FISHING • HUNTING • TRAVEL CALSPORTSMANMAG.COM
COLLINS LAKE
Northern California’s Premier Fishing Lake
• • • •
Stocked with Trophy Trout, Bass & Crappie. California’s largest private trout stocking program of any lake North of Sacramento. Clean, professional RV park with lakefront hookup sites. Big rigs welcome. Stocked weekly with Trophy Trout each Spring from Mid-February thru May.
Online Reservations www.collinslake.com or Call (530) 692-1600
Choose quality Alaskan-made gear when planning your next adventure. GUN SCABBARD waterproof gun bag
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA SPORTSMAN READERS
Mention this ad for a FREE carry strap with purchase of the gun scabbard.
Shop nomaralaska.com to see all the gear we make for outdoor adventures. Homer, Alaska • 800-478-8364 • nomaralaska.com
GUN CARE
All In One Step No product on the market works like PrOlix and we’ve guaranteed it for 34 Years! DRY LUBRICANT • • • • • • •
Improves accuracy Prevents jamming Won’t flash off Will not freeze Non-hazardous Reduces fouling Won’t harm wood, primers, old guns, or stain clothing! • Bio preferred by USDA • Non-petroleum
Goes on wet, cleans, bonds, turns DRY!
Our Dealers offer the BEST and that’s PrOlix®
ProChemCo LLC GUN-OIL / GREASE REPLACER
801-569-2763 800-248-LUBE (5823) www.prolixlubricant.com
California
Sportsman Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource
Volume 13 • Issue 8 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTORS Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Todd Kline, Bill Schaefer, Jake Sisco SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Jim Klark, Mike Smith DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Aumann INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER Capt. Bill Schaefer loves this time of year when calico bass are on the prowl off the Southern California coast. His favorite method for enticing a bite? Topwater baits fished in the kelp stringers. (BILL SCHAEFER)
MEDIA INC PUBLISHING GROUP 14240 Interurban Ave. S., Suite 190 Tukwila, WA 98168 (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com www.mediaindexpublishing.com
6 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
CONTENTS
VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 8
49
HOG WILD HUNTING
As the pandemic prompted more Californians to get outdoors, pig hunting became a popular option for sportsmen and -women. Our From Field to Fire team of Scott and Tiffany Haugen don’t need much incentive to chase big boars, ubiquitous throughout the state and tasty table fare to boot, and they share summer hunting tips and a tropical-themed backstrap recipe.
(CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE)
FEATURES 13
SURVEYING A SCARCE SALMON STOCK In the stifling heat of summer, fish and wildlife biologists spend many long days on the Sacramento River under the blazing sun in search of winter Chinook salmon carcasses, collecting data via the dead fishes’ eyeballs, scales and fin tissues to get a better idea of how this imperiled population is doing. Jake Sisco of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tagged along and has the details.
28
WELCOME (BACK) TO THE HIGH SIERRA As 2020’s COVID-19 shutdowns raged on, owners of Caples Lake Resort, located almost 8,000 feet up in the high Sierra, made the best of a difficult situation, implementing various safety measures and doing their best to ensure a sense of social distancing. And as vaccine distribution has loosened up California’s restrictions, they’re hopeful for a more normal summer, which includes some expected strong rainbow, brown and Mackinaw fishing. Caples Lake Resort operator Joe Voss gave us a preview.
43
TOPWATER TALES June kicks off a productive stretch of calico bass fishing off the Southern California coast. But according to Capt. Bill Schaefer, some saltwater anglers who stay away from the kelp stringers are missing out on some potentially epic fishing with topwater baits. Schaefer explains how the rush of a calico devouring your lure at the surface is worth the effort.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 11
21 25 27 34
57
The Editor’s Note: Vaccination means more freedom The Adventures of Todd Kline Photo contest winners Outdoor calendar CalTrout celebrates 50 years of fish, river conservation work Mentally stimulate your hunting pup
Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. 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. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2021 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. 8 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
Built for Adventure! THUNDER JET • BOULTON • FISH-RITE
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
www.maxxummarine.com
Toll Free 877-4-Maxxum (877-462-9986) Local 541-686-3572
The editor and his pup Emma have done what they can to get fresh air and stay sane during the pandemic. But now fully vaccinated, he’s hoping to explore more – with and without the mask. (CHARLENE KING)
THEEDITOR’SNOTE
I
recently took my pup Emma to one of my favorite dog parks. It’s been a common trip for us during the pandemic, when I’ve rarely seen any friends or companions. It’s been Emma and me and essentially no one else. When we got to the park and started walking over from the parking lot, I slipped on a mask, something I’ve gotten used to in the past year-plus, but this was my first visit since I’ve been considered “fully vaccinated” (two weeks since receiving a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine). Per the Centers for Disease Control, I didn’t have to don a mask since I was outside and fully vaccinated. And I found it interesting that roughly half the dog park population – the humans, not the doggos – kept wearing masks (I took mine off when I was spread out from other people out of, I guess, courtesy). The point is: I’m not sure if we’re getting back to normal or not. But as summer beckons, I want to start considering normalcy. We probably need more vaccinations for those hesitant to get the shots. I know that like last summer I plan to head to Northern California and get in some fishing. Ditto getting to a baseball game to watch my beloved Oakland Athletics play. But I also want to travel again. I haven’t been on a plane over the course of the pandemic, but I have a feeling I’ll mask up and fly the somewhat friendly skies in the next few months. My sisters and I are thinking about a getaway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (apparently the walleye and muskie fishing there is epic!). And a buddy is imploring me to head to Europe with him now that the continent is opening up for vaccinated American travelers. Who knows if I’ll be able to make it this summer. And while not everyone is on the vaccination train, those of us who are continue to be cautious – even outside at a dog park. But it’s also time to live again and I plan to do that. -Chris Cocoles calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
11
PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA
Curtis Brownfield, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish biologist, pulls a decaying winter king salmon carcass out of the Sacramento River. Summer surveys usually allow biologists to track how many of the threatened fish make it back to spawn. (JAKE SISCO/USFWS)
CARCASS SURVEY TELLS HOW WELL SAC WINTER CHINOOK RUN IS DOING By Jake Sisco
T
he feel of the wind in your face, the sound of a boat motor roaring down a river, the spray of water, the warm sun on your back and the smell of rotting flesh. This is what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists on the Sacramento River experience
when conducting winter Chinook salmon carcass surveys. “The carcass survey is a cooperative effort between the Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission,” said Kevin Niemela, a USFWS supervisory fish biologist located at the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife Office.
“Typically, two boats are used to survey the river daily, one operated by the Service and the other operated by PSMFC, working under contract through (CDFW). Each boat travels upstream and searches for carcasses, covering opposite shorelines.” The survey allows USFWS to get an idea of how many fish are returning, and
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
13
PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA
what Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery is producing and how the fish are doing,” said Curtis Brownfield, another USFWS fish biologist. “We will clip and tag them up there at the hatchery and release them into the river. When they come back, we can pull the coded wire tag out of their snout and find out where they came from.” “Almost all of the hatchery fish came from Livingston Stone except a few strays, maybe from the Feather River State Hatchery, but all the rest are produced naturally here. This year, quite a bit of the population came from Livingston Stone. It might be half-and-half natural versus hatchery this year.”
JUST BECAUSE THIS YEAR was a successful
Brownfield checks the tag number on a salmon carcass pulled from the depths of the Sacramento. (JAKE SISCO/USFWS)
where they came from. Once a salmon carcass is spotted, the boat team will use a gig on a long pole to pull the carcass into the boat, which can be more challenging than it sounds. The boat pilot has to battle river currents and clarity to keep their eye on the carcass while getting into the correct position for their partner to get the fish on board the boat. “We go out, assess and count the number of carcasses, and we also collect biological data from eyeballs, scales and fin tissue,” said Charlee Cramer, a USFWS fish biologist. “With that, we can see where they’ve been and where they came from, and we also can get a count of how many hatchery fish are out there. There will be some that have their fin clipped, which are hatchery fish, and some that are not clipped. Based on that, we can tell the percentage of hatchery success.” Hatcheries improve the survival of young salmon (eggs, fry and juveniles). More young salmon survive in
the hatchery than would survive in the wild because there are no predators in hatcheries, food is abundant and the environment is relatively constant. “One important reason that we do the surveys is so that we can evaluate
A carcass is processed as part of the survey. (LAURA MAHONEY/USFWS)
14 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
run, with the largest number of winter carcasses counted since 2006, it does not mean next year will be. The surviving juveniles from this year’s spawning group will come back in three years. The fish that returned this year were fry or very small fish three years ago, this time of year. After emerging from the gravels, they outmigrated to the Delta, and then to the ocean in March of 2017, and spent two and a half years in the ocean before starting their upstream migration. The juveniles from this year have a perilous journey between here and the ocean. There are many potential obsta-
PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA
Surveying and collecting the carcasses helps evaluate winter Chinook production at USFWS’s Livingston Stone Hatchery and how well those fish are doing. (LAURA MAHONEY/USFWS)
cles in their way, including lethal water temperatures, water flow, weather and predators. They also face obstacles to survival in the ocean, as well as the journey back to their spawning grounds. The number of fish that returned this year was so high that for several days this year the agencies doubled the
“We go out, assess and count the number of carcasses, and we also collect biological data from eyeballs, scales and fin tissue,” says Charlee Cramer, a federal fish biologist. (LAURA MAHONEY/USFWS)
number of boats from two to four per day. “In July and early August, we would have been out here until 7 p.m., picking up fish in 100-degree weather, and at the end of August, we have very few fish, and it’s overcast,” said Brownfield. “It’s just always interesting to me how it
The surveying took place on this stretch of the Sacramento River. (JAKE SISCO/USFWS) 16 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
just takes that plunge from a lot of fish to basically no fish.” “This year, we had a lot of fish, which might be due to the river’s clarity. With the river being very clear this year, we can see fish at a depth that normally we cannot. This year we’ve been able to cover more of the river and see more
PROTECTING
WILD CALIFORNIA fish, due to that clarity.” With the need for more boats on the water, partners play a huge role in the survey’s success. “Our partners are incredible,” said Cramer about CDFW and PSMFC. “The partners actually go out and collect carcasses all year round. They collect fallrun and late fall-run also. We help them mainly in the summer. Without them, we would be out here multiple days on each reach. We have three different stretches of river that we do every single day, so we do one side of the river, and they do the other. If we did not have them, it would be an even longer day out here – very long. They are extremely knowledgeable, and it’s really nice to work with them.” CS Editor’s note: Jake Sisco is a public affairs specialist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Sacramento. For more on the Pacific Southwest Region, go to fws.gov/cno.
USFWS biologists also work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Pacific Fisheries Management Council on this project. “Our partners are incredible,” says Cramer. (JAKE SISCO/USFWS)
18 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
ures Advent
W
e’re not ashamed to admit it: Todd Kline has the kind of life we wish we could experience. Kline’s a former professional surfer, a successful co-angler on the FLW Tour and a Southern California bass guide, plus he gets to travel the world as a commentator for the World Surf League’s telecasts. Todd has agreed to give us a peek on what he’s up to each month. For more on Todd or to book a guided fishing trip with him, check out toddklinefishing.com, and you can follow him on Instagram at @toddokrine. –The Editor
I recently went to the Delta to camp with friends and fish the Major League Fishing tournament out of Big Break. (TODD KLINE) A flotilla of boats prepares to blast off into this vast waterway full of hungry bass. (TODD KLINE)
Launch day on the spacious Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING)
I caught this 9-pound Delta donkey in practice. (TODD KLINE)
This was my biggest fish of the tournament. A great experience. (TODD KLINE)
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
21
A look at my gear arsenal to try and entice a Delta bass to bite. (TODD KLINE) I’d never fished the San Diego area’s Lake Barrett, but my friend Blaine Christiansen took me there on opening day last month. It was awesome! (TODD KLINE)
22 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
We had a bright night sky to gaze at from our campsite. (TODD KLINE) We caught and released about 70 bass each. This was the big fish of the day at 5.86 pounds. They are all northern strains. (TODD KLINE)
24 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
PHOTO
CONTEST
WINNERS!
Pistol Bullets and Ammunition Zero Bullet Company, Inc. Steve Balodis is the winner of our monthly Fishing Photo Contest, thanks to this pic of he and daughter Aspen and her spring Chinook, caught in early May on a Columbia River tributary. It wins him gear from various tackle manufacturers!
ZER
P.O. Box 1188 Cullman, AL 35056 Tel: 256-739-1606 Fax: 256-739-4683 Toll Free: 800-545-9376 www.zerobullets.com
Paul Hauglum is our monthly Coast Hunting Photo Contest winner, thanks to this pic of first-time hunter Logan Mackie, 14, and his Washington release-site pheasants. It wins him a knife and light from Coast!
For your shot at winning hunting and fishing products, send your photos and pertinent details (who, what, when, where) to ccocoles@media-inc .com or California Sportsman, 14240 Interurban Ave. S., Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or Internet publications. calsportsmanmag.com | JUINE 2021 California Sportsman
25
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
JUNE 1-6 Crowley Lake Perch Derby; Crowley Lake; (760) 935-4301 11-12 Finest Annual Trout Invitational Tournament, Crowley Lake; crowleylakefishcamp.com 12 Kokanee Power Team Derby, Don Pedro Reservoir; kokaneepower.org 26 Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation Trout Tournament; bridgeportfish.com/tournament 26 Ocean salmon season opens in the San Francisco Management Area (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) 29 Ocean salmon seasons open in the Fort Bragg Management Area (from 40°10’00” N. latitude to Point Arena) and Klamath Management Zone (Oregon/California state line to 40°10’00” N. latitude near Cape Mendocino)
JULY 1
1-31 3
10 16 17 24 30
Rabbit and varying hare hunting season opens How Big-Is-Big Fishing Derby, West Walker River; northernmonochamber.com Free fishing day, no general license required in California waters; wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/ Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days Zone A archery deer hunting season opens Sacramento and Feather River king salmon fishing season scheduled to open Kokanee Power Team Derby, New Melones Lake; kokaneepower.org Zone B-4 archery deer season opens Bridgeport Fish Fest, Twin Lakes Resort; facebook.com/ twinlakesbridgeport
Note: COVID-19 restrictions were easing at press time, but always confirm events before attending. For a complete list of bass tournaments statewide, go to dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests/default.aspx. Lower Twin Lake is one of several Bridgeportarea fisheries that are part of the Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation Tournament on June 26. (JEFF SIMPSON/MONO COUNTY TOURISM)
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
27
WELCOME (BACK) TO THE HIGH SIERRA
Located at 7,800 feet high in the Sierra, Caples Lake offers a peaceful getaway in summer. And after 2020 COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Caples Lake Resort is expecting to be at full capacity this season for anglers. (CAPLES LAKE RESORT) 28 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
FISHING CAPLES LAKE EXPECTING MORE BUSINESS, GOOD FISHING THIS SUMMER By Chris Cocoles
A
ll things considered, the Voss family felt relieved that their Sierra resort and lake made it through a traumatic 2020 relatively unscathed. The COVID-19 pandemic bankrupted many businesses, but while Caples Lake Resort (209-2588888; capleslakeresort.com) had to limit capacity and close its restaurant, Joe Voss is happy to still be standing.
“I definitely did not take those things for granted. We survived and a lot of people didn’t,” says Voss, whose family took over the resort in 1982 (patriarch John Martin Voss passed away in 2016). “And I was appreciative of that; we were able to get open and do some business and stay in business to pay some bills.” As vaccine rollouts have dramatically improved the state’s restrictions – Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to fully open California
as early as June 15 – prospects are brighter for Caples’ usually busy summer season. Voss reported his lodge and cabins were fully booked for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. “Last season we adjusted our lodging – just to put gaps between our reservations. I didn’t rent all my rooms. We had extra cleaning measures in place. We followed the California Hotel Association guidelines in how to keep people safe – my guests and my employees,” Voss says.
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
29
FISHING “This year we’re kind of doing the same thing, but I’m backing off some of the limits I put on myself as far as having back to back reservations. I’m renting all of my rooms rather than just half of them. So that will help.” FISHING BOUNCE BACK? Caples, at just over 7,800 feet high and located near Kirkwood off Highway 88, is known for some outstanding trout fishing. Last summer, while Californians cautiously fled for outdoor escapes during the pandemic, fishing wasn’t as big a priority as usual. Voss says many visitors to the lodge were content taking socially distanced hikes through the meadows around Carson Pass and just relaxing around the lake. Still, there were anglers who tried their luck.
“Fishing was OK. It seemed like it was really good in June through midto late July. And then it just sort of died,” Voss says. “Everything got hot, and that’s pretty typical of our lake.” But with an early ice melt in late spring – California’s looming drought concerns could also affect Caples going forward – anglers were having success trolling Rapalas and FlatFish for Mackinaw throughout May, action which should continue early in June. This month should also see some good fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked the lake with catchable brownies on May 7. “Most years your typical angler is going to be set up with, if they’re on the shore, PowerBait – either with a bobber or off the bottom drifting
Caples received a California Department of Fish and Wildlife planting of brown trout on May 7. More stocking could come later on, but there are plenty of fish in the lake. (CAPLES LAKE RESORT)
30 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
a worm,” Voss says. “Or just using your standard cast and retrieve. Last year I sold a gazillion Kastmasters. Mepps and Rooster Tails (are also good options). It’s a high-mountain trout lake and that always seems to work.” Those who bring their own craft or rent a boat through the resort can score some rainbows and browns toplining worms behind flashers. “The Macks are a little tougher to get once the lake warms up and they start dropping down a bit,” says Voss, who was happy to report many of the Macks caught so far were released, with many of the fish in the 7- to 12-pound range, topped by a 17-pounder. “We like to see that,” Voss says of the catch-and-release trend. “Big fish make (more) little fish.”
EUGENE, OR Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 1700 State Hwy 99 N lloyd@maxxummarine.com www.maxxummarine.com
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
31
FISHING HIGH SIERRA GETAWAY Caples’ location offers a chance for visitors to escape the Central Valley heat and the Bay Area crowds (Voss says more and more patrons come from east of the lake in the RenoCarson City area). It’s also off the less-traveled Carson Pass Highway, in contrast with the busier Highway 50 corridor between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. “For me, it’s just a great getaway. It’s a quiet place with epic scenery where you can watch beautiful sunsets,” Voss says. “And then get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and gear up for the day.” Those who do book a lodge room or one of the nine fully equipped cabins as the summer season begins will still see a cautious approach to safety protocols. Masks will be
required in the resort’s small store, and plans to reopen the restaurant center on creating an outdoor deligrill atmosphere with alfresco dining and a beautiful lake view. “Most of our guests are saying, ‘We’re coming, we’re excited and we’re vaccinated.’ I tell them, ‘Great. So am I.’ And we want to keep it simple,” Voss says. “We did everything we could to stay safe. And this year we’ll continue to do the things that don’t really interrupt our business and aren’t too much of a hassle, but to still be cognizant of trying to keep people safe.” Voss also hopes for more trout plants this month. He’s been in contact with CDFW and Alpine County’s fish and game division, both of which have stocked trout in the past and could again this season.
After limiting guests last season, Caples Lake Resort was scheduled to be filled for Memorial Day weekend and reservations are filling up fast for the rest of the summer. “We’re hoping more people get out and enjoy the Sierra and the outdoors,” resort operator Joe Voss says. (CAPLES LAKE RESORT) 32 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
The resort might also look into some private stockings, though following a mild winter, the lake level is down and there is concern about future seasons if drought conditions don’t improve. But for now, Caples Lake Resort is open for business and reservations are filling up fast. There is also a lake full of Macks, ’bows and brownies to catch. And that’s worth celebrating at a time when we all need it. “We’re hoping more people get out and enjoy the Sierra and the outdoors,” Voss says. “I’m just hoping for as many people to come up, enjoy themselves and have a good fishing experience as possible.” CS Editor’s note: You can also contact Caples Lake Resort via email (reservations@ capleslakesresort.com).
Bridgeport
Com e
Shrimp & Crab Gear Complete Supply Source Quality McKay Qwik-Pot Shrimp & Crab Pots Gasoline & Electric Pot Pullers Rope Pole Buoys Davits Capstans In Stock
rs oo td
ce the Grea rien tO e p x u E
in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of Mono County, California
BridgeportCalifornia.com (760) 932-7500
“Crabs love our pots. Once in they never leave.”
(360) 900-9439
www.mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com 306362 Hwy101 • Brinnon, WA 98320
INLAND BOATS & MOTORS
SERVING YOU SINCE 1975
111 N. Kittitas St. Ellensburg, WA 509-925-1758 • M-F 9-5pm
inlandboatsandmotors.com
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
33
Collecting bug samples during floodplain projects is one of many studies CalTrout biologists and project managers have worked on during the organization’s now 50-year history. (MIKE WIER) 34 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
FISHING
50 YEARS OF CONSERVING FISH, RIVERS IN CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY AND IN THE FACE OF DROUGHT AND CLIMATE CHANGE, CALTROUT ‘REDOUBLING ITS COMMITMENT TO MAJOR RESTORATION PROJECTS’ By California Trout
C
alifornia Trout, a conservation nonprofit that works to protect the state’s wild rivers and fish, marks its 50th anniversary this year. CalTrout is redoubling its commitment to major restoration projects that have a landscape-scale impact. The impending drought and adverse impacts of a warming climate add to the urgency of this work. Leveraging five decades of sciencebased watershed stewardship and a track record of collaborative restoration work, CalTrout has assembled a statewide team of scientists and project managers poised to create replicable models
for fish restoration over the coming decades within California’s heavily managed water landscape. “We are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made across the state over the past five decades,” said Curtis Knight, CalTrout executive director. “But we also know our work has only begun. While we honor our past, now is the time to focus on the future, toward what we will accomplish in the next 50 years as the state faces more people, more wildfires and more threats from climate change than ever before. We have been a part of many moments that made history and we intend to play a big role in helping write the story of what comes next for fish and rivers in California in
this era of climate change.”
CONSERVATION LEADERS
CalTrout played a key role in developing a now-widespread effort in the Central Valley to leverage fallowed farm fields to provide food and habitat for struggling native fish populations, including endangered winter-run Chinook salmon. CalTrout was also one of dozens of organizations that signed an agreement that calls for the removal of four outdated Klamath River dams. When those dams are removed in 2023, migratory fish like salmon and steelhead will regain access to more than 300 miles of habitat. Dam removal will significantly increase water quality,
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
35
FISHING enable the expansion of a rivercentered recreational economy in rural communities throughout the basin, and support tribes in the region who have relied on salmon fishing for subsistence and ceremonial purposes since time immemorial. Critical to preparing the Klamath Basin watershed for successful recovery post-dam removal, CalTrout has also partnered with landowners in the Shasta and Scott River basins, important tributaries to the Klamath, to improve habitat and increase stream flows for native fish when the dams come down.
Baby salmon are collected from a Central Valley floodplain. CalTrout played a key role in developing a now-widespread effort in the Central Valley to leverage fallowed farm fields to provide food and habitat for struggling native fish populations such as winter Chinook. (JACOB KATZ)
WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE CAUSE With a robust foundation in science, CalTrout’s regional staff works within their local communities alongside diverse interests such as ranchers and farmers, water agencies, tribes and utility companies. The organization’s pragmatic approach and can-do attitude to solving the state’s complex water resource issues while balancing
the needs of wild fish and people creates results unmatched by other conservation organizations. In a sign of confidence in CalTrout’s ability to deliver high-quality, onbudget restoration projects, CalTrout
CalTrout scientists work in Osa Meadows near the Eastern Sierra’s Sequoia National Forest. (MIKE WIER) 36 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
has been awarded $21.7 million in grants this fiscal year (2020-21) from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program; State Coastal Conservancy; and the Wildlife Conservation Board, among others, for a range of projects spanning the state. “For 50 years, CalTrout has been a true champion for environmental justice in California,” said organization board chair Paul Vais. “Initially through legal and legislative processes, CalTrout reversed the momentum of exploitive practices that had squandered precious California resources for decades. In doing so, CalTrout defined water and wildlife management policies that have had profound impact in California and much of the American West.” NEW CHALLENGES CalTrout’s work and imprint on the state to date has been far reaching. The organization envisions accomplishing even more across the state through an increased number of landscapelevel projects and forward-thinking solutions to the climate crisis in the next decades. Already in progress are projects to: • Advance frameworks that value healthy ecosystems and facilitate
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
37
FISHING adaptation to climate threats. For example, CalTrout is replacing a bridge to free the first Southern California river from headwaters to sea to provide passage for wildlife and people on the Santa Margarita River. • Find a new, equitable model of resource management in the Russian and Eel River basins that includes the removal of Scott Dam on the Eel, in collaboration with tribal partners, water agencies, counties and other nongovernmental organizations. • Demonstrate multi-benefit solutions that reconcile the needs of fish, farms and people by working with private landowners, the agricultural industry and policy makers to expand its innovative Fish Food on the Floodplain work. • Restore degraded meadows in the Sierra to increase rates of carbon capture and improve habitat for wild
CALTROUT PROJECTS TO REMEMBER
A
s part of CalTrout’s 50th anniversary year, the organization is highlighting seminal accomplishments from its first five decades. These milestone achievements illustrate the broad and lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come. A select few of those milestone achievements include:
CREATING A NEW MODEL FOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
In 1971, CalTrout set out to prove the concept of managing fisheries for wild trout, using its Hat Creek Demonstration Project as the template. Today, the CDFW Wild Trout Program designates and protects 59 wild trout waters.
PROTECTING WILD & SCENIC RIVERS
With the intent of helping ensure the people of California have access to abundant natural resources, CalTrout successfully advocated for the California Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, which Gov. Ronald Reagan signed into law in 1972. Today the state has 15 rivers under this designation and 2,000 miles of water under federal Wild & Scenic Rivers designation.
RESTORING THE WATERSHEDS THAT FEED MONO LAKE
CalTrout was the lead plaintiff in two seminal lawsuits in 1985 and 1990 that laid the groundwork for public trust law throughout California and ultimately ensured that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power account for the needs of wild trout when diverting water out of the Eastern Sierra to support the water needs of the metropolis. LEADING WITH SCIENCE TO INFORM RESTORATION To assess the real risk of losing native fish, CalTrout and the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences collaborated in preparing State of the Salmonids II: Fish in Hot Water, an in-depth report that details the status of California’s 32 native salmon, steelhead and trout. The science-based report is clear: If we do not act, we risk losing our native fish species. And, at the current rate, 45 percent of California salmonids are likely to be extinct in the next 50 years. CS
These fish cages were installed around Knaggs Ranch on the Yolo Bypass as part of the “Nigiri Project,” established “to help restore salmon populations by reintroducing them during winter to floodplains that are farmed with rice during summer,” CalTrout’s website states. (JACOB KATZ) 38 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
REPOWER TIME! ALL BOATS POWERED BY HONDA MOTORS
9316 Portland Ave. E Tacoma, WA, 98445 253-301-4013 www.tacomaboatsales.com Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2021 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ®
FISHING trout while improving water security for people. “With time, our science-based approach and competent leadership has marshaled diverse stakeholder groups, secured substantive government funding and created lasting landscape-scale change, to the benefit of our native fish,” Vais said. “Looking forward to the next 50 years, where climate change will accelerate the threat level to our native species, we commit to growing in scope and impact to rise to the challenge. We know how to get it done. All Californians benefit from equitable use of our natural resources and a commitment to preserve our extraordinary natural history.” CS Biologists collect samples in Pickel Meadow, near Highway 108 in the high Sierra. Of CalTrout’s golden anniversary this year, executive director Curtis Knight says, “We have been a part of many moments that made history and we intend to play a big role in helping write the story of what comes next for fish and rivers in California in this era of climate change.” (MIKE WIER)
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 Hours of operation during fishing season
805-595-7895
PORT SAN LUIS SPORTLAUNCH 40 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
Editor’s note: For more information on CalTrout, check out caltrout.org, follow on Twitter (@CalTrout) and Instagram (@CaliforniaTrout), and like at facebook .com/CaliforniaTrout.
LIGHTWEIGHT. LIGHTWEIGHT. The lightest 200-hp four stroke The lightest 200-hp four stroke on the market on the market
POWERFUL. POWERFUL.
2.8L displacement and Variable Camshaft 2.8Lgive displacement Variable Camshaft Timing it the best and power-to-weight ratio Timing give it the best power-to-weight ratio of any 200-hp four stroke of any 200-hp four stroke
COMPACT. COMPACT.
Nearly 120 pounds lighter than our Nearly 120 pounds lighter than our four-stroke V6 F200 four-stroke V6 F200
THE THE ALL-NEW ALL-NEW F200 F200 IN-LINE IN-LINE FOUR. FOUR.
FORWARD FORWARD THINKING. THINKING.
Show the water who’s boss with the new F200 In-Line Four. Incredibly light, responsive and fuel efficient, 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 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 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 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. legendary Yamaha reliability and the freedom of forward thinking, with the all-new F200 In-Line Four.
OREGON EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com
YamahaOutboards.com/F200InLine YamahaOutboards.com/F200InLine
Follow Yamaha on Facebook® and Twitter™ 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 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. intended to be an endorsement. © 2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
41
FISHING
SECRETS OF THE STRINGERS
SOME GREAT CALICO ACTION CAN BE HAD WORKING TOPWATER BAITS IN THE KELP, AND HERE’S HOW
By Capt. Bill Schaefer
A
s calico fishing off the coast of Southern California starts to heat up, I can tell you that there are many ways to fish for them. Calico can be tricked with bait, iron jigs or plastics. However, if you haven’t caught them on topwater lures, you have been missing out on some great fishing, especially the strikes. Think about how many times you were reeling your bait back to the boat and it just stopped. A giant calico had grabbed it.
HEAD FOR THE KELP A lot of anglers will fish just the outside edge and alleyways of the stringers and never venture into them. Well, if you don’t want to take your boat into the kelp stringers that’s up to you, but there’s some exciting fishing to be had there. If you tilt your motor a tad and drift through the stringers, sometimes the fish are deep inside the area you are looking at. I don’t mean the kelp that’s floating on top, where there are almost no holes and water in sight. I’m talking about when the stringers are pulled by current and aligned, and some are still on the surface. A lot of hardcore calico fishermen want the current to be down and in. Make sure you look at the kelp that’s underwater because that is the true current direction. Wind can affect the floating stringers. One thing is to look for good current and fish an area. If slow, move on down the line and a
Calico bass will really start biting off the Southern California coast this month and author Bill Schaefer loves the excitement of violent topwater strikes amid kelp stringers. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
43
FISHING short distance away you may find the better current. Current direction can make a difference, but don’t let it affect your confidence, as any current will usually get the food chain going. Anything headed towards the beach will push bait into the kelp and help get the bass feeding and your lures bit.
FISHING ON THE TOP
Now that you are in your favorite area, how do you fish topwater baits for calicos? Well, in the thicker kelp – usually where the big boys live – I will throw a weedless jig head with a swimbait tail on it or a weedless swimbait on a lighter-weighted hook or even with no weight. I prefer the jig head for the true topwater action I’m most crazy about. Trust me that you will be too after you get the hang of it. It does take a little practice and you will miss a few strikes at first. But once you master it, you won’t want to put that rod down.
WORK THE ANGLE
Weedless lures in the ¼- to ¾-ounce range work best for topwater strikes. Schaefer admits it might be difficult for inexperienced anglers to hook up successfully at first, but “once you master it, you won’t want to put that rod down.” (BILL SCHAEFER)
44 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
If there are a lot of stringers in your favorite area, your first cast should be across them at a 90-degree angle. The bass are under the stringers and throwing your lure down the alleys will work, but I feel I get more strikes covering more stringers. Cast your bait out, and the second it hits the water start reeling it back across the top. The bait is on top – or no more than an inch or two under the surface. The lighter the head, the easier it is to skitter the bait across the stringers. I only pause for a second as I come off the kelp stringer and then go right back to full speed. Many times the calicos will eat it right as you approach a stringer because they think it’s going to get away or right after you come off of it as they were tracking it. I’m telling you that there isn’t any calico bass fishing more exciting except boiler rocks in big surf! When the fish explodes on your bait, you will probably miss the first one. It is a rush, a rattling moment that will wake you up for the next one.
FISHING WHEN A CALICO ATTACKS Here are a couple of hints to hook up more. First, I feel that jig heads with a weed guard produce more hookups. When reeling in the bait, keep your rod tip up at a 45-degree angle. When the explosion happens, stop reeling and wait for the fish to pull your rod tip down. Then set the hook. This does take practice, but you will hook more. A bonus: Even the explosions that you miss will keep the day exciting. If the bass misses the bait, go right back to reeling. Sometimes the fish will circle around and grab it or one of the other schooling bass is bound to.
BE AN EARLY BIRD Light conditions can make a difference as well, so gray light first thing in the morning can bring larger fish to the surface early. If the conditions, current and bait are right, you should score the rest of spring and into early fall. When
this situation lines up I won’t put down my topwater rod the entire day. I may not get quite as many bites as my fishing partner, but the explosions right on the surface make every one worth two or three times a regular catch.
GEAR AND TACKLE CHECK
I use Daiwa DXSB swimbait rods in various actions, usually 10- to 30or 12- to 40-pound line actions. My Daiwa Lexa WN 300s are load with anything from 20-pound Maxima Ultragreen mono to 60-pound braid. If you are using braid and keep missing fish, you may be pulling the bait away from them too fast. Try going to mono for a little stretch and a few more seconds for the fish to inhale the lure. One-quarter to ½-ounce jig heads by Warbaits or Yamamoto will do most of the time. For baits, there are so many good companies out there now; Big Hammer,
46 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
MC Swimbaits, LK Lures, Reyes Swimbaits, Yamamoto Swimbaits and Reebs Lures are some of my favorites. All these designers feel their tail kicks the best. And they’ll work at different times, so you need to change if your buddy is outfishing you. Try darker colors for early morning and then a little lighter as the day clears away those overcast skies. The best suggestion is that you should fish with your favorite colors.
LET’S GET EXCITED! I hope that you get fired up about trying out this type of topwater fishing if you haven’t already. It’s fun, fast and exciting when a calico explodes on your bait. You probably have the right equipment already if you calico fish, so just adapt to the suggestions I’ve made and you will find it hard to put the topwater rod down if they’re biting it. I know I can’t get enough of it. CS
OREGON
EUGENE Maxxum Marine 1700 State Hwy. 99 N. (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
47
F
48 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
HUNTING
FROM FIELD...
Author Scott Haugen (right) and Redding-based guide Parrey Cremeans have shared many great pig hunts over the years. They took this hog during an evening hunt along a flood-irrigated field, something that draws pigs from miles away on the properties Cremeans hunts. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
THE BEST IN BOARS WHY WILD PIG HUNTING IS AS POPULAR AS EVER IN CALIFORNIA By Scott Haugen
A
s the sun began to ascend the rolling hills east of Redding, I knew it was going to be a hot day. The June thermals started to lift; warm air caressed my sweaty face. That’s when my attention shifted to movement in the draw below. I wasted no time and moved down the hill, closing to within 270 yards of where I’d seen the hog disappear.
I got my 26 Nosler settled in the tripod shooting sticks, which took only a second, and then the wait began. If I was lucky, the pig would emerge and continue toward the creek bottom. If I had to move in, it would likely be because the pig bedded in the cool shade, which meant a close-range shot would be imminent. It only took a few minutes before the big lone sow emerged. With a steady rest, the shot was simple, and
soon my buddy who was glassing another draw was by my side, ready to help with the work ahead. “SUMMER PIG HUNTS ARE hugely popular these days,” shared my longtime friend and Redding-based guide Parrey Cremeans (justforhunting.com). “I think this is for two reasons. First, with travel restrictions due to the pandemic, people want to get out, and they know finding wild pigs on California’s
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
49
HUNTING
... TO FIRE TROPICAL TOPPINGS, SMOKE ADD TO TASTY PIG By Tiffany Haugen
W
ild pig is very mild and takes on the flavors of what it’s cooked with. Some of the best-eating wild pigs we’ve had came from the equatorial regions we hunted them in, like Indonesia, Fiji, parts of the South Pacific and Hawaii. While wild pigs – both boars and sows – are tender and tasty, try adding a few hours of smoke to your meat of choice to give it that extra boost of flavor on the grill or in the skillet. As far as fruits and vegetables are concerned, smoking just a few ingredients in the salsa or sauce will add an unmistakable layer of flavor that’s worth the added effort. Start with one wild pig backstrap and add 3 tablespoons of a teriyaki rub recipe that’s listed below.
SMOKY SALSA
1 cup diced pineapple 1 cup diced mango ½ cup diced red bell pepper Two slices red onion, smoked One jalapeño pepper, smoked
Your wild pig’s meat can be even more flavorful when smoked and combined with ingredients from the South Pacific, giving your backstrap a tropical motif. (TIFFANY HAUGEN) 2 tablespoons thin-sliced green onion 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon grated or minced ginger
TERIYAKI RUB 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon granulated onion ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Rinse wild pig backstrap and pat dry. If it’s a large backstrap, it can be cut into sections to fit on the smoker racks, or you can simply prepare a small section of the backstrap. Sprinkle all sides liberally with teriyaki rub and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Prepare ingredients for smoking by cutting the skin off the pineapple in four to six sections. Slice two 1/3-inch thick rounds of a red onion and slice one large jalapeño pepper lengthwise. Place onion and jalapeño pepper on smoker racks. Place pineapple skin pieces, skin-sidedown, on smoker racks. Place seasoned backstrap on a smoker
50 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
rack and load in smoker with pineapple skins, onions and jalapeño slices. Fill smoker pan with wood chips of choice and plug in smoker. (I like using a Smokehouse Little Chief Smoker.) Smoke two hours, using two pans of chips. To make smoky salsa, add all of the salsa ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix gently until thoroughly combined. Place in the refrigerator until ready to add smoked onion and jalapeño pepper. Remove smoked backstrap, pineapple, onion and jalapeño from smoker. On a medium-hot grill or cast iron skillet, brown backstrap on all sides. Place pineapple skins, skin-side-down, on a grill or in a skillet. Place backstrap atop pineapple skin and close grill or cover. Cook until backstrap reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees. Dice smoked onion and jalapeño pepper and add to smoky salsa. Let pork rest five minutes before slicing and serving with smoky salsa. Editor’s note: For more wild pig recipes and signed copies of Tiffany Haugen's popular book, Cooking Big Game, visit scotthaugen.com.
HUNTING public lands is not near what it used to be like. And second, I hear more and more from hunters how they want to learn how to hunt big game, and that pigs would be a great place to start.” Cremeans is right on both counts. I’ve hunted wild pigs in six countries, and I rank California’s hog hunts among the best of the best. These pigs largely occupy private land, meaning access is easy and there are a lot of them, which equates to a high number of sightings and shot opportunities. The evening prior to my taking that sow, we saw over 100 hogs, which is fairly
normal on the lands Cremeans hunts. If you want to learn how to hunt big game, you’re not going to find a better animal to start with than wild hogs. “Summer hog hunts are really nice because of our situation,” Cremeans says. “The ranch lands we hunt are flood-irrigated, and the plentiful supply of water draws in pigs from many miles away this time of year. These pigs are easy to pattern in the summer due to the extreme heat, also. They like being in shade and must have water, meaning it’s easier to predict their movements as they move
Nick Gillardi scored on this dandy boar and went home with some great-eating meat. Don’t believe everything you hear when it comes to big boars, as they make excellent table fare. (SCOTT HAUGEN) 52 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
between bedding and feeding areas.” WILD PIGS ARE ALSO as good-eating game meat as you’ll put on your table. Considering that for years my family has lived on wild game and fish, we rank wild pigs atop our list of favorites. While a 70-pound boar is tough to beat, I’ve also taken some big, dry sows that were delicious. And as for the misconception that big boars are tough and gamey, don’t believe it. I’ve taken a number of big-toothed boars tipping the scales to over 200 pounds that were delicious. “A lot of folks used to hunt trophy-class boars with us,” shares Cremeans. “But today a growing number are looking for meat. While big boars are still our specialty, more and more hunters are happy to go home with a young boar or dry sow. It’s great to see people hunting for meat to put on the table.” Just like any big game, the key to attaining quality meat means immediately taking care of the animal in the field, and that’s especially true with summer swine. Pig fat is different from that of deer and elk, and it’s important to get the thick hide off the carcass, the fat off the meat, and the meat in a cooler as quickly as possible. We trim and save all the fat to render down for cooking separately. Cremeans also sees all types of hunters taking an interest in pig hunting. “We used to get mostly experienced men coming on these hunts, but today we’re seeing a lot more youth, women and a number of folks new to hunting,” he says. “If you’re new to big game hunting, I can’t think of a better animal to start with than pigs. You can expect multiple stalks each morning and evening, and you still need to apply all the skills you would on a deer or elk hunt. It’s far from a slam-dunk hunt, as you still have to get within comfortable shooting range, then connect on the shot.” Cremeans takes out both rifle and bowhunters in search of hogs.
Cumberland’s Northwest Trappers Supply, Inc. Cumberland’s Northwest Trappers Supply is your one-stop trapping supply headquarters, featuring one of the largest inventories in the U.S. We are factory direct distributors on all brands of traps and equipment which allows us to offer competitive prices. Give us a try. Our fast, friendly service will keep you coming back. Over 50 Years Of Service To The Trap & Fur Industry
Request A Catalog Or Place An Order By Phone, Mail Or On Our Website If you get in the area, visit our store!
We are the new home of “Trappers Hide Tanning Formula” in the bright orange bottle. Retail & dealer inquiries are welcome.
P.O. Box 408, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • (507) 451-7607 trapper@nwtrappers.com • www.nwtrappers.com calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
53
HUNTING “Summer is a great time for bowhunters as pig movement is centered around water and shade, which can be limited. Getting close to a pig, even during the heat of the day, is very doable this time of year,” he says.
WHILE THE COST OF a guided pig hunt
Last June, Haugen scored on this massive dry sow while hunting with Cremeans near Redding. Summer is a great time to get after pigs, whether you’re looking to put meat in the freezer, build hunting skills, or both. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
54 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
can make you balk, think first about what you’re getting. You get to hunt private land, see more animals in a day than you’ll likely see in a lifetime of hunting public lands in California and you’re assured of multiple stalks, which means building hunting skills at a rapid rate. There’s a reason I keep returning to hunt pigs with Cremeans. Come to think of it, there are many reasons. CS Editor’s note: To buy Scott Haugen’s popular Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game DVD, go to scotthaugen.com. The two-hour video features six field dressing and three caping methods. Follow Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
Another one Bites the rust.
GIBSON’S ORIGINAL FLIP-FLOP BLIND COVERS
WHY DON’T DUCKS FLY OVER YOU?
• Portable or Permanent • Complete Coverage
from Above
• Sets Up in Seconds • Panel Lengths:
2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Foot
• Welded Steel
Construction
• Powder Coated Finish • Available as Frame
Only or with Gibby Grass Pre-Installed • Blind Covers, Blind Ladders, and Leaker Decoys Stands visit us on the web or our detailed video!
YOU SEE THE DUCKS AND THEY DON’T SEE YOU!
209-712-9858
see us at basspro.com, cabelas.com, gibsonduckblindcovers.com email: duckblindcovers@sbcglobal.net
A Dehumidifier for every size safe or space. Prevent your valuables from mold, rust, and corrosion by controlling the humidity within your safe/space.
CHECK US OUT ONLINE
CALSPORTSMANMAG.COM Twitter: @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/CaliforniaSportsmanMagazine
Visit Peetdryer.com for more info.
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
55
The question is... Do you want to hunt ducks or be a duck hunter?
Natural Wonderduck Water Motion Decoys
The paddle in the back give the illusion of decoy feet paddling! Comes with rear mounted motors that run on two D-cell batteries, for up to 25 hours or more. Optional timer available. Orange weedless paddling feet and foot attachments, easy access for battery holder, waterproof switch and floatation insert. (Not to be used with wings)
To order or for more information – wonderduck.com 1-800-876-1697
HUNTING
Guide and professional dog trainer Josh Powell works a flock of geese in Alaska, while Eudor, his prized male Drahthaar, has ’em pegged. Powell and Eudor have one of the best relationships that author Scott Haugen has seen, and it all starts with training and engaging the hunting dog’s mind. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
THE MENTAL STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR PUPS By Scott Haugen
L
ast fall I spent a couple weeks in Cold Bay, Alaska hunting puddle ducks, sea ducks, Pacific black brant, emperor geese and willow ptarmigan with the folks at Four Flyways Outfitters. That is where I met Josh Powell and his Verein Deutsch Drahthaar, Eudor. The instant that I rolled into camp (fourflywaysoutfitters.com) and saw Eudor I fell in love with him, partly
because he looked nearly identical to my black male pudelpointer, Kona, but largely because of his demeanor, which was also a spitting image of Kona’s. Eudor had the exuberance, fun spirits and desired mannerisms you like seeing when you first meet a dog. But Eudor also showed respect for the newcomers in camp, and immediately obeyed Powell’s calm commands.
WHEN IT COMES to gun dogs and their owners, it takes a lot to impress me,
and Eudor and Powell made an instant impact. During my time in camp, not only did I hunt many times with these two, but I also observed their daily training sessions. It’s one of the most authentic relationships I’ve seen, and Powell and Eudor held the utmost respect for one another, but there was never any question who was in charge. Powell is a professional dog trainer and breeder. The more I watched he and Eudor work together, the more intrigued I became.
calsportsmanmag.com | JUNE 2021 California Sportsman
57
HUNTING “So many people think of only the physical work and overlook the mental aspects of training. These dogs are so smart, and their noses are so, so good, they need much more mental stimulation than people realize!” he emphasizes. “For instance, don’t just throw a ball in the same place, in the same direction, every time, as your dog will get bored and just start going through the motions,” continues Powell. “Take them to different places to train, toss different objects and always change things. Breaking routines when training is a great way to stimulate their mind and challenge them, something dogs need regularly.” He constantly mixes up bumper colors, and also includes duck and goose bumpers when training. He has dogs regularly run obstacle courses in order to engage their mind. “Have them walk on a teetertotter, through tunnels, over pallets – anything that forces them to think. This is fun for them, and they need that change and constant mental and physical stimulation,” Powell notes.
Powell completes a bumper workout with Eudor. Note Eudor’s demeanor, including ear position and eye contact with the bumper, which confirm he’s excited and ready to work. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
POWELL WAS ALWAYS so calm and “I want to keep things fun and build a dog’s mind as much as its body when training,” shares Powell. “It really starts with simple things that can prevent problems and bad habits from forming before they begin.” “For instance, I never give a dog squeaky toys, as this promotes hard mouth (chewing). I also avoid playing with rope toys, as this leads to displays of and fights for dominance, be it two dogs tugging on it or one dog wanting to play with you. You, the owner, need to be in charge at all times, and eliminating problematic toys and games is important, especially early in a pup’s life,” he says.
FOR NEW PUPPIES, Powell offers several helpful tips. “Be sure and crate train it right away. Make the crating experience a positive one, as the dog, and you, will rely on it for the life of the dog,” he says.
“Also, start playing with the dog’s mouth early on, as you’ll be inspecting its teeth and gums its whole life. And no matter what you do with your pup, always use hand signals. Even when my dogs eat, for instance, I direct them to the bowl with hand signals, be it left, right or in a line. These hand signals carry over into many hunting and future training applications, and they’re a great way to communicate with your dog.” Powell also suggests using dummies only for training, not play. “Dogs quickly learn the difference between work and play, and they should not be confused by mixing up toys and training tools. Also, be sure to play with the puppy in the area you’ll later be training in, as this allows it to get familiar and comfortable with the environment,” he states. Powell is a big advocate of stimulating a dog’s mind when training.
58 California Sportsman JUNE 2021 | calsportsmanmag.com
patient when working with Eudor and was never in a rush. “You attract a lot more bees with honey than vinegar,” he smiled when I shared my respect for his calm approach. “A dog will tell you when it’s ready to learn. Its muscles will be relaxed, the ears down, they’ll start licking their lips and making eye contact. When a dog looks to you for direction, you know you’re doing things right.” This summer, whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog in training, don’t overlook the value of building mental stimulation. No matter how old the dog, or how bad of habits it may possess, it can be trained. Gun dogs are highly intelligent, but it’s up to you to bring out the best in them. CS Editor’s note: To watch Scott Haugen’s series of puppy training videos, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.
