California Outdoors Q&A

Question: What type of clams are in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta? I see the small blackish ones and sometimes a type of razor clam. I grew up using them for bait, but now I hear that people eat them. Are they safe to eat? Is there a season or limit on them? (Kathleen B.) Answer: The types of clams found in the Sacramento-San...
Full Story 

Question:  I have been elk hunting with my father and brother out of state for years. My father was drawn for an elk hunt in California in the 1990s but none of us have been drawn since. We have been putting in for the draw since the preference point system started. What is the new elk management plan for, and is...
Full Story 

Question: My family has for many years eaten fresh Dungeness Crab on Christmas Eve.  We haven’t for a few years but would like to resume for this upcoming Christmas Eve. We have some doubts about eating it and were wondering if you could supply some information that would help the doubters feel comfortable eating crab again this year. (The Healy Family) Answer: The...
Full Story 

Question: Why does the deer harvest report questionnaire ask about the number of days spent hunting? Why is this question important? What is the purpose of this information? (A.J.) Answer: Your timing is perfect, as the deer tag reporting deadline of Jan. 31 is fast approaching. Deer tag reporting is now mandatory for all deer tag holders, successful or not. Successful deer tag...
Full Story 

Question: In the 17 years I have lived and fished in Discovery Bay, I have never seen anything like the number of salmon being caught this year. I have caught 10 salmon over 20 pounds incidentally while fishing for stripers and largemouth bass as you can’t fish for salmon in this part of the Delta, and have observed seals catching an...
Full Story 

Question: My questions have to do with the Alameda rock wall located behind Encinal High School in Alameda (Alameda County). Is a California fishing license required at the Alameda rock wall? I’ve heard some say that it is considered a public pier and would not require a license. Also, how many poles (lines) are you allowed to have per angler at...
Full Story