California Outdoors Q&A

Children Accompanying on Hunts

Q: Is it possible to take a 5-year-old duck hunting in California?

A: Yes, it is legal to take your 5-year-old duck hunting in California. It is ultimately up to the parent or guardian to decide what age is appropriate to take their kids along on a hunt and at what age they are mature enough and have the reading comprehension skills necessary to take and pass hunter education. Many kids begin their hunter education journey between age 10 and 12. Before then, unlicensed youth observers are welcome into the field at any age.

If you are interested in introducing someone young to a lifelong skill like waterfowl hunting, starting them off in a positive and encouraging way is key. Here are some tips to consider. Bring properly fitting hearing protection for their size, consider purchasing or borrowing youth clothing that matches the conditions (including waders), bring sunscreen, snacks and quiet activities for the blind (like a photobook of birds they can seek out). Very young kids can also have fun with a duck or goose call.

It’s a good idea to commit to flexibility and the idea that you’re there to introduce a child to the activity and not the hunt itself. That usually means making shorter trips, adjusting to the conditions and stamina of the child and being willing to interrupt a hunt based on the attention span and needs of the child. A few questions to ask before making plans: Are they okay waking up early? How far of a walk and what terrain will be crossed to get to your blind? How will you keep them occupied while waiting for a blind on public refuges? Is it cold, dark and raining? How will you keep them engaged and safe while putting out your decoy spread? Will they need a life jacket or personal floatation device? Are they able to walk through water, mud and muck while keeping their balance? Another recommendation is to have them assist throughout the hunting experience. Have them hold the flashlight, help push the decoy cart or pull the sled, help them build a blind or brush in your pit or tank or even invite them into the pond with you to retrieve birds if they’re tall enough and strong enough to withstand the pond or water conditions and terrain. Remember, taking your kids out on their first hunting experience should be about the kids, not the hunt.

As a reminder, 12 is the minimum age to hunt big game in California. Youth hunters under the age of 12 may hunt small game, like squirrels and rabbits, upland game, such as turkeys and doves and waterfowl. A hunting license is required to hunt regardless of age. Some National Wildlife Refuges and state wildlife areas also have youth ponds available for licensed junior hunters. To find more information about youth ponds, visit the specific lands area or wildlife refuge webpage you wish to visit for more information.

Mussel Fee Stickers for Boats

Q: I’m new to boating. Why do I need to purchase a mussel sticker?

A: The mussel fee sticker supports quagga/zebra mussel infestation prevention efforts throughout the state to protect the environment, recreational access and the economy. CDFW and other agencies’ prevention efforts include outreach and education, early detection monitoring, installation and staffing of watercraft inspection stations and boat cleaning and decontamination stations.

DMV-registered vessels (boats) must display a current mussel fee sticker unless they are only used in marine coastal waters. Law enforcement can cite watercraft for not having the current decal, and marinas may deny launching vessels that do not display a current sticker.

The revenue generated from the sale of the stickers is administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles the sticker purchase process, and CDFW provides biological expertise to support DBW’s grant program and supports water agencies in their development of mussel prevention programs.

The mussel fee sticker payment of $16 is available through the DMV website, or by visiting DMV field offices or AAA offices for members.

Wolverine or Badger?

Q: I came upon a dead animal in Santa Barbara County that I first thought was a wolverine. It turned out to be a badger. Is that a common mistake?

A: From a distance it could be possible to make that mistake, but a closer look reveals the big differences between the two animals. First, wolverines are substantially larger, weighing up to 60 pounds, and can grow beyond three feet in length. Badgers are roughly two thirds the size of a wolverine and much lighter in weight. Wolverines have been described as looking like a combination of a bear and a dog, while badgers have shorter bodies and a distinctive white stripe running from their snout up and over its forehead.

Their habitats would also assist in identifying the animal. While badgers can be found living in deserts, grasslands and mountains, wolverines are fond of cold areas and are usually found in alpine settings.

Wolverines are also rare in California. The most recent wolverine sighting in California was in winter 2023 when what appeared to be the same animal, was spotted several times high in the Eastern Sierra. The previous confirmed wolverine sighting in California was in 2018. Prior to that, a wolverine hadn’t been seen in California since the 1920s. 

CDFW appreciates sightings reported to our Wildlife Incident Reporting system or to regional offices, as the information can assist biologists in their research.

Habitat for Waterfowl

Q: As a duck hunter, I’m curious how the California Waterfowl Habitat Program works?

A: Also known as the Presley Program, named for the state senator who established the program, the California Waterfowl Habitat Program encourages private landowners to manage their land in accordance with management plans that are cooperatively developed between CDFW biologists and landowners and designed to benefit waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species of wildlife. In turn, those landowners get a personal wetland consultant for 10 years, and are paid $30 or $60 per acre per year for successfully managing habitat ($30 dollars for habitat that’s flooded during the fall and winter. $60 for habitat that’s flooded during the spring and summer). This program helps provide habitat for both birds that spend their winters in California, and birds and other wildlife that spend their entire life cycle in and around California’s wetlands.

“There’s a lot that goes into managing wetland habitat each year,” said CDFW Private Lands Biologist Andrew Greenawalt. “Spring and summer flooded wetlands require constant maintenance. In addition, fall and winter-flooded units need to be drawn down or dewatered at specific times and rates in the spring to provide habitat for staging migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. They also need to be irrigated in the spring and summer to boost the carrying capacity or number of birds those wetlands can support, and flooded up at the right time and depth during the winter to ensure those resources are available to birds when they need them. Presley is designed to offset some of those management costs for landowners”

It was the voter-approved Proposition 68 in 2018 that continued funding for the California Waterfowl Habitat (Presley) Program, and it continues to be extremely popular with landowners. Over 70 properties are currently enrolled in the program throughout the state, and well over 100 more are on the waiting list to apply for the program the next time the Department has a solicitation. Since 1987 the Presley Program has boosted habitat in the Central and Sacramento valleys by more than 50 thousand acres.

More information on the California Waterfowl Habitat Program is available at Private Lands Incentive Programs

Hunting Blinds

Q: Is it legal to set up and hunt mule deer from a hunting blind in California?

A: Yes, it is lawful to hunt deer from a blind. Setting up a hunting blind for deer hunting is a common strategy, whether a ground blind or a tree-stand. A hunting blind is a tent-like construction that camouflages the hunter and allows the animal to come into view and, eventually, within range for a clear shot. Hunting blinds take many forms, and some are permanent while others are portable. Some are on the ground, while more expensive blinds are elevated with legs, and require a ladder to enter. Hunters are encouraged to be considerate of their surroundings and remove any blind that’s been built or brought to the area when their hunt is completed. The full set of regulations for deer and all mammal hunting can be found at mammal hunting.

Muzzleloader Hunting

Q: What’s the attraction of hunting with a muzzleloader?

A: Muzzleloaders are single shot firearms where each round is manually loaded through the barrel. There are no rounds or casings, and instead primers, powder, a slug and wadding are used. The main attraction for many hunters using muzzleloaders is the challenge of the hunt, the experience of using a less common firearm and the potential of having additional hunting opportunities through the various muzzleloader tags available. Because the effective range of muzzleloaders is considerably less than modern rifles, this form of hunting requires a hunter to stalk closer to their quarry.

CDFW offered nearly a dozen specific muzzleloader deer hunts in 2023. Because of the challenge of this hunting technique, it’s often easier to draw muzzleloader tags than a similar rifle tag. The schedule for 2024 hunts is available at California Big Game Digest (PDF)

Fallen CDFW Officers

Q: The annual Peace Officer’s Memorial ceremony is happening soon. How many wildlife officers or wardens have died in the line of duty?

A: While the memorial contains more than 1,600 names of California officers who died in the line of duty, 16 of those names belong to wildlife officers. The first death (Bert Blanchard) came in 1913 in Contra Costa County. The most recent were two officers who died in 1984. They were Lt. Robert Flynt, killed in a vehicle accident in El Centro, and Lt. Roy Reed, killed in an accident while pursuing another vehicle near Bakersfield. Two officers died in the same 1916 investigation of fishing violations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Raymond Heacock and Richard Squires.

The California Peace Officers’ Memorial Monument is located in Sacramento on State Capitol grounds. Ceremonies to honor fallen officers happen each year in the first week of May. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962. Ceremonies have taken place in Sacramento since 1977.

This year’s remembrance takes place over two days with a candlelight vigil happening Sunday, May 5, starting at 8:30 pm. The enrollment ceremony (to unveil the names of 2023 fallen officers) happens the next morning, May 6, beginning at 10:30. The enrollment ceremony is a ticketed event for designated family members and guests. Additional seating is provided so all may view the ceremony on an adjacent large-screen television.

Fishing Tournaments

Q: A friend was telling me about fishing tournaments in California. How can I get involved?

A: Hundreds of fishing tournaments and contests are scheduled in California for the rest of 2024. You can search the type of contest, location, date and sponsor name at Fishing Contests. Please make sure to be in touch with the sponsor organization to register, since CDFW does not host these events.

Most of the contests target black bass, but some involve other species such as trout, kokanee and striped bass. Contests take place all year, but most occur in the spring, summer and fall. Diamond Valley Lake (Riverside County), Clear Lake (Lake County) and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are among the most popular locations for anglers to compete against each other. Fishing is mostly from motorized boats, but there is a growing popularity for the shore-based and kayak contests.

“Many people enjoy fishing for the chance to be alone in nature. It’s their time away from the busy parts of our lives,” said Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor Flower Moye. “Fishing contests can give people that same feeling, but also provide a space for camaraderie and healthy competition. They offer folks another way to enjoy the sport. In fact, some people get into fishing because of the tournament scene.”

Since 1975, CDFW has required tournament organizers to have permits for their events. The regulation enables the department to ensure responsible use of resources. CDFW does not make money from the contests. Usual fishing regulations apply meaning winners are determined not by the number of fish caught, but by the weight or length.

A full explanation of CDFW contests, tournaments and derbies is available at Fishing Contests, Tournaments and Derbies.

Raccoon Visits

Q: With so much discussion about human-wildlife conflicts, can something be done about nuisance raccoons in my neighborhood?

A: Raccoons are found throughout most of the state (except alpine and desert regions) and are lured by the same attractants that bring other wildlife to our communities: pet food and trash. Their diverse diet also includes fruit, nuts, birds, eggs and small mammals.

But raccoons also present a potential health issue for humans because of their droppings. Raccoons are known to carry a number of internal parasites, including Baylisascaris procynois, a roundworm found in racoons. Infection spread can happen to both humans and pets when contact is made with raccoon feces.

Raccoons often leave their droppings in the same spot, often called raccoon latrines. Cleaning a latrine should be done carefully, while wearing disposable rubber gloves and rubber boots. Gently shovel or scoop the droppings into a heavy-duty garbage bag, then clean and disinfect the clothing and tools thoroughly.

As with other wildlife, humans can play a big role in preventing conflict. Remove access to any sources of food, including garbage and pet food. Clear brush, cover sandboxes, remove any fruit on the ground from fruit trees, and cut back branches that hang over a roof. Also, be sure your pets are properly vaccinated to mitigate this threat.

Extensive information on the behavior of raccoons and the risk they prevent is at Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Raccoons.