Wilson on Outdoors: Bow hunting for turkeys off the highway

Q: I am interested in bow hunting for turkeys this year but have some questions. Last week, I saw a flock of hens and jakes on the side of a highway and I got to wondering if it’s legal to hunt off the side of a highway. I know we can’t shoot across a highway, but exactly how many yards or feet away does a bow hunter have to be?

A: It is unlawful to discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt over or across any public road or other established way open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner (Fish and Game Code, section 3004(b)). Definitions for road and roadway can be found in the California Vehicle Code, sections 527 and 530. In addition, most counties have ordinances setting the distance from a public roadway that one must be to lawfully discharge a firearm. Many counties require 150 feet, but this distance varies and you will have to check with the appropriate sheriff’s department to determine the legal distance. It is always unlawful to negligently discharge a firearm, and the discharge of a firearm from or upon a public road or highway is prohibited (California Penal Code, section 374c).

Q: I am coming to California from Australia for a diving holiday and wish to bring my own gear, including a spear gun. Do you know what the rules are about bringing one through U.S. customs?

A: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not regulate the importation of dive gear, including spear guns. You should check with the Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov) to see if they have any special provisions you must follow.

Q: I have seen several videos about using live “feeder” mice and rats for bass and trout fishing and was wondering whether they are legal to fish with in California. I wasn’t able to find any regulations regarding the use of live mice or rats. If not acceptable to use as live bait, can they be used if dead/frozen?

A: No. The freshwater fishing regulations do not list mammals as acceptable bait options, so rodents may not be used (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 4.00.).

Q: Does California have any hunting opportunities for sandhill cranes? I have seen a couple videos in which the hunters state the meat is great, and some say it tastes like steak. I tried to research regulations for them but wasn’t able to come up with anything. Can you please let me know if they can be hunted here?

A: While some states authorize the taking of sandhill cranes during waterfowl season, there are currently no hunting opportunities for them in California.

Q: I own a store that sells kangaroo hide boots and other products made of kangaroo leather. I read that California recently reinstated a ban on the import and sale of kangaroo products. Is this true and, if so, what should retailers like me know about the ban?

A: You are correct. The ban on kangaroo products went back into effect on Jan. 1. California Penal Code section 653o prohibits the importation, possession with intent to sell and sale of any parts of specified animals, including kangaroos. Some common retail products made from kangaroo leather are boots, belts, wallets and soccer cleats.

As you know, California retailers are responsible for knowing the laws and regulations of the state and must take the necessary efforts to ensure they do not possess kangaroo products with the intent to sell.

Penal Code section 653o may be enforced by any peace officer in the state, including police officers, sheriff deputies and wildlife officers. A person who violates section 653o is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 and up to six months in jail for each violation.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Wilson on Outdoors: Bow hunting for turkeys off the highway."