I caught a tagged white sturgeon. How do I report it and what are the tags used for?
Sturgeon tags
Q: I caught a tagged white sturgeon. How do I report it and what are the tags used for?
A: Good news—not only have sturgeon tag reward values been increased this year, but we now have an option for anglers to email a photo of their tags.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) uses reward tags to generate population estimates for white sturgeon that are within the legal slot size (within 40 to 60 inches fork length). CDFW uses the data—in tandem with the sturgeon report card program—to manage population and harvest estimates, and to inform future regulations and conservation management decisions.
Historically, there were three monetary reward values for white sturgeon tags ranging from $50 to $150. In 2022, the Department only released tags worth $150 to encourage reporting. “We know there's some portion of the public that does not report tags, sometimes because the reward value isn't high enough.
“We know there’s some portion of the public that does not report tags, sometimes because the reward value isn’t high enough. We’re hoping this encourages people to return their tags because that gives us a better idea of population abundance of harvestable fish,” said CDFW fisheries biologist Dylan Stompe.
Anglers who catch a tagged sturgeon can now email a photo of the tag to R3Sportfish@wildlife.ca.gov and it will be paid out. Alternatively, anglers can mail the tag to the following address:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Attn: Sportfish Unit
2825 Cordelia Rd #100
Fairfield, CA 94534
“Some anglers want to keep their tag, and some don’t send it in because it’s a hassle to mail. The new email option is another way for us to get our reporting rate up which ultimately gives us a better idea of how many sturgeon are out there,” said Stompe.
Disabled Archer’s Permit
Q: I’m an archery hunter with an injured shoulder. Does CDFW offer a disability exemption that will allow me to hunt with a crossbow during archery season?
A: Yes. As you are likely aware, crossbows are allowed for deer hunting during the general rifle seasons. However, with approval from a doctor, you can apply for a Disabled Archer’s Permit, which will allow you to use a crossbow during the archery seasons or when hunting under the authority of an Archery Only deer tag. To apply for a Disabled Archer’s Permit, fill out the application on our website and have your physician sign the application and certify your disability.
Please submit your completed Disabled Archer’s Permit to:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
License and Revenue Branch
Attn: Melanie Huetter
P.O. BOX 944209
Sacramento CA 94244
White sharks
Q: What is prohibited in the new law protecting white sharks in California?
A: In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2109, providing new protections for white sharks in California waters. White sharks, also called great white sharks, are already a protected species and an important part of the ocean ecosystem as top-level predators.
The new protections, found in California Fish and Game Code section 5517, prohibit the use of shark bait, shark lures or shark chum to attract a white shark. Shark bait, shark lures and shark chum refer to any natural or manufactured product or device used to attract sharks by the sense of taste, smell, or sight, including, but not limited to, blood, fish, or other material upon which sharks may feed, and surface or underwater decoys. Anglers also may not place those items into the water within one nautical mile of any shoreline, pier or jetty, when a white shark is visible or known to be present. Anglers should note that the new rules regarding take of white sharks go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
The restrictions aim to address activities that may lead to increased interactions between white sharks and humans, and to give law enforcement more tools to protect white sharks from efforts to catch or attract them. The new law also helps protect the public from interactions with white sharks by restricting when and where chum and shark bait can be used, while still allowing other legal fishing activities to continue.
For more information about white sharks, please visit CDFW’s White Shark Information webpage, which includes answers to frequently asked questions. CDFW also published a news release on the new law.
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