California Outdoors Q&A

Question: What is the reasoning for not allowing small game (squirrel and rabbit) hunting in the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge units? The California squirrel hunting map indicates that the entire north state is an open squirrel zone and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website does not say anything about not being able to hunt these areas. There...
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Question: I have a picture of my current fishing license and hunting license on my phone (as well as my driver’s license). That shows all of the legal stamps, stars and stripes that might be required for what I am doing legally. As far as a game warden is concerned, would that work as proof that I have a license? It...
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Question: I jumped on an open party lobster trip recently (their counts were high!). The crew members were measuring while all of us were watching up close. The 3 ¼” tool would drop over the carapace and if fairly tight, they claimed it to be a “keeper.” When I politely asked them about this, they were adamant that these were legal...
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Question: My son is asking me to take him out on the special youth waterfowl hunt next weekend. We have everything we need like waders, camo, shotguns and so forth. But I don’t have reservations anywhere and we don’t have access to a duck club. What are my public waterfowl hunting options? I want to make it a good experience for...
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Question: What causes thousands and thousands of tiny clams to be left on shore at Newport Beach as far as the eye can see? This was Sunday, Jan. 14. Does this happen regularly, and if so, why? (Edwin Marcus) Answer: Those appear to be bean clams (Donax gouldii). This is a Southern California clam species found on sandy shores from Point Conception to...
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Question: I enjoy collecting the warden stamps (or decals) that come out every year. Is there a new edition coming out for 2018 soon? When will it be available? (Bridget) Answer: Yes! The 2018 Warden Stamp is now available for $5 online at ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales, at any license sales agent or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sales counter, or at any of the...
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