Question: We are interested in shipping sealed venison packages to the troops overseas. Are there any California laws that prohibit this? The venison will be sealed into packages of 50 to 100 pounds. If you could advise us of any regulations or guidelines related to the shipping of game to troops overseas, it would be appreciated.
— Anonymous
Answer: There are no laws that prohibit the shipping of venison from California as long as the animals were lawfully taken in accordance with California Fish and Game laws, including seasons, limits and gender restrictions. In addition, any package being shipped by common carrier must bear the name and address of the shipper and/or the consignee, and an accurate description of the numbers and kinds of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles or amphibians contained in the package clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside. In this case, deer or venison. Federal laws have similar marking requirements. For details, go to www.fws.gov.
However, whether or not the military will accept sealed venison from a private citizen is another issue. Contact the military directly for details.
Q: What's so special about sturgeon that the new regulations and measures are required?
— Jeff D., Modesto
A: Green sturgeon is a threatened species and white sturgeon has long been a substantial management concern. To protect sturgeon populations and the vibrant white sturgeon fishery, the Department and Commission have emphasized sturgeon enforcement, research, fishing regulations, passage improvements (e.g. at bypass weirs on the Sacramento River) and outreach. The State legislature is also aware of the sturgeon issue, and in 2007 implemented a law (AB 1187; DeSaulnier). This law made it easier for Fish and Wildlife officers to charge poachers with illegal commercialization of sturgeon and the law drastically increased the fines for illegal commercialization of sturgeon.
Q: I have been warned three times this year by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy that the next time I am caught feeding squirrels at the local park I will get a ticket. The deputy said they enforce state regulations. However, I fed them foods that are safe; food from pet stores such as pigeon feed and raw unshelled peanuts. There are no signs posted in the park where I visit, but I was told it's still a violation.
There are really no food sources for these animals at the park and I don't want to see malnourished animals. Please let me know the specific law covering this subject since I have not been able to find it online. I will abide by whatever the law says. This may seem to be an unimportant matter, but to me, as a senior, it becomes a quality-of-life issue.
— Tamara M.
A: The deputy is correct. By feeding wildlife, you are likely disrupting the animals' normal behavior patterns in violation of California codes and regulations. Some local ordinances also prohibit feeding wildlife.
It's important not to feed wildlife because by feeding animals you bring them into close proximity to each other, which puts them at greater risk of exposure to diseases and the droppings of the other animals — especially from large populations of birds in a relatively small area. If the animals expect food, they will stay in the area and might create a public health and water-quality issue.
Also, even the healthiest pet food and seeds animals get from people could never duplicate the diet they would get by eating the food found in their natural environment. If the natural food supply in an area decreases, that is a signal to the animals to move to a different area.
See additional information regarding feeding wildlife online at www.dfg.ca.gov/LivingWithWildlife.
Q: I fish the ocean off Mendocino and Humboldt counties from a sport boat and target lingcod and other groundfish. My question is can I use live sanddabs and small black and blue rockfish to catch lingcod?
— Jason S.
A: Yes, you can catch these species to then use for bait in ocean waters as long as they are all taken and possessed legally. All seasons, bag and size limits apply — even if the fish you catch are to be rendered for bait to catch lingcod and other larger species. They also must be counted toward your bag limit.
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact her at Cal.Outdoors@wildlife.ca.gov
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