ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER With snow soon returning to the Eastern Sierra as winter nears, most of summer’s hottest trout fishing spots will be closed, but several rivers and streams remain open throughout the high country’s offseason for anglers willing to bundle up to catch some really nice trout. (SIERRA DRIFTERS GUIDE SERVICE) MEDIA INC PUBLISHING GROUP CALIFORNIA OFFICE 4517 District Blvd. • Bakersfield, CA 93313 (661) 381-7533 WASHINGTON OFFICE P.O. Box 24365 • Seattle, WA 98124-0365 14240 Interurban Ave. S., Suite 190 Tukwila, WA 98168 OREGON OFFICE 8116 SW Durham Rd • Tigard, OR 97224 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com
8 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
www.radpowerbikes.com info@radpowerbikes.com (800) 939-0310
THE RADROVER IS THE ULTIMATE ALL-PURPOSE ELECTRIC BIKE THAT STILL LOOKS LIKE A BIKE BUT FEELS LIKE A JET. GET OUT, GO FURTHER, AND HAVE MORE FUN FOR UNDER $1,500!
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
9
CONTENTS
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2 (CHRIS COCOLES)
FEATURES 61
GEAR CHECK FOR WATERFOWLERS The right decoy can make all the difference for waterfowl hunters hoping to draw in mallards, pintails or geese. But a decoy is a decoy, isn’t it? No, says Field to Fire columnist Scott Haugen, who breaks down the best of the best gear as the seasons really get cranking this month. And once you’ve upped your game, Tiffany Haugen has a peanut-flavored duck dish for all the birds you’ll be bagging.
93
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING Chris Lovera and his young children just wanted to hike and camp at the beautiful lakes and forests of Sequoia National Park, but instead they got a major scare and an emergency flight to a Fresno hospital after they were struck by lightning. Tim Hovey has the details of the Loveras’ ordeal.
17
107 HAVE TROUT WILL TRAVEL Most of the Eastern Sierra’s lakes, ponds and creeks will shut down until April halfway through the month, but fear not troutheads: Our Mike Stevens has all the Mono County locations, including Hot Creek, and the Upper Owens and East Walker Rivers, that are open for (mostly catch-and-release options) for winter fishing.
118
FOLLOW THE YELLOWTAIL ROAD Did you check the temperatures in Southern California as the Dodgers hosted the first game of the World Series in Los Angeles? A 103-degree first pitch may not scream October and “Fall Classic,” but the continued hot weather is great news for yellowtail fishing, which should continue well into November, as Bill Schaefer explains.
A SNAPPING GOOD TIME
Editor Chris Cocoles traveled about 12 hours by plane from San Francisco to New Zealand, and while trout fishing is considered that country’s biggest gift to anglers, the island nation of 4.4 million features some spectacular saltwater opportunities, which our intrepid adventurer discovered in the Bay of Islands region.
DEPARTMENTS 13 51 51 52 57
The Editor’s Note: The tragic wine country fires Protecting Wild California: Stiffer punishments for big game poachers Outdoor calendar Adventures of Todd Kline: US Open at Lake Mead Photo contest winners
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 35 71 85 115
Disabled veteran, outdoorsman gives back to other wounded warriors Rattler on a cracker? Unusual holiday game dishes Hazards to watch for on your pup’s first wild bird hunt The simple joys of panfishing San Diego lakes
CALIFORNIA SPORTSMAN GOES DIGITAL! Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. Only $1.89 an issue. Go to www.calsportsmanmag.com/digital California Sportsman is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Send address changes to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $39.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues are available at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. 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 © 2016 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.
10 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
11
12 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
THEEDITOR’SNOTE Fires that raged through the north Bay Area – such as Napa County’s Nuns Fire – killed 43 and affected many others. (LANCE CHEUNG/USDA)
W
hen I traveled to New Zealand early in October and got to experience some of that beautiful country’s outstanding saltwater fishing (see page 17), the news back home went from worse to horrible. Upon landing at Auckland Airport and checking my phone, I learned of the senseless mass shooting in Las Vegas. Not halfway into our trip, my travel buddy’s wife gave us more lousy news, this time closer to home: Santa Rosa and so much of wine country in Napa and Sonoma Counties was burning. Everyone who lived in the area seemed to be affected. A friend of my New Zealand pal lost his Santa Rosa home. My aunt and uncle in Sonoma didn’t lose their home but voluntarily evacuated after one blaze threatened the city. Speaking of Sonoma, Santa Rosa native and sportsman Andy Wahl, whose Ammunition Wine Company was featured in our magazine in September, also experienced some scary moments as the fires burned. “Lots of damage to friends’ and family homes, but thankfully a lot of people were able to evacuate in time; the harvest was nearly done to alleviate damage to any grapes/vines and wines,” Wahl told me. From a conservation perspective, the Napa-based Silverado Fisheries Base’s population of salmon and trout was spared. But who knows how much long-term effects there will be on the region’s flora and fauna. Peter Tira, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife information officer for the region, said it appears wildlife and habitat in the area was mostly spared any major damage, but that with several roads still closed more analysis needs to be done to measure the full impact of the fires. And like so many people with ties to Napa and Sonoma Counties, Tira’s in-laws lost their home. Worse still, over 40 died in the fires. Condolences to everyone in that area and here’s hoping for some better headlines this month. -Chris Cocoles calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
13
14 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Oregon Big Game
RAFFLE HUNTS Winners get:
Extended season, including the rut Hunt with any legal weapon Expanded hunt area
DEER • ELK • DEER/ELK COMBO • ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT PRONGHORN ANTELOPE • BIGHORN SHEEP
TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1, 2017 For information visit www.OregonRaffleHunts.com or any Oregon POS license agent. NEW THIS YEAR: Additional 30 days extended season calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
15
16 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
MIXED BAG
FISHIN’ WITH THE KIWIS In northern New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands area, the Pacific Ocean’s bounty of fish, mostly snapper, appeased the author and the rest of the charter during an October outing. (CHRIS COCOLES)
ANGLING OPTIONS ABOUND IN NEW ZEALAND, EDITOR ABROAD DISCOVERS By Chris Cocoles
R
USSELL, New Zealand— If I came for the trout, I left with the snapper. New Zealand called me for many reasons during an early October visit: mild weather, whitewater rafting, worldclass wine and some of the friendliest
locals on Earth to share a pint with. But while I anticipated any fishing I’d do would be on some crisp freshwater lake for the country’s iconic rainbows and at a cost that would inflate an already ballooning travel budget, my inner angler was satisfied and made possible by a skipper who I’m positive hasn’t walked on dry land in 50 years.
Here I was – a couple days off a 12hour flight from San Francisco – boarding Capt. Jeff Crooks’ boat with Spot-X Fishing Charters on a sun-splashed spring afternoon so far from home. Soon I’d forget about booking a trout trip and would be reeling in supper in the form of snapper from the Pacific Ocean and having the time of my life.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
17
MIXED BAG Timing, circumstances and cost prevented me from getting a chance to fish any of New Zealand’s famed waters for trout. But during our quick one-night stay around Lake Taupo, a Tahoe-style resort on the North Island between Auckland and the nation’s capital city of Wellington, I discovered that the expansive lake might as well be renamed Troutpo for its obsession with fishing and the outdoors. -Chris Cocoles
WELCOME TO TROUT TOWN 3 2
1
4
6 5
7
1) 2) 3, 4, 5) 6) 7, 8)
This fish statue graces the entrance to Taupo’s marina. (CHRIS COCOLES) Our hotel in Taupo, the Wellesley, was also home to the Lazy Trout Lounge. (CHRIS COCOLES) This outdoors store had a pretty awesome selection of gear for anglers and hunters. (CHRIS COCOLES) Lake Taupo, located inside the caldera of a volcano of the same name, is the country’s largest lake in terms of surface area (about 238 square miles). (CHRIS COCOLES) When you’re thirsty for a beer in this trout-tacular town, stop by the Crafty Trout Brewing Company. (CHRIS COCOLES)
18 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
8
REFUSE TO FISH ORDINARY. FALL 2017 ITEMS. IN STORES NOW.
9” Bubba Shad
7” & 9”
Magnum Octopus
WWW.AAWORMS.COM
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
19
This secluded beach –charter skipper Capt. Jeff Crooks’ favorite – is one of just many dream destinations amid the coastal hideaways, mountains, forests, lakes and rivers that make New Zealand an outdoors lover’s paradise. (CHRIS COCOLES)
“WELCOME TO MY OFFICE,” Crooks said when I joined him on the bridge of the Spot-X. It’s hard to imagine a more spectacular view than from this workspace. New Zealand is blessed with some of the planet’s most diverse vistas – from snow-capped peaks, glaciers and fjords on the less populated South Island (we didn’t have near enough time to get there on this eight-day trip), to the pristine beaches, cozy fishing villages and vineyards of the North Island. Here in the far north of the country, Crooks pilots his fishing vessel through azure blue waters between a rocky archipelago known as the Bay of Islands, a popular getaway for residents of New Zealand’s largest metropolis of Auckland, a three-hour drive south. Crooks, a typically jovial “Kiwi” with a salt-and-pepper beard and spiked hair, was straight out of central casting for a grizzled seaman. “I was conceived on a boat,” he said, and you get the impression that he may not be joking. His dad was an accomplished sailor from Auckland who competed and won a prestigious competition, the almost 100-year-old Lipton Cup. It is New Zealand’s oldest yachting competition and features 22foot crafts – many that date back as old as the race itself – commonly known by locals as “mullet boats” (his father won the race in 1962 and Crooks was born in 1963, so do the math on buying that conceived-on-a-boat bit). “I knew that’s all I wanted to do,” Crooks said of having a life on the water. He too would follow in Dad’s 20 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
footsteps and win a Lipton Cup trophy himself. Crooks built wooden boats for a living but escaped the big city for the Bay of Islands eight years ago, and he’s been skippering this boat for the last few seasons. Katarina Jung and her family have owned Spot-X (fishspotx.co.nz) for the last year. They are Swedes who came to New Zealand on an entrepreneurial visa. “We started up a fishing shop in Russell, Screaming Reels (screamingreels.co.nz), and took over Spot-X, which had been operating in the bay for 16 years,” Jung says. “It had a very good reputation when we bought it and we work to keep that and improve it, giving the guests an unforgettable experience of the Bay of Islands.” Now if only more Americans would experience it. I was stunned when Crooks told me that only about 5 percent of his guests come from the U.S. “Mostly Aussies, but we get a lot of Germans and (other) Europeans,” he said. It’s difficult to envision anyone not being content to visit. Surely the Jungs were OK with trading the Nordic winters they endured to live here in the temperate climate of the South Pacific. On our way to the fishing grounds – these waters are also known for kingfish, marlin and tuna, the latter two of which are targeted on longer trips further offshore – Crooks motored us past his favorite (unnamed) beach. I could see why; it’s a magnificent stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue water that Robinson Crusoe types might reconsider wanting rescue from.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
21
MIXED BAG Then he asked his seven passengers how many of us had been through the Hole in the Rock (Motu Kōkako as it’s known in the native Māori dialect), a 60-foot-tall opening on what the explorer Capt. James Cook renamed as Piercy Island upon his discovery of it in 1769. When the weather cooperates and the tides are right, boats both small and bigger can navigate through the hole, which we did to great enthusiasm from our party. (And when Crooks suggested we do it, I laughed and mentioned that earlier that same day my travel buddy Norv and I went through the hole when we took a dol-
Crooks was born to be on the water. “I was conceived on a boat,” he says. (CHRIS COCOLES)
phin-watching cruise and quick visit to a nature reserve, Urupukapuka Island.) Enough of the sightseeing, I thought. Let’s go fishing.
CATCHING SNAPPER IN THESE waters doesn’t require anything fancy. Crooks handed us all spincast rods with 50-pound test rigged with just a heavy sinker, a short leader and a hook. Our first spot was not far beyond the Hole in the Rock, around the other side of Cape Brett at the edge of the Bay of Islands. In about 90 feet of water, Crooks anchored the boat and pulled out a bag of cut squid, gave a 20-second tutorial on where to bait the hook, and we dropped down to the bottom, cranked up a few feet and waited. “I can’t guarantee you we’ll always catch a bunch of fish,” Crooks had told us earlier. “But I can guarantee you I won’t give up trying to catch a bunch of fish.” I was one of two Americans onboard. When I was first picked up as
2017 Nissan Titan America’s Best Truck Warranty
5 YEARS/100,000 MILES Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
2 Year No Cost Oil Changes Available Cummins Diesel Engine S Special Fleet & Business Pricing Available e
671 Orange Drive // Vacaville, CA, 95687 Call Scott Foy - Fleet Manager direct // (707) 455-4541 www.VacavilleWorkTrucks.com
22 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Rent a Titan for just $1 a day (2 day maximum) to try them out!
Lance Home Town Dealer. Save Up To $12,000 Off A New Lance!
Call us for a Lance Factory tour.
RICHARDS BOAT & RV CENTER • Pop Up & Hard Side Campers • New & Used Fishing Boats & Pontoon Boats
We sell fun for the whole family! Lancaster, CA • www.richardsboatcenter.com • (661) 951-9191
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
23
MIXED BAG the last passenger at the marina in Russell, I struck up a conversation with Ethan Gaddy, an 18-year-old who hails from North Carolina’s Outer Banks. He graduated high school in June and shortly thereafter flew to New Zealand and had been there since. By the time he’d left to go home Gaddy would have visited just about every major spot in a country of just about 4.4 million residents and comparable in size to Colorado. “Enjoy this while you can,” I told the teenager regarding his ability to travel for months at a time. The youngster of our group, 9-year-old Liam, a Kiwi, photo bomber and aspiring standup comedian who was visiting during a countrywide school holiday with his mom Jo, couldn’t stop grinning. My fellow Yank Gaddy talked about his experience tramping through the bigger cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, injuring his knee
Editor and author Chris Cocoles managed to catch this longfin perch, also known as a pink maomao to Kiwi anglers. (CHRIS COCOLES)
while snowboarding one of the South Island’s snowy peaks during the Southern Hemisphere winter – our summer – and pondering what was next once he gets back to the reality of life (though I became jealous again when he thought about trekking to Southeast Asia next whenever he could get away).
24 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
An Australian couple on our boat fled the chaos of Sydney for smalltown life inland on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, not far from Melbourne but far enough away to enjoy the good life Down Under. Now in New Zealand, flanked by the rugged east coast of the North Island
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
25
MIXED BAG Our boat took a trip through the Bay of Islands’ iconic Hole in the Rock, first spotted by explorer Capt. James Cook in 1769. (CHRIS COCOLES)
on one side and the endless waters of the Pacific on the other, they and the rest of us were catching fish. One guy behind me landed a feisty snapper a few minutes after we started to fish. I caught my first shortly thereaf-
ter. When little Liam reeled one up – assisted by Crooks – we all whooped and hollered for the kid. The skipper decided to change things up a little and we cruised closer to the rocky shoreline of Cape Brett,
26 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
where various sea birds congregated. We anchored this time in far shallower water – about 27 feet to the bottom. Crooks also broke out tiny frozen baitfish to try. “Anchovies?” I asked. “That’s what you’d call them in the states,” the
DESTINATION ALASKA
FreeImages.com/sabiec
THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOUR ALASKAN ADVENTURE WELCOME TO THE YAKUTAT LODGE One of Alaska’s finest world-class fishing destinations, we offer affordable vacations where you can tailor a trip to your “taste and budget.” Easy access, with daily jet service right to the lodge door, river and ocean guides, a full-service restaurant and cocktail lounge, and comfortable yet rustic to downright fancy lodging accommodations in rooms or cabins, at our airport facility, or on the bay. Ślj ƃȢɰɁ ȃƃʤlj ƃ ɽƃƺȟȢlj ɰȃɁɥӗ ǼȈǹɽ ɰȃɁɥӗ ƃȶǁ ɰljȢȢ ˎɰȃȈȶǼ ȢȈƺljȶɰljɰӗ ƃɰ ʥljȢȢ ƃɰ arrange vehicle rentals. Let our staff welcome you home, and our professional and experienced guides and captains “Share Alaska with you!”
THIS IS WORLD-CLASS FISHING, AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
STEELHEAD | SOCKEYE | PINK SALMON SILVER SALMON | DOLLY VARDEN RAINBOW TROUT | HALIBUT | KING SALMON | LINGCOD | PACIFIC ROCKFISH
1-800-925-8828 yakutatlodge.com
DESTINATION ALASKA
FreeImages.com/sabiec
captain replied. I slipped one on and maybe two casts later, within seconds of my bait hitting bottom I felt the hardest tug yet. This snapper, my biggest of the day – maybe 5 pounds or so – gave me a little stronger fight. Earlier in the day I’d landed what’s known as a pink maomao (longfin perch), which is a type of sea bass and one that lives up to its colorful nickname; we also brought in two more odd species, a triggerfish and a moray eel. By the end of the day, we’d stacked the back of the Spot-X with a bunch of keeper snapper, my pink maomao and the triggerfish. Since I was the only member of this charter staying in Russell – the rest were headed back across the harbor to the bigger port of Paihia Between an Aussie angler ...
... Liam, a New Zealand youngster on a school holiday with his mom ... Two-Unit Float Lodge $1M - Thorne Bay
Home & Dock $360K - Port Protection
Hilltop Home (Two Unit) $375K - Hollis
New D-Log Cabin in the :DWHUIURQW /RGJH Woods - $185K - Thorne Bay $495K - Port Protection
8QÀQLVKHG :DWHUIURQW /RGJH The Karta Lodge $960K - Craig - Port St Nick $275K - Kasaan
New Home & Garage/Shop $299K - Hollis
CELL 219-781-1825 OFFICE & FAX 907-826-6600
BROKER, PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND REALTY LLC EMAIL chucksrealestate@yahoo.com
www.alaskaislandrealty.com
DESTINATION FreeImages.com/sabiec OVERALASKA 30 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL BOATING EXPERIENCE!
Family Owned & Operated
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENJOY THE GREAT ALASKAN WATERWAYS! WILLIE’S MARINE PROUDLY OFFERS: • • • • • •
Snow plowing New and used boats Custom boat orders Boat and motor repairs Large inventory of parts Remote service options BUNDLE UP FOR WINTER:
SAVE 10% when you bundle two or more services including – • Winterizing • Boat hauling • Shrink wrapping • Dustless Blasting ®
DEALER, INSTALLATION, AND CERTIFIED SERVICE
Dealer of the Brands You Know And Trust
2281 Industrial Blvd. Juneau, AK (907) 789-4831 • williesmarine.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@williesmarine) for updates and special promotions
DESTINATION ALASKA
FreeImages.com/sabiec
... And North Carolina trekker Ethan Gaddy, there were plenty of fish to go around during the author’s charter fishing trip. (CHRIS COCOLES)
– Crooks headed into a cove and filleted the three snapper and maomao. Much to his delight, I brought back the fish for Norv and I to enjoy a delicious surf-and-turf meal cooked on a poolside grill (we had so many fillets we gave some to the motel manager). The sun was setting after a 70ish-degree October afternoon. I was sunburned, hungry and thirsty, but during a trip when I was rarely disappointed by the scenery, food, beer, wine and activities that included Class IV-plus whitewater rafting and a jet boat thrill ride, I wondered if the North Carolinian vagabond had the right idea to spend months in a land so beautiful, mystical and prehistoric it gave the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies quite the cinematic backdrop. Or maybe it was Crooks who has it made, even if he did admit his workday lasts from dawn until at least 10 p.m. Spend a week or so in New Zealand and you’ll agree it’s not a bad permanent gig. CS Editor’s note: Spot-X Fishing Charters offers a relative bargain in a country where few comparable activities are anything but cheap. A shared, up-to-eight-person, fourto five-hour fishing trip to catch snapper and possibly larger kingfish costs 110 New Zealand dollars – roughly $75 U.S. Check out fishspotx.co.nz/charters for more or like them at facebook.com/fishspotX.
DESTINATION ALASKA
FreeImages.com/sabiec
calsportsmanmag.com | APRIL 2017 California Sportsman
31
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
THREE RIVERS TACKLE _
FOUR WHEEL CAMPERS _ Four Wheel Campers, founded in 1972, is North America’s leading producer of pop-up campers. We focus on industry-leading aluminum-frame designs that offer customers the lightest weight, lowest wind resistance, and most durable pop-up campers. Built with quality throughout, our campers are selected to navigate rugged terrain from Canada to Baja. We invite you to learn more at our website. WWW.FOURWH.CAMPERS.COM
For the gift that keeps on giving, give a Trophy Lures Bass Tackle kit. Choose from the Largemouth, Smallmouth or Largemouth/ Smallmouth combo. We also have an assortment of small gift packages to choose from WKDW ƓW DQ\ EXGJHW &KHFN XV RXW RQOLQH IRU details, selections and other specials. WWW.THREERIVERSTACKLE.COM
FISH FIGHTER _ LEWIS WINCH _ The Lewis Winch 400-MK2 is the most versatile portable winch out there and will pull 4,000 pounds in a straight line using the right size chainsaw (5 cubic inch/85cc), and up to 8,000 pounds using one Lewis Winch Snatch Block. WWW.LEWISWINCH.COM
Looking for the perfect gift for the boater in your life? The Kwik-Pull Anchor Retriever (ITD5100) is it. To retrieve your anchor, just install this handy device to your anchor rope and buoy, simply drive the boat forward and \RXU DQFKRU UHWULHYHV LWVHOI 7R ƓQG RXW KRZ LW Add a little intelligence to your culinary war works, go to our website and watch the video. chest this year. The Bradley Smart smoker is This is one device that’s revolutionizing how capable of monitoring your food’s temperapeople retrieve their anchor. Made in the ture and notifying you when things are done, USA, it comes with our 100-percent monor needing attention. ey-back guarantee. Call (208) 580-1904. WWW.BRADLEYSMOKER.COM WWW.FISHFIGHTERPRODUCTS.COM
BRADLEY SMOKER _
32 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
ARM CHAPS _ WESTERN RANGE CAMPS _ Western Range Camps are the ultimate hunting lodge on wheels. You get the comfort RI D ZRRG EXUQLQJ VWRYH DQG WKH GXUDELOLW\ RI KDQGFUDIWHG $PHULFDQ ZRUNPDQVKLS :H provide the perfect solution for getting you deeper into the wild, while keeping you warm, safe and comfortable. For more, call us today at (435) 462- 5300, write to Western Range &DPSV 6 %ODFNKDZN %OYG 0W 3OHDVDQW 87 RU Æ“QG XV RQOLQH 8 7 RU UÆ“Q Æ“QGG XVV RQO QOLQ LQQH H WWW.WRCAMPS.COM
TILLAMOOK COAST _ The new 25 Hikes on Oregon’s Tillamook Coast details hikes in forests, along bays, KHDGODQGV DQG WKH 3DFLƓF $XWKRU $GDP Sawyer’s pocket-sized, easy-to-read guidebook provides recommendations on hikes ranging from family-friendly DQG HDV\ WR GLIƓFXOW DORQJ ZLWK IHHV DQG regulations. The 90-page book is $9.99 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. WWW.TILLAMOOKCOAST.COM/BOOKS
The perfect gift for those who want to avoid the cuts and scratches common in many activities, especially for those who have thin skin or bruise easily. Don’t stop doing the activities you want to do. Instead, just get the comfortable/durable protection that’s needed. WWW.ARMCHAPS.COM
BORE TECH _
OUTFITTER _ SATTELITE
Bore Tech’s superior gun care products are the perfect holiday gift. Keep those shotguns clean with our technologically advanced Shotgun Blend and exclusive Shotgun Jags. $ PXVW KDYH IRU HYHU\ VHULRXV VKRWJXQQHU these innovative products make cleaning VWXEERUQ IRXOLQJ D EUHH]H $UH \RXU VKRWJXQV Bore Tech clean? WWW.BORETECH.COM
The Iridium Extreme is the best choice for satellite communication beyond where cell phones can reach. The Extreme operates on the Iridium network, with truly global coverage anywhere including extreme polar regions. Gift yourself and your family peace of mind for your next hunting excursion with the Iridium Extreme. OUTFITTERSATELLITE.COM
DARK STORM INDUSTRIES _ The DS-9 Typhoon is a 9mm carbine that uses Glock magazines and is available in a featureless FRQÆ“JXUDWLRQ IRU &DOLIRUQLD 0653 LV IRU WKH %ODFN PRGHO IRU )'( RU 2'* PRGHOV WWW.DARK-STORM.COM calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
33
34 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
MIXED BAG
ON THE RECOVERY TRAIL
DISABLED VET FINDS PURPOSE TAKING FELLOW WARRIORS HUNTING AND FISHING By Chris Cocoles
T
he veteran that Brett Miller had taken on one of the fishing trips he leads for wounded warriors wasn’t exactly opening up about anything – not his experiences in combat or if he was even enjoying himself that day. Miller, himself a disabled veteran and founder of a Sisters, Oregon-based nonprofit, Warfighter Outfitters, understands that some of those recovering from a traumatic injury might not be willing to bare
For many wounded and/or disabled veterans, escaping to the outdoors has proven cathartic. An Oregon-based nonprofit, Warfighter Outfitters, took 2,000 on fishing trips free of charge last year. (WARFIGHTER OUTFITTERS)
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
35
MIXED BAG their soul right away, but this guy seemed content to not say anything. He’d been in trouble upon his return to civilian life and was in what’s known as Veteran’s Court when Miller signed over custody of the man and brought him along to fish in central Oregon, which he did without incident, but also without engaging in any conversation of any kind. “He just kept to himself and fished and was catching fish. A couple months went by and I asked him if he wanted to come to a fly fishing tournament with us.” Miller says. “We drove the whole way to New Mexico from Oregon – like 12 hours. Nothing. Didn’t say a word, not a peep. He was just a mannequin, a crash-test dummy.” Miller’s team finished second and took home a trophy, yet the man remained as stoic as ever, barely speaking on the entire drive to the Pacific Northwest. So whatever therapeutic value Miller’s efforts rubbed off on the man, he didn’t seem comfortable sharing them. A year went by before Miller heard from him again. “All of a sudden on social media, he hits me up and says thanks. ‘I bought a boat and now I’m taking guys fishing on it,’” Miller says. “You never know the impact of what one day or one trip will have.” It’s that kind of feel-good story that has given hope to Miller, who was lucky to survive a 2005 attack in Iraq that left him permanently disabled and questioning what value his life would have. It turns out there was quite a lot. Like so many of his comrades, he just had to find it again.
THREE OF MILLER’S PASSIONS LEFT him fulfilled for most of his life. He was an accomplished firefighter, having logged 17 years of service around his Oregon home since his teen years. His other love back home was the outdoors, and his hometown of Sisters, a tiny community about 30 minutes northwest of Bend, was surrounded by some of
Brett Miller (center) accepted his Wounded Warrior Project Courage Award in June in New York. He’s come a long ways since he essentially disappeared for over two years driving around the country seeking purpose in his life. (WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT)
the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular hunting and fishing grounds. But Miller was also dedicated to the military, having joined the Army National Guard in 1998 and getting the call to go to combat in Iraq in 2004. The life he once knew would soon change forever in one sudden burst. “There was a bomb that went off 6 feet from my (Humvee) door, and it made me blind in one eye, deaf in one ear and half-paralyzed on my
36 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
left side,” Miller says. “I had a pretty bad traumatic brain injury with a brain bleed. That was the end of my military and firefighting career.” His wounds were so severe he spent three years at a Palo Alto hospital and two more in outpatient treatment before he could be released. Miller spent countless hours in a bedridden haze. His physical injuries were obviously major, but it became more of a psychological chess match than anything
calsportsmanmag.com cals als al lsp po ortsma man m ma anm an mag. mag aag. ag g cco com om o m | NOVEMBER NO N O OVEMB VEMB MBEER MB R2 2017 01 017 0 17 1 Ca California Cal C a ifo or rni rn na S Sportsman por po p o ts tsm t s an
37
MIXED BAG
Warfighter Outfitters sets up everything from fishing trips ...
else, not unlike so many others who’ve fought for the Stars and Stripes. “I think the physical standpoint is easier to deal with, because you
know what’s wrong and there’s a way to fix it,” he says. “But the mental (side), a traumatic brain injury and the psychological impact, is a lot
38 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
harder. You don’t have a litmus test to tell if you’re getting better or not.” As he had all the post traumatic stress symptoms, Miller was and is
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
39
MIXED BAG ... To waterfowl and big game hunting outings. (WARFIGHTER OUTFITTERS)
against including the word disorder in what’s commonly referred to as PTSD among wounded or disabled veterans. He calls his condition a “very normal
reaction to a very abnormal situation.” With so much idle time in a hospital bed, it’s easy to think the worst. Everything Miller’s body allowed him
40 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
to do in the past was no longer feasible. The long road to recovery was full of curves, switchbacks and potholes. “I kind of took it for granted that
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
41
MIXED BAG I was going to be a drifter and nomad. It was a career of 17 years of fighting fire, that’s gone and I can’t do that anymore,” he says. “It’s the only thing I knew how to do and liked to do. And I can’t do military anymore; that’s done and over. I thought I was going to be a mindless soul floating around life.” And like many disabled veterans, that’s exactly what Miller seemed to endure when he was finally released from the hospital. Miller says many in his shoes will go on “hiatus into the wilderness and try to find themselves.” He was no different. An avid motorcyclist, Miller bought a toy hauler for his truck, loaded his bikes in and drove Forrest Gump-style back and forth from the Pacific to the Atlantic three different times over two years. After spending so much time in hospitals, he was through taking orders from anyone else. His new
journey was one of self-discovery, reflection and pondering the future. “I lived in RV parks, I’d hang out in shady hole-in-the-wall bars and have greasy-spoon meals and I would just go explore. Just completely away from the public,” says Miller, who essentially became incognito, rarely if ever keeping contact with friends or family back home. He’d befriend a fellow RV park patron, but most were retired and spent their time playing bridge or canasta. Card games weren’t going to cut it for Miller. He knew that hunting, fishing and the outdoors remained a passion and that they offered him a chance to find some peace. “I went on a couple (fishing and hunting) trips (with veterans) and saw the therapeutic and physical value of it and thought, ‘I want to do that.’”
WHEN VETERANS COME HOME from combat, their physical and emotional scars are best shared with those who
can relate best: other veterans. For Miller, his time tramping the American highways was needed but not how he wanted to ultimately function. His love for escaping whatever demons might have been lurking with a hunting rifle and fly rod turned out to be the remedy he’d been looking for. “And like most of these guys, you’re basically starting life over and have to clean the slate. So I thought, if there’s one thing I wanted to do with my second life, I’d probably want to be a guide/outfitter,” Miller says. Of course, such an ambitious goal can be expensive, but with a few other veterans who also wanted to pursue the dream, Miller sold his Harley around 2013 or so, and eventually Warfighter Outfitters was born and began to thrive, thanks to the hard work of those who came aboard as well as generous donors. Disabled veterans from all over the country – Miller’s group has also
AMMUNITION A M MANUFACTURER
BUY ONLINE, SHIP TO YOUR DOOR Order High Quality Ammo and Reloading Components at some of the lowest prices in the country.
HAPPY SHOOTING AND D GOD BLESS AMERICA
42 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Stock up on bulk ammo before Proposition 63 takes effect January 1, 2018!
WWW.BITETHEBULLET.CO (702) 739-7465 (702) 219 7326
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
43
MIXED BAG hosted participants from as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom – have gone on excursions free of charge. There are plenty of viable options around the organization’s Oregon base for predator hunts, jet boat fishing trips for steelhead on the Deschutes River, and Miller says a few lucky wounded warriors will win a tag draw for bighorn sheep on the Deschutes and a special trip to Idaho’s Hells Canyon to hunt elk. “Last year alone, just on fishing trips we got over 2,000 veterans out,” says Miller, who’s done various trips in California as part of the organization. “We have about $400,000 worth of equipment and we’re operating some of the most expensive trips for civilians that are completely free for veterans.” In June, Miller traveled to New York to accept the top honor from the Wounded Warrior Project, the George C. Lang Award for Courage, for his contributions toward
“I have wives, mothers and other family members calling or dropping me an email saying, ‘Hey, you took my son or husband out last week, and he will not shut up about how much of a good time he’s had,’” Miller says. “I definitely know it’s affirmation that we’re doing the right thing.” (WARFIGHTER OUTFITTERS)
helping his fellow soldiers who were injured on the battlefield. These days, nothing gets Miller more excited than the camaraderie he
feels when everyone gets together. “It gets to the point where every day, I can almost clock it depending on the conversation; people will re-
10% OFF
USE DISCOUNT CODE:
®
ASJ17
®
CLEAN BORE CLEAN SCORE COMPLETE RIFLE PISTOL SHOTGUN
GUN CARE “Bore Tech products are proving that Clean Bores win matches!” - Bob Bock, US F-Class
WWW.BORETECH.COM 44 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
45
ally start talking about the nitty gritty and the things that are bugging them and how to deal with family or relationships,” Miller says. “But on that drive to the event, by the time we hit the boat ramp, all these strangers you’d swear are now complete best friends and have been all their lives.” It might not be the end-all “cure” for those troubled by their battlefield injuries, but it’s a positive step in the right direction. Miller can cite multiple cases of success from the downtrodden and depressed who have hitched a ride to a river or a duck blind. Miller’s former commanding officer turned to the bottle after his return and nearly lost everything. But after bonding on a trip with Miller, the officer finally sought the help he was looking for and is now thriving in Montana as an outdoors writer and marathon runner. Whenever a wife, girlfriend, parent or friend calls or emails Miller thanking him for giving a disabled or wounded veteran a reason to be happy and optimistic, Miller feels like he’s helping others figure out a purpose in life he once couldn’t seem to find. “I definitely know it’s affirmation that we’re doing the right thing,” he says. “You really don’t know how bad you’ve got it until someone else in the boat or truck has got it 10 times worse. It gives you a little more clarity and perspective. Maybe things aren’t so bad. ‘This guy’s missing both legs and he’s wading in a middle of a river swinging a fly for steelhead.’ And then that person who sees that and experiences it, he then becomes more of a caregiver mode of, ‘I want to help.’” “The biggest thing I’ve found is I’ve learned more about my own recovery helping others than I have being part of a recovery process.” CS Editor’s note: For more info and to donate, go to warfighteroutfitters. org and like at facebook.com/ warfighteroutfitters. 46 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
47
PORT SAN LUIS BOATYARD One of the last true do-it-yourself boatyards. We provide our customers with a one stop boatyard that can answer all your boating questions, and provide you with the highest quality in Marine Supplies & Service.
Weekend Launch Hours: 5:30am–4pm Monday–Friday Launch Hours: 6am–4pm
805-595-7895 / www.portsanluisboatyard.com
PORT SAN LUIS SPORTLAUNCH
48 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Reel Obsession Fishing Guide Service provides customized ÄZOPUN HK]LU[\YLZ
(SSV^ \Z [V OLSW `V\ OH]L H Z\JJLZZM\S KH` VU [OL ^H[LY
6UJL `V\ ÄZO ^P[O \Z you will be hooked!
LET’S GO FISHING! 360-878-3099 Fall King Salmon & Coho Salmon Aug 15-Sept 15 *VS\TIPH 9P]LY (Z[VYPH )YPKNL
Fall King Salmon Sept 15-Oct 20 )VUUL]PSSL +HT to Tri-Cities
Fall King (Trophy) & Coho Salmon Sept 15-Nov 30 ;PSSHTVVR 5LOHSLT )H`Z 69
JV^SP[aYP]LYÄZOPUNN\PKLZLY]PJL JVT 3412 Spirit Lake Hwy, Silverlake, WA 98645
Built for Adventure! Parker, Thunder Jet, Boulton, Fish-Rite We now have Parker pilothouse models in stock.
With our factory-trained technicians for Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Tohatsu and Honda motors, we can handle any project from electronic installs to complete boat and motor overhauls.
Need a new motor for your current boat? Best prices around on Repowers!
MAXXUM MARINE 1700 Hwy 99 N, Eugene, OR
NEW LARGER LOCATION!
Toll Free 877-4-Maxxum (877-462-9986) Local 541-686-3572 calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
49
50 C California allif lif iifo f rni rn niia n ia S Sportsman portsman NOVEMBER E 2017 | ca calsportsmanmag.com lsportsmaanma an g.com
PROTECTING
NEW LAW MEANS STIFFER FINES FOR THOSE WHO POACH TROPHIES By Chris Cocoles
C
alifornia is cracking down on those who poach trophy big game, hitting the pocketbook of those who illegally take the largest animals in the herds even harder. The enhanced penalties went into effect this past July and are a result of new laws passed by state legislators, and which were supported by hunting and other organizations. Under Fish and Game Code section 12013.3, any violation involving trophy-caliber deer, elk, pronghorn or bighorn sheep will be subject to no less than $5,000 in fines (while not exceeding $40,000). For wild turkey, it’s a $2,000 minimum and $5,000 maximum financial penalty. A trophy deer is defined statewide as any buck with four or more points on
WILD CALIFORNIA
either antler, or an outside spread of at least 16 inches in Zones A, B1-B6, D10, D11, D13, D15 and D16 and 22 inches in all other units across the state. For elk, a trophy bull is one with at least five points on one side, while for pronghorns it’s a buck with a horn of at least 14 inches in length. “Unlawfully targeting animals for their trophy qualities is an egregious violation,” said David Bess, CDFW’s deputy director and chief law enforcement czar. “Under the enhanced penalties of this law, the punishment will more closely match the severity of these types of poaching crimes.” The new regulations have already burned a hole in the wallet of one poacher. In July, Yuba City’s Garrett Thomas Peacock was sentenced to pay $5,150 for shooting a trophy deer in a Colusa County orchard.
Anyone who poaches a four-point buck – now classified as a trophy-class animal – faces an enhanced $5,000 minimum fine when convicted of the crime. (CDFW)
After officers received information through the CALTIP hotline (888-3342258), it was determined that Peacock didn’t have the necessary tag, and the investigation found evidence that he purchased one after he shot the deer. “The first case adjudicated after the trophy law took effect exemplifies the potential benefits this enhancement law could have on wildlife protection,” Bess said. The law is similar to those in place elsewhere in the West. CS
OUTDOOR CALENDAR NOVEMBER 4 4 4-5
First Imperial County white goose opener Tentative Dungeness crab opener Collins Lake Tournament of Champions; http://anglerspress.com/ anglers-press-events/anglers-press-norcal-trout-challenge.html 5 Southern San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, Colorado River and Balance of State Zones scaup openers 8 First North Coast Canada goose opener 8-19 Northeastern California antlerless elk season 11 Stanislaus River Salmon Festival; facebook.com/SRSFest 11 Statewide pheasant opener 11 Fall wild turkey opener 11 Second dove opener 15 Last day of Ambush at the Lake Derby, Convict Lake; monocounty.org/ event/ambush-at-the-lake/6479/ 21-29 Fort Hunter Liggett archery-only antlerless elk season
DECEMBER 2 16 23 24 31 31
Bighorn sheep hunting season opens in several units Bighorn sheep opener in Zone 5 (San Gorgonio) Northeastern Zone late scaup season opens Statewide pheasant season ends Last day of general bear hunting season Last day a 2017 fishing or hunting license is valid
The final day of Convict Lake’s Ambush at the Lake Derby is Nov. 15. (MONO COUNTY TOURISM)
Notes: A list of upcoming bass tournaments can also be found at nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests/default.aspx. For deer hunting zone information, go to nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=122314&inline. calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
51
s e r u t n e v Ad We’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 on what he’s up to each month. For more on Todd or to book a guided fishing trip with him, check out toddkline.com, and you can follow him on Instagram at @toddokrine. –The Editor I did catch this nice Mead smallmouth at the Open. (TODD KLINE)
I competed at the U.S. Open at Nevada’s Lake Mead. Unfortunately, my catch just missed the cutoff for checks. There were 208 boats and they paid through 41. Yes, I was 42nd! (TODD KLINE) Sunrise finds a flotilla of bass boats ready for action. (TODD KLINE)
It’s amazing the number of random critters you see on Lake Mead. Here is a very healthy bull out in the middle of nowhere. (TODD KLINE)
The narrows at Lake Mead. (TODD KLINE)
Back to Japan! Surfers from 41 nations competed in the 2017 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. Team USA took home the gold! I was there announcing/commentating the event. (TODD KLINE)
The Japanese island of Kyushu is beautiful. The ocean is pristine and there are many rivers in the region that provide great fishing. (TODD KLINE)
Here’s one of the streams on Kyushu, which is the southernmost of the four major islands that make up Japan. (TODD KLINE)
One of the best parts of visiting Asia is the food, especially the street food. This is a squid stand. (TODD KLINE)
BEST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
$AVE HUNDRED$ ALL-INCLUSIVE SPORTFISHING PACKAGES INCLUDES: Airfare from Vancouver, BC, semi-guided Salmon and +DOLEXW ¿ VKLQJ DOO PHDOV ZLWK ZLQH DW GLQQHU DFFRPPRGDWLRQV DQG SURFHVVLQJ RI \RXU FDWFK
Book your Canadian adventure today! 1-800-663-2370 fish@shearwater.ca www.shearwater.ca
YOUR DOLLAR GOES FURTHER IN CANADA!
FROM JUST $2,350 USD!
BEST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Help Us Celebrate Our 35th Season in Hakai Pass, BC! JOE’S “CENTRAL COAST FISHING ADVENTURES” INCLUDE: • Round-trip airfare from Vancouver, BC • Unlimited use of 17-foot Boston Whalers and unlimited fishing time • Delicious home cooked meals • Box lunches, beverages and bait • A beautiful lounge and sun deck • Heavy-duty Wetskin raingear and boots
• Complete fish care: filleted, vacuum sealed, flash frozen and boxed to be flown back with you • Rods and reels all in A-1 condition • Complete boat care: boated are cleaned and fueled every time you come in • Bait and tackle for both salmon and bottom fishing
2018 Season: June 25th – September 5th
CALL TOLL FREE
1-888-452-8822
email: doug@joessalmonlodge.com
ring! p s d un 49 po
FreeImages.com/sabiec
56 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
PHOTO CONTEST
WINNERS!
Ceci Sittser’s photo of daughter Ysa and her nice Chinook is this issue’s Fishing Photo Contest winner! It wins her a pile of loot from the overstuffed office of our editor!
Bart Olson’s pic of daughter Madelynn and her southeast Washington whitetail buck is this issue’s Browning Photo Contest winner. It wins him a Browning hat.
For your shot at winning Browning and fishing products, send your photos and pertinent (who, what, when, where) details to ccocoles@ media-inc.com, or to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124-0365. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or internet publications.
North Central Washington’s Wa exclusive exc ex xclusive ve source for fo Campion and Custom Weld We Boats Boatts ts
509-884-3558 www.bobfeil.com The Place To Buy A Boat!
2131 Sunset Hwy. East Wenatchee Winter Hours: Mon-Fri – 9-5 • Sat – 9-2
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
57
NEW PRODUCT Arm Protection for Home/Work/Recreation With Arm Chaps ® • 100% High Quality Cowhide that’s tough, but soft! • Continue doing the things you enjoy... but Protected! • Helps prevent bruising, cuts, scratches, and burns. • Ideal for those who Bruise Easily or have Thin Skin. • Perfect for working with thorny/needled plants & trees, clearing brush, etc. • Easily worn under regular gloves or over sleeves. • Comes in various sizes and colors for Best Fit.
Helps prevent this!
• 100+ uses for this product!!
651-492-4830 • www.armchaps.com
Lewis Winch proudly made in Canada
LEWIS WINCH 400 MK2 Chainsaw Winch Rugged cast-aluminum alloy housing Variable line speed of 60 to 80 ft/min. :SN[JWXFQ &IFUYJW 0NYX ܪYX FQQ HMFNSXF\X 3 cubic inch (50cc): Min. Chainsaw Size
315A Levi Street, New Westminster, BC, Canada V3M 4N4
150 ft long 3/16” galvanized aircraft cable w/ a safety hook
Phone: 604-524-6863 Toll-Free: 1-877-906-7711 Web: www.lewiswinch.com Email: info@lewiswinch.com 10% Off – Magazine Discount code LW400-1017 Lewis Winch now offering 10% off all on-line orders discount using usi ng g the di disco scount unt code. co de.
The Lewis Winch 400-MK2 is the most versatile portable winch out there and will pull 4,000 lbs in a straight line using the right size chainsaw (5 cubic inch / 85cc), and up to 8,000 lbs using one Lewis Winch Snatch Block.
8RFQQ QTLX KTW ܪWJ\TTI UZQQNSL LFRJ FSNRFQX KWTR WJRTYJ QTHFYNTSX XQFXM HQJFWNSL UZQQ F HFW TZY TK F INYHM FSI RTWJ
58 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Choose quality Alaskan-made gear when planning your next adventure.
GUN SCABBARD waterproof gun bag
ATTENTION CS READERS:
Shop nomaralaska.com to see all the gear we make for outdoor adventures.
MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE CARRY STRAP WITH PURCHASE OF THE GUN SCABBARD
Homer, Alaska • 1-800-478-8364 • nomaralaska.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
59
60 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
NORCAL A wind-aided decoy that’s greatly impressed the author with its performance is this one, made by Revolution Waterfowl. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
FROM FIELD ...
BE COY WITH YOUR DUCK DECOYS THE BEST PRODUCTS TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR BLIND By Scott Haugen
W
aterfowl season is upon us, but if you’re like me the search for the perfect gear never stops. Last season I tried out a lot of new gear, in many places, and I’m using some of it again this year. I’m not much of a gadget guy, but if I find something that works, I’ll keep using it. These pieces of gear are worth considering.
DAZZLING DECOYS With states continuing to restrict the use of motorized decoys, jerk cord decoys are reaching a new level. For a few years now I’ve been using the Motion Ducks Decoy Spreader (motionducks.com), but their latest system is my favorite. The Ultimate Spreader combines two spreaders with a connection bar, increasing the number of decoys you can put on the move to seven. Two handles allow you to work the
units independently from one another, should you so choose. Goose decoys also work great on the Ultimate Spreader. The ease with which these decoys move, the distance they cover and their erratic action makes them lifelike. Another moving decoy I’ve fallen in love with is a mallard created by Revolution Waterfowl (revolutionwaterfowl.com). With how well I liked how the hen decoy performed the first few times I used it, I ordered
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
61
NORCAL
... TO FIRE
YOU’LL GO NUTS FOR THIS FOWL DISH By Tiffany Haugen
MARINADE
M
2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For more mild-flavored waterfowl, Tiffany Haugen suggests cooking quickly in high heat, as a rare to medium rare bird combined with Asian ingredients makes for a great meal. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)
SAUCE
Add sauce and stir until mixture begins to thicken, two to three minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peanuts. Serve over rice or noodles topped with green onions.
ilder-flavored waterfowl such as teal, wigeon and cacklers are optimized with a hot, fast cooking preparation. Getting your meat from rare to medium rare is key here, as the more that ducks and geese cook, the stronger their flavor profile becomes. This recipe is also ideal for any type of duck or goose hearts, as they only need a few minutes in the pan to fully cook and stay tender. To prepare the hearts, simply remove and cut in half, or in quarters depending on the size. Feel free to spice up this dish with extra chili sauce and enjoy it over rice, noodles or on its own next to your favorite sautéed vegetables. 1 pound thinly sliced duck or goose breast 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ red bell pepper chopped One to two jalapeño peppers chopped ¼ cup peanuts 1-2 tablespoons chopped green onion
¼ cup cold water 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sherry 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon powdered ginger or 2 teaspoons fresh minced gingerroot ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½-2 teaspoons hot chili sauce Mix marinade ingredients in a shallow dish and add sliced waterfowl. Marinate at room temperature 30 to 60 minutes or refrigerate overnight. In a small bowl, mix sauce ingredients and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Sauté peppers two to three minutes. Add marinated waterfowl and continue to sauté one to two minutes.
62 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s popular cookbook, Cooking Game Birds, send a check for $20 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489, or order online at scotthaugen.com. Follow Tiffany on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and watch for her on the online series Cook With Cabela’s, as well as The Sporting Chef TV show.
NORCAL a drake to go with it. These uniquely designed and very detailed decoys sit on a stake, and it takes only a slight breeze to get their wings moving. I was most impressed last winter when a freezing rain fell, coating the decoy wings with a quarter-inch of ice; even with 2 inches of icicles hanging off the wings they still spun perfectly. Moveable decoys create a natural situation that convinces ducks and geese to land among them. In other words, it gives them confidence. Consider adding even more confidence to your decoy spread by introducing other decoys. Coot decoys make a great addition to any duck or goose spread. Think about the number of times you see coots swimming with live birds and it makes sense. Keen-eyed great blue herons and egrets also offer confidence to live waterfowl, making those another viable decoy option. Adding goose decoys to your duck
A quality Cabela’s decoy cart and a few LoopRopes make securing and hauling a lot of decoys easier than packing them on your back. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
decoy spread can be a huge confidence builder. A buddy of mine only sets out a dozen duck decoys, and he feels the two Canada goose decoys he adds to the spread are what really seal the deal. I’ve used goose decoys with my duck spread for years and agree with him they make the best confidence decoys there are for duck hunters.
Pistol Bullets and and Ammunition Zero Bullet Company, Inc.
ZER
P.O. Box 188 Cullman, AL 35056 Tel: 256-739-1606 Fax: 256-739-4683 Toll Free: 800-545-9376 www.zerobullets.com
64 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
ACCESSORIES TO BRING ALONG Other accessories you’ll find me regularly using on waterfowl hunts include an Atlasware bottle, which is designed by the same people who designed NASA’s space shuttle. It is a double-walled, stainless-steel bottle that’s vacuum insulated. It’s incredibly durable and puncture resistant, and there is no chemical leeching. I’ve used the Atlasware in well-below-freezing temperatures to keep my coffee hot all day. And when I’ve used it while fishing on warm days, I’ve still had ice in it three days later. Once, after four days, the bottle was still over half-full of ice. Atlasware bottles come in an array of colors with optional cap accessories. They can even be personalized with your name or company logo. The bottles work so well, they greatly surpass even what the manufacturer claims they are capable of doing, so this is the only bottle you’ll find me using. Check them out at atlaswarenw.com. Whether I’m hauling a bunch of cackler, honker or duck decoys on my cart, I strap them down with a LoopRope (looprope.com), a revolutionary invention that took the standard bungee cord to the next level. Designed with a series of fixed loops, the LoopRope offers multiple securing points. Each loop stretches to a certain point and then firmly holds, which makes them safe and secure. What used to take a half-dozen bun-
WATERFOWL
WATERFOWL
The author and his dog Echo with a mixed bag limit of ducks. Waterfowling gear has come a long way over the decades, including shotguns and loads. A Weatherby Element and Browning’s BXD steel shot combination is a good weapon of choice. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
gee cords to secure, I can do with two 5-foot-long LoopRopes. There’s no limit to what this unique tool can do, and is what I consider one of the most versatile inventions to ever hit the outdoor world.
GUN TALK When it comes to shotguns, my waterfowling choice is a Weatherby Element. With its inertia-operated action, this semiautomatic is lightweight, fast and smooth. The Element comes with a complete set of chokes, and combined with Browning’s new and impressive BXD steel loads (browning. com), is one of the best set-ups I’ve used for waterfowl. The dense pattern of the BXD and its speed and ability to penetrate makes it my top choice for waterfowl hunting, be it for ducks or geese. In the quest to find the best gear to suit my duck and goose hunting needs, the search never stops. Sure, I’ll be trying new equipment this season, but you can bet I’ll be using every bit of the aforementioned gear. I know it works. CS Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full time outdoor writer, speaker and author of many books. Learn more at scotthaugen.com.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
67
WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASON OPEN THRU APRIL 2018
Lone Pine Pheasant Club is the Eastern Sierra’s Premiere Sporting Club developed exclusively for the hunter who wants to avoid the large commercial operations and enjoy an informal, truly natural hunting experience. • Annual & Daily Memberships Available • Reservations Required • First-Class Pheasants & Chukar
www.LonePinePheasantClub.com info@LonePinePheasantClub.com
(760) 876-4590
HASSLE-FREE HUNTING FOR HUNTERS OF ALL LEVELS
DUCK HUNTS IN
FLOODED RICE FIELDS! We are running one duck blind this season, a six-man blind on 100 acres of private property in the heart of Richvale in Butte County. Richvale is known for its rice fields and wintering waterfowl, which makes this property a great producer of ducks and geese ($250 a person). Also, we target snows and specks with dry field goose hunts. We run eight hunters a day max and six hunters minimum – groups of six will get the whole field to themselves. If you haven’t experienced a good goose hunt by laying in 1,000-plus decoys with geese landing right in front of you, give me and my team a call and we will get you on the birds ($300 a person).
FIND US ON
(530) 591-7588 | fowlweatherguideservice@outlook.com | www.fowlweatherguideservice.com
HUNTING
ARCHERY
Ammo, Guns & Calls • Winchester • Glock • Primos • Smith & Wesson
Bows & Arrows • Bowtech • Hoyt • Diamond • Easton Arrow
FISHING Fly Fishing & Traditional • Redington • RIO • Berkley • Fenwick
530-621-4500 3000 Mosquito Rd. Placerville Shop Online At: www.MosquitoCreekOutfitter.com 70 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
HUNTING
Holiday Game Hors D’oeuvres RATTLER ON A CRACKER? WILD PIG SLIDERS? A HUNTING CHEF GETS CREATIVE WITH APPETIZERS
By Tim E. Hovey
A
s the holiday season draws near, I start thinking about a family tradition we have at the Hovey household. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, I like to create unique meals or side dishes out of wild game meat from animals my daughters and I have hunted during the season. A few weeks prior to the holiday gatherings, my family starts thinking about what we’d like to prepare. In the past, we’ve presented some rather one-of-a-kind dishes at holiday parties. Deer tacos, crow nachos and sautéed bobcat are appetizers we’ve served. My family has become
Author Tim Hovey and daughter Alyssa know what to do with a haul of cottontails: get them fielddressed and ready for the stew pot. Holiday gatherings at the Hovey house means many dishes featuring wild game. (TIM E. HOVEY)
used to giving me a sideways glance as I place our wild game offering on the community table. Over the years, nothing has been off limits. As a matter of pride and
principle, we eat just about every animal we hunt. This means that our freezer can contain just about any game meat within a season. Since the holidays are right around the
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
71
HUNTING
Rattle up your Thanksgiving appetizer menu with rattlesnake meat on a Triscuit. (TIM E. HOVEY)
corner, I thought I’d share a few of the more popular dishes we’ve created over the years. Most wild game meats are lean
72 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
and contain very little fat. This means they are extremely easy to overcook. Care should be taken during preparation and cooking. Low, consistent
HUNTING heat is the general rule for wild game to keep it from drying out on the grill. Adding fat to the meat will also assist in keeping wild game moist.
RATTLESNAKE TRISCUITS When my daughters were just getting into the outdoors and before they were old enough to hunt with me, we used to go out on snake runs in the back hills behind my house. We would mostly just take photos of the different species and send them on their way. However, when we’d occasionally encounter a larger rattlesnake, I’d kill it and bring it back home to barbecue. After skinning and cleaning the meat, we marinate it in teriyaki sauce for 24 hours. After heating up the grill and laying down some foil, we cook the meat for about 15 minutes until it becomes flaky. Using a fork, I remove the rib bones, leaving just the white, flaky, delicious meat.
A doe that the Hovey girls – Jessica (left) and Alyssa – harvested in Wyoming ...
74 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Lochinvar Safaris has privileged access to a variety of properties throughout New Zealand, offering both Free Range and Game Ranch Hunting.
www.lochinvarsafaris.co.nz mark@lochinvarsafaris.co.nz
Exclusive, personalized, world class hunting in stunning alpine scenery 100% NEW ZEALAND OWNED AND OPERATED calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
75
HUNTING I let the meat cool a bit and then spread cream cheese on a Triscuit cracker. Then add diced jalapeños and a thin slice of tomato. The snake meat goes on top and the appetizer is complete. We’ve served this dish at a Thanksgiving dinner; despite some initial hesitation, my family completely consumed the concoction.
DEER MEATBALLS During 2015 and 2016, my daughters and I were lucky enough to tag out in Wyoming on our annual deer hunt. I process all my own game meat and since my family best utilizes ground meat, with the exception of the back straps all the deer meat we brought back was ground up and vacuum-packed. We’d make everything from deer chili to deer tacos to deer spaghetti with the ground meat. All dishes were delicious and had a unique flavor. In fact, my daughters consider
... Provided venison for a meatball appetizer at one holiday meal held at their Southern California home. (TIM E. HOVEY)
76 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
If You’re Not Using PrOlix® You’re Working Too Hard! N E S T EP ALL IN O
DRY LUBRICANT • Improves Accuracy • Prevents Jamming • Won’t Flash Off • Will Not Freeze • Non-Hazardous • Reduces Fouling • Won’t Harm Wood, Primers, s,, or Old Guns • Bio Preferred by USDA • Non-Petroleum
Meat Counter - Deli - Custom Wild Game Processing
For the freshest meats and cheeses around, come to Howard's Meat Center LLC. We also can take care of any of your wild game processing needs.
If You Can Hunt and Catch It, Then We Can Process It!
- Antelope - Bear
- Buffalo - Deer
Address: 5717 S. 6th St. Klamath Falls, OR 97603
- Ducks - Elk
- Bighorn
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
541-884-8430 • www.howardsmeatcenter.com
ProChemCo LLC 801-569-2763 | 800-248-LUBE (5823) www.prolixlubricant.com calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
77
HUNTING any of our deer meals their favorites. Last year during a holiday party, I decided to prepare the deer meat using a unique meatball recipe. I wanted to treat my guests to a wild game dish that would be out of the ordinary a bit. I use 2 pounds of ground deer meat and mix in one egg, Italian breadcrumbs, seasoning and diced jalapeños. After mixing thoroughly and forming into balls, I place a small chunk of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball. In a frying pan, I lightly brown the meatballs in butter and garlic, being careful not to overcook the dish. The browned meat is placed into a sloe cooker with marinara sauce and set on low heat for two more hours. We’ve served this dish as an appetizer as well as a side dish, and our family absolutely loves it. The mildly wild flavor mixes well with the sauce and ingredients. We’ve also tried this
dish with a white sauce and it comes out just as good.
WILD RABBIT STEW Besides being one of my favorite small game animals to hunt, cottontail rabbits are where my daughters started their hunting journey. As they became more interested in hunting, they got better and they started bringing home more rabbits for the freezer. For this recipe I use the meat from two adult cottontails. The rabbits are quartered out and the small but tasty backstraps are removed. After cleaning, I debone and dice up the meat, season lightly with salt and pepper and let it chill in the refrigerator. Cottontail rabbit meat is white and will pick up the flavor of any marinade. For this stew recipe, I skip the marinade step and flavor the meat during the browning process. In the slow cooker I add diced potatoes, carrots, celery and sliced
onions. Add two quarts of chicken stock and flour to thicken the broth. This mixture is seasoned to taste and then set on low heat for four hours. In a frying pan, add butter and the diced rabbit pieces to brown. I’ll lightly season the browning meat with garlic salt. After browning, add the rabbit meat to the stew mixture and let it cook on low heat for another hour. We served this dish at our annual Christmas party and many remarked that it tasted better than chicken. Once again, the dish was completely consumed.
WILD PIG SLIDERS Here in California, wild pigs are popular big game animals to pursue. They are a serious challenge to locate and bring down. Their habitat is rough and of all the big game animals I have hunted, I find them the most difficult to chase. But bringing one home means some fantastic table fare.
Specializing in Free Range Hunts
www.queenstownhunting.com ww.q queeenstownh huntingg.co email: info@mtnicholas.co.nz
78 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
79
HUNTING After a successful hunt, I debone all the leg meat and run it through a grinder. As with most wild meat, pig is lean and overcooks easily. To assist with flavor and the cooking process, I like to mix in beef fat. I add 25 percent fat to the pork meat and mix well. I’ve even grinded the meat a second time to really mix the ground meat with the added fat. The next step allows for some creative flavoring. The most flavorful seasoning I’ve used was a wild pork sausage seasoning, which added a unique flavor to the wild pork. After thoroughly mixing the seasoning and meat, I place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill. I form the meat into small patties and cook them over a low heat on the grill. The low heat and the beef fat keep the patties from overcooking and drying out. Add cheese if desired and serve as small sliders. The seasoning adds a slight sausage flavoring to
Many butchers add pork fat to ground wild game, but with his wild pigs, Hovey adds beef fat, and sometimes grinds the mix a second time to really distribute seasonings. It makes for tasty patties. (TIM E. HOVEY)
80 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
81
HUNTING the burger; they are delicious.
GO OUTSIDE THE NORM I’ve found that wild meat is the perfect place to start when my family looks to create unique dishes. Many of the lighter meats, like rabbit, will pick up flavors easily and the darker meat, like deer and pork, are great table fare when prepared and cooked properly. And personally, I take it as a challenge to expose those who don’t normally eat wild game, to have them at least give it a try. If you’re a hunter, get creative with your wild game by preparing a unique recipe this holiday season. If you’re a nonhunter, be adventurous if someone in your family offers you a wild dish and give it a try. Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy this time of year. Sharing good food – even rattlesnake – is how the holiday seasons should be celebrated. CS
Sliders can be served up at more than just sports bars. Hunt wild pigs and then go to hog heaven on a bun. (TIM E. HOVEY)
IOSSO PRODUCTS 82 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
www.iosso.com
888-747-4332
Made in USA
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
83
84 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
HUNTING
PUP’S FIRST HUNT I
t was my first hunt in Oregon with Echo, who was less than a year old. By this time my dog had a few months of hunting GUN DOGGIN’ 101 in western Oregon By Scott Haugen behind her, but the terrain and habitat of the Umatilla Valley was different than anything she’d experienced. The valley was laden with pheasant and valley quail, and we found chukars higher in the hills. We had a good couple days of hunting, and I learned a lot about taking my pup into a new place for the first time.
There’s a lot of grass seed out there this time of year, so having a brush or scissors on hand is a good idea. If your dog sports a long coat, cutting it short may be the best preventive measure. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
ECHO IS A pudelpointer with a medium-length coat. Before the hunt I plucked the long hair from inside her ears in order to prevent grass seeds from getting caught and potentially burrowing in deeper. I started plucking her ear hair when she was a puppy, so she was used to it. It’s something I still do every couple of weeks, and she’s three years old now. If you have trouble grabbing the hair inside the ear canal, get a hemostat. With this you can grab the hair and twirl it around the end of the hemostat, just as you’d twirl spaghetti onto a fork. The hair should pull out as you roll it tight, but if not, give it a quick tug. Seeds that have the potential of burrowing, like foxtail, can do severe damage to a dog, especially if they get down deep into the ear canal. When hunting or training in areas where foxtail seeds are present, regularly check the dog’s eyes, nose and mouth for the seeds, along with the paws and belly. Remove these barbed, needle-sharp seeds, immediately, no matter where on the dog
they may be. “If it’s too long, you also want to trim the hair between the toes and pads of your dog,” shares Larry Stone, a noted gun dog trainer (stonesthrowgundogs.com) in central Oregon. “Not only can foxtail get caught and burrow into the webbing between the toes, but any seed can get caught in the long hair and ball-up, making it uncomfortable on your dog.” On Echo’s first eastern Oregon hunt, I failed to clip the hair between her toes and was constantly pulling seeds out by hand. When we got back to camp that afternoon I took a sharp pair of scissors to each foot. There were places where the inside of her toes were nearly rubbed raw from seeds, so I put ointment on them. The following day was much better for Echo, with few seeds being
picked up between her toes. Due to seeds collecting in Echo’s coat that first day, I put a vest on her the next day. The vest was fluorescent orange and was noisy. She didn’t like that, and was a totally different dog with it on. She was reluctant to move through any cover, as the sound annoyed her. After a couple hours of frustration, I removed the vest and she hunted great. I should have done more training with the vest on, prior to her hunting in it.
MANY DOGS DON’T want to take a water break, especially young ones, no matter how hot it is. But they should. “In situations like this, make them drink,” urges Stone. On a recent training session with he and my new pup Kona, Stone showed me exactly how to do it.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
85
HUNTING “Have the dog sit, then take the end of your water bottle and stick it in the corner of their mouth,” he tipped. “Grab the loose skin on the outside corner of the mouth and pull it away from the jaw. Insert the end of the bottle into that pocket and pour away.” Up to this point I’d been opening Kona’s mouth and pouring water in, which he didn’t like; he often coughed and spit it out. But the way Stone showed me to water the dog worked great, and it was so quick and easy. “You also want to wet down your dog on hot days,” Stone continued. “But don’t just dump water on it, as some coats actually trap water which holds in more heat. Instead, get their feet and legs wet, and splash water between their legs and on the belly.” Getting water on the places where the hair is thin helps quickly cool a dog. “You also want to put water on the inside of their ears,” Stone add-
86 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
If you intend on hunting your dog with a vest on, be sure and introduce it during training sessions. When on the hunt, you don’t want the dog being sidetracked by a noisy, uncomfortable vest, as author Scott Haugen learned about Echo. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
HARMONY FARMS WILD GAME PROCESSING Check out the largest selection of all natural, minimally processed game meats We Carry New Zealand Farm Raised Elk & Vension
yes we do smoked sausages and ham NOW AVAILABLE: “Kobe-Style” Australian Wagyu Beef
GAME BIRDS • PHEASANT • SQUAB • QUAIL
We Can Process Your Animal • ELK • DEER • BUFFALO • WILD BOAR • ANTELOPE • ALLIGATOR • OSTRICH
100% Certified Berkshire Pork Whole Suckling Pigs – Special Order Whole Turkeys • Duck • Goose
2824 Foothill Blvd. La Crescenta, CA 91214 818-248-3068 • 818-248-0361 fax Mon-Fri 7am - 8pm Sat 7am - 7pm • Sun 8am - 6pm
drop-off hours m-f after 2:30pm
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
87
HUNTING ed. “But don’t just pour it in, as you don’t want water getting into the ear canal. Instead, take some water in your hand and rub it on the underside of the ear, directly to the skin” to help cool the animal. Any time you run across water on hot, early-season hunts, make your dog take a break. If there’s little or no water where you’re hunting, take plenty along for your dog. Dogs are like humans in that they need to stay hydrated. The harder the dog works and the hotter it is, the more water they need.
The better shape your dogs feet are in, the more effective they’ll be when hunting in dry, rocky terrain. Having dog boots handy is a good idea. Cutting the hair between the pads will also diminish grass seeds getting trapped. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
TAKING A HAIRBRUSH into the field isn’t a bad idea, either. If your dog gets into a thicket of seeds, it’s much quicker brushing them out or using a razor brush to cut them out, than pulling them by hand. If hunting in dry, rocky terrain, take along dog boots, especially if your dog’s pads aren’t toughened up.
If a dog’s feet split open, they are out of commission. Having some ointment to apply to open wounds is a good idea, as is taking an antiseptic spray. I carry eye drops along too – if they get an infection, I want to be on top of it. With the height of bird season
Quality Pointing Labs in Northern California
upon us, head afield prepared. The better equipped you are, and the more ready your pup is, the better those first hunting experiences will be. CS Editor’s note: To view an extensive series of basic dog training video tips by Scott Haugen, visit scotthaugen.com.
We strive to produce dogs with: • Superior intelligence 7HUUL¿F SHUVRQDOLWLHV 2XWVWDQGLQJ KXQWLQJ GHVLUH 1DWXUDO SRLQWLQJ LQVWLQFW 6XSHUE ORRNV
Marble Mountain Kennels 88 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
www.mmkennels.com (530) 598-0943 • info@mmkennels.com P.O. Box 159 Greenview, CA 96037
BEDLINERS | ACCESSORIES | PROTECTIVE COATINGS BED
WHEN PROTECTION MATTERS MOST, LINE-X IT. California Empire Line-X 9261 Bally Ct, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 980-8922 linexofranchocucamonga.com
Line-X of Pasadena 1817 S. Myrtle Ave Monrovia, CA 91016 (626) 303-8647 line-x-of-pasadena.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
89
CW ENTERPRISES Guns • Reloading • Ammo o
Over 600 Guns In Stock • AR-15’s • AR-10’s • Accessories • Ammunition
Reloading Supplies In Stock Including: g • Primers • Powder • Bullets • Brass
We Buy, Sell, Trade & Consign Used Guns 1370 Wagstaff Rd Paradise, CA
530.877.7907
90 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Custom Guns
“Longslide Hunter” $1995 This is the new LONGSLIDE HUNTER in 10mm from Gary Reeder Custom guns. Built from the ground up, it’s full custom all the way.
“Trail Gun” $1495 on your Ruger revolver
This is a new special revolver from Gary Reeder Custom Guns, a special TRAIL GUN. This beauty is chambered in .44 Special and is full custom from end to end.
BEST OF LAKE ISABELLA FALL IN KERN VALLEY: THE BEST SEASON Now that the kids are back in school and quiet has returned to the Kern Valley, this is a perfect time to visit the campgrounds that abound around Lake Isabella and the upper Kern River. The lake is mirror-calm after breezy spring days, and the trees on the upper Kern are all starting to display fall colors. Days are comfortably warm and the nights are just right for the campfire. Relaxation and enjoyable solitude is the diet for the day. But the Kern Valley is also still a great place to fish. Reports say Lake Isabella trout are being taken at the entrance of the Kern River into the lake, which is commonly called Cemetery Point. Such action is a sure indication of the fall spawn. Crappie up to 7 inches are caught on every cast as the great spring spawn develops. Talented fishermen are landing 1½- to 2-pound fish. On the upper river, the quiet fall water levels scream fly fishing. The catch-and-release section is lightly fished and the most productive. Whether you’re a weekend family coming for that last fling before the holiday season takes over, or a senior citizen with lots of time on your hands to just enjoy life, it truly is a valley for everyone and a beautiful time of year to enjoy the lovely Kern River Valley and Lake Isabella.
Contact the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce (760-379-5236; kernrivervalley.com) for all the latest information.
Corral Creek 760-376-3601
Kitchenettes
PET FRIENDLY
Call direct to reserve pet rooms
BBQDeck
8 miles north of Kernville on the Kern River
www.corralcreekresort.com
CENTRAL VALLEY
MOTHER NATURE’S FURY A LIGHTNING STRIKE ENDANGERS HIKERS IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK By Tim E. Hovey
I
f you spend enough time outdoors, you’ll eventually come to understand that a good time can turn dangerous in an instant. Away from the comforts of home, risks from unfamiliar terrain, wild animals and Mother Nature are amplified. The unpredictability of the wild is something I always think about when I head outdoors. However, I never let that keep me from enjoying my time fishing, hunting or doing other things outside. I simply stay within my limitations and remain alert. Recently, I was reminded of just how unpredictable conditions can be in the wild. Chris Lovera, a college friend of mine, posted a short story on social media simply titled “Blessed.” I’ll be honest, I almost skipped over the paragraph and likely would have had the first line of the message not caught my eye. “Lightning hit me, Aidan and Nadia …”
CHRIS HAD TAKEN HIS kids, 12-yearold Aidan, and Nadia, 9, on their first backpack camping trip to Lake Jennie in the Sequoia National Park over Labor Day weekend. The
For Chris Lovera, his 12-year-old son Aidan and 9-year-old daughter Nadia, a hike in Sequoia National Park nearly turned deadly when they were struck by lightning and had to be airlifted to a hospital in Fresno. (CHRIS LOVERA) calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
93
CENTRAL VALLEY
When a thunderstorm rolled in, the Loveras tried to stay dry under a tree near the shores of Lake Jennie. (CHRIS LOVERA)
plan was to park at the trailhead, load up their packs, hike into their camping spot and spend a few days near the lake. They arrived at the trailhead early and gathered their gear. Just before
setting off, Chris had a fellow hiker take a quick photo of the trio as they prepared to hike the well-established trail into the campground. That photo likely would’ve been printed out and framed to com-
Chris, Nadia and Aidan had varying levels of injury, including the ďŹ rst- and second-degree burns Chris suffered. (CHRIS LOVERA) 94 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
CALIFORNIA AVILA BEACH Port San Luis Boatyard 3915 Avila Beach Dr. (805) 595-7895 www.portsanluisboatyard.com OXNARD Specialty Marine 3151 W 5th St. #G (805) 984-6538 www.specialty-marine.com VENTURA Pacific Marine Repair 2807 Palma Dr. (805) 658-1709 www.pacificmarinerepair.com
OREGON EUGENE Maxxum Marine 1700 State Hwy. 99 N. (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
95
CENTRAL VALLEY memorate their adventure. Instead, it has circled the globe and serves as reminder of how quickly things can change in the wilderness. At the campsite, they set up their tent and grabbed a quick bite. Eager to see the lake, they hiked to the shore to explore. That’s when the weather began to change. Thick black clouds appeared over the ridge and it began to rain heavily. As the trio huddled under a tree near the water’s edge, Chris decided to pull out his phone and film the nasty weather. The clip is brief and starts with a view of the lake and torrential rain
falling. A dull flash and thunder clapping can also be heard. Nadia mentions that she saw another one, presumably talking about a bolt of lightning. Chris pans the phone and turns it around to film he and his kids huddled under the tree trying to stay dry. They joke about picking the wrong time for a backpacking trip, with all in good spirits. Chris ends the video and slips the phone into his pocket. Thirty seconds later, their lives would change.
“WE TOOK THIS VIDEO because the rain, then hail, started coming down in biblical proportions,” Chris says now. “About half a minute after I took the
video and while slipping my phone in my chest pocket was where our collective memory stops. We didn’t hear, see or feel a thing until we all regained consciousness at various points, separated from one another by 10 feet or so.” The tree that Chris and his kids were huddled under was struck by lightning. The sudden and unexpected impact blasted the trio off the ground, and away from where they had been sitting. The strike appeared to have hit the tree first before hitting the Loveras. Aidan, who was sitting to his dad’s left, was struck first, right behind his left ear and blowing out his eardrum.
WHAT TO DO WHEN CAUGHT OUTDOORS DURING LIGHTNING While it is almost impossible to predict where lightning will strike, experts state that there are a few things you can do to stay safe when you’re caught out in an unexpected thunderstorm in the wilderness.
• If possible, try and take shelter in a sturdy structure like a building or a car. • If you’re unable to find shelter, you may have to shelter in place. Avoid high spots and seek out the lowest area you can nearby.
96 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
Stay away from trees and other tall structures. • Lightning will search out the tallest points in an area to strike. Avoid anything metal, especially structures like power line towers or telephone poles. TH
SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL PREPARED BYY
Boat Review BAMF 25’ Excursion Bring aboard more fish with the new BAMF 25’ Excursion. It’s built to withstand some of the toughest weather Mother Nature has to offer, while providing the comfort and features that will allow you to stay safe, comfortable, and on the water. The BAMF 25’ Excursion starts with a hand-laid Kevlar-reinforced hull followed by a one-piece stringer grid bonded and filled with state-of-the-art
flotation foam. With positive flotation and low center of gravity, the BAMF 25’ Excursion is unmatched in safety and performance. No wood equals no rot. With an all-composite construction these boats are built to last a lifetime. Whether you’re into casual cruising or are a hardcore offshore tuna chaser, the new BAMF 25’ is the boat for you.
www.bamfboats.com
SPECIFICATIONS CONSTRUCTION: Hand-laid Kevlar-reinforced fiberglass LENGTH: 25 feet LOA (inc. swim step & pulpit): 29 feet 6 inches BEAM: 8 feet 6 inches DRAFT WITH ENGINES DOWN: 30 feet DEADRISE@TRANSOM: 18 degrees CRUISING SPEED: 25 knots ENGINES: (2) 150 hp outboards FUEL: 200 gallons FRESH WATER: 20 gallons CABIN HEAD ROOM: 6 feet 6 inches GENERATOR (optional): 3.5KW Next Generation DISPLACEMENT: 6,500 pounds SLEEPS: 4
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
97
CENTRAL VALLEY The strike then hit Chris in the head as well. The charge radiated across his back and down his leg, leaving him with first- and second-degree burns. The burn pattern on his back imprinted the electricity’s path as it moved through Chris’s body. The charge traveled down Chris’s leg and impacted Nadia, leaving her with burns as well. The bolt then exited Chris’s leg and left a deep furrow in the dirt towards the nearby lake. All three were blasted from their seated positions, and all lost consciousness. Amazingly, there were several witnesses to the actual strike, and campers across the lake even caught the bolt on video. Those in the vicinity reported seeing a short flash approximately 15 feet in length that hit the tree. At its base, Chris and his kids were seen in midair crashing to the ground as smoke rose from the trunk.
Campers quickly ran to the area to help Chris and his kids. At the scene, rescuer Nick Barton said it looked as if they had been blown up. Others, like Royce and Melissa Gibson, checked the kids’ vital signs and did their best to assess the injuries. Volunteers quickly moved Chris and his kids to safety as park rangers contacted emergency personnel to initiate a rescue.
From Chris’s burned-out fleece, T-shirt and shorts ...
CHRIS AWOKE TO WHAT I can only imagine would be the most horrific scene a father could experience. Aidan’s face was covered in blood and he was screaming at his father. Aidan would later tell friends he was convinced his dad was dead. Nadia was face down several feet from Chris and not moving. Having taken the brunt of the charge, Chris was paralyzed and unable to move. Nearby campers and rescuers were on scene within minutes, and Chris is emphatic that their quick re-
There’s a Tohatsu outboard that fits your needs.
4 Strokes 2.5-250 HP • TLDI 40-115 HP • New 40/50 HP • Lighter Weight • More Efficient • Less Friction • 4 Trolling Speed • 21 Amp. 12 DC Alternator • Electronic Fuel Injection EUGENE, OR Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 1700 State Hwy 99 N lloyd@maxxummarine.com www.maxxummarine.com
www.tohatsu.com 98 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
H&M Marine Services is Pleased to Announce: Your Marine Repower Specialists Since 1998
VISIT: www.handmmarine.com FOR GREAT PRICING ON MARINE OUTBOARDS! FREE shipping for West Coast! Email: ethan@handmmarine.com
Phone: (415) 332-3507 / Fax: (415) 332-3525 400 Harbor Drive • Sausalito, CA 94965 calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
99
CENTRAL VALLEY sponse, unselfish deeds and medical attention are the reasons he and his kids survived this ordeal. “I am most certainly alive, Aidan and Nadia as well, because of the common and selfless bravery of so many wonderful people,” Chris says. “I was in such a terrible state of shock and trauma. It was because of an incredible mobilization of effort that I can write this.” Once Chris regained his mobility, the trio was hoisted one by one into a rescue helicopter that headed to Community Regional Medical Center in nearby Fresno. And in what I perceived as an effort to lighten the mood and display to his children that he was fine, Chris once again decided to film the event. As he pans the phone around, Chris is seen with a reassuring smile. The kids looked somber. Nadia stares off, bundled up in her father’s lap, while Aidan looks understandably
... To the tree that was struck and the family’s fashion statement after all had made a full recovery, it was a harrowing reminder of how powerful Mother Nature can be. (CHRIS LOVERA)
shocked and confused. When I first saw this video I remember thinking that Chris and his family had been lucky to escape serious injury. When I saw the extent of Chris’s burns later, I realized he was obviously putting on a brave face for
his kids, as any good father would. Knowing now that he was actually sitting there in the jump chair of the helicopter with second-degree burns all across his back and his clothes melted to his skin, he must’ve been in excruciating pain.
WHEN ALL YOU HAVE IS WHAT YOU CAN CARRY, EVERY OUNCE MATTERS.
NEVER LOSE YOUR EDGE! Speedy Sharp ^PSS ZOHYWLU L]LY` RUPML ^P[O HU` [`WL VM LKNL PU ZLJVUKZ L]LU :LYYH[LK )SHKLZ Speedy Sharp ^PSS ZOHYWLU )YVHK /LHK (YYV^Z (_LZ HUK /VVRLK )SHKL HUK -PZO /VVRZ Speedy Sharp ^PSS RLLW `V\Y RUPML ZOHYW ZV `V\ JHU IL Z\YL YOU WILL NEVER LOSE YOUR EDGE! Speedy Sharp 1410 E. Pine Ave. | Meridian ID, 83642 | 800-920-3094 | 208-884-0661 | speedysharp.com 100 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
MADE IN THE USA
THEY WRITE COUNTRY SONGS ABOUT MORNINGS LIKE THIS.
BUT AT 70 MPH YOU CAN’T HEAR THEM.
It’s a glorious sunrise, viewed in fast forward thanks to the power of your 250 ProXS. Because you need to get there while the fish are still eating breakfast. Learn more at mercurymarine.com or visit your local dealer, today.
CALIFORNIA
NEVADA
SAUSALITO Hirschfeld Yacht 400 Harbor Dr. (415) 332-3507 www.handmmarine.com
SPARKS Sierra Sport & Marine 191 E. Glandale Ave. (775) 358-5431 www.sierrasportmarine.com
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
101
Regardless of the textbook rules for avoiding being struck, lightning is inherently unpredictable. Chris and his family did what every camper would’ve done when caught out in a heavy rain; they looked to avoid getting drenched. Thankfully, Chris, Nadia and Aidan have made a full physical recovery from the strike and their story has made the rounds. He now often jokes about the notoriety he and the kids have received from the event, most recently posting a photo of himself smiling while wearing a Lucky Strike T-shirt, and Aidan and Nadia also smiling by his side.
IN A LIFETIME OF enjoying the outdoors, I have been caught out in unexpected thunderstorms a handful of times. I’ve even had a bolt of lightning strike close enough to my position that the concussion left my ears ringing for the rest of the day. However, that can’t come anywhere close to what the Loveras experienced. We Californians rarely experience any inclement weather or conditions that would cause any more of a concern or effort than to take shelter against a serious rain. The story of Chris Lovera and his family serve as a reminder that awareness of a situation is probably your best tool in staying safe. Having read and reread much of this story, I noticed a common thread throughout. Chris himself attributes he and his family’s survival and ultimate recovery to the unselfish assistance of others. In the chaos of the world, I will always believe that there are many good people out there willing to help complete strangers in need. Chris’s story illustrates that. It’s clear to me that despite the attention placed on the Loveras, the real story is of those who unselfishly assisted them when they desperately needed medical attention in the outdoors. They would likely step right back into the role of first responders again without being asked. CS 102 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
calsportsmanmag.com cals l port portsman man nmag mag com | NOVEMBER ma mag. NOVE NO NOVEMB VEMB VEMBER VEMB EMBER R2 2017 01 017 17 1 7 C California Cal Ca alifo a iffo if or rni rn niia Spor n S Sportsman por por ortsm ts t sm sman an
103
Professional quality soft plastic lures at an affordable price!
(509) 948-8787 |
threeriverstackle.com
Celebrating Over 100 Years of Best in Boating 17’ Alaskan XL
w w w.wooldridgeboats.com
1303 South 96th St. Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 722-8998 104 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
SPONSORED BY:
RIG MONTH OF THE
12-pound-test Ultragreen
BUBBA SHOT RIG NOTES Finesse anglers everywhere can certainly testify to the effectiveness of the drop-shot rig. However, light line is not well suited to fishing in heavy cover. That’s where the Bubba shot rig, a drop shot on steroids, comes in. It features a bigger bait, bigger hook, stronger line and heavier sinker. To construct the Bubba shot rig, tie a No. 3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Shank Worm hook to 15-pound fluorocarbon line using a palomar knot. Make sure to leave the tag end long. Thread the tag end back through the eye of the hook. Attach a 3/8-ounce drop-shot sinker to the tag end 12 inches below the hook. Texas rig a big worm or creature bait and you’re ready to fish. -Mark Fong
15-pound fluorocarbon mainline 7-inch plastic worm
3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Shank Worm hook 12-inch dropper line
3
/8-ounce drop-shot sinker
(MARK FONG)
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
105
ESIGNED TALLY REDTHESE O T E H T E SE G2’S AT EVINRUDE R DEALERS IE M E R P
NEVADA DEALER SPARKS Sierra Sport and Marine (775) 358-5431 www.sierrasportmarine.com
106 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
SIERRA
GET YOUR WINTER TROUT FIX
Fly fishing Mono County waters like the Upper Owens River (pictured), Hot Creek and the East Walker River is a winter pastime for hearty anglers who want to get a trout fix. (MIKE STEVENS)
WHILE THE GENERAL SEASON CLOSES ON NOV. 15, DON’T OVERLOOK THESE MONO COUNTY OPTIONS By Mike Stevens
I
t’s always a sad day when Nov. 15 rolls around and the general trout season in the Eastern Sierra comes to an end. But California anglers don’t have to shut down completely. There is plenty of year-round water left to fish, and while it’s no secret there’s lots of trout fishing to be had along Highway 395 in Inyo County (Bishop, Lone Pine to Big Pine, etc), winter opportunities up the hill in Mono County are still flying under the radar. At the very least, people aren’t taking advantage of them even if they don’t know about it, because
there are some rubs in the equation. For instance, it’s all barbless artificials – if not fly fishing only – and a zero-fish limit. The weather is also a big issue, not only in terms of fishing comfort but access and safety. The way the seasonal range reads for these special creeks and rivers in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations is, “Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April (the general opener).” Here’s what you’re workin’ with.
OWENS RIVER AND DEADMAN CREEK The stretch of the Upper Owens River that’s available for winter fishing is
from Benton Bridge (Benton Road of “Green Church” fame) upstream to Big Springs, which is the area serving as the headwaters of the mighty Owens. At this time of year, it is indeed a zero limit, with only artificial lures with barbless hooks allowed. It’s not a typical winter fishery, and unfortunately many anglers make the long trip up there and treat it that way, with substandard results. When trout are in very cold water, they need to eat and can’t afford to let too many pieces of protein drift past, but they don’t want to expend a whole lot of energy chasing anything down either. This means bigger, attractor-type
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
107
SIERRA nymphs can get grabbed, but most of the time you have to hit the fish right in the nose with it. It’s a real meat-and-potatoes approach, where you’re not really trying to mimic anything über-specific. One go-to set-up is actually a piece of cake: a heavier 3X, 7-foot leader with a San Juan Worm on top, with either a flashy, meaty – think size 14 – Pheasant Tail, Psycho Prince or Glow Bug on the bottom. Fish that through deep slow runs and make sure you have enough weight on to tick bottom. If you’re used to scaling way down in winter and fishing tiny midges, forget about it here. The good news is that you don’t have to be out there at the crack of dawn; the best bite is typically be-
tween 10 a.m and 2 p.m. Worth noting: Typically the only place to park – especially if there is snow everywhere, or it recently melted and there is risk of getting stuck – is a relatively small turnout near the Benton Crossing bridge. If you get there and it’s full of cars (it doesn’t take many), don’t park where any part of your vehicle is on the road. You will get ticketed. Get out there early. Deadman Creek is a tributary of the Upper O and flows close to Big Springs, making it another winter option. It’s a smaller fishery and one more apt to produce via tiny midges and the like. But worm imitations, attractor nymphs in smaller sizes and streamers like a Woolly Bugger dead drifted or slowly stripped in deeper
Just because the snow’s flying in the Eastern Sierra doesn’t mean you should stow your rod until next April. Despite strict regulations, several fishing opportunities continue after the general season closes on Nov. 15. (SIERRA DRIFTERS GUIDE SERVICE)
108 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
holes or eddies could draw dead-ofwinter strikes. Regulations are the same here as the Upper Owens.
HOT CREEK Hot Creek is a world-class trout stream that is open year-round, and the regulations are always the same: barbless flies only and zero limit. It’s a small, spring-fed creek teeming with wild rainbows, browns and some cutthroat, plus subsidized, stocked “diploid” trout that are able to reproduce naturally. In winter, Hot Creek is no place for a novice and challenges even the most accomplished whippers of the long rod. Most of the fish are in the 9- to 12-inch range, but there are some monsters in there that are way bigger than the size of the scenic creek
)DPLO\ 2ZQHG 2SHUDWHG ,Q 6SDUNV 19 6LQFH • Over 70 Years Combined Experience In Outboard Repair & Maintenance • Rated #1 In Customer Service For All Fishing Boat Needs In Reno/Sparks
191 E. Glendale Ave. • Sparks, NV • 775-358-5431 • SierraSportMarine.com calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
109
SIERRA
You can’t keep any Eastern Sierra trout in winter, but you can catch and release a lot of them. (SIERRA DRIFTERS GUIDE SERVICE)
suggests. It’s good to have a fly box stocked with size 18 to 22 Zebra Midges, egg and worm patterns, Hare’s Ears, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and Woolly Buggers. Like all open winter water, the warmest hours of the day are best, and there are also times when dry fly hatches will actually come off, so be prepared by bringing along some blue-wing olive imitations as well. These flies are a good base for all these waters, but it’s best to get updated information from local shops and guides, either by the day or – even better – the hour.
EAST WALKER RIVER This Bridgeport-area gem has bigfish potential but is subject to a roller coaster of fishing conditions brought on by weather, water levels or otherwise. Like Hot Creek, it’s not recommended for the weekend warrior. Last winter’s epic snowfall should reverberate throughout this cold season, keeping waters fishable in 110 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
LIGHTWEIGHT. The lightest 200-hp four stroke on the market
POWERFUL.
2.8L displacement and Variable Camshaft Timing give it the best power-to-weight ratio of any 200-hp four stroke
COMPACT.
Nearly 120 pounds lighter than our four-stroke V6 F200
THE ALL-NEW F200 IN-LINE FOUR.
FORWARD THINKING. Show the water who’s boss with the new F200 In-Line Four. Incredibly light, responsive and fuel efficient, it serves up plenty of muscle to handily propel a variety of boats. On top of that, its 50-amp alternator offers the power to add a range of electronics, and its 26-inch mounting centers and compatibility with either mechanical or digital controls give you the flexibility to easily upgrade your outboard or rigging. Experience legendary Yamaha reliability and the freedom of forward thinking, with the all-new F200 In-Line Four.
CALIFORNIA AVILA BEACH Port San Luis Boatyard (805) 595-7895 www.portsanluisboatyard.com
YamahaOutboards.com/F200InLine
VENTURA Pacific Marine Repair (805) 658-1709 www.pacificmarinerepair.com
OREGON
NEVADA
EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com
SPARKS Sierra Sport & Marine (775) 358-5431 www.sierrasportmarine.com
Follow Yamaha on Facebook® and Twitter™
REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal intended to be an endorsement. © 2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
111
Greenwater Guide Service
ING ! K O O B W O N AND
STEELHEADD RELEASE CATCH AN STURGEON
Fishing Adventures in the Pacific Northwest Robin Nelson, Owner
425-681-2074 • greenwaterguide.com USCG Certified • WDFW Licensed • CPR & First Aid Certified • Insured 112 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
2017-18. Occasional winter hatches create some surface activity and the same attractor nymphs or streamers worked through deeper runs can do damage here. Those tiny midges are what’s going to work for you most of the time. The East Walker is regularly guided on a year-round basis, so a bit of exploring will maximize your shot at browns and rainbows, and the warmer days seem to be the most productive. Arguably, it is said that no other California or Nevada river kicks out more 20-plus-inch trout than the East Walker. “Last year’s winter has set the stage for some excellent fishing opportunities for this winter. The East Walker and Upper Owens will shine this year, and water levels are at prime levels and should continue to be through the coming winter,” says Doug Rodericks, who guides for Sierra Drifters Guide Service (SierraDrifters.net). “The Upper Owens should see larger numbers of spawning rainbows and browns this year, due to such an abundance of food from Crowley Lake, which they have been gorging themselves on from spring to fall.” Rodericks added that right now, the East Walker is giving up the best fish of the season, with river flows now settling into fall levels. It should fish really well this winter since new holding areas for trout have been created by high flushing flows over the spring. As for Hot Creek, Rodericks thinks more help is needed in restoring it to what it once was. “We will be working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife again this year in stocking it with diploid browns and rainbows,” he said, “and we should start to see an improvement in fish population here with the coming year.” CS Editor’s note: Check the CDFW fishing regulations supplement (eregulations.com/ california/fishing/freshwater) for more.
Destination Honda
For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at marine.honda.com or visit your Authorized Honda Marine Dealer.
OXNARD Specialty Marine (805) 984-6538 www.specialty-marine.com
WALNUT GROVE Deckhand’s Marine (916) 776-1370
© 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
113
ADVENTURE IS WAITING JUST OFFSHORE
Booking Fast Call now!!
We Are The Most Fun Operation On The Water! • One Day “Run & Gun” Tuna Charters: Catch Tuna ‘til Your Arms Fall Off & Home By Five • Faster, More Fuel-Efficient Boat: We Spend Less Time Running & More Time Fishing • American Made Seeker Rods & Truth Reels: We Have The Best Equipment In The Business!
114 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
SOCAL
THROW A PANFISH PARTY TAKE A BREAK FROM BASS AND DROP A LINE FOR FEISTY BLUEGILL AND OTHER SMALL SPECIES
By Bill Schaefer
W
e all have fond memories of some of our first fishing trips to the lakes around California. Mine involves wonderful simplicity. Dad would rent a boat and take us kids to what he called his “secret spot” and drop our lines. And we did catch fish, and usually it was some type of panfish, whether redear sunfish, bluegill or any of the many other species that populate our local lakes. Dad would rig us all up with a bobber and red worm, and all we had to do was set the hook when the fish ate the bait and the bobber dipped underwater.
PANFISH BASICS Light tackle is the way to go when fishing for these little bruisers. Anywhere from ultralight, 2- to 4-pound test to light bass gear and 4- to 8-pound test is best. The lighter the rod, the more sporting and fun it is. Use smaller hooks, as panfish don’t have the largest of mouths. Just don’t dismiss or underestimate these fish, though; they are every bit the fighters. Pound for pound, they match up to any bass. All the local lakes have a few species of resident panfish. They usually hang around in the shallow weeds or around brush and rockpiles or old trees. Many times you can see them hovering in the shallows so you can cast to them with your bait. These fish are so aggressive that at times they will even attack bass anglers’ plastic worms.
Catching panfish like bluegill is a great way to get the kids out on the water this fall. Hayden Jorgenson and his dad Gordon would agree. (BILL SCHAEFER)
AN EASY SET-UP For baits, the old standard red worms under a bobber in the shallows will do, especially if you can see fish hovering there. Small pieces of nightcrawler will do as well. Crickets can be had at some tackle stores or you can trap them yourself. Other small insects will work – if you can stand to handle them. Maybe you can get the kids to pin them on the hook. If you want to try your hand at artificial lures for bluegill and other
panfish, try small spoons, spinners, small plastic worms, grubs and PowerBait. Crappie jigs under a bobber will entice these little guys into biting too. Justt be sure to scale down; if it will fit in their mouth, they will bite. With panfish and bluegill hanging in the shallows at local Southland lakes, fly fishing with small patterns can be fun as well. Remember, those fish might not be big but they do fight hard, and on fly gear it can be a blast. CS
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
115
Check out the latest in the Barewest Tower Lineup - ON SALE!
THE T8 UTILITY TOWER The next evolution in aluminum boat towers is the Utility Tower made exclusively by Barewest. The Utility Tower is designed to allow you WR HDVLO\ WUDQVSRUW \RXU ÀVKLQJ FDPSLQJ ZDWHU WR\V RU FUDEELQJ JHDU The T8 is custom built for your boat and can utilize any of the accessories Barewest offers to make it a fully functional tower. Standard towers also available! ALL TOWERS MADE LOCALLY IN LAKE OSWEGO, OR 7150 SW McEwan Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
barewest.com 116 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
(503) 620-2195
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
117
SOCAL
THE BITE GOES ON YELLOWTAIL SHOULD STAY ACTIVE AS LONG AS OCEAN WATERS REMAIN WARM By Capt. Bill Schaefer
F
rom Mexico’s Coronado Islands – just south of the border off San Diego – to San Clemente Island to the north and everywhere in between, the yellowtail bite for anglers has continued to chug along. As long as the weather holds up and water stays warm, the action could last another month or so. Everything from half-day party boats to private crafts are getting in on the fishing. Check your local landing’s website for the skippers and boats that are really on the fish. You can also log on to local fishing websites for hints about where to head, but the yellows are in the usual places. They’re being found breezing in open water along kelpbeds and on paddies. Having a tank of bait will increase your chances greatly, but fish are being taken on iron as well, both on the surface and yo-yoing. A good set of binoculars will increase your chances. Watch the horizon for working birds, as they may help locate a feeding school. If you find the fish on the surface feeding, tie on the surface iron. If there are no takers, try running that iron deeper and deeper, ending with yoyo techniques. If you find a kelp paddy, please remember not to drive right up on it if there are boats already on it. Asking permission to join the drift past it goes a long ways. Go to the upwind side and set a drift to go past it if invited in. If there is a sport boat on the
Wyatt Cargel shows off a pretty Pacific Ocean yellowtail. Given the scorching weather that Southern California experienced late in October, continued warm to mild conditions should keep the bite buzzing this month. (BILL SCHAEFER)
paddy, I usually keep hunting. Those skippers are working hard to get their customers on fish and can’t run around like you can in your smaller, faster boat. A little courtesy goes a long way.
ONCE YOU FIND YOUR SPOT Whether it’s a feeding school or a paddy you found on your own, go upwind of it and drift into the feeding area. Once close, throw some bait and try to get the school to come to your boat. Many times the school will stay with your boat as long as you remember to throw some bait
118 California Sportsman NOVEMBER 2017 | calsportsmanmag.com
every so often, even if all the anglers aboard are hooked up. For equipment, anything from heavy bass-type gear to medium-heavy gear will do. Running braid or Spectra with a leader will do fine for bait. I like Maxima braid in 50-pound test, with a Maxima 20to 25-pound fluorocarbon leader on my Daiwa Saltist 30 two-speed reel and baitstick. If I do hook a giant, I have the power to reel them in. Always check your drags and line before a trip like this, as you don’t want to lose that fish of a lifetime. CS
calsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2017 California Sportsman
119
Come and Join our 6th Annual Halibut Express!!
Our area offers some of the very finest Halibut and Ling Cod fishing on the whole BC Coast, including Alaska. We are offering a special early season COMBO Halibut and Ling Cod package for the 2018 season. The dates we have selected for our 2018 Halibut Express are from May 1st to May 5th, May 5th to May 9th, May 9th to May 13th, May 13th to May 17th, May 17th to May 21st, May 21st to May 25th, May 25th to May 29th, May 29th to June 2nd, June 2nd to June 6th, June 6th to June 10th, June 10th to June 14th, June 14th to June 18th and June 18th to June 22nd 2018. This will be a 4 night/5 day package and will include up to 30 hours of guided fishing, all meals and 4 nights accommodations. An added bonus will be that the VACUUM PACKING and FLASH FREEZING of your fish are included in this pricing. This is a heck of a good deal and this package would make a wonderful gift for the fisherman in your family. We will also have our fly-in service available from Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, BC for these dates. You will also have the opportunity to target the early runs of CHINOOK and COHO that will be coming through our waters at the time of the season. The pricing for this exciting package is as follows: Party of 2 fishing, 2 per boat…$1975.00 PP + 5% tax (CAN). Party of 3 fishing, 3 per boat…$1675.00 PP + 5% tax (CAN). Party of 4 fishing, 4 per boat…$1475 PP + 5% tax (CAN). To make your reservations or for more information please give us a call at 1-800-429-5288 or send an email to: rodgersfishinglodge@yahoo.com Best regards, Doug Rodgers PS: With Halibut selling for upwards of $25.00 (CAN) per pound at your local fish market, you should easily be able to pay for your trip. You are allowed up to 6 Halibut, new for 2018, 4 Ling Cod and 8 Salmon in possession per angler. The biggest Ling Cod this past season was a 60 pounder. Come and fill your freezers!