Cs 8 15 web

INSIDE THE GUNNY'S MANY MAN CAVES

DOG DAYS’

DELIGHTS Klamath River kings Caples Lake trout San Diego bass SoCal bluefin, dorado, yellowtail

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Tactics For Tagging Blacktails

Dove, bandtail techniques +How to recruit new archers

FATHERS & DAUGHTERS The Boddingtons’ New Zealand reunion Fishing Avila Beach with the girls

UxaHBEIGy01291rzuv!:)

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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Volume 7 • Issue 10 PUBLISHER James R. Baker ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dick Openshaw EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brittany Boddington LEAD WRITER Tim E. Hovey CONTRIBUTORS Brittany Boddington, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Patrick Kittle, Art Isberg, Albert Quackenbush, Bill Schaefer

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Kelly Baker INBOUND MARKETING 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.

ON THE COVER Fall-run king salmon fishing on the Klamath River opens up on Aug. 15, and there is a 250-percent increase in allowed quota for the Klamath Basin (14,133 total fish). That’s a good sign for having success on Chinook late this summer and all the way through the early winter. (GREEN WATER FISHING ADVENTURES)

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8 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

CONTENTS

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 10

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CALLING ON THE KLAMATH Chinook salmon fishing season begins on the Klamath River on Aug. 15, and this gem of the North Coast is expected to be productive for fall-run kings. A quota that is more than double last season for the Klamath Basin should make anglers very happy starting this month all the way into early winter. Eureka-area guide Tony Sepulveda talked to us about the projected run in our August cover story. (GREEN WATER FISHING ADVENTURES)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 35 51 67 69 87 95 99 104

Caples Lake level strong for summer trout San Diego topwater bassing Pacific Ocean saltwater bite sizzling Baja sportfishing Q&A SoCal Bowhunter with Albert Quackenbush: Mentoring beginning archers Improving Central Valley’s duck habitat From Field to Fire: Tips for hunting, cooking upland birds Urban Huntress with Brittany Boddington: New Zealand father -daughter Himalayan tahr adventure

DEPARTMENTS 13 25 25 27

The Editor’s Note The Dishonor Roll: Salmon die after cold water-flow shutdown Outdoor Calendar Daiwa and Browning Photo Contests winners

FEATURES 16

HANGING WITH THE GUNNY We sent Los Angeles-based columnist Brittany Boddington to the Antelope Valley compound of R. Lee Ermey, the former Marine sergeant-turnedactor, who was a perfect fit for his breakthrough role of Gny. Sgt. Hartman in the cult hit Full Metal Jacket. Years later, Ermey has found a niche as a respected character actor and is involved in many military endeavors. He’s also quite the sportsman, as Brittany discovered in her visit with the “Gunny.”

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GIDDY UP, UP AND AWAY Aspen Meadow Pack Station, located in the breathtaking Sierras near Pinecrest, has a horse history dating

back to 1929, when it was known as Strawberry Stables. These days, Sonora native Josh Bloom and his wife, Amanda, run the operation and load up outdoors enthusiasts on horses and pack mules to ride through the Emigrant Wilderness to pristine fishing lakes on routes once taken during California’s Gold Rush.

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TAKE SHORE LEAVE Lead writer Tim Hovey loves driving north from his Los Angeles-area home to the sleepy seaside community of Avila Beach. Hovey’s brought along his now-teenage daughters to fish both the pier and shoreline there. It can be quite a scene with whales sometimes visible and feeding on baitfish. And even when the results are small rockfish, surf

perch and jack smelt, it still makes for a perfect family getaway from summer heat, not to mention a lesson learned in the importance of estuaries in the ecosystem.

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BLACKTAILS HIS WAY The dog days of summer might be in full bark, but hunters are thinking about deer seasons, some opening up this month in California. Blacktails, which have a 1,500-mile north-south range throughout the West, are a favorite species to chase throughout the Golden State’s diverse terrain – from brushlands to the high country – that Art Isberg breaks down with tips to score a buck this season.

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) 3829220 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 © 2015 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 AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

THEEDITOR’SNOTE Hikers take in the scene at Berryessa Peak, which is part of over 330,000 acres of Northern California land designated by President Obama as a national monument. (ANDREW FUCHS/BERRYESSASNOWMOUNTAIN.ORG)

P

resident Obama’s early July announcement proclaiming 330,000-plus acres at Berryessa Snow Mountain in Northern California as a national monument finally made me smile instead of cringe.

I spent a little time on my office computer scanning some California news stories during a Google search. For a state that’s been dried out by drought, I guess if my goal was to turn my frown upside down, it didn’t go well.

Here is a sampling of headlines my search of “California fishing” and “California salmon” unearthed: “California drought forces fish evacuation.”

“California fisheries in crisis: Impact of drought and illegal marijuana grows.”

“California drought pits salmon runs against nut orchards.”

“Fears of mercury in Shasta Lake fish surface.”

“Marijuana farms are drying out California’s rivers, to the distress of spawning salmon.”

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Sigh. The Internet never fails to dim the lights in a hurry.

So the news that POTUS moved to create Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument at least was something to feel good about for a change. The area designated includes Bureau of Land Management area near Lake Berryessa, the Snow Mountain Wilderness northeast of Clear Lake and the eastern boundary of the Yuki Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest.

Best of all, you can still experience fishing and hunting here, in one of the state’s premier outdoor playgrounds.

“The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument strikes a unique balance between Northern California’s urban environments of Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area and the wild, remote landscapes that surround the farms, ranches, orchards and vineyards that nourish our nation,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a USDA press release.

“The President’s proclamation will ensure that these lands will continue to be a sustainable, working landscape that supports local economies and critical resources like fresh water, grazing lands and habitat for important plant, fish and wildlife species.”

Adds U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, “This is an amazing area for the public to get outside and connect with their public lands and the natural environment. Visitors can get a truly wild experience ... and find something new around every corner.”

Something new for me was stumbling onto some good outdoors news in my native state for a change. –Chris Cocoles calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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14 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

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THE MANY MAN CAVES

OF THE GUNNY FAMOUS DRILL SERGEANT, MOVIE ACTOR OPENS UP AT HIS CALIFORNIA HOUSE

R. Lee Ermey, known popularly as The Gunny, doesn’t just have a gun safe or gun vault. Rather, his home features a gun room that contains more than 200 rifles and handguns.

(GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY) 16 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

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By Brittany Boddington

I

nterviewing R. Lee Ermey, aka The Gunny, in his home was a rare and wonderful opportunity. I did my homework on him, and the night before our interview I watched videos of him online. Those I saw had him yelling at people and forcing them to do pushups, so needless to say, I did not sleep much that night. What had I gotten myself into?!

I was timid walking up to the door, but The Gunny came out to greet me and shook my hand with a warm smile. I instantly felt at ease around the man who has commanded so much fear in the movies and boot camps of yore.

The Gunny has a strange way of reading people. He knows if a person is looking to be screamed at in order to be able to tell their friends about the experience, or if they simply want to know the real man under the scary facade.

Walking into his house – located an hour or so north of Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley – I was immediately love-struck. No, it wasn’t The Gunny himself – or his guns or trophies. There were two tiny, four-week-old puppies on the couch, wiggling and squealing to be petted! The Gunny explained that he and his wife had found them the day before at an antique market and simply couldn’t leave them behind. Supposedly from the same litter, the puppies looked nothing alike and were an unrecognizable mix of breeds. The Gunny compared the looks of one to a bat, and already the softer side of the man was shining through.

THE GUNNY’S HOME is exquisitely decorated with antiques, and there is very little evidence of his passion for guns or hunting in what he calls his “wife’s part of the house.”

Then we entered his man caves. I was amazed to find that The Gunny is even more of a treasure collector than I am!

He has pieces from every corner of the world. He has an amazing collection of antique carved ivory tusks and an Asianstyle dragon – even a rare narwhal tusk. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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Ermey’s “petting zoo” features mounted trophies he’s taken around the world, including Africa, New Zealand and North America. Up next for the hunter is a trip to Siberia for moose and bear.

(GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY)

He says he was offered the opportunity to buy it from the Smithsonian Institution because they needed funding, and of course he jumped at the chance.

The second room of The Gunny’s man cave is full of gifts from the numerous Marine Corps Birthday Balls he has attended and spoken at over the years. One truly unique gift is a map of Iwo Jima, Japan, with handwritten notes from the World War II battle there. The map was found in a desk many years after the war and gifted to The Gunny by the Marines, in which he served during the Vietnam era. He tells me that when he is gone, the map will be donated to a museum. On the same wall are giant frames holding all the treasures he found while in the Middle East, each with its own backstory. Here I thought I was the only one who collected items based on their stories.

Next stop was The Gunny’s, well, gun room. And yes, it’s a room, not a safe. Knowing he likes weaponry – he hosted the History channel show Lock n’ Load with R. Lee Ermey – I’d been expecting a giant gun safe or even a gun vault, but The Gunny has an entire room dedicated to his love of guns. The entry is barred like an Old West jail cell – yes, it actually comes from an old western hoosegow – and he jokes that if anyone wants to get in his gun room, they had better bring a chainsaw and a 18 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

whole lot of dynamite.

Inside is a red felt-covered pool table, and against the wall is the largest collection of rifles I have ever seen. Each section of rifles is covered by another set of jail-like bars, but the overflow currently rests outside, on the bars themselves. He estimates that he has more than 200 guns in his collection.

The other side of the room is for his handguns. The Gunny has them in a glass case, neatly displayed but with zero dust, which shows that he uses them often.

Indeed, The Gunny is still active in shooting competitions and loves his antique M1 Garand match rifles. Medals all over the place prove he can hold his own – not that I ever doubted it. He has exactly one “black” gun and calls it his space gun, but he admits that he needs it for certain matches in order to stay competitive.

I know it sounds strange, but the way The Gunny lights up while talking about the unique pieces he has reminds me of a child showing someone their most prized possessions. Some of his firearms are truly one of a kind.

THE NEXT STOP was the trophy room – or “petting zoo,” as The Gunny calls it. The first things you see as you walk through

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the door are two massive American bison. One, a bull, is a full mount and stands over 7 feet tall! It is one of the best mounts I have ever seen. The rest of the room is divided up by country – the long wall features animals from Africa; those on the shorter walls are from New Zealand and North America, with some miscellaneous mounts mixed in.

As The Gunny started to explain to me what a Himalayan tahr was I startled him by saying I’d already shot two. And though he didn’t know until then that I too hunted, I was excited to talk to him about hunting and his upcoming adventures.

Brittany Boddington What is your dream hunt?

Gunny My dream hunt is Siberia, and I’m going to do it this year. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’m gonna go to Siberia and I’m gonna hunt the largest moose in the world.

They claim that they have the largest moose in the world and the largest brown bear in the world too. I’m talking 14-foot-tall brown bear. I will hunt the bear and the big moose, and that is definitely my dream hunt, Siberia. I’ve been trying to get there for three years, but my schedule keeps getting in the way. I have people depending on me to make their paychecks. I’ve gotta think about my guys that I take care of. I just can’t go running off. But I told my manager that this year the dates are set and those dates are sacred.

BB Where did you get your interest in hunting?

20 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

Ermey relaxes on the couch of his Southern California home, which he shares with his wife of four decades this year, Nila Ermey. The couple have had four children, and while being interviewed by the author, pictured here as well, were the new parents of two pups. (GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY)

Gunny Oh, I started with a Red Ryder BB gun at about age seven. I grew up on a farm in Kansas about 18 miles west of Kansas City. I went to a little country school called Horn of School, and it was just a little two-room schoolhouse made of natural rock. It was gone the last time I went back – a shame.

I thought it would be a landmark for sure, you know, historic!

Just because I went there! But no, I’m kind of like Rodney Dangerfield, nobody shows me any respect, so they tore my damned school down! Just kidding, but sad nonetheless.

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I grew up hunting sparrows and graduated to rabbits. And we trapped – we had wooden traps. Every now and then the traps would be tripped and we would pull it open and here’s a nasty old skunk lined up on you, or a possum growling, or a raccoon growling at you, but we tried to catch rabbits because we had a freezer to fill. There were six boys in my family. My mom grew a garden and we had cattle, and the only time we ever had to go to the supermarket was basically for flour and salt. Everything else we grew. Six boys, you had to feed those boys. We grew up hunting, we had a chest freezer, and we boys kept that freezer full. If it was duck season, we were putting ducks in there; if it was pheasant season, we put pheasant and red squirrel in there – we put in a lot of red squirrel. Hell, I could kill red squirrel with my Red Ryder BB gun, that’s how good I got with it. Fishing and hunting, we grew up doing it. I never knew anything but hunting.

military, after you were medically retired, you chose to go to school in the Philippines. Why did you choose to go to school there?

Gunny Because I couldn’t afford to do it in the States. College is taught in English in the Philippines.

BB And trophy hunting? Was that post-Vietnam or before?

Gunny I couldn’t afford it before the Marine Corps. Only in the

cocked. You’ve gotta have a plan and follow through with it.

past 20 years have I been able to afford to actually go hunting and not worry about whether I’m not actually hunting because I’m hungry. I’m hunting to put that trophy on the wall, and also to eat the meat. In quite a few cases, I donate the meat.

BB Did Full Metal Jacket radically change your life?

Gunny Absolutely, I haven’t stopped working since. Before

BB I read in your profile on your website that after you left the

BB Full Metal Jacket, I’m sure you hear it in every interview, but do you ever get tired of talking about it?

Gunny (Laughs) No, no, it’s OK. Everybody loves Full Metal Jacket.

I was on film number five for me, and I basically accepted the job as technical advisor solely to get my foot in the door, so I could score another role, and I had done that four other times on movies, so I knew I could do it. It worked in the past, and it worked again.

BB So you went in there with a plan – it wasn’t accidental?

Gunny You’ve got to have a plan, you can’t just go in there half-

that, I was what you would consider a struggling actor. After Full Metal Jacket, I was no longer a struggling actor – the only struggling I was doing was trying to keep up with my demanding schedule, and it has been like that ever since. continued on page 73

22 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

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COLD WATER SHUTDOWN DOOMS BUTTE CREEK KINGS he 277 Chinook salmon that died in tiny Butte Creek in June had little chance to survive. Drought conditions and rising temperatures from a manmade roadblock probably finished them off.

When a Pacific Gas & Electric Company hydroelectric plant was affected by leaking water from an adjacent canal from the creek, PG&E officials made the decision to shut down the canal. Butte Creek breaks off from the Sacramento River around Colusa and winds its way through a canyon and eventually heading towards Chico in Butte County.

BY CHRIS COCOLES An estimated 2,000 adult Chinook were in the creek as the drought and minimal snowmelt wreaked havoc on waterflows and surface temperature throughout the state.

“As the drought wears on, it’s just going to get worse,” Andrew Hughan, a public information officer for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Associated Press.

PG&E began its repair job on May 29, cutting off cool water flows into Butte Creek, raising water temps amid hot weather in the Sacramento Valley.

A California Department of Fish and “I can tell you that ... crews Wildlife biologist releases an adult Chinook salmon into Butte Creek worked every day to get that back in 2010. Five years later, drought in place,” PG&E spokesman Paul conditions coupled with a shutdown of cool water flow from a nearby canal Moreno told the AP. likely contributed to the deaths of 277 Biologist Clint Garman said Chinook salmon. (HARRY MORSE/CDFW) in the AP report that the conditions in the drought-ravaged conditions in the creek were likely going to kill some of the salmon, which simply struggle to survive with so little rain and snow helping to raise and cool water levels.

Add in the variable of the canal’s cooler water being blocked off from the creek – even for a short period of time – and the Chinook were cooked, literally.

“It’s just the worst year for this kind of thing, and the timing couldn’t have been worse,” National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration Sacramento River branch chief Howard Brown told the AP. We’re not taking the easy way out to pin the rap on PG&E here (it’s a lot more complicated than that). But these fish are already fighting without gloves, and they suffered a knockout blow when staggered with little hope to defend the punch, and that’s a shame.

T

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR AUGUST 1 Lake Almanor Trout and Salmon Derby (kokaneepower.org) 8 Deer opener in Zone A (wildlife.ca.gov/ Regulations) 8-16 Archery bull elk season in several units 15 Archery deer opener in several units 15 Klamath River fall-run king salmon season opens 22 Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic (crowleylakefishcamp.com) 22-30 General bull elk season in several units 29 Lake Tahoe Salmon Slam tournament (freshkats.com) 29 Start of Mono Village Labor Day Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (monovillage.com) 29-30 California State Duck Calling Championships, Colusa (kittlesoutdoor.com) SEPTEMBER 1 Trinity River fall-run king salmon season opens 1-15 Early dove season 1-15 Ambush at the Lake Fall Fishing Derby, Convict Lake (800-992-2260) 5 Early dove seasonFree fishing day in California (wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days) 12 Shaver Lake Team Kokanee Derby (kokaneepower.org) 13 Sooty and ruffed grouse season opener 13 Zone Q1 mountain quail opener 19 Zones B-1, B-2 and B-3 and Zones C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 deer openers

Lake George is one of many Eastern Sierras’ lakes anglers can get their trout fix at this month. (MIKE STEVENS)

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26 California Sportsman August 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

PHOTO CONTEST

WINNERS!

Escalon is a well-traveled drive-by for Northern Californians who head east on Highway 120 toward Yosemite. But Escalon resident Chris Swanson found his own great time in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he landed one of seven dorado (and a shark!) on his fishing trip. This pic wins our Daiwa Photo Contest for August.

MARKET 88 AT WOODFORDS STATION OPEN DAILY 7:00AM TO 6:00PM

Rich Baalman’s picture of son Austin and the then-9-year-old’s first elk, shot last season in Central Washington, is our monthly Browning Photo Contest winner! He scores a Browning hat.

For your chance at winning Daiwa and Browning products, send your photos to ccocoles@media-inc.com or 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.

MARKET FRESH DELI CAFE • PROVISIONS PICNIC FOOD • FISHING BAIT • LICENSES

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28 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

FISHING Good news for Klamath River anglers: the quota for fall-run kings caught on the Klamath basin (including the Trinity River) represents a 250 percent increase from last year. (GREEN WATER FISHING ADVENTURES)

PROMISING NUMBERS

FOR KLAMATH

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN QUOTA FOR NORTH COAST FALL-RUN KINGS

By Chris Cocoles

T

he lower Klamath River is one of California’s most beautiful places. And, when the conditions are right, it can be a spectacular fishery to load up on king salmon.

“After fishing and guiding salmon and steelhead up and down the entire West Coast, I’ve come to realize just how special the lower Klamath is,” says guide Tony Sepulveda of Green Water Fishing Adventures (707-845-9588; greenwaterguides.com) in Eureka.

“Alaska included, there are very few fisheries that can hold a candle to this place when it’s fishing good. Last year it was in top form despite drought conditions, with 25 to 40 hookups a day per boat being the norm. When this

place is clicking, it’s flat-out as good as it gets.”

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, “The Klamath Basin sportfishing quota for adult fall-run Chinook salmon is 14,133 fish (including the upper and lower Klamath and the Trinity River). This represents a 250-percent increase over last year’s salmon quota and allowed for an increase in daily bag limit.”

Indeed, that’s a good sign for a productive year as fishing opens on the Klamath on Aug. 15. A daily bag limit for fall-run kings includes three fish, no more than two adults that are greater than 22 inches. A nine-king possession limit (no more than six adults) is also in effect.

Two key closures should also be noted around the confluence of the Klamath and Yurok tribal waters at Blue Creek: closed for all non-tribal sportfishing through Sept. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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FISHING Guide Tony Sepulveda, who helped this client land a trophy king last year, said the lower Klamath has handled the drought conditions pretty well, all things considered, with not a major amount of die-off and good fishing expected again.

(GREEN WATER FISHING ADVENTURES)

14 from a half-mile below to 500 feet above Blue Creek.

From Sept. 15 through Dec. 31, fishing is prohibited from 500 feet above and below Blue Creek.

In the Klamath spit (mouth) area, no catch-and-release fishing is allowed; all legally caught Chinook must be retained until reaching the daily bag limit there.

We had a Q&A session with Sepulveda, who provided us with a Klamath primer for this late-summer and fall run:

Chris Cocoles How is the lower Klamath adapting in terms of the drought? I would think by now the lack of rain has taken a toll.

Tony Sepulveda So far the river has handled the drought

conditions surprisingly well. The water is always low and warm during the fall run, and while it’s been a little more so than normal the last couple years, we haven’t had any major issues in terms of die-off. In terms of fishing, last year was as good as it gets, despite slightly diminished flows.

CC What does the fall run look like numbers-wise?

TS As far as run forecasts, (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) is predicting a “larger-than-average” run, although I never put a lot of stock in these reports. Their accuracy is always questionable and there are so many factors that make or break a season beyond the returning numbers.

Flow regimes influence the speed at which the fish move, and some conditions seem to make them more willing to bite than others.

Low return years can end up being great fishing and big returns can be tough if the other variables don’t stack up in our favor. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 18 years of guiding for anadromous species, it’s don’t even try to make a prediction.

CC How productive was the ocean season and how does that correlate to how the Klamath run will be in the fall?

TS So far our ocean season has been below average for the early part of the summer out of Eureka, but I don’t feel like that’s much of an indication of things to come on the Klamath. The vast majority of our May, June and July ocean fish are destined for the Sacramento.

CC The season gets going in earnest in August, but is it likeSide-drifting is one of the more popular options for Sepulveda when he fishes the Klamath. He prefers light spinning gear and fishing small clusters of roe, though back-bouncing sardine-wrapped plugs is a staple as well. (GREEN WATER FISHING ADVENTURES)

30 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

ly the water temperatures will be a little too high and September would seem like a better month to really go at it?

TS The fish start showing up at the mouth in big numbers

FISHING in August but tend to be reluctant to leave the tidewater that early. Things normally really kick into high gear around Labor Day weekend, with the whole month of September being prime fishing.

the ticket. It really makes for some of the most exciting salmon fishing imaginable. I love getting to do battle with with big kings on such light gear. Back-bouncing roe and running sardine-wrapped plugs in the deep holes account for their share of fish as well.

CC Lots of reports out there about a drought-caused parasite that could wreak havoc in the river. What’s your take on that and how are you approaching it?

TS Ceratomyxa shasta is a parasite that’s always present in the system, and low flows do amplify its potential effect on juvenile salmonids. But at this point we haven’t seen any major incidents. Ich is a concern for an adult fish kill, but with proper flow management it can normally be avoided.

The worst-case scenario is a quick bump in water release that suck-draws a large portion of the run into the system, followed by a fallout that leaves the water hot and stagnant with lots of fish stuck and crowded. Hopefully, we’ve learned from the 2002 incident and won’t duplicate the poor management strategies implemented that year.

CC Can you summarize some of your go-to methods and setups for getting in on lower Klamath kings?

TS Side-drifting is the go-to tactic on the lower Klamath, which is a little unusual in the world of king salmon fishing. I go with 15-pound mainline, 12-pound leader, light spinning gear and small clusters of roe; (adding) a (Mad River) Fish Pill bounced through the riffles and runs is

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CC What are some locations of the river you like to target fish?

TS As far as best areas, there are prime spots stretched from Klamath Glenn all the way to Coon Creek Falls, which make up about 30 miles of river. Most days there’s no reason to run much above Blue Creek, though. CS

KLAMATH BASIN NUMBERS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE ON THE 2015 FALL-RUN FISH QUOTA “The Klamath fall-run Chinook quota is subdivided into subquota areas within the basin. The lower Klamath River (mouth to Weitchpec) will receive 50 percent (7,067 fish) of the quota, the upper Klamath River (upstream of Weitchpec) will receive 17 percent (2,403) of the quota. The remaining 33 percent (4,663) is allocated to the Trinity River, split between the lower Trinity (confluence to Cedar Flat) and upper Trinity (upstream of Cedar Flat). The mouth of the Klamath River spit will receive an allocation of 2,120 adult fall-run Chinook, which is inclusive of the lower Klamath subarea quota.” -CS

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FISHING

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD CAPLES LAKE’S SURPRISINGLY HEALTHY WATER LEVEL MEANS GOOD LATE SUMMER FISHING

By Chris Cocoles

I

n a time when California’s rain-deprived lakes are low and rivers are lacking flow, the high-elevation location of Caples Lake (7,800 feet) is doing well considering the severe drought.

At Caples Lake Resort (209-258-8888; capleslakeresort.com), owner John Voss and manager Drew Meteer have been hopeful their lake level would be OK as the summer wore on. Their optimism appears to be paying off in a big way.

“Well, in this severe drought year, there is more water in Caples Lake than the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) forecasted in March and anyone expected,” Voss said earlier this summer. “A lot of this is thanks to EID’s proactive efforts to reduce outflow all winter and spring to approximately 11 cfs (5 cfs is minimum for fish flow).”

The unexpected precipitation in April and May also helped achieve nearly 100 percent capacity in late June.

The lake level on July 16 was 59.7 feet, only 2 feet down from a full lake level. Per EID, the lake level is to lower by only 1 foot by mid-August.

Another concern in early July was a forest fire in nearby Markleeville, but as the fire was nearly contained just after the Fourth of July weekend, visibility remained solid.

Fishing-wise, plenty of rainbows, Mackinaw and German browns have been caught throughout the early summer.

In mid-July, Caples Lake was at 59.7 feet, just 2 feet shy of full capacity, and good fishing is expected through August. (CAPLES LAKE RESORT) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

35

FISHING

A decision to reduce outflow throughout the winter and some unexpected precipitation in April and May helped Caples Lake rise to just below capacity for much of June and July, providing high hopes for a productive August. (CAPLES LAKE RESORT)

36 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

“Rainbow planters have been caught at Wood Creek and Emigrant Creek inlets with a nightcrawler hanging from a bobber,” Meteer said.

“Planters have been caught at the dam and spillway with nightcrawlers, black Rooster Tails and silver and blue Kastmasters.”

“Brook trout are being caught at Winnemucca and Emigrant Lakes on a small Panther Martin lure with a PowerBait ball at the head of the lure where it is tied to the line and a half-nightcrawler attached to the treble hook,” Meteer said. “Rainbows are being caught at the Woods Lake inlet with a nightcrawler on a bobber.”

On June 26, 2015, the Kirkwood Public Utility District and EID funded a 3,100-pound trout plant, consisting of 3- to 5-pound trophy and catchable rainbows.

For wildflower enthusiasts, Caples Lake’s Woods Lake Trail to Lake Winnemucca and the path to Emigrant Lake are full of colorful wildflowers. CS

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

37

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FISHING

RIDE A GOLD RUSH ROUTE EMIGRANT WILDERNESS TRIPS TROT TO FISHY LAKES, HISTORICAL AREAS

By Chris Cocoles

I

f you are lucky enough to live in Northern California’s Mother Lode cities like Sonora, Angels Camp and Jackson – all located in the Sierra Nevada foothills – you are within a short drive of backcountry beauty in higher elevations.

Josh Bloom and his wife, Amanda, grew up in Sonora, not far southwest on Highway 108 from Pinecrest’s Aspen Meadow Pack Station. In 1999, the Blooms purchased the resort from the Sardella family, who operated the horse pack station since the 1950s (as Josh Bloom notes below, there is plenty of history there).

Today, Aspen Meadow Pack Station (aspenmeadowpackstation.com; 209-965-3402) offers horse and pack mules to take guests into backcountry locations in the High Sierra. Professional packers, characters in their own rights, lead the trains through gorgeous scenery and stop to catch trout in pristine lakes off the beaten path.

We chatted with Josh Bloom about the experience.

Customers ride horses through Aspen Meadow Pack Station on their way back from a backcountry trip. The Pinecrest-area location allows for horse and mule pack trips into the Stanislaus National Forest.

(ASPEN MEADOW PACK STATION)

Chris Cocoles There’s some history at Aspen Meadow dating back to the 1920s. Any tidbits you uncovered since you began operating it?

Josh Bloom The pack station began operation in 1929. Originally, the pack station was established to take Sierra Club members on fishing and hunting trips into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Aspen Meadow Pack Station moved two times before finding its current home at Aspen Meadow off of Crabtree Road in Pinecrest. Aspen Meadow Pack Station accesses the Emigrant Wilderness under permit from the Stanislaus National Forest.

The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres offering over 100 lakes, bordered by Yosemite National Park and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and located only three hours from the Bay Area.

The Emigrant was designated as a wilderness area from a primitive-use area in 1975. The Emigrant Wilderness area provided a route for wagon trains during the California Gold Rush. There were originally 18 check dams across the Emigrant Wilderness, offering better wildlife habitats and improving fisheries. Some of these dams still exist and continue to provide great fishing opportunities.

A pack trip party with a backdrop of Big Lake provides a taste of the rugged scenery you’ll witness on these trips into the backcountry. (ASPEN MEADOW PACK STATION)

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

39

FISHING

Fly fishing on Huckleberry Lake provides one of the better options for anglers who decide to ride in. Rainbow and brook trout grow hearty in many of these lakes. (ASPEN MEADOW PACK STATION)

CC What are some of the benefits of taking a backcountry trip on horseback?

JB Taking a horseback trip into the Emigrant Wilderness can provide customers the opportunity to travel deeper into the wilderness with more gear than would be available to someone backpacking. Horses and mules will carry a significantly greater amount of gear and food much further, which makes these trips an ideal opportunity to those who

would otherwise be uninterested or unable to hike with a backpack.

Because pack stations are few and far between in California, it is a unique way to experience some of the most remote and beautiful country in the world. Our mules can carry up to 150 pounds of gear and give the ability to bring an ice chest, cook stoves and much more. Horses do not have to stop to rest while going down the trail. Thus, riding horseback to your location will be faster than hiking. A typical trip ranges from three to four hours in the saddle, all the way up to eight hours when traveling to most untouched locations such as Huckleberry Lake.

Going into the wilderness via horse and mules also gives parties that would not be able to make it on foot the opportunity to experience the (backcountry).

CC Give us kind of a synopsis of what a typical trip is like.

JB Trips are designed around any cus-

40 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

tomer’s wants and needs. Some parties have long-established trips, while others are new to the Emigrant Wilderness. When setting up a trip, often a guide will ask questions about what individuals are interested in and base their trip off of that. The Emigrant offers a variety of different recreational opportunities, including excellent fishing, hunting, swimming, hiking and plenty of places to enjoy a rare wilderness experience.

Aspen Meadow Pack Station offers a variety of options, ranging from trips where packers drop off your gear and you hike in, to all-inclusive cook trips, where your only concern is what to do for the day; everything else is taken care of for you.

Here are different options we have: drop trips (your gear is placed at a designated location and you hike or ride one of our horses into your camp); keep-the-packer trips (the packer stays with you throughout your trip, allowing you and your camp to be mobile and see more country); and

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calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

41

FISHING

This fly angler landed this colorful rainbow at Huckleberry Lake. Catching rare golden trout is also a possibility above the 9,000-foot level in some lakes. (ASPEN MEADOW PACK STATION)

all-inclusive cook trips (a backcountry cook, packer and your stock stay with you, along with a full camp).

spin fish. The most common fish in the Emigrant are rainbow and eastern brook trout, and the opportunity for golden trout above 9,000 feet in select lakes. Because of the readily available supply of fish, it makes a great experience for children. The most frequently visited fishing lakes are Buck Lake, Huckleberry Lake, Wood Lake and Deer Lake. The average fish size for our area is 12 to 24 inches. Many of these lakes have canal areas that flow into them, which provide great fly fishing opportunities, while the lakes themselves provide good shore and float tube fishing with a spin or fly rod.

ty cool characters. Give us a sense of what their role is, and are lots of them longtime outdoors enthusiasts?

JB Packers would rather be in the wilderness than anywhere else.

They look forward to going back to the mountains all winter long and are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Packers know their stock extremely well and are responsible for all aspects of their care including feeding, veterinary care and horse shoeing. Packers are often avid fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who get the chance to live the dream and be in the mountains seven days a week all summer. CS

CC What kind of wildlife can you exCC What are some of the fishing opportunities that you provide and where are the best lakes/rivers to fish from on the routes?

JB Many of the backcountry lakes offer exceptional trout fishing. Many people who go on pack trips find the opportunity to both fly fish and

pect to see on a trip?

JB Some different wildlife that you may see in the Emigrant Wilderness are blacktail and mule deer, marmots, black bears, grouse, bald eagles, squirrels, porcupines, trout and coyotes.

CC It looks like the packers are pret-

California forests are threatened by nonnative insects and diseases. These invasive species can be transported on firewood to new areas where they can become established and kill large numbers of trees.

• Leave firewood at home – buy or collect firewood where you camp.

• Use firewood in the same county or region where it was cut.

• Locate local firewood vendors at firewoodscout.org.

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42 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

A highlight of a pack trip are the gregarious packers who lead the procession of horses and mules into the Emigrant Wilderness. (ASPEN MEADOW PACK STATION)

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

43

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plenty of water to explore. Mountain lakes like Tahoe are a great place to troll for Mackinaw or brown trout. King salmon fishing is in full swing on the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. Do you live closer to Los Angeles? Try the Eastern Sierra’s large lakes like Crowley or Convict.

This month is an ideal time to catch some hard-fighting rainbows before the kids get out of school and the area is buzzing with tourists.

So as you prepare to hitch your new outdoor toy onto the trailer, seek out the nearest launch and christen it with its maiden voyage, take a look at the diagram we’ve put together. You can’t go wrong with any of the equipment we’ve showcased. Good luck as you plan to enjoy the Golden State’s lakes, rivers and saltwater fisheries. CS

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FISHING Small topwater baits, like this Team Daiwa Zero popper, can be deadly to bass in the summer around Southern California fisheries.

(BILL SCHAEFER)

BE THE TOP DOG THIS SUMMER TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TOPWATER BASS FISHING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LAKES

By Capt. Bill Schaefer

SAN DIEGO—Summer in Southern California means the water temperatures at your local lake most likely have peaked at the warmest they will get.

Shad are schooled up and so are the bass. The bass, though, are on the hunt for shad and it can translate to great fishing for all. Chasing the bass this time of year can be fun out of a boat, kayak, float tube or even from shore.

There is no greater adrenaline rush than to see a bass come up and explode on your topwater bait, regardless of what kind it is. Also, it doesn’t matter if you are a traditional bass fisherman or a fly fisherman: now is the time to score.

In the low-light conditions of the early morning, work the shoreline since many larger bass are on the

prowl and venture into the shallows to feed. You will have to experiment, but small popping baits will be great most of the time. Just don’t be afraid if it’s slow to throw gliding baits such as a Sammy or Spook.

Sometimes you have to call the larger fish up to the surface; a buzzbait can work well for attracting bass.

If the weeds are thick right against the shoreline, don’t hesitate to work a frog. But I like the popping version of a Pad Crasher, which is made by Booyah. You have the best of both worlds.

As the sun gets up a little higher in the sky and starts hitting the water, both bait and bass will slide out somewhat, depending on the cover. If the shoreline is weedy enough, the bait will hang and the bass won’t be far behind. The bass will also start chasing the bait out into open water and

you’ll see the terns start diving on them, looking for leftovers.

Some fishermen think chasing the breaking bass is a waste of time, leaving you standing on the deck of your boat a lot doing absolutely nothing.

But if you want to keep scoring even when the bass are down, you can blind-throw your topwater bait and work it back to the boat. Many times I have done this with great success.

You draw the fish to you! A small swimbait that you can let sink a bit and retrieve blindly back to the boat can score as well.

As I always say about August, like the explosions at a fireworks grand finale, the bass will put on quite the show for you this time of year. It can be exciting and productive, so get out there and fish all the topwater action there is to have right now and you might land a big one. CS

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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FISHING Sometimes, getting away from California’s toasty inland summers is a relatively short drive to Avila Beach along the San Luis Obispo County coast. Below, the Hovey sisters, Jessica (left) and Alyssa, are ready to cast their lines. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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By Tim E. Hovey

AVILA BEACH—With summer heat and the drought conditions gripping California, it doesn’t take much convincing for my family to head to the beach to fish.

This time of year, we usually set aside one day during the weekend to drive to the shore to cast a line. Over the years, the girls and I have gotten pretty good at sampling the angling action down at the beach. We challenge each other, have good-natured contests and always keep count of

how many fish we catch.

We go to cool off, but the action there can be hot.

SURF’S UP Early this summer we headed north for an annual family camping trip near Avila Beach. I checked out the surf fishing report, and even though the action looked slow, we were all excited to fish a brand-new shore.

Avila Beach is located in San Luis Bay, about 160 miles north of Los Angeles and not far from more celebrated Pismo Beach. The beaches here are

well protected and there are two piers open to the public. The surf in the bay is usually small and beach access is easy.

We loaded the truck with gear and headed north. A few hours later, when we first spotted the large bay from the frontage road, we noticed some commotion between the two piers.

A large group of people were gathered at the center of the fishing pier and looking towards the boat moorings. Gulls and pelicans hovered over a dark spot about 100 yards from the pier. Almost in unison a dozen flying birds fell from the sky and splashed

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

53

FISHING into the calm sea. Additional splashes erupted around them as baitfish attempted to escape the predators from above and below.

While a bird diving into a large ball of bait is something to see, I found it hard to believe that the commotion was enough to draw such a crowd.

But then the birds suddenly took flight – two whales erupted from the surface, mouths open, filling them with fresh fish. The signs of life in the bay had us all excited to toss a line.

After we got settled, we headed down to the beach and walked the boardwalk, checking out the sights.

The whales were still splashing around in their food and the crowd had moved further down the pier, watching and taking pictures. We had decided to wait for a better tide and fish the next morning before the crowds took over the beach.

Alyssa Hovey wets a fishing line from the old pier at Avila Beach.

The author’s two daughters have become quite the anglers, just like their dad. (TIM E. HOVEY)

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME We were out early and the girls and I headed out to fish the shore. The tide was perfect and the waves were small.

The first beach was very shallow and we didn’t get any bites, so we shifted further south.

After a few casts, Alyssa, like she always does, hooked up first. She dragged a chunky barred surf perch through the surf. I could tell by her beaming smile that she wanted a photo, so I grabbed the camera. Less than five minutes later her sister, Jessica, hooked a perch. I added a very large jack smelt to the count before the fishing shut down.

We spent another hour on the shore casting before we decided to call it quits. The sand crabs were there, but not in the numbers I had seen to the south. The reports had stated that the bite in and around Avila Beach was slow and the lack of bait was the reason.

I really didn’t care. I had a great time walking the beach with my daughters, watching them catch fish and cast.

Long gone are the days where I do

A fleet of fishing boats are scattered throughout San Luis Bay, a quiet stretch of the Pacific about 160 miles north of Los Angeles. (TIM E. HOVEY) Migrating whales can be found feeding on baitfish off this stretch of California coast. It’s more likely, though, that you’ll see sunbathing sea lions on nearshore rocks. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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FISHING much for them on the shores anymore.

They know how to rig, cast, catch and unhook. They aren’t tagalongs now; they’re my fishing buddies.

We ate dinner on the coast, and the girls decided that since the fishing was slow at the shore, we should try fishing from the pier the next day. After a quick breakfast, we beat the crowds and headed for the Port San Luis Pier, north of the fishing wharf at the center of the beach. I had fished this pier a few times as a boy and caught lots of juvenile rockfish.

We headed to the very end – that’s just what you do when you fish a pier – and tossed the rigs out. We started getting bites almost instantly, but hook-ups weren’t happening. I decided to rig up some smaller lines to see what was happening out in the bay.

Jessica was the first to pull one of the bait stealers from the bottom. She caught an 8-inch lingcod. The little fish was a perfect miniature of the

Sometimes big fish aren’t caught off the beach or piers here, but anglers can still pull in small, feisty barred surf perch, jack smelt and rockfish.

(TIM E. HOVEY)

toothy adult that lurks in the deep and eats 3-pound rockfish whole.

With the new rigs, we caught a dozen of them in half an hour. The current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations state that lingcod need to be 22 inches long to keep. The juvenile fish were way too small, and besides, we weren’t keeping anything on this trip.

ALL GROWN UP During a lull in the fishing, I watched

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the girls cast and attend to their gear.

I thought about the early days of fishing, when I had to take care of everything. Now, when we headed out to fish, they grabbed the gear and they cast the lines. They have become proficient anglers.

A few minutes later, Jessica hooked a different fish. She brought it over and showed me a juvenile cabezon, about 4 inches in length. Again the little sculpin was a perfect miniature of the adults I used to see diving. We carefully

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FISHING

The author got his hands on a cute little cabbie. He and the girls caught lots of different kinds of juvenile fish, which turned out to be a lesson for the young anglers. (TIM E. HOVEY)

unhooked the fish and released it.

As we fished the rustic pier, the whales made a showing near the moorings adjacent to the wharf. We could see baitfish flail in midair as the huge mammals rushed the surface with their mouths gaping wide.

Seagulls and pelicans dropped from the sky and feasted on the stunned and injured anchovies that floated near the surface.

I was lost in the natural moment when I heard Jessica comment on how much life there was in the little bay. She was watching the whales consume hundreds of pounds of fish

in single gulps, and diving birds taking their share as well.

Life and death, I thought.

Since the fishing had slowed, I decided to educate the girls on why we were catching so many juvenile fish in the bay. I told them the story of

60 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

when I was 10 and how my parents let me and my brother fish this pier one afternoon.

Using tiny hooks and pieces of squid, we had caught dozens of juvenile bocaccio, a rust-red rockfish.

In the times before size limits on this species, we took our catch back to our parent’s motor home and my mom cooked them all up for dinner.

I let the girls know that during my college days I worked on several marine contracts where we needed to drag sampling gear through this very bay for fish research. The hauls contained juvenile halibut and other species of juvenile rockfish.

Now, bringing it back to our catch,

California bays and estuaries are nurseries for young sportfish and key forage for other species. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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61

Jessica and Alyssa display barred surf perch. The experience of fishing Avila Beach, far from the traffic and smog of Los Angeles, is worth the trip. (TIM E. HOVEY)

the girls started to understand what types of fish were present in the bay.

I told them that most bays and estuaries in California serve as nurseries for many species of fish, and thus are very important as far as the overall health of many of California’s nearshore fisheries. The examples of feeding whales, diving birds and noisy sea lions also illustrated the bays’ importance.

62 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

BIG ONES ARE OUT THERE The whales had moved on and it was getting late. We packed everything up and started walking back to the parking area. At the foot of the pier was a small shop selling all sorts of seafood.

The vendor had several large tanks filled with various sea creatures that were all for sale.

In an acrylic tank near the walkway sat a grumpy-looking lingcod

that weighed close to 20 pounds. I called the girls over and showed them the fish. I told them that this was an adult version of the ones we were catching at the end of the pier. They were both impressed with how huge those little fish could get.

One of the things I want both my daughters to realize is that just because you come back with an empty cooler doesn’t mean the day wasn’t successful. I want them to know that the reason I teach them to hunt and fish is for the experience rather than bringing home fish or game.

I want them to remember when they fished with me on a pier while whales fed nearby. I want them to take what they’ve learned at our home fishing spot and feel the pride of fishing a new beach with success.

And I want them to understand how important respecting the resource is to our enjoyment. Watching them on the pier that day, I realized they probably already know all that. CS

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FISHING

SOCAL WATERS STILL SIZZLING WITH EVEN MORE WARM WATER PUSHING NORTH, GREAT TUNA, DORADO AND YELLOWTAIL ACTION AWAITS Sportfishing boats like this one – with young Wyatt Cargel aboard – are scoring lots of fish on half-day and three-quarter-day trips out of San Diego and other Southland ports.

(BILL SCHAEFER)

One kelp paddy stop can load the boat’s fish box.

Throughout August, there will be large numbers of yellowfin and bluefin tuna, dorado and yellowtail. (BILL SCHAEFER)

By Capt. Bill Schaefer

SAN DIEGO—The unbelievable ocean fishing off Southern California continues into August and should run on through the end of the year the way it’s going.

Hurricane after hurricane continue to push even warmer water than the already extra-warm surface temperatures northward. Due in part to these conditions, yellowfin and bluefin tuna, dorado and yellowtail fishing are out of this world. Both private boaters and sportfishing fleets have been getting in on the catch. Even the half-day and three-quarter-day boats are scoring boatloads of yellowtail and tuna!

The best news for private boaters is that most of the action is close to shore. For absolutely off-the-hook fishing you may have to travel 20 to 40 miles offshore, a short trip by past years’ standards, but there are fishermen scoring within a few miles of port. Southern California’s 9-mile Bank has been the most productive area, and at less than 10 miles out, it’s an easy trip for the first-time anglers. Due east of San Diego’s Mission Bay set your GPS for 9 miles and, once at that distance, watch for current breaks and birds working bait pushed to the surface by the target fish.

Boats have been scoring in several ways: trolling and bait, but iron for the most part. You will see birds working and usually find breaking fish under them. You can troll the area or throw the iron to entice the fish. Or throw some bait to see if the fish come to your boat. If they do and you hook up, just remember to put someone in charge of throwing some bait occasionally to keep the school around, even if you are all hooked up.

Kelp paddies will also hold fish and should hold a variety as well. A paddy stop can go from yellowtail to tuna in an instant. Dorado have been the norm as well on paddies, so be prepared for some great action!

For tackle, you can go with anything from heavy bass gear to heavy saltwater tackle. Fish have been ranging all over the charts. Bluefin to 100 pounds have been taken, but a 50-pounder is more common for a larger fish. Tuna in the 15- to 30-pound range is standard. Yellowtail have run from 15 to 50 pounds as well, with a lot of nice 20- to 25-pound fish being taken regularly. Dorado are coming in the 10- to 20-pound range, with a few larger bulls being hauled in. This action seems to be the result of the largest El Niño on record. Take advantage of it while you can. CS

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68 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

FISHING

BRINGING ADVENTURE TO BAJA J

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, ENSENADA CHARTER SERVICE COMES INTO ITS OWN

ay Spinner had an idea back in the early 2000s. He had created a tourism website for Ensenada, Mexico, ensenada.com. But in talking to some of the locals he decided to try something completely out of his comfort zone: charter boat fishing in the warm and fish-filled azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The first thing he needed was a boat.

“I found an old 1970 Luhrs 32-footer that had 300 hours on the rebuilt engines. The boat was in the Long Beach Harbor and reasonably priced,” says Spinner’s Selena Sportfishing Charter website (selenasportfishing.com).

His new investment successfully made the trip from Southern California to Baja, and after lots of hard work and TLC his six-pac boat became a reality (read his website for more). We chatted with Spinner about his now successful business.

California Sportsman How long have

nothing more than comments from my clients. I was booking seven to 15 charters a day in the summer and saw an opportunity that would never happen in the US to a guy who didn’t know crap about boats or the fishing business.

CS What should we know about One of Selena Sportfishing’s specialties for its clients is sending fishing in Baja? them home with plentiful harvests of dorado. (SELENA SPORTFISHING JS Ensenada offers a different CHARTERS) dimension to long-range sport fishing because the charter boats was like clockwork until 2010. We leave between 1 and 2 in the mornhave not seen them since. ing and return at 6 in the evening.

In prime time, 20 to 30 fish on a Shorter travel time allows fishermen six-pac charter of a combined catch more time to take in some of the othof yellowtail, tuna, dorado are not er great experiences that Ensenada uncommon. So the best catch dehas to offer, including dining, shoppends on what suits the angler most. ping and nightlife entertainment.

CS What makes you stand out from the other businesses?

CS What’s the best day or period you have had on a charter?

JS Over the past 14 years I’ve worked off and on with several of the charters JS I would say 2014 was the biggest in Ensenada and presently represent year I have seen for bluefin tuna. We about 20 different charters. I have put 50- to 100-pound bluefin on the also owned my own charter, Selena, deck, unlike the 25-pound average in for the past 10 years. I have developed past years. a rapport with many customers over The best year I saw for dorado was the years, and what I strive to do is exprobably 2006, and 2004 was a great plain to people exactly what to expect albacore year. The albacore season and not overexaggerate.

Giving people a realistic assessment of what’s happening at the time and what to expect on the charters is not only fair, but keeps bringing people back. What we don’t need in Baja are customers going back home with a bad experience, going home having expected more than they received.

A bad story kills 20 good ones. CS

you been in business?

Jay Spinner About 14 years. Two years after creating ensenada.com, I thought I would do something different and talk to some of the charter owners about me doing online reservations for sportfishing. To make a long story short, it was an instant success. In fact, I had to jump fast to get credit card services and a system set up. Two seasons later I was doing over 600 charter reservations and learning a lot about fishing and the charter business. In talking to hundreds of clients, I began to see a pattern in what they liked and didn’t regarding the boats and their experiences fishing in Ensenada. I started to think, “If I had a boat, Clients show off a couple of bluefin tuna from the Pacific Ocean. this is what I would do,” based on (SELENA SPORTFISHING CHARTERS)

Editor’s note: For more on Selena Sportfishing Charters, call (949) 678-1187.

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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Gunny, continued from page 22

BB I’m sure you intimidated your fellow actors as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, but were you ever intimidated working for director Stanley Kubrick?

Gunny No. BB Nice guy?

Gunny Demanding; I mean, I worked hard. But when you’re prepared, you’re prepared. I mean, you work hard, and you prepare yourself, and that gives you the confidence to step in front of the camera and do your thing. If you don’t work hard and you don’t study and you don’t pay your dues, then when you step in front of the camera, you’re nervous, and it’s obvious you can’t do the job. I can spot a nervous actor in a minute when I go watch a movie. Mrs. Gunny [Nila Ermey] and I watch as many as we can.

BB I can relate from my experience with public speaking – the same rule applies.

Gunny I like to screw up because then it’s challenging for me, then I get to back up and say, “Whoopsy daisy, somebody screwed up,” and I can turn it into a fun experience for everyone. I purposely screw up sometimes just to back up and

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Everybody worries about screwing up; I think that is the worst damned way to go up on a stage in front of a thousand people – worried about screwing up. I look forward to screwing up because it gives me more ammunition to play around with. It’s good for me, I like that, and it doesn’t bother me at all.

BB When you do public speaking, do you write yourself a speech?

Gunny No, I do not. I might write down bullet points so I don’t forget something. That’s the only reason I do it.

BB I’ve done the same, I just started doing public speaking engagements, and the first few times I did bullet points and that worked great, but then one time I wrote out a speech just to be extra prepared and I ruined it! I got lost and couldn’t find where I was and then panic set in.

Gunny I’m one of those guys; I just put key words down. I write down names of people that I want to thank and important information like that.

BB That is good advice! In movies like Se7en, how was it to work around such well-known actors like Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman?

Ermey locks the authentic Old West prison doors barring the way into his gun room. He jokes that anyone who tries to break in had better bring a chainsaw and a whole lot of dynamite. (GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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Gunny You have to understand, Brad Pitt was very fresh, he hadn’t really done anything prior to that. Morgan Freeman and I got along just great. He and I shared a table at the Golden Globe Awards. Great guy, but he and I were the old guys on the set. The young people were coming to us for advice; it was nice, I liked that. I’m always one of the oldest guys on set these days. For me it’s complimentary when the young guys come to me for advice, and I’ve done 60-plus movies, so it’s not like I’m just getting started. I’ve had the experience of all of those movies, and for a lot of those I’ve also rewritten my roles so that they fit me just perfectly.

BB What’s next? More acting? Do you have another movie planned?

Gunny If the right movie comes up. I’ve done some pretty good shows and I’m 71 years old, so I’m not going to accept a movie that I don’t think is Academy Award material or funny as hell.

If I don’t think it is going to kick ass and be a blockbuster, I won’t mess with it, unless the role speaks to me, and I just have to do it.

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BB Can I ask why?

Gunny I screwed up my right shoulder; a bunker came down on top of me, so I was having trouble keeping my shoulder in place. That was right at the end of Vietnam, right when, if you had a scratch, you were gonna get retired, or put out of the Marine Corps because they were cutting down from about 200,000 soldiers to approximately 175,000. So if you were not physically fit, A1, ready to go to combat today, then you were sent down the road. So I was retired, but I continued to march, and I didn’t walk away from the Marine Corps. I still stay as active and as closely involved with the Marine Corps as I can. I never retired, I’m still there! I’ve been to Afghanistan and Iraq

BB You are going to do it like a trophy hunt, huh? Only worth it if you are going to bring home a trophy?

Gunny It is exactly that! If it’s not something that I read and it grabs me, then it’s not worth it.

I’m not going to do a piece of sh*t just to do it because it could be my last. I’m pretty locked into my schedule for the year, and my schedule usually consists of events that I do for the military, benefits, working with the veterans, Toys for Tots, Marine Corps Birthday Balls, etc. I stay as busy as I can with the veterans, so Joining the Marine Corps in 1961, Ermey served as a drill instructor stateside for two years, then re-enlisted and spent if I accept a movie, it would take several years with air units in Asia. Awarded the honorary title of gunnery sergeant after being medically discharged, three months out of my life and I he still answers the call should the commandant of the corps ask. (GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY) would have to cancel out on the guys. So unless it’s a kickass movie or role, I will maintain my several times. I’m always around – if the commandant of the schedule. But I will probably do some more movies. I’m 71, but Marine Corps asks me to go, I go.

I’m healthy.

BB I’ve heard that you host a golf tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., to benefit veterans. Could you tell me a little about that?

BB What does the Marine Corps mean to you?

Gunny We’ll put it this way: The Marine Corps retired me in 1972 Gunny It is to help out the veterans, wounded and otherwise. Every and I just kept showing up for work, plain and simple. I never penny goes to helping the veterans, unlike some other charities went anywhere. If it weren’t for the Marine Corps, I wouldn’t that only give 80 percent or something like that. We give 100 be where I am today. The Marine Corps gave me discipline, percent to the veterans. pride, a brotherhood, a reason for being, a partnership, a big fraternity. I wasn’t ready to leave it; it was my objective to stay BB So how is your golf game?

74 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

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Ermey and the author inspect details on the stock of an old double-barrel shotgun, one of the many weapons in The Gunny’s collection.

All that testosterone in the many man caves of The Gunny rubbed off on Brittany, who channels one of R. Lee Ermey’s most famous characters.

(GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY)

(GEORGE BALLENGER PHOTOGRAPHY)

Gunny (Laughing) Sucks! I’ve been too busy to play, I just don’t

without a motorcycle.

have time. I played three rounds of golf last week and it was the first time I had played in a month – I was just terrible. I’m headed straight from here to meet the guys to play today too! Golf is a game that one has to practice. When I practice, I suck less.

BB Do you still ride?

Gunny Well, what do you think? I’ve got a whole damn barn

BB You have lots of pictures with motorcycles on your website.

Where did your passion for bikes come from?

Gunny Hell, I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was a kid! My first motorcycle was a Cushman Eagle; it was a 1947 or 1948.

I’m not sure exactly what year because I never did register it.

It was just in a neighbor’s barn and I worked for the neighbors to generate a little extra cash for myself. I traded labor for the Cushman Eagle and I was 13 at the time. I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 13 years old and I’ve never been 76 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

full. I’ve got one over at the brewery right now, sitting there on display, one in the garage, and three in that barn. I ride as much as I can! I work with Victory Motorcycles. Made in the good old USA.

ON THAT NOTE, we got up to see some more of his treasures and soon afterwards wrapped our interview up. The Gunny shook my hand, and in his hand was his personal Challenge coin from Glock, with his face on it. I got to give the puppies some more love on my way out. It was hard to leave those little ones, and it felt very much like I had just made a new friend. CS

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HUNTING

OBSESSING OVER BLACKTAILS THREE AREAS AND TECHNIQUES FOR SCORING A BUCK

Blacktail deer have one of the longest ranges from north to south of any big game animal and can be found from Mexico to the Canadian border, including throughout Northern California. These two were spotted in the Point Reyes National Seashore. (FRANK SCHULENBURG/WIKIMEDIA)

By Art Isberg

I

only caught the quickest glimpse of the buck as he dashed across a narrow opening before disappearing down into a gully thick with oaks. A moment later I understood why. From in that leafy thicket came the ancient sound of two bucks locked in combat, the eerie clash of antlers, which sounded like two cue balls struck together hard and fast. It was stirring “bone music,” that even excited me. Suddenly, as fast as it all began, it fell strangely silent again.

I was lying atop a weedy knoll in Northern California, where I had a good view of three deer trails that came up out of surrounding oaks meeting at a single ridgeline trail. As I waited to see what would happen next, I briefly glanced beyond the hills to the cold, dark waters of San Pablo Bay, which began to show a silver shimmer at the first rays of rising sunlight. Further out, I could even see

misty spires of tall buildings rising in San Francisco over 20 miles away.

The buck came up out of the thicket and stopped on the trail to look back down, ears forward, body taut, adrenaline still coursing through his veins, as if to say, “had enough?

Learned your lesson?” He was satisfied he’d vanquished his foe and started down the trail in those little mincing steps blacktails always take as he delivered himself to me.

At 40 yards, I began very slowly lifting my custom-made .270 Winchester loaded with 130-grain silver tips. When I snuggled in behind the scope I knew I could hardly miss.

This little tale is just one of the many methods and tactics I’ve used against the West’s most prolific big game animal, the widespread, antlered blacktail deer.

IT’S A WESTERN THING When you say “the West,” most riflemen outside this region think only of mule deer; that is not the case. Blackcalsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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HUNTING tails have one of the longest north-to-south ranges – spanning 1,500 miles – of any big game animal on the planet.

Beginning at the Mexican border they dominate the land throughout California, Oregon and Washington – from the Pacific Ocean inland over 200 miles – across the border into British Columbia and all the way north to Southeast Alaska, where their genus is called the Sitka blacktail.

In the easternmost region of the three states below the border with Canada, mule deer only take over as the dominant species beyond the highest eastern peaks, where the land opens up and a high desert takes over. This dividing line can almost be drawn with a pencil on a map at that cover break because blacktails are cover deer that live out their lives in the thickest brush, tall timber or a mix of the two.

Tens of thousands of Western sportsmen and -women rely on blacktails to make the term “deer hunting” a reality.

To hunt them successfully you must go into various types of cover and elevations to learn how to ambush them. The Golden State has all three types of cover in abundance. It’s an exciting and intriguing way to tag a set of antlers, if you learn your lessons properly. The easiest way to do this is to take these cover areas one by one and see what works for each. I’ve spent a lifetime doing so here. Here’s what’s worked for me:

BRUSHLANDS The author glasses for blacktails in typical low brushlands of California that these deer thrive in. Hot weather is the headline in August in various archery season openers. (ART ISBERG)

The author took this buck in the Marble Mountain Wilderness in northwestern California. Getting in high basins and pockets where blacktails feed and being there at shooting light is the key to success.

(ART ISBERG)

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In the lower elevations of California, rolling hills and low mountains are the rule and dominated by vast inland brush fields that seem to run on forever. Blacktails revel and prosper in it. Add to that the fact that deer season can open in early August when temperatures often run into the 90s and even triple digits, and you’ve really got your work cut out for you. It’s about as untraditional a way and time to hunt deer as is imaginable.

These bucks of summer are cagey, cautious, sneakers and peekers that know how to use cover to their best advantage. I’ve chased bucks around in manzanita, chemise and ironwood jungles without ever getting a glimpse of them, even though I could hear an animal moving as I did. They did not abandon cover and run for it as other big game would; instead, they stayed right in the jungles where they played their little game – and often won doing so. That’s what I call smart as well as bold thinking.

So how do you choose a place to hunt in this land that all looks so much the same? You do so by finding water of any size and getting above it. This can be anything from a bubbling puddle to a bathtub-sized spring. And when water is found in this land, it’s nearly always in lower basins, pockets and canyon bottoms in shady spots, under leafy pepper trees or down rocky gullies.

These deer will not only bed down nearby but also come in to drink at all hours of the day. I’ve watched them do this from the sit, when the worst heat of midday was sizzling hot, when you would naturally expect them to be down still in the cover of shade. The hotter it gets, the

HUNTING more likely deer will come to drink.

There are two productive ways to hunt these important hidden spots. One is for the lone hunter who has the patience to get comfortable in brushy shade above a wet spot and wait them out. When most other hunters are back in the shade of camp hydrating, you’re out on a stand biding your time for that magic moment when antlers suddenly show up.

One of the finest, heavy-antlered blacktail bucks I ever saw came in like this right at high noon. I sat motionless under a big manzanita bush barely 60 yards above. The sweat running down my face was not just because of the heat.

A second style of hunt requires you and one amigo.

One gunner drops down into the canyon or pocket, moving slowly in a widening circle starting just at the top and going lower with each circle through cover. A partner on top moves with the other, keeping pace but staying high.

From this topside one can see all that lies and moves below and can also look down into even thick cover because of the angle. If a buck is moved, whether the other hunter below sees it go out or not, the top hunter will get the shooting. This is a deadly hunt in thick brushlands.

the last rifleman on a canyon-wide sweep across cover areas to drive deer out. The last hunter can watch them moving toward him, plus additional animals they move out, with this three-man drive.

Bucks forced out like this often will try to climb out over the top, then drop down into another canyon or drainage and leave their pursuers behind. That last hunter is in the perfect spot to get a clear shot as they do so.

The reason this tactic works so well is that even as smart Bert Holzhauser, a rancher in Siskiyou County, prepares to skin a blacktail the author took down on Holzhauser’s property.

He can skin it in 15 minutes flat using his tractor as a hoist. (ART ISBERG)

MOUNTAINS When I use the term “mountains” in the context of blacktail hunting, I’m talking about modest elevations that can also include foothills leading up to them. Throughout California this elevation can be between 2,500 and 3,500 feet.

It’s also worth remembering this starts literally at the high tide mark of the Pacific Ocean.

Cover changes in this up-and-down land, from the smothering brush fields of interior valleys to taller, mixed cover such as spruce, ironwood, oaks and digger pines along rocky ridges. These changes dictate how you must hunt here. Because the land is a bit more open you have a real chance to catch deer out both early and late.

Blacktails that have fed all night move toward bedding grounds at sunup. My three hunting sons and I use what I call our two-hunt approach to match the deer’s natural timetable by extending the original hunt into a second one. We use this when taking on big canyons or sidehills, with the four of us spreading out on various high points along ridges. Of course, two or three rifles can certainly do the very same thing.

We position ourselves above deer trails, little basins and pockets where deer will go to bed down for the day, stay there until well after sunrise, watch and wait. If nothing shows up, the last rifleman – the one farthest down ridge – drops off the top heading downhill into the lower reaches of the canyon before starting back parallel toward the next stander. Reaching him, the second man moves down too, just above the lower hunter, both coming parallel toward the third rifle. No. 3 does the same thing slightly above the first two hunters, as all three work their way back toward 82 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

as blacktails are, they are not two-dimensional thinkers.

When fleeing hunting pressure, their only thought is to get away and leave trouble far behind as fast as possible; they don’t consider that another hunter is maybe waiting up ahead to ambush them.

These two hunts in one are a smart and productive way to thoroughly cover long sidehills and big canyons.

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HUNTING

The author, who downed this blacktail in the Trinity Alps with a .270 Winchester, says the thrill of hunting these bucks is like no other for Californians. (ART ISBERG)

HIGH COUNTRY I’ve said diversity is the rule in blacktail country, and this final area certainly illustrates that. Beyond brush fields and hill country rises true high country along the spine of coastal mountains in northwestern California into southern Oregon.

Here, rocky peaks that go up 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 feet see heavy winter snows and the biggest bodies and antlered bucks of all. Record-book deer have been taken from this lofty land. It’s a land of dog-hair timber in forests that run endlessly up and down steep canyons blue in distance. But heavy forests provide only minimal feed for deer. They must climb into little greensward basins and open pockets just under the peaks where forage grows in abundance and they can fill their stomachs.

Rifle hunters want to climb early into these high pockets, getting just above them on the sit, and look for bucks still out feeding as dawn lights the high country. Here you are motionless; rising air cannot give away your scent, and moving bucks are easy to see in low cover.

These three pluses are what make this type of hunt so effective. If you do not find a set of antlers with this early schedule, the second tactic is to be down in timber on well-used deer trails coming off the tops. Look for recent tracks and fresh deer berries when choosing one.

As morning sun brightens timberland, deer will start down into cover, heading for places to rest and water for the day on these trails. You will be there waiting for them as they come on.

84 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

Two or three hunters can take as many trails, upping the odds someone is going to tag a set of antlers. Either of these two hunts are very productive because both rely on the blacktails’ natural timetable, and also because you are down and still not moving as you would using other methods. They are a favorite in the high country for my hunting family and me.

I’ve hunted these animals over a lifetime in all environments in this story. No other antlered big-game animal can give me a greater thrill than wrapping a tag around the rack of one of these smart and wary West Coast bucks.

It’s deer hunting unlike any other on this continent. That’s what makes it so unique, fascinating and exciting. CS

NO CLASHING OF SPECIES Although blacktail and mule deer range meet along an entire 1,000-mile north/south line of California, mule deer have never crossed over to populate blacktail range as easy as it would be to do so. This has puzzled some rifle hunters and even biologists who study big game. It does not puzzle me.

The reason mule deer have stayed put is because they do not like thick cover. Their excellent eyes for long-range vision are useless here. Their big, mule-like ears for picking up errant sounds in open country are also lost in the sounds of thick forests.

Mule deer and their delicate sense of smell get trumped in tangles of vegetation with a huge variety of aromatic plants and flowers. And that is precisely what makes blacktail range so special and different. –AI

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LEND A HELPING HAND

THE FUTURE OF BOWHUNTING CAN BE HELPED BY BEING A MENTOR

The author is teaching his young daughter how to safely shoot with a bow and wants to help anyone he can. He encourages experienced archers and bowhunters to lend a helping hand when possible. (ALBERT QUACKENBUSH)

By Albert Quackenbush

H

elping others is something I learned from my parents at a very young age; it is in my blood and DNA. I began writing the SoCal Bowhunter blog to help others, share my adventures and hopefully inspire people to pick up bowhunting and

have fun with it. I really want to inspire people to get out and hunt more – not only our children, but also adults who want to learn.

Growing up, there were a few times when I needed help with my bowhunting equipment and my dad was there to guide me, or we would figure it out together. Nowadays, there are many taking up bowhunting who

have no family history of it. So what do they do? The question should be, what do we as bowhunters need to do to help?

WE OWE IT TO THE SPORT Experienced bowhunters should step up. Yes, I am calling on you seasoned bowhunters. Lend a hand and offer your advice. More often than not bowhunters have told me they see someone doing something wrong at the range and they wish they could tell them. So help them!

I am not saying to walk over there and be blunt. Maybe walk back to your vehicle when they do and strike up a conversation. Talk to them first and then later on you can offer advice.

The same goes for readers of my blog and column or people you meet online. Talk to them. Before you get all “high and mighty,” hear me out.

I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, but I have been shooting for over three decades (yes, I am an aged bowhunter) and I have learned a thing or two in my adventures.

In fact, I continue to learn every time I go out; if I didn’t, I would probably hang up my bow. Why? My brain loves to be filled with information and I want to be a better bowhunter, so I want to learn as much as possible.

Learning also means you can share your knowledge and learn how to teach someone. It also means you need to show some restraint and a lot of patience.

A short time ago, I posted on ArcheryTalk and had a young man respond to me, Lautoua Lo (LT for short). I came to find out that we

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87

practiced at the same range, lived close by but never once ran into each other. It sounded all too familiar.

That is very similar to how my hunting partner Brett and I met. He attended one of my archery seminars nearly an hour from home, and when we talked we found out we lived a few short miles from one another and we both practiced at the El Dorado Park archery range in Long Beach. About a month ago, LT emailed me that he would be at El Dorado one evening and I told him Brett and I would be practicing in our usual spot – the bale at the far end of the range. It’s the easiest way to find us and we can shoot out to 100 yards with no interference issues.

Brett and I arrived and began shooting. We noticed a guy next to us glancing our way from time to

The archery range can be a great outlet to get pointers from more experienced bowhunters. Just ask, or if you are a skilled veteran, offer some tips to someone shooting near you. (ALBERT QUACKENBUSH)

time. Sure enough, he came over and introduced himself as LT and went back to shooting at his bale. I invited him to shoot with us, but he opted to finish his practice session alone.

I totally understand him wanting to do that and not once did I push

Lautoua Lo, who friends call LT, was a little apprehensive to ask for help, but eventually he bonded with the author and gladly accepted some advice and gear from a more experienced archer. (ALBERT QUACKENBUSH)

88 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

it. I wanted LT to feel comfortable first and come over if he wanted to.

RETURN MEETING The next Friday, LT was already set up by the time I arrived. We talked, shot a few rounds, and once he realized I am just an ordinary guy who loves to bowhunt, he began asking questions about his gear. We looked over his bow, strings, arrows, etc.

He needed new strings and his arrows were under-spined, so I recommended he get new strings from Piranha Bowstrings and that he get new arrows too. The next week he had new bow strings, but he wasn’t sure which arrows to purchase.

I had recently completed an arrow review (California Sportsman, April 2015) and I had some new arrows with me. They were two different brands, but they just happened to be a perfect spine and fit for LT. After having him shoot both brands, I let him choose the half-dozen arrows he liked the best to keep. I want to see him succeed, and as the arrows had been given to me, I offered them to him. If that will help him succeed, then I am all for it.

While the arrows were flying great, he was having a lot of trouble consistently hitting his mark on the target. I focused on his form and

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The author’s HHA Sports single-pin sight inspired LT to also switch to one, a decision that’s made the rather inexperienced archer more confident when shooting arrows. (ALBERT QUACKENBUSH)

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immediately saw that his draw length was too long and his peep sight was low. It turns out that the pro shop who worked on his bow set him up a half an inch too long and never tied in his peep. After adjusting his peep at the range, LT was eager to learn his bow set-up for himself, so he took the bow home and adjusted the draw length. The next time we shot, his form was excellent and his arrows were consistently getting closer and closer to the center of the bull’s-eye.

After shooting with LT for a few weeks, I asked him if he wanted to try shooting out to 60 yards. He mentioned he couldn’t due to the limitation of his three-pin sight.

He immediately said he had been looking into getting a single-pin sight, but wasn’t sure which one to get. I had him take a look at my setup, and when he saw my HHA Sports single-pin sight, he asked me more about it.

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91

Riley Quackenbush is the future of bowhunting, and it’s important to pass on knowledge to those who are novices in the sport. (ALBERT QUACKENBUSH)

Without going into a long sales pitch, I explained why I switched from multi-pin sights, why it benefitted me and ultimately why I chose to shoot a single-pin sight. Not long after, we set up his bow with an HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra. Since then, he has grown more confident in his shooting and is more relaxed. It is so great to see LT’s sudden improvement on the range!

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With deer season right around the corner, scouting had been on our minds for a couple weeks. I set up a plan to head out with LT, and instead of picking an easy spot to scout, I opted to have us work for it. We hiked in a few miles to set up and glassed for a couple hours. While we discussed the terrain and possible areas to look for deer, we mainly talked about the beauty of being out in God’s creation and loving every second of it.

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Having a new bowhunter go scouting and be the one to locate the deer is a huge boost for them. It will positively keep them interested, but also reaffirms that we seasoned archers need to help give back and share our knowledge. I look forward to hearing more from LT on his time at the range and his scouting trips.

Bowhunting continues to grow at a mind-bending rate. Wives, children, friends and complete strangers to archery want to learn how. By sharing our knowledge with others, we can help fill in the gaps and make a difference.

With the proper guidance and encouragement, the new generation of bowhunters can become better than we ever were. To me, that is solidifying the foundation of the future of our sport. CS Editor’s note: For more on the author, check out his website, socalbowhunter.com. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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HUNTING

WATER WANTED

IN FIELDS CALIFORNIA’S DROUGHT WOES COULD AFFECT CENTRAL VALLEY’S WATERFOWL HABITAT This aerial view of the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge reflects how the drought has affected Central Valley rice fields. But the relative lack of water should also concentrate more waterfowl and help the success rate this fall and winter. (KITTLE’S OUTDOOR SPORTS)

By Patrick Kittle

W

hen filling out the federal paperwork at the time of purchasing your shotgun this year, don’t forget to write in the state of your residence as “arid.”

We have been reminded that, although waterfowl migrate here to winter grounds, California is considered an arid state and waterfowlers will be experiencing more of the same from last year. More of the same drought conditions would result in

less planted rice fields.

The ground that has been taken out of production in Colusa County is around 40 percent; to the east towards the Sutter Butte Basin, the percentage of rice is reduced to nearly 60 percent.

This results in less wintering food sources for the visiting waterfowl.

The Colusa National Wildlife Refuge has planted extra watergrass and other “duck” food just for this reason.

Another fall with scant rainfall will mean less water available to flood hunting fields. Whether the ground

DUCK CALLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Kittle’s Outdoor Sports will again host the California State Duck Calling Championships the weekend of Aug. 29-30 in Colusa.

Some of the highlights to remember of the 2015 show include: • This is a free event to attend.

• There will be two free seminars over the course of the weekend: a beginning caller’s workshop with Brad Allen, a three-time world champion; FishDog Outdoors is also putting on a specklebelly goose hunting seminar.

• The California Waterfowl Association is holding its regional championship at the event.

• Kittle’s Outdoor Sports will draw a winning ticket for a Browning Buckmark Pistol.

For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page (facebook.com/pages/ California-State-Duck-Calling-Championship/175521752519354). CS

is fallow, planted or in natural vegetation, a duck blind is rendered nearly useless without surrounding water.

Most ducks prefer large areas of water to feed and rest. The open water is a protective barrier from four-legged land predators.

If the conditions continue to be dry, those hunting fields that do have water will have more of the same success they experienced last year.

The lack of water concentrates the birds and helps the success rate. It also opens up opportunities for dryland goose hunting. The goose hunting definitely opened up last year, and those who put their time and material into it really capitalized on the larger daily bag limits.

The polar blast that swept through the majority of the nation last season certainly sent some of the migration to California in bigger groups earlier than normal. Another year of that would put a big positive on an expected dry season.

There is a rumor in the weather mill that El Niño is positioning itself to dump floodwaters starting as early as October on California. That would be

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HUNTING

A BREAKTHROUGH IN DECOYS

You can set up your duck decoy navy in different ways to help entice waterfowl above your blind.

(AUTO DUCK DECOYS)

a complete game-changer and all scenarios covered here would be all wet.

Stay tuned as we close in on waterfowl seasons in October. CS Editor’s note: Patrick Kittle is the general manager at Kittle’s Outdoor Sports in Colusa. Kittle’s preseason waterfowl and dove opener sale begins on Aug. 22 and will run through Aug. 31. For more information, call (530) 458-4868 or go to kittlesoutdoor.com.

In the San Joaquin Delta, the heart of the Pacific flyway, it took much searching to find the most effective way to decoy in waterfowl, which is how Auto Jerk Decoy System (autojerkdecoysystem.com) got its start.

The only thing that has not changed is how waterfowl sound and look on the water. Even the first hunters saw this and tried to duplicate waterfowl movement with manual jerk strings/cords. This was an effective and proven method to natural movement of several decoys with one motion of the arm. Movement in your spread, and ripple on the water, is crucial to waterfowl success. The two biggest complaints using a jerk string are set-up and pulling a string while calling and holding a gun.

Founder Dario Leventini offered some insight into the product.

California Sportsman What is the general idea of your product?

Dario Leventini The Auto Jerk Decoy System simply took one of the oldest and most effective ways of decoying in ducks (the manual jerk string) and automated it. It’s changing duck hunting.

CS How long does it take to set up?

DL One system takes about 10 minutes to set up and will move up to 12 decoys adding decoy movement and water ripple throughout your decoy spread.

CS What makes this system work so well?

DL Set up and hunt all day with the most effective natural decoy system on the market without having to pull on a string. It puts ripple and nonstop motion in your spread.

With more than 30 years of hunting waterfowl, we never experienced this type of bird response to our decoy spreads. CS

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HUNTING

FROM FIELD ...

LET THE PIGEONS (AND DOVES) LOOSE NUMBERS PLENTIFUL AND BAG LIMITS GENEROUS FOR EARLY UPLAND BIRD SEASONS

Bandtail pigeon populations appear to be bouncing back, meaning there are increased opportunities for hunters to pursue this gorgeous, challenging and greateating bird. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

By Scott Haugen

A

s daylight broke on the horizon, my wife, Tiffany, and I were right where we wanted to be.

The morning before, we’d scouted the south-facing hillside and watched flocks of band-tailed pigeons flying across its lower section. The best part was they all poured into a densely wooded draw, meaning there was either water or minerals in there.

The plan was to set up in their flight path and pass shoot as birds flew by. The plan worked. On opening morning, the first pair of birds materialized in the distance, quickly growing bigger as they approached. I was ready to back up Tiffany, but it wasn’t necessary, as she dumped the lead bird with one shot. Soon another band approached, Tiffany fired one shot and just like that, her daily bag limit of two birds was filled.

It took me more than two shots to fill my daily bag limit, and I’m still reminded of that day; but I don’t mind since Tiffany is a good shot. We returned the following morning and again came away with four birds, two each.

Now we were only two shy of a possession limit.

Though California’s bandtail season is brief and the bag limits slim, don’t let that keep you from getting afield.

Last season our whole family hunted multiple times, and it was nothing short of phenomenal as we saw more birds than we’d seen in 30 years. It’s great to see bandtail numbers bouncing back.

PLAN FOR SEASONS California’s bandtail season is split into two parts. The first season runs Sept. 19-27, in what’s called the North Zone.

The North Zone includes Mendocino, Glenn, Butte and Sierra counties, and all counties to the north.

A second season takes place in the South Zone and includes all the counties lying to the south of those mentioned above. The South Zone season runs Dec. 19-27, when, again, a two-bird daily, six-in-possession limit is in place.

Dove season also opens in September statewide. The dove season is split into two parts. The first statewide season runs Sept. 1-15, while the second season is Nov. 14-Dec. 28. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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HUNTING

Brought to you by:

... TO FIRE

EXPERIMENT WITH TASTY BIRD DISHES

What to do when you’ve brought home a bunch of upland birds or have some of last year’s stash in your freezer? Experiment with dishes like lemon pepper packets (left) and jalapeño quail bites. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)

By Tiffany Haugen

U

pland bird season is taking off soon, and now is the perfect time to experiment with tasty recipes. Rather than dressing the birds and stashing them in the freezer, cook them now while they are fresh. Then again, if you’re cleaning out the freezer from last season, those birds will work with these recipes too.

From quail to pheasant, chukar to grouse, the recipes below are sure to impart unique flavors you can’t help but enjoy. There’s no end to creative ways to prepare game birds; it just takes a little imagination and an open mind.

LEMON PEPPER PACKETS This is an easy way to prepare one or several game birds. Packets can be assembled up to one day ahead. This recipe also works well when using only breasts or only legs and thigh pieces.

One pheasant or two chukars, dressed ¼ onion, chopped ½ stalk celery One lemon, sliced 1 teaspoon lemon pepper Three slices bacon 2 tablespoons white wine Salt to taste Place dressed bird on a square of aluminum foil, breast side up. Fill body cavity with onion, celery and lemon. Sprinkle lemon pepper and salt over bird. Lay strips of bacon over the breast, tucking extra underneath. Close packet and leave a small opening at the top. Pour in wine and seal foil closed. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven or medium-hot grill, 30 to 45 minutes or until bird reaches 160 to 165 degrees.

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Open packets to brown bacon during last five minutes of cooking time. To make a complementary sauce, bring pan drippings to a boil in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, mix well and add to sauce. Cook one to two minutes on medium heat, adding additional liquid (chicken broth or white wine) to reach desired consistency.

JALAPEÑO QUAIL BITES Whether fried, broiled or grilled, these tasty bites are irresistible. These can be made for a few people or large crowds – it depends on how much quail you have. For four “bites” you will need: Four quail breasts, or two grouse breasts (chunked) 2 tablespoons cream cheese One large jalapeño pepper Four slices thin bacon Rinse each breast and pat dry. Cut jalapeño into fourths. Place half tablespoon cream cheese on jalapeño, top with quail breast or chunked grouse. Carefully wrap bacon around each piece of meat and pepper. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Fry, broil or grill until bacon is crisp. Serve alone or place on a bed of lettuce.

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s popular cookbook, Cooking Game Birds, send a check for $20.00 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489 or order online at scotthaugen.com. Tiffany Haugen is a full-time author and part of the new online series, Cook With Cabela’s. Watch for her on The Sporting Chef, on the Sportsman Channel and follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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HUNTING As for daily dove bag limits, you’re allowed 15 mourning doves, up to 10 of which may be white-winged doves. The possession limit is 30, and if the family heads out together for a few days and the action is red-hot, you can expect to bring home some great-eating meat.

It’s worth noting that California’s invasive dove species can also be hunted. Spotted and ringed turtle doves fall under the same seasons as mourning doves, but there’s no daily or possession limits in place. Eurasian collared doves can be hunted yearround with no bag limits.

The author’s son, Braxton Haugen, and his 7-month-old pudelpointer, Echo, enjoyed a fun morning of dove hunting together. California offers two statewide dove seasons and is open year-round for Eurasian collared doves. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

SCOUTING WORK RECOMMENDED Though dove and pigeon season doesn’t open until next month, now is the time to get out and scout for birds.

Doves flock to grain fields this time of year, and congregate around wild grass meadows and water sources.

If seeking permission to hunt on private lands, start the process now.

Many landowners and ranchers are more likely to grant dove hunters permission than those looking to pursue deer or hogs, especially if youth hunters are the focus of the hunt.

When scouting for band-tailed pigeons, search for flocks heading into springs, creeks, mineral pockets and food sources. Pigeons love cascara berries, and with these trees abundant in parts of the Coast Range, the hunting can be great. Once pigeons are located flying, track them to see where they’re going.

Pigeons have a deliberate flight path, traveling from the roost to food and water early in the morning. A good set of binoculars, even a spot-

Two generations of Haugens, Scott and son Kazden, enjoyed a great morning hunt for bandtail pigeons.

With pigeon and dove seasons coming up next month, now is the time to find a place to hunt and hone those shooting skills. (SCOTT HAUGEN) 102 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

ting scope, is a must for pigeon-scouting missions.

Now is also the time to start honing shotgun skills. Doves and pigeons are some of the fastest-flying, most challenging birds to hit. I’ve watched many hunters over the years burn through a lot of shells before securing their limit.

And if you’re taking the dog hunting for doves and pigeons, be sure to tote plenty of water. When dogs do retrieve a bird, pick the feathers from their mouth. The birds’ feathers come out easily and can collect inside the mouth and around the gums of dogs, drying out their mouth and leaving them not wanting to pick up more birds.

Dove and pigeons are some of the most delicious upland game birds out there, which is even more reason to hunt them. With the seasons fast approaching, now is the time to gear up for one of the West’s greatest upland adventures.

Discover for yourself how challenging and thrilling these hunts can be. CS Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott & Tiffany Haugen’s popular book, 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 Scott on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

R

of eturn the Favor

FATHER-DAUGHTER HUNTING DUO COME FULL CIRCLE IN NEW ZEALAND

By Brittany Boddington

I

n 2004 I made my ďŹ rst trip to New Zealand with my dad to hunt the iconic Himalayan tahr. This was early in my hunting career, and it was my ďŹ rst mountain or cold-weather hunt ever.

I was completely unprepared. My hands were freezing in my cotton gloves, and my fuzzy fur hat is still a topic we laugh about to this day.

But I ended up loving the experience. It was a turning point for me. I got serious and realized how much I loved to hunt, and hunt hard.

HUNTING LORD OF THE RINGS LAND That trip we hunted with Chris Bilkey of Track and Trail Safaris New Zealand (+64 3 693 7123; chrisbilkey.co.nz).

I swear that that man is half mountain goat; the way he trots up those steep peaks is simply amazing. I struggled to follow him when it was my day to hunt tahr.

We traversed the mountains, glassing as we went, and after a short while we found a great big wild goat and decided to take him. The area was so steep that when I lay down to shoot, I kept sliding downhill. My dad, Craig, got behind/under my feet and I basically stood on him so I could be prone against the mountain and shoot.

Famed hunter and author Craig Boddington takes aim at a stag on a steep New Zealand slope while daughter Brittany braces him during their hunt. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

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After I shot, my tahr fell on a rocky outcrop above us and didn’t move. Chris trotted up the mountain, across some treacherous shale and pulled the tahr loose. The animal slid down the shale, right past us and down the mountain. We hiked down and found him at the bottom.

The shale is so small that the slide didn’t cause any damage, and, man, was that a convenient way to get my tahr to the bottom!

Dad got one on that trip as well. All in all, it was a wonderful experience – one that I hoped we could have again.

THERE AND BACK AGAIN Time passed, as it always does, and although we kept in contact with Chris and his wife Peg, my dad and I didn’t get a chance to hunt with them together for many years. I visited them and he visited them, but never the two of us at the same time – until this year!

Finally, a decade (plus a year) later, Dad and I ended up back in camp with Chris and Peg. I’ve hunted in New Zealand a few times over the last few years, but I’ll save those stories for another time. This was our reunion trip, and it felt good!

I am a collector now, and one thing I desperately wanted to add to my collection was a free-range fallow deer from New Zealand. I mentioned this to Chris at one of the sportsman conventions in January, and he told me he had

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The hunters glass for Himalayan tahr on the slopes of the South Island.

(BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

Craig Boddington poses with a tahr he took in kiwi country. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

New Zealand’s North and South Islands (this territorial view is of the latter, just outside Geraldine) have the kind of diverse terrain that inspired filming locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

(BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

106 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

the perfect spot to find me one.

My dad, his wife Donna and our doctor friend Sadaf Khan joined me, and each of us had a personal mission to accomplish as well. Donna went first and shot a beautiful tahr with a big blonde mane. Sadaf was after a full bag, so her mission took a while longer.

One day we decided that Sadaf and Donna would go up the backside of the mountain that I shot my tahr on so many years ago and hunt for one for Sadaf. Meanwhile, my dad and I would go with Chris and try to find a stag for Craig. We spotted a few stags scattered across the mountain first thing in the morning, but none of them were in shooting distance and the wind was howling.

We decided to make a plan to close the distance on one particularly odd-looking stag. It had a few broken-off tines and some strange growth that Chris was concerned would be dangerous to the other stags, if they fought.

Needless to say, Dad was more than happy to help take this stag out of the group. We worked our way along the mountain and tried to stay out of sight, but eventually the stag and a couple of does spotted us and fled. They ran into a thick patch of bush and stood in there feeding until they finally bedded down.

They were obviously not too concerned because they could have easily gone up over the top and disappeared forever, but they decided to take a nap instead. We got into position and thought we would wait them out.

THE RETURN OF THE FAVOR An hour passed and Dad was becoming progressively less comfortable in his prone position over a pack. He was sliding and his neck hurt, but we were all afraid to look away in case the animals got up. So we made the decision to shift positions a little higher and a little closer. We were about 200 yards from them now but they were directly uphill in a very thick patch of brush. The only hope was that if they got up and moved right, they would cross an open shale slide about a yard wide. While this was not a huge gap, we hoped the shale would cause them to pause.

Meanwhile, my dad was struggling to get into position and he kept sliding. Remembering our first trip 11 years before, I got behind/under his feet and he stood on my leg as I dug my boots into the hill as hard as I could. Just then the stags were up. Chris had moved out to the side to get a better look and had been spotted.

They moved to the right, as we had hoped, but didn’t pause at all in the shale; rather, they just kept moving.

There must have been a hole in the brush that we hadn’t seen before because just when I thought the stag was gone, he emerged with a full visible shoulder. Dad didn’t hesitate to take the shot, but while the stag reacted as

108 California Sportsman AUGUST 2015 | calsportsmanmag.com

Donna Boddington and Dr. Sadaf Khan celebrate a successful harvest in New Zealand. The nation’s flag (below) features a Union Jack from its British colony roots and four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation.

(BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

Leithen Valley Trophy Hunts New Zealand is a family run and operated business located in the south island of New Zealand.

Specialising In Red Stag, Fallow Bucks, Wapiti, Apawera Rams, Tahr & Chamios

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^

Info@leithenvalley.com

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Doughboy Hunting Lodge New Zealand All New Zealand Species

Contact Us! email: alex@nzhunting.co.nz phone: +643-523-9249 website: www.nzhunting.co.nz calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2015 California Sportsman

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aged to find the stag, which had rolled a bit and become stuck in some brush.

We were thrilled. Dad was so excited after all that suspense, even if, ironically, the whole thing happened so quickly. The stag was huge in body, with a very unique rack.

The hunt was one I will remember forever because we did it as a team. The stag was management quality, a great old one that needed to be taken. Sometimes it is more important to enjoy the experience and make memories than to shoot a monster. I think this stag and the hunt to get it is something that Dad and I will cherish for a long time. CS

Craig also bagged this “game management” stag during he and Brittany’s reunion hunt to New Zealand. They had come full circle from that first hunt more than a decade earlier. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

though hit hard, it kept moving.

Dad got another couple shots in as the stag disappeared into the brush. Chris was sure that it was down in that thick stuff, so we gathered up our gear and hiked over.

The area was impossibly steep and thick, but Chris man-

Editor’s note: Brittany Boddington is a Los Angeles-based hunter, journalist and adventurer. For more, check out brittanyboddington.com and facebook.com/brittanyboddington.

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