California Hunting Digest Big Game Book Now Available
Deadline to Apply for Big Game Hunts is June 2, 2008
The deadline is approaching for several special hunting opportunities
announced in the 2008 California Hunting Digest Big Game book.
"The publication is the ‘must have’ book for the hunter and outdoors
enthusiast as it is a comprehensive source for big game hunting
opportunities,” says James Fong, License and Revenue Branch Chief for the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
The book, filled with news items, applications for special hunting
opportunities and harvest statistics, is now available to subscribers and
is at all DFG license offices, as well as independent license agents.
One of the major changes in hunting this year is the new requirement
for hunting in California condor range. Beginning July 1, 2008, it will be
illegal to use lead ammunition for hunting deer, bear, wild pig, elk,
bighorn sheep and antelope in areas designated as California condor range.
The areas affected are most of deer hunt Zone A, South Unit 110 and all of
deer D7-11, and D13. More information and a map of the range area can be
found in the magazine. Information is also available at
www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor. DFG and the Fish and Game
Commission will continue to provide information to hunters and identify
which ammunition are legal to use by July 1, 2008 when the new law takes
effect.
June 2 is the due date for hunters wishing to participate in the Big
Game Drawing as described in the book. This special drawing requires any
licensed hunter over the age of 16 to complete and submit an application
which is located in the booklet. Each application must be submitted with a
non-refundable fee of $7.50. Each hunter has the opportunity to state
their hunting preferences in these special drawings.
In addition, DFG continues to offer hunting opportunities for beginner
hunters. These Apprentice Hunts offer various levels of instruction for
new and junior hunters. Instruction includes a pre-hunt safety orientation
and hunters will receive expert direction and hands-on oversight from
Apprentice Hunt instructors. These junior hunters also are typically
accompanied by an adult. Most of these hunts are still open only to
hunters in possession of a Junior Hunting License.
Pending approval by the Fish and Game Commission, elk hunters also can
look forward to an additional 10 tags for the Northwestern California
Roosevelt Elk Hunt. DFG proposed offering these additional tags to help
with the increasing elk populations and the overall success of this hunt
during last year's hunting season.
For information on how to apply for a special hunt, please pick up a
free copy of DFG’s California Hunting Digest Big Game book from the
outlets noted above or sign-up electronically to regularly receive this
quarterly publication at
publications@dfg.ca.gov. Hunters can also find a mail order form to
purchase a license and tag applications at
www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/hunting/hunting.html.
Contact:
Lorna Bernard, Office of Communications, Education & Outreach, (916)
322-8937
James Fong, License and Revenue Branch Chief, (916) 928-6888
