WILDERNESS
UNLIMITED
A Quarterly Magazine for the West's Premier Hunting and Fishing Club
Volume 27, Number 1, Spring 2013
26th Annual
Fly Fishing Clinic
page 9!
Spring Thaw
is Coming!
Spring Pig and Turkey Information Inside!
Lodging
Clarke Lodge
26B
Don't miss an opportunity to visit the Clarke Lodge, located west of Laytonville and
situated on the pristine 5,000 acre Clarke Ranch. This ranch offers peacefulness,
beauty, a small trout pond for fishing and provides the perfect place for a family
gathering. Contact the Hayward Office for availability and bookings.
Please call the Office for current rates.
Weekends (Fri 3pm - Sun 12 Noon)
$180
Weekly
$420
Weekdays (Sun 3pm - Fri 12 Noon)
$80 p/nite
Holiday
$20 extra
Bidwell Bunkhouse
13B
Located on the scenic Bidwell Ranch in Shasta County is the Bidwell Bunkhouse.
This studio type building has the capability of accommodating 4 adults. With all
the amenities of home: a refrigerator, electric stove, tableware and a woodburning
stove, you can't go wrong staying at the Bidwell Bunkhouse.
Daily Rates (3pm-Noon)
$60 p/nite
Weekly (7 consecutive days)
$350 p/week
Last Cast
Spacious, yet cozy, quiet vacation rental, located in the heart of Hat Creek on Bidwell
Road. Each large unit, two-bedroom, queen size, fully furnished, includes bedding,
Monitor heating and everything you will need to cook or barbecue, shower and bathe.
Bring your float tubes, plenty of room. Five minutes from Bidwell Ranch. Daily, weekly
available. Ask about our three-day weekend special, $250. Come fish with us!
Geoffrey and Annie, (415) 310-3418, (530) 335-5534.
White River Lodge
O-9B
If you’d like to stay in the lodge, contact Erik at 503-621-9890 with your dates of
interest. He will check the owner's calendar and, if it’s available, will reserve the
night(s) you’ve requested. Payment of $115 per night can be made through Marc in
the WU Hayward Office (510-785-4868 Ext. 110). “Beach house” rules (bring your
own bedding & towels, clean the place up before you leave, etc.). If you’ve never
stayed there, treat yourself sometime soon!
Blue Bucket Inn
O-29
Experience life on a working cattle ranch in the Oregon outback. The Blue
Bucket Inn is the original ranch house, enlarged by George Riley in the 1950's.
Come join us where history abounds along with pine-covered mesas, rim rock,
sage covered hills and brilliant green meadows along the river.
Single Occupancy
$55 p/nite
Double Occupancy
$65-85 p/nite
Sportman's River Retreat
O-41
The Sportsman’s River Retreat is an RV park situated on the Williamson River
providing the closest boat launch point on the east side of the Upper Klamath
Lake.Reservations to use the WU property should be made through the WU office.
Reservations for hook ups or other Retreat services should be made directly with
Sportsman’s River Retreat at (541) 783-3857.
Call for information and brochures. Rental cabins now available for rent $65 per
night Sun-Thurs, $80 per night Fri & Sat-sleep up to 4 people.
2
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
General Information
In This I
Fishing
2013 Huli Cat Charters
Fishing Information and Properties
Page 6
Page 7
Columns
Rick Copeland - State of WU
George Visger - Early Trout
Rick E. Martin - Spring is Coming...
George Visger - Hog Mysteries and Misconceptions
Ed Migale - Turkey Hunting's Heroes
Terry Knight - Turkey Tid Bits
Robert Moore - California Wildlife
Jerry Springer - Gear Corner
Page 4
Page 7
Pages 8-9
Page 12
Pages 18-19
Page 19
Page 20
Page 23
Spring Hunting
Spring Pig Archery and Rifle Regulations
Spring Pig and Turkey Properties
Spring Turkey Season Information
Spring Turkey Selection Form and Information
Junior Turkey Selection Form and Information
Page 10
Page 11
Page 13
Pages 14-15
Pages 16-17
WUF
Fly Fishing Clinic
Youth Shooting Clinic
"Wild" Dinner
WUF Update
Summer Camp
Page 9
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Other
Lodging
Member Obituaries
Safari Club International
Sac Valley RV Park Information
Varmint and Predator Hunting
Members Speak Out
Oregon Hunting
Urge2Hunt
Page 2
Pages 4-5
Page 5
Page 11
Page 20
Page 21
Page 21
Page 22
ssue:
Cover Photo: Bidwell Ranch
March
4
5
7-11
10
13
19
20
23-24
27
30
31
April
5-7
6
10
12-14
27
May
1
4-5
5
6
12
17-19
19
27
31
Dates to Reme
Spring Turkey Selection Forms due - Hayward Office
Spring Turkey Selection
Hall Sports Show - Long Beach
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Spring Turkey Phone Reservations Begin
26th Annual Fly Fishing Clinic Reservations Begin
First Day of Spring
Junior Turkey Hunt Days
Trout Reservations Begin
Turkey Season Begins
Easter Sunday
mber
Central Valley Expo - Bakersfield
WUF "Wild" Dinner - Sac Valley RV Park
Guest Reservations for FFC Begin
WUF Mentored Junior Turkey Hunt - Clarke Ranch
Trout Season Begins
Spring Pig Season Opens
WUF Youth Shooting Clinic - Mosby Ranch
General Spring Turkey Season Ends
Archery and Youth Shotgun Turkey Season Begins
Mother's Day
26th Annual Fly Fishing Clinic - Bidwell Ranch
Archery and Youth Turkey Season Ends
Memorial Day - Office and Reservations Closed
Spring Pig Season Ends
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
Wilderness Unlimited
Volume 27, Number 1
Published at:
Wilderness Unlimited
22425 Meekland Ave.
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 785-4868
DEADLINES
News and advertising deadlines are the 5th of the
month preceding publication. New articles, signed
letters and success pictures to the editor are
welcome.
The right to edit or refuse copy is reserved.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Copeland, President
Joseph Sovinsky
Geri Carder
Manny Natsios
Cliff Todd
MAGAZINE STAFF
Geri Carder, Publisher
Rick Copeland, Editor
Cliff Todd, Managing Editor
Manny Natsios, Photo Editor
Antonio A. Castrejon, Layout and Design
Jenna Copeland, WUF Editor
Terry Knight, Columnist
Jerry Springer, Gear Corner
Rick E. Martin, Columnist
Robert Moore, Archery Columnist
George "The Wild Guy" Visger, Columnist
Ed Migale, Columnist
CIRCULATION
Wilderness Unlimited (USPS 010354)
is published four times per year by Wilderness
Unlimited, 22425 Meekland Ave. Hayward, CA
94541. Months of publication are March, June,
September and December. The cost
per year is $15 and is included in the price of
membership. Periodicals postage paid at Hayward,
CA 94544.
POSTMASTER:
Please send address changes to:
Wilderness Unlimited
22425 Meekland Ave.
Hayward, CA 94541
PRINTING SERVICES:
PMI, 510-931-7000
www.pmiink.com
All printing done using chemistry free plates,
Office Hours:
Office Hours: Monday-Friday,
9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Reservation Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:00-2:00
Closed for Lunch 2:00-2:30
Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00
(510) 785-4868
(877) 611-4868 Toll Free
#1 Information
#2 Reservations
#3 24 Hour Property Update
FAX: (510) 783-7436
Southern California Information
(619) 222-2285
After Hours Ranch Emergency
(510) 781-1487
www.wildernessunlimited.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
3
WU Update
State of WU
By Rick Copeland
Having had to listen to the federal government have a "State of
the Union" address and the state of California have a "State of
the State", why not WU have a "State of WU"?
At a time when responsible gun owners, hunters and fishers are
being targeted for endangered species status, we need to assess
our situation and pick our friends and mutual direction.
Here at home, the California F&G changing its name to Fish
and Wildlife may seem like nothing but watch out. The anticonsumptive use zealots have far more than a toe hold in
Sacramento and they have us all targeted. They do not want
us to eat animals or hunt or fish. Throw in the anti gun nuts and
we are embroiled in a self-preservation war. Private property
may become even more of a haven for hunters and fishers in the
future as private property rights may prevail longer, but don't
count on it. The recent hound bill passage and new California
knee jerk gun bills speaks volumes for future battles to come.
The anti's say game on, what are we going to do?
On the national scene, these recent mass shootings are horrible.
The irresponsible use of firearms is reprehensible, but, as
hunter’s rights believers, we wouldn’t be true to ourselves if we
didn’t stand up for the Second Amendment. The attacks on gun
rights are a whole lot more than guns. It’s about a way of life that
hunters embrace. These gun control advocates can't distinguish
between a semi-auto AR and a semi-auto shotgun. Gun control
advocacy seriously threatens our Second Amendment rights
and our outdoor heritage.
WU membership does have its value in more ways than one.
Every private ranch is a blessing no matter how big or small.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a mere few acres or thousands of acres;
each has its own special qualities. It’s our landowner's personal
connection to the land that sets the tone for us. Our passion
is to help take that land to its highest and best use for all. We
support the outdoor heritage and help landowners not succumb
to public land purchase with the fees we pay. However, nothing
is forever. WU is sad to announce that after a twenty-five year
relationship, Tamarack Duck Club #24 has succumbed to the
big dollar. The property has been sold.
Overall, WU is a great value. Look at all the opportunities that
members have. When's the last time you read this Magazine
cover to cover? I speak to members all the time that are unaware
of the programs we have or the changes we have made. How
about youth mentor membership, relaxed pig quota, predator/
varmint shooting, annual fee freeze, 26th fly fishing school,
WUF Camp, Wild Dinner, Plus membership, Utah elk hunt and
many more?
This is also a sad time at WU. We lost Joanne Conrad and Peter
Oplatka recently (see pages 4 and 5)
Why be an active member? Access to thousands of acres of
hunting and fishing in California should be enough, but WU
does so much more. I had a WU member explain it to me this
way, "The value is in the locations. Sure, I understand the
money, WU is not intended for me to go every weekend (some
do!). But, when I go, I know where I am going and with today's
fuel prices it helps to not have to hunt for a place to hunt." I
liked that perspective.
Lastly, besides being an active member, what else can you do
to guarantee your access to the outdoors in the future? If you
have not contributed to The Wilderness Unlimited Foundation,
COHA , SCI, NRA, CWA or the NWTF then you will be part to
blame. These great organizations support our heritage to hunt
and fish and camp as well.
Together, we are strong.
WU and WUF lose long time youth advocate, Joanne Conrad.
Joanne, along with her husband, Dave, have been fixtures at WU and WUF
outreach events since the inception of WU Remember all those participant
ribbons the kids proudly displayed at the historic WU picnics (the precursor to
the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair)? Joanne spent the entire year making them in
preparation of the event. She also worked the picnics at the shooting range.
Over 20 years ago when WU began its youth and, shortly after, women's pheasant
hunts, Joanne and Dave ran their pointing dogs for the participants. Many first
time hunters were able to take their first bird at these events.
Many a member can remember running into Joanne and Dave in the field as well.
Over the years, Joanne and Dave used WU properties to the fullest.
Due to a long illness Joanne passed away with her family at her side on Tuesday,
January 8th. She had hoped to be able to assist in this past December's Youth and
Women's Pheasant Hunts.
Joanne also was known for bringing bins of Holiday cookies to the WU booths at
the Sac Expo. She had mentioned the week prior to the Expo her disappointment
in not being able to bake her cookies this year.
Our heart goes out to Dave and his family.
Joanne's family requests that donations be made in her name to the Wilderness Unlimited Foundation.
4
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Safari Club International
SCI President John Whipple (a Californian) and California SCI
representatives met at the SCI Reno convention with WU CEO
Rick Copeland to discuss the future of hunting in California
from SCI's standpoint and to acknowledge WU's / SCI's official
Affiliate Relationship.
--“Who represents hunters in Washington, DC and Sacramento?
All these politicians are making decisions, yet I don’t have a
voice!?”
Borel,Wemple,Whipple, Copeland, Mattusch
By John Whipple, SCI President
As a hunter, sportsman and woman, or an avid outdoorsman, have you ever asked yourself these questions? I certainly have and
I know that nearly everyone who’s been with me in a hunting camp has, too. Rick Copeland, CEO of Wilderness Unlimited, and
I discussed this topic in Reno at the SCI National Convention. And many hunters believe the decisions government agencies in
far-away Washington, DC make cannot be stopped, improved, or written to actually benefit the average hunter.
When I’m asked this question, I always have an answer – Safari Club International. SCI has a dedicated Washington D.C. Office
staffed with full time wildlife professionals, attorneys, political insiders, and yes even a few lobbyists including a Lobbyist
in Sacramento. Safari Club’s office in Washington is the veritable sharp end of the stick to protect hunting and hunters from
generation to generation.
As President of SCI, and a California resident, I was very proud to learn that Wilderness Unlimited had become an Affiliate
organization with SCI to work on the same hunter advocacy issues. WU has been a leader for hunters and private landowners in
California. Every WU member understands the fights which SCI undertakes to preserve our place in the upland fields and high
sierras are for the benefit of all sportsmen and women.
Our organizations have parallel missions, and we should be actively working together to advance legislation from the national
level to protect our hunting freedoms.
This is why I am instructing our SCI staff in Washington, DC and Sacramento to regularly communicate to Wilderness Unlimited’s
leadership regarding legislation and regulations of significant importance. SCI needs to utilize Wilderness Unlimited’s membership
as a part of SCI’s comprehensive grassroots campaigns, and to make available all of our advocacy tools to you as a member of
Wilderness Unlimited. SCI will be sharing our Crosshairs (on line alerts) with WU staff for disbursement to WU members to help
keep you informed.
Our policy experts, attorneys, and lobbyists look forward to advocating on behalf of you, the members of Wilderness Unlimited.
Editors Note: SCI is a leader in championing hunting rights on a National level. Please give them your support.
Peter Oplatka, June 1, 1950 - January 30, 2013
Peter Oplatka, or Petr in his native language, was from Czechoslovakia. Petr passed away January
30th after a stroke. Petr will be missed.
When Petr heard of the fledgling WU back in 1987, he gave a generous amount of money as a
quote, unquote investment. The real investment was he wanted WU to make it. He will always
be remembered by WU as a Founding Member.
Petr will be remembered by all the members he came in contact with in the "field". Hunting was
his passion. So, was his cantankerousness. How many of you can remember Petr pulling into a
deer camp with his old Chevy 4x4 pick up, pulling a 5th wheeler with his jeep behind that? Oh,
and he would announce his arrival with his diesel locomotive air horn!
Petr also never traveled light. He had tools plus some. How many of you had your vehicle
repaired in the field by him? Petr was an electrician by trade just recently retiring from Union
Pacific Railroad after 35 years. He even had a welder ready to fix you up and get you back on the
road. Many of us felt he didn't have a good trip unless he was able to fix something.
Driving on ranch roads in his old flat fender "Wild Willy" was his trademark. His CB radio handle was "The Red Neck Chek".
If he asked you to ride along, maybe he liked you but there was the chance he needed a gate opener, Petr is survived by his
wife Susan and two boys, PJ and Nathan. A celebration of Petr's life will be held on his birthday, June 1st, at a location to be
determined. The announcement will be in a WU electronic member wire. If you do not receive the wire, make sure to call the
office if you would like to be notified.
We miss you, buddy!
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
5
Fishing
HULI CAT FISHING CHARTERS 2013
Salmon Charter - Sunday May 5
Rock Fish Charter - Sunday July 7
Albacore Charter - Sunday August 18
Crab & Humboldt Squid Combo - Sunday November 17
For several years WU has chartered the Huli Cat, a 55 foot vessel out of El Granada skippered by WU member and Owner
Tom Mattusch, for special WU fishing trips. These trips with Tom have always been great. Charters are WU’s way to organize
a trip. Special attention is always given to new sea fishers and kids. Each charter lists the intended quarry at the time we
set the dates. The key is to be flexible. If a different species of fish is “running”, the emphasis of the charter may shift.
The prices for all of these trips are priced below the norm. Book early as space is limited. Reservations for these trips can be
made at the WU office now.
Salmon Charter - Sunday May 5
$75 adult, $65 for youth (under 18)
If the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife allows a salmon season, we are a go. Call for reservations.
Rock Fish Charter - Sunday July 7
$65 adult, $55 for youth (under 18)
This trip has been planned for beginner ocean fishers and has focused on calmer water. However, all aged anglers and abilities are
welcome. Rockfish season opens on July 1. This trip is planned as “potluck”, targeting species of fish available at the time. For
the past several years, this trip has always been pleasing to all aboard.
Albacore Charter - Sunday August 18
$200 per angler
Captain Tom and the Huli Cat are historically one of the best tuna catchers. Albacore often come close to the Half Moon Bay
coastline. The price of this trip is very reasonable. Note: if the albi’s are a long ways out, an additional fuel surcharge may have
to be added.
Dungeness Crab & Humboldt Squid Combo Charter - Sunday November 17
$75 adult, $65 for youth (under 18)
This trip was has been hugely successful. The Huli Cat has been one of the pioneer charter boats for crab/fishing combo trips.
Load up!
Remember: Tom always takes care of members with a nice discount. Try your hand for Humboldt squid, rockfish, salmon,
albacore, crabs…..
If a salmon season is somehow opened up off the coast, we will do everything we can to book a trip.
WU Opportunities
Wilderness Unlimited is always interested in bringing on
new member interviewers, new caretakers and patrolman.
We definitely like to "hire" from within as WU members
have already passed the muster.
If we don't know you are interested then we won't know
who to contact when we need help. It does not matter where
you live as inquiries come from all over.
WU requires an interview process for people interested in
becoming a member. We really want the best of the best.
We need accomplished people persons for this task.
HULICAT TAKES YOU THERE!
Tours, Parties, Weddings, Crabbing,
Fishing, Whale Watching, Burials at Sea
Call Manny Natsios at the WU office ext 104 for details.
If you prefer to work amongst the hills and trees maybe
being a WU caretaker or patrolman is more up your alley.
You still need to be a "people person". Call Ron Bohner for
details at the WU office ext 103.
$VVHHQLQ“Chasing Mavericks”«EXWZHGRQҋWGRWKDWWRRRIWHQ
Tom Mattusch | 650.726.2926
www.hulicat.com | [email protected]
6
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Fishing
Early Trout
By The Wild Guy, George Visger
The Mayfly or Ephemeroptera is one of the first hatches of the
trout season in most California streams, beginning to show in
April with some species hatching clear into September. The
adult mayfly, (imago) or spinner are found in most cool free
flowing streams from low elevations to alpine habitats. An
adult Mayfly can be distinguished from other hatching aquatic
invertebrates by their upright, vertical transparent wings. Most
Ephemeroptera are a lighter cream to dark gray color.
The winged sub adult (sub imago), those nymphs which swim
towards the surface to molt, are known as duns. Duns look very
similar to the adults only their wings are not fully formed yet.
Though most think of the adult Mayfly when picturing a great
trout bait, in reality, it’s the vulnerable duns which are most
sought after by trout.
Mayfly nymphs have a flattened, elongated body, long legs,
antennae and usually three long tail filaments. Nymphs
are usually found under rocks or logs in fast flowing, well
oxygenated water. Though most think of casting hatching
mayflies when one pictures fly fishing, your best bet will be
to throw nymphs. Nearly 90% of a trout’s food will be taken
subsurface, but most of us enjoy a good surface hook up best
of all.
The Caddis fly, or Tricoptera, is another important food source
for trout. They get their scientific name from tri meaning three
and pteron meaning wing. Unlike Mayflies with perpendicular
wings, Caddis flies have wings that are horizontal and lay flat
along their back. Sometimes known as sedge flies or rail flies,
caddis flies are mainly found in clear flowing streams from
lower elevation to alpine habitats. Caddis flies can tolerate
slightly warmer waters than can Mayflies.
Caddis fly nymphs are sometimes known as periwinkles.
Fishing Property
Information
A valid fishing license is
required for anyone 16 years
of age and older. Your fishing
license must be in your
possession but doesn't have to
be displayed.
Remember, fishing licenses
are valid January 1st through
December 31st. Don’t forget
to obtain a current license.
State regulations permit fishing
with two rods under certain
circumstances; however, on
WU property, only one rod at a
time per angler is permitted.
Spring 2013
Periwinkle nymphs build cases out of small sticks or tiny pieces
of rock. As they begin to mature, the periwinkle weaves a silk
net and closes off the open end of the case from which its head
sticks. Once closed off, the nymph pupates until development
is complete. It then bores its way out of the case, swims to the
surface as a dun and emerges. Once on the surface, Caddis
flies, much like Mayflies, spend a considerable amount of time
drifting downstream till their wings are fully formed and dry.
A good bet for the early season is tie a number 12, long shanked
cream caddis dry fly onto your leader. Then tie a short 12 18” dropper from the bend of the dry fly to a size 12 or 14
caddis emerger. Grease up the dry fly real good and use it as
an indicator for when a fish hits the nymph. If your indicator
disappears in a splash, that’s usually a good sign they’re hitting
dries.
Stone flies, or Plecoptera, are found world wide with the
exception of Antarctica. Though not as numerous as May flies
and Caddis flies, Stone flies make up for their lack of numbers
by their size.
Stoneflies hatch differently than do Caddis and May flies.
Instead of a dun phase swimming to the surface, the bigger
stouter stone flies crawl out of the water onto a rock or limb.
From there they split their skin and the adult crawls out. Once
the wings engorge to their full size and dry, then the Stone fly
heads back to the water’s surface to lay eggs.
All three of these species can be successfully fished using the
dry/nymph combo. You can even mix up the species such as
a dry Stone fly with wet Caddis nymph. Once you figure out
what the fish want and how they want it presented, then the fun
begins.
WU Camping & Fishing Properties Currently Available:
13 Bidwell
Trout, Bass
All Year
14 La Marr
Trout, Panfish
4/27-11/15 (Trout)
15 St. John
Bass, Panfish
All Year
26 Clarke
Trout
All Year/Some Restrictions
48 Lake Margaret Trout
May-Oct (weather permitting)
57 Spring Valley
Bass, Panfish
Seasonal
74 Barsnick
Bass, Catfish
All Year
77 Wilcox
Trout
4/27-11/15 (Trout)
90 Lower Fall River Trout
4/27-11/15 (Trout)
91 Upper Fall River Trout
4/27-11/15 (Trout)
110 Trion Ranch
Bass, Panfish
All Year
123 Mariner
Bass, Panfish
All Year
156 Garcia River
Steelhead
November-March
167 Middle Fall River Trout
4/27-11/15 (Trout)
171 Camp 19
Bass, Panfish, Trout
All Year
185 Killian
Trout
All Year (weather permitting)
195 Benz
Trout, Bass
Seasonal
208 Kramer Ranch Bass, Panfish
5/1-9/15
Wilderness Unlimited
7
Fishing
Spring is Coming, Best for Bass and Pan Fish
By Rick E. Martin
Cabin Fever is now. There are several poor excuses as to why the desired depth when fishing below the surface. Nine feet is
I have not done much fishing lately in addition to, it’s winter.
a good place to start.
It still feels like the coming season is far off, but spring will
soon be here and opening day of trout fishing is Saturday, April
27th. This has meaning, hope springs!
Make no mistake, first on my spring list is Rainbow Trout.
Other endeavors on a fly are Bass and Pan Fish and then a Shad
trip.
On the surface use a variety of movements for your popper.
Start by casting your popper to a spot and let it sit for as long as
30 seconds, then give it a small twitch, follow that by another.
Then try stripping harder to have the popper make some noise.
Then try this with more frequency. Then try another spot.
Whatever part of the progression that seems to give you
success, try to repeat that in different areas. Don’t be afraid to
occasionally speed up or slow down your presentations as you
move from place to place. The fish will tell you what will get
their attention that ends with a good result.
Yes, I like things on top. The surprise of water exploding and
seeing the take is what most prefer. But I do not always get my
way with this. When surface action is slow, head below with a
longer leader and weighted fly.
For flies on the surface, I often choose a medium sized one that
has rubber legs. I like rubber legs because the legs will continue
to move around well after the cast and will keep a fish's interest.
All have their own appeal but I seem to just giggle more often
when a Bass or Bluegill bursts out of the water to startle me and
inhale my popper.
For some reason I don’t take this type of fishing quite as
seriously. Unlike trout fishing, there is little frustration when
I miss a take. It’s also great for my confidence because my
average of fish per day usually goes up.
For the beginner, (kid or adult) the learning curve is not so
steep as it offers multiple chances to cast, set the hook, watch
your pole bend etc. Basic skills like tying knots are practiced in
multiple. And the rewards are more encouraging.
It does require some technique but is very forgiving and is not
technical. The fish do not require a 6x tippet and slamming the
water often does not spook the fish. Sometimes it even gets
their attention.
I prefer fishing on smaller lakes and ponds with a float tube
or from shore. The thing that I like from shore is that it makes
things much more visual. Walking the edges, spotting fish and
often seeing them attack your fly is about all one could ask for.
To start with, there is no need to get overwhelmed with gear and
technique. Just remember to keep things simple. I usually use
a 5 to 6 weight rod with a floating line. Some will go as heavy
as an 8wt. for casting large heavy poppers and streamers. One
trick that I use is to take an older weight forward floating line
that is still in decent shape and cut 3-4 feet off of the tip section.
This helps turn over those bulky flies and makes casting them
easier.
Leaders for poppers do not need to be especially long or light,
three or four feet is enough. I go a bit longer simply because I
change bugs often and as a result my leader gets short quickly.
I use about 8lb. or heavier. Use a long enough leader to reach
8
Also, with a medium sized popper you can still hook a goodsized Crappie or Bluegill. It is amazing how these fish can
stretch their tiny mouths around a popper.
If you are fishing an area that has been good and things suddenly
slow down, often a simple color change can get things moving
again.
I use a variety of poppers in different colors, Frog patterns in
green, Mouse brown, Dragon Fly blue, creature of the lagoon,
etc. Other good colors include red, orange, yellow, white and
black.
Large Mouse and Frog patterns work especially well in the early
and late hours of the day. This can offer you an opportunity to
catch that big boy, Walter might even show himself!
One of my favorite patterns for below the surface would have
to be a Clouser’s Minnow. Because of the way a Clouser is tied,
the fly travels thru the water, hook up. This makes the fly a lot
more weedless. Red and white is my favorite but Chartreuse
and gray are good colors as well.
Other patterns subsurface flies would include, streamers,
weighted Woolly Buggers (especially bead heads and cone
heads), Dahlberg Divers, Crayfish patterns and nymphs like
Hairs Ears, Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tailed Nymphs.
Weighted nymphs like a green Hairs Ear also can often get a
grab when other things do not seem to work.
Most often, the best times to fish are early and late when the
sun is off the water. However, during the warm months of the
year the middle of the day and the middle of the pond can be
really great.
One thing that I have never been able to quite figure out is that
on a few outings the fishing will be good at mid-day, then the
action suddenly stops. This is also going on at the same time
100 and 200 yards away for two of my buddies.
Wilderness Unlimited
Continued on Page 9
Spring 2013
Fishing
Annual Fly Fishing Clinic
The Wilderness Unlimited Foundation’s 26th Introductory and Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic will be held May 17th through May
19th at the Bidwell Ranch.
The clinic is open to all levels of fly-fishing experience. If you are new to the art and wish to try your hand, the three-day introductory
clinic is by far one of the best ways to get your line wet. If you are a graduate of the introductory clinic, whether you graduated last
year or 5 years ago, come back for the intermediate clinic and expand your knowledge and skills. The clinics are run concurrent
with each other.
Come along for three fun filled days on the beautiful Bidwell Ranch and learn to fly-fish from arguably the best collection of flyfishing instructors on the west coast. This is by far the best value in fly-fishing instruction you will find.
Many graduates from WU’s schools have gone on to become great instructors themselves. When the fundamentals are mastered
methodically, only good things can happen!
WU’s Fly Fishing School offers the very best of hands–on instruction, including:
*Fundamentals of Fly Casting
*Knot and Gear Selection
*Stillwater and Stream Tactics
*Fly Presentation Techniques
*Entomology and Fly Tying
*Reading Water to Find Fish
*How to Land and Release Fish
*Trophy Wild Trout Fishing!
The three-day clinic starts at 8:30 a.m. on May 17. The best experience is to actually camp at the Bidwell Ranch during the clinic,
but staying at a motel in nearby Burney or near by bed and breakfasts will work, too. Due to the early start, Thursday night arrival
is suggested. The clinic officially ends on Sunday at noon to help folks get a head start home.
Space is limited. Tuition for WU Members is only $70.00. WU Member guest tuition is $110.00. The non-member, public tuition
is $149.
Don’t have your own gear? WU has several rod and reel kits available for student’s use. You need to let the WU office know at the
time of reservation if you need to rent gear. There is no cost to rent.
Phone reservations will begin on Wednesday, March 19th, at 11 a.m. Reservations for guests and non-members will begin on
Wednesday, April 11. At the time of reservation, payment is required. Confirmed students will be sent the Student Fly-Fishing Book
in advance of the class to help with their preparation. Books can be expected at least two weeks before the clinic.
Currently, the clinic is only offered once a year. If you have been putting it off, this is the year!
Rick E. Martin Continued
Then after some time, I start to get action. At the exact same time
“game on” for my pals at the other end of the pond. Huh? I do
not really have a definitive answer for this. If the Bass Professor
happens to read this, I would love to hear an explanation.
Finding fish is the most important part to all of this and can
present its own difficulties. On the other hand there are the few
occasions when fishing is so good that the fish are where ever
your fly lands.
Here are a few things that catch my eye when I’m looking for
fish:
Submerged structure, like trees, stumps, rocks and weeds.
Over hanging trees that provide shade. I often find panfish in
the shade when things are slow.
Points and drop-offs, often fish will hang out in just a little
deeper water waiting to ambush food that passes by.
Inlets and coves, I can never resist casting into a small cove and
Spring 2013
for a good reason.
The edge of wall or damn face is a good spot to work your fly
as are submerged humps or islands.
Sometimes in the middle of a lake or pond it is simply a matter
of depth. Practice the technique of counting down and then
stripping your fly at different depths.
Making multiple casts and getting multiple hook-ups and all
that goes with that can help the beginning fly-fisher progress
quickly. It is also a great way to get kids started with the fly
pole. Even anglers who travel the world sometimes just need
a good Bass-Panfish fix. For me, sometimes I need to up my
average, build my confidence or just Giggle.
Questions or comments, e-mail Rick at:
[email protected]
View his website at:
http://www.rickemartinphoto.com/
Wilderness Unlimited
9
Big Game
Archery & Rifle Regulations
Specific to the Spring Pig Seasons
All properties are subject to weather and access conditions.
Members may make pig reservations now for any dates as listed on page 11. However, members may hold only one pig
hunting reservation at a time. Another pig reservation can only be made after the first one is completed or cancelled.
The pig season is available to all members current in their dues or payments with an active Full or Big Game membership
(Camping and Fishing and Bird Members excluded).
The following Rules and Regulations apply effective with the Spring Pig Season each year:
•
Two pigs per family membership which will apply to the annual family bag limit of two pigs per year, regardless of the
method of take: bow, rifle or muzzle loader. However, no individual hunter may take both pigs from the same ranch.
•
Pigs under 60 pounds may not be harvested.
•
Pregnant or heavy sows and sows with litters or small suckling pigs may not be harvested.
•
Dogs are prohibited.
•
Coyotes may be taken on the properties during the spring pig season.
•
Open fires and charcoal BBQ’s are prohibited. Propane gas stoves & BBQ’s are permitted.
•
A pig harvested does not affect the ability of a member to hunt the same ranch for deer this season. However, a second pig
cannot be harvested from the same ranch. Exception: During the archery pig seasons it may be possible for archers to take
a second pig from archery only ranches depending on space availability. However, the second animal cannot be taken on the
same trip. Reservations to take a second animal from one of these ranches can be made no earlier than 48 hours prior to the
starting date of the intended hunt.
•
After taking a pig, that individual member must discontinue hunting big game for the duration of the reservation.
•
If you leave the ranch after your harvest and before your confirmed reservation ends, you must call the Hayward Office to
cancel the remainder of your reservation.
Note: Access to any of the ranches is subject to weather and road conditions.
Photo by Donn Walgamuth
You’re Not a CDA Member?
Those are Fightin’ Words
Why?
California’s Deer Herds Need Your Help!
The best way to help - Join the California Deer Association (CDA)
It’s easy, attend a fundraising dinner or join online at caldeer.org/join-cda.htm
Have questions or want to get involved with a chapter?
Call Pat Fitzmorris (916) 663-2861 or Rodney Torres (209) 826-1931
10
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Spring Hunting
Unit #
Youth
Turkey
Turkey
Archery
Spring Pig
Pig
Dates
Season
Turkey
Season
Dates
Season Dates
Dates
2/1-3/24
3/2-4/3
3/15-4/30
2/1-2/28
2/1-3/31
2/15-3/24
3/15-4/29
3/2-4/3
2/1-3/16
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/23 & 24
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/23-24, 5/6-19
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/6-5/19
5/1-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/6-5/31
5/1-5/31
5/9-5/26
5/3-5/26
5/10-5/26
5/3-5/27
5/6-5/31
-
3/23 & 24
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
3/30-5/5
-
5/6-5/19
5/20-5/31
5/6-5/19
-
5/20-6/30
5/6-5/31
5/4-5/28
Hunting Days
F
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4/4-5/5
X X
*Due to access difficulties, especially wet weather, only phone reservations will be accepted depending
upon accessibilty.
Archery and Youth Turkey 5/6-5/19 - Shotgun Ok for Youths Only
THE HIGHLIGHTED PROPERTIES PROHIBIT THE USE OF AMMUNITION CONTAINING LEAD
for the taking of big game, predators and non-game species (i.e. ground squirrels and jack rabbits).
Lead shot shells are ok for all turkey properties listed; however, lead shot cannot be used for non-game species like ground squirrels in these areas.
New Department of Fish and Wildlife Regulations on Lead Ammunition (Section 353 Title 14, CCR) &(Section 475 Title 14, CCR)
Prohibit the use of projectiles - (ammunition) containing LEAD.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8
20
26
47
57
80
86
99
100
103
104
110
122
133
134
156
165
170
171
179
183
191
195
197
Unit Name
Extended
Winter
Maguire
*Spy Rock
Clarke
*Rockport
Spring Valley
Running Deer
Big River
Hill Ranch
Mosby
Los Gatos Creek
Twin Peaks
Trion
Cummings
Buckeye
Willow Creek
Garcia River
Bonanza Ranch
Shannon
Camp 19
Orchard Ranch
*Stenzel
Jacalitos Ranch
Benz
Rancho Chimiles
M
X
X
X
X
T W T
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ARCHERY ONLY RANCHES:
63
122
123
135
162
195
Ridgewood
Cummings
Mariner
H.E. Ranch
Scheller
Benz
4/4-5/5
3/23 & 24
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sacramento Valley RV Camp
The RV Camp is in the Sacramento Valley and is known as the “home base” for many WU members
during the waterfowl season. The Camp is within minutes of a dozen WU waterfowl and pheasant
hunting properties. The site also has a very nice club house that is home to many WU activities. The
2012-13 prices for RV spots are posted below.
Anyone who was not in the RV Camp last season and
The 2012-13 rates are as follows:
is interested in an RV space or cabin please call the
Outside Spots
Inside Spots
office and be placed on the standby list.
24’ or larger
23’ or smaller
WU member $625
$575
All correspondence and deposit checks should go WU Inactive $700
$650
to:
Wilderness Unlimited
Non Member $825
$775
22425 Meekland Ave.,
Hayward, CA 94541.
(510) 785-4868
Off Season Storage $350 for eight months
[email protected]
or $60 per month.
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
11
Big Game
Hog Mysteries and Misconceptions
By The Wild Guy, George Visger
Ducks season is over. Decoys hosed off and bagged and steel
shot put away. For those hunters not pursuing turkeys, it’s time
to focus on hogs. The Wilderness Unlimited Extended Winter
Pig and Spring Pig seasons run through at least May 31, and
you couldn’t find a better time than now to look for sausage.
Despite a dry 2013 winter, there’s still plenty of moisture for an
early green up from the heavy rains of December. The days are
getting longer and temperatures are increasing. This stimulates
germination of some of the more cold tolerant plants. Fresh
green up and moist soil make not only a perfect combination
for hogs to root, but a perfect opportunity to locate fresh sign.
The hardest part about hunting hogs is finding them, and early
spring is one of the easiest times of the year to locate them. But
when talking hogs, a lot of misconceptions and myths abound.
I hear a lot about a hog’s shield. A heavy layer of armor which
can turn the sharpest broad head and stop a slug dead in its
tracks. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have killed my
share of hogs, the majority with a bow, and have yet to butcher
one with an impenetrable shield. Many will have shields, some
quite thick, but impenetrable enough to stop a bullet? One ol'
boy I took off one of our Coalinga properties years scored 35.5",
sporting 4” exposed cutters, lots of Russian characteristics, and
no more than a ¾” thick shield at best. Think about it. Many of
us have had broad heads blow out the back side of elk, slicing
ribs entering and exiting, and a layer of cartilage is going to stop
your shot? Granted it may slow it down a tad more than muscle
will, but if I were that concerned about losing penetration, I
would try to focus on picking a spot between two ribs. That’s
not going to happen. Most of these stories of shields stopping
broad heads dead in their tracks have more to do with poor
shot placement than of a pig’s composition. Despite the fact a
pig’s lungs are further forward and a bit higher than found on a
deer, the majority of these tales regarding 2-3” of penetration
on broadside shots, are in my opinion, due to hitting the heavy
leg bone, or possibly the point of the shoulder. Keep in mind a
hog’s sweet spot for arrow or bullet placement is much tighter
to the shoulder than on a deer or elk. Refrain from any head on
or heading away shots and you should be in good shape.
Another misconception you’ll hear is a big full blooded Russian
boar someone took. There are virtually no full blooded Russian
boars in California with the exception of fenced hunting clubs
or adjacent properties where they could escape to. That’s not
saying there isn’t any Russian blood in our porcine friends, but
the majority, have been diluted through generations of breeding
with feral hogs. What you will find is in some areas, Monterey
County and the Coalinga area in particular, the hogs seem to
carry more Russian genes than other populations.
Another confusing factor is within two to three generations of
breeding in the wild, most all domestic hogs begin reverting
back to a wilder looking animal with a heavier coat and longer
tusks.
My favorite myth regarding hogs has to do with selfpreservation. That of the hog’s and the hunter’s. We have all
heard tales of hunters being charged by a boar. Granted it
happens, but in the majority of instances, it’s only because the
hunter happens to be standing in the hog’s escape route. Now
a cornered sow with piglets, a wounded hog or when running
them with dogs is another story. I’ve been involved in mix ups
in the two latter situations while bow hunting and I will tell you
it can get a little hairy. You can safely bet that 99.9% of the time
a hog charges is due to the fact that the hunter just happened to
be standing where the pig wanted to go, and hogs need glasses.
Thick ones.
Take advantage of the cool weather, the fact that hogs will be
active longer during the day and it’s easier to find sign this time
of year, and go put some pork in the freezer.
Editor's Notes: A heart wrenching story about George's life
around football and associated injuries appeared in ESPN,
Outside the Lines, In February.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/George-Visger/georgevisger-damage-done
Member Owned
Fins Fur and Feather Sports
1520 Bader Mine Rd., Paradise, CA 95969
Located at Clark and Skyway
Fishing • Re-Loading • Ammo • Firearms
[email protected]
12
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Turkey
2013 Spring Turkey Season Information
•
Upon completion or cancellation of the first hunt,
additional reservations may be made via the telephone
if space is available for the same hunter or for a different
family member hunter.
•
Access to any of the ranches is subject to weather and
road conditions. If a ranch is to be closed due to harvest
quotas or inaccessibility, W.U. will make every effort to place
members with reservations on another ranch or possibly on
another date, but only if space is available.
•
The Spring turkey season will be available to all members current
in their dues or payments with an active Bird, Big Game or
Full Membership (Camping and Fishing Members excluded).
Hunters may hunt a maximum of three consecutive days
per hunt.
•
After taking a turkey, that individual member must
discontinue hunting for the duration of the reservation.
Turkey hunting guidelines are as follows:
•
Shooting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 4
p.m. Members need to comply with all other Fish & Game
Spring Turkey regulations.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Spring Turkey
Season opens on March 30th and continues through May 5th for
shotgun, May 19th for archery. Refer to ranch listing, page 11.
Due to the circumstances involved in the pursuit of wild turkeys,
hunters must dress in full camo, have faces painted or camo
netting over the face, hide in the bushes and call in order to bring
a wary turkey within range - which makes this an activity where
hunters have to be absolutely certain of the target.
If anyone is planning to hunt turkeys, we recommend they attend
a seminar or watch a video about the art of turkey hunting.
•
Two bearded turkeys per membership (no membership
may take both turkeys from the same ranch. A bearded
turkey is one having a beard visible through the breast
feathers.
•
One confirmed hunter per trip. Other non-hunting family
members may accompany the hunter.
•
Memberships with a Plus Membership may take an additional
hunter as specified in the Plus Membership policy. The Plus
Membership can harvest one turkey per season.
The Spring Turkey Season Selection Form and Instructions are
enclosed in this issue. Forms must be received in the Hayward
Office no later than March 4th. The selection process will
begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 5th. Phone reservations will begin
Wednesday, March 13th at 11:00 a.m.
Making Reservations
This is the time of year when members are calling to make
reservations. Our friendly reservation agents are ready to
assist you. Just a few reminders when you call:
• Have your membership number ready. If you are making a
reservation for another member, also have their membership
number available.
• Update ALL of your contact information with the reservation
agent. You’ll be asked to verify your address, city, state, zip
code, contact phone numbers and email address. This is
important information should we need to contact you about
your reservation and we also desire to keep our records
updated at all times.
• Request that your reservation be read back to you in its
entirety. An email confirmation will be sent; just verify your
email address with the reservation agent.
• If at any time you require more details about your reservation,
ranch information or just want to talk, let the agent know and
if they can’t assist you, your call will be directed to someone
who can.
• Don’t forget to request a Standby Reservation if your first
choice is not available. You will be called as cancellations occur.
You are always welcome to call the reservation department
to check on your standby.
As always, it’s a pleasure to assist WU members in having a
positive reservation experience.
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
13
Turkey
2013 Spring Turkey Selection Form
Mail form to: WU Turkey Selection 22425 Meekland Ave., Hayward, CA 94541
Fax (510) 783-7436
Please read instructions prior to completing the reservation form.
A. Membership Information—PLEASE PRINT
Name________________________________________Day Phone (_______)_______________________ WU #___________
Email____________________________________________Fax # (_______)_______________________
Please return my drawing results via:
Email
Fax
Mail (must provide a self addressed, stamped envelope)
If this is a Group Reservation indicate other member's numbers on the lines below (note, each membership must complete their own form)
WU #___________
WU #___________
WU #___________
WU #___________
B. Family Hunter Information
Number of family hunters on this trip including Plus member (if applicable)______. Number of family non-hunters on this trip_______
Hunter Name ______________________________ "Plus" Member Hunter Name (if applicable) _______________________________
Non-Hunter Name(s) ________________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________
C. Reservation Date Selection -- Date choices must be between March 30 and May 5. A maximum of three consecutive for any
reservation. Indicate your 1st-4th date choices. Do not include your arrival date unless you will actually be hunting on that date.
Date takes preference over ranch choice.
D. Date and Ranch Selection: (Note: Ridgewood, Mariner and H.E. are Archery Only, AO)
Check box if you want your ranch selection choice(s) to take preference over your date choice(s). Otherwise, date choice(s) takes preference.
Indicate your lst, 2nd, 3rd and 4th date choices. Do not include your arrival date in your choices unless you will actually be hunting on that date.
Remember, three day maximum for any reservation. (If more space is needed please attatch a seperate sheet of paper to your form)
Date Choice(s):
1st choice of dates: ___________________
2nd choice of dates: ___________________
3rd choice of dates: ___________________
4th choice of dates: ___________________
Ranch Choice(s):
1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________
6. ________________________
7. ________________________
8. ________________________
9. _______________________
10. _______________________
11. _______________________
12. _______________________
I will accept any newly acquired ranch in the vicinity of the ones I have chosen if my choices are not available.
E. I, THE MEMBER, FULLY UNDERSTAND I must be a member in good standing to participate, and:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
This reservation form will qualify for only one turkey hunt.
I may not receive reservations on my first preference date(s) or ranch(s).
An incorrect/incomplete form will be processed last. Double entry of this form will be rejected.
A stamped, self-addressed envelope must accompany this form if requesting the results be mailed, otherwise it will be processed last.
An e-mail address or Fax number must be on the form if requesting the results be E-mailed or faxed, otherwise it will be processed last.
The envelope containing this form must be received by the Office no later than 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 4, or it will not be accepted.
The selection will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5.
6. This form must bear the signature of the member or it will not be honored.
Signature:________________________________
F. 2013 Spring Turkey Selection Results
(Member must complete)
OFFICE USE ONLY (Do Not Write in this Section)
CONFIRMED FOR:
Ranch: _______________________________________________ Date: ________________
Lock Combination: ____________________
Name___________________________________
Member #_____________________
General phone reservations begin
March 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Toll Free (877) 611-4868
REJECTED:
Ranch Space Quotas filled. Place on standby.
Application is incomplete
Inactive
Delinquent
OTHER: ______________________________________________
Remember—You may arrive on the ranch after 3 p.m. the day prior to the start of your reservation, but must stay in camp.
Turkey
2013 Spring Turkey Selection Form and Instructions
It is our desire to make the process of obtaining reservations
as simple, fair and easy as possible. Should you have any
questions or need additional information prior to completing
the reservation form, please call the office and a staff member
will be happy to assist you.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS--You must be a Full, Bird
or Big Game Membership Type to participate in the 2013
Spring Turkey Season.
1) The reservation form is to be used for one turkey hunt
scheduled during the WU Turkey Season of March 30 through
May 5. The selection will be held on March 5, at 9:30 a.m.
Phone reservations begin on March 13 at 11:00 a.m.
2) If you use this form for one turkey hunting reservation
you may not make another turkey reservation until you
have completed the first hunt. All remaining reservations
must be made through the Hayward Office. Only one
hunter per family membership may hold a reservation at
any one time.
3) Remove the Reservation Form from the Flyer. Mail only the
reservation form to the address noted.
4) Print firmly and legibly with a ball point pen or pencil.
5) Send your completed reservation form to WU Turkey
Selection 22425 Meekland Ave., Hayward, CA 94541.
Also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with
the reservation form. Do not separate Section D from the
remainder of the form. After the reservation selection, Section
D of the form will be returned to you whether or not you were
successful. Mail the form intact. Please do not call the office
to obtain results.
6) Make reservations for only one family hunter (and, if
applicable, Plus Membership hunter) on this form. Do not
make reservations for other W.U. members or families on this
reservation form. Do not submit more than one reservation
form in the name of your own family membership.
7) Group reservations will be accepted. This means that
hunters from as many different families may apply as a group
each submitting their own form in the same envelope or a
member and Plus member on the same form.
Procedures: All date and ranch selections must be identical for
each person who applies in the group. Each family membership
should complete their own form. The reservation forms and a
self-addressed, stamped return envelope(s) for the group must
then be submitted together in one envelope. The reservation
request will be honored as a group and, if successful, each
hunter will be assigned the same ranch and dates.
8) The envelope containing your reservation form must be
marked TURKEY RESERVATIONS and must be received
by the Hayward Office no later than 5:30 p.m. on March 4.
Forms arriving after that date and time will not be accepted.
The reservation selection will be held on March 5, beginning at
9:30 a.m. Members are invited to attend. You may use certified
mail, return receipt requested, or hand deliver the form to
ensure receipt at the Hayward Office.
Instructions for Completing the Spring Turkey Selection
Form.
Section A (Membership Information) Account holder's name,
member number, phone number where you can be reached
during the day, other hunters in your party (if any), and method
of contact for the results.
Spring 2013
Section B (Hunter's Information) Name of the one designated
family hunter as it appears on their membership card. Indicate
the number of non-hunting family members going on this trip.
If you have a Plus Membership include the name of the Plus
Member as indicated.
Sections C and D (Reservation Date and Ranch Selection):
It is recommended that you use this form to apply for your
first turkey hunting reservation, otherwise use the phonein system. Indicate your first, second, third and fourth date
choices by placing the actual dates in the space provided. Three
consecutive days maximum per reservation.
Note: You may arrive at the ranch after 3 p.m. on the day
prior to your reservation (remember, no hunting or scouting-you must stay in camp), but you must leave the ranch by
the last day of your reservation. Members may not arrive
any earlier than 5 a.m. on Thursday at Willow Creek and 5
a.m. Friday at Bonanza. No overnight at Rancho Chimiles.
Date choice takes preference over ranch choice. For example,
if your first choice date is opening weekend, all ranch selections
listed by you in Section D of the Reservation Form will be
considered for opening weekend before other date choices
are considered (unless you have marked the box with an “X”,
indicating Ranch Priority.)
(Ranch Priority): You may have your selection form processed
with the ranch selection choice(s) taking preference over the
date selection choice(s) by marking an “X” in the box provided,
otherwise choice of dates will take preference.
(Ranch Selection): Using the listing of WU Turkey Ranches
that appear on page 11, select your first choice ranch and enter
the ranch name exactly as it is shown on the list in the space
to the right of the number “1”. List your second choice ranch
beside the number “2”. Continue to list your ranch choices, in
order of preference, until all your ranch choices are listed. The
more different ranches listed, the better your opportunity of
receiving a confirmed reservation on your first date(s) choice.
Remember some ranches offer limited date choices.
Section E: Please read and sign.
Section F: Do not separate this section from the form: mail
it intact. Please print your name and member number as
indicated. After the selection, this section will be returned to
you whether or not you were successful.
Note: Unsuccessful forms will be placed on priority standby
for the first date, ranch and/or new ranch option choice and, as
openings become available, standbys will be contacted.
Forms received without a stamped, self-addressed envelope
will be processed at the end of the selection, rather than
when they are drawn. This process could affect your
choice selection, therefore we would greatly appreciate
your cooperation in following the selection procedures.
Your cooperation will save the staff a great deal of time
and enable us to complete the selection process in a timely
manner.
Thank you.
Wilderness Unlimited
15
Junior Turkey
Junior Turkey Hunt Selection Form 2013
Mail to WU Junior Turkey Selection, 22425 Meekland Ave., Hayward, CA 94541 - Fax (510) 783-7436
Forms Due in the Hayward Office by 5:00 PM March 4th 2013
One form for EACH junior hunter. Max of two hunters per family membership without a Plus Membership.
Please fill-out this form completely.
Junior Hunter Name
Membership Information: Name
Day-Time Phone
M or F Age
WU #
E-Mail
The mentored hunt drawing results will be called. The general junior drawing results will be E-mailed.
# of Non-hunters
Plus Member (if the Jr Hunter is
not on the family membership)
(mentored hunt, only 1)
Group/Family reservations: Staple and send forms together. Mark box.
Questions for the Junior Hunter to answer:
(Circle)
Do you have a 2012-2013 California Junior Hunting license?
YES
NO
Have you ever harvested a turkey? (For Mentored Hunt)
YES
NO
Will a parent or guardian be able to accompany you on the hunt?
YES
NO
Will you attend the Turkey Seminar?
YES
NO
General Hunt: March 23rd and March 24th 2013
Clarke Ranch Mentored Hunt: April 12th through April 14th 2013*
April 12th is a non-hunting day.
* Applying for the Clarke Ranch Mentored Hunt does not disqualify from the Junior General Hunt Selection. If you are not
successful in the Mentored Hunt Selection, the form will automaticlly be placed in the General Selection unless un-marked.
Reservation Ranch Selection:
• Not all Spring Turkey properties will be available for the Junior Hunt. Ranches are subject to change based on availability.
•
Do not include your arrival date in your choices unless you will actually be hunting on that date.
1st Ranch
5th Ranch
9th Ranch
2nd Ranch
6th Ranch
10th Ranch
3rd Ranch
7th Ranch
11th Ranch
4th Ranch
8th Ranch
12th Ranch
Junior Hunter Signature
16
Parent/Guardian Signature
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Junior Turkey
JUNIOR HUNTERS ONLY!
Early Turkey Hunt and “WUF Mentored Hunt”
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Junior Hunter Turkey Hunt is March 23rd and 24th, one week before the start of
the general Spring Turkey Season. The hunt is open to all junior hunters that possess a 2012-2013 Junior Hunting license. To take
advantage of this early junior season, a limited number of Wilderness Unlimited spring turkey properties will be open for the hunt.
This hunt is considered the Junior General Turkey Hunt.
The “WUF Mentored Hunt” will be held April 12th-14th and will be hosted on the Clarke Ranch. The WUF hunt will begin the
afternoon of Friday April 12th with an orientation and WUF Sponsored dinner. April 13th and 14th will be the actual hunt days. The
hunt will host four junior hunters, 2 girls and 2 boys, and their non-hunting chaperones. The Clarke Ranch has a good population
of birds and should produce excellent results. Participants will be required to be on the property Friday evening for the orientation.
Hunters who choose to hunt the Junior General weekend or the WUF Mentored Hunt may also hold a regular season hunt reservation.
Note: The WUF Hunt Selection will be held prior to the WU Turkey Selection to make sure that a family membership’s reservation
does not compete.
Rules for the Junior General and WUF Mentored Hunt
•
Hunter has a 2012–2013 California Junior Hunting License.
•
Only two (2) juniors per family may enter the selection.
•
If membership has a Plus Membership, the Plus may be used for one additional hunter.
•
Turkeys harvested during either the Junior General or the WUF Mentored Hunt, will count towards the family’s two
(2) turkeys per year limit.
•
Applying for the Junior General and/or the WUF Mentored Hunt does not disqualify the junior from applying in the
Wilderness Unlimited Turkey Hunt Selection with their family.
•
No groups for the WUF Mentored Hunt.
•
Junior hunters that have harvested a turkey may not apply for the WUF Mentored Hunts.
•
If the junior hunter drawn for the WUF Mentored Hunt cannot be present on the ranch Friday evening April 12, for
orientation, the junior will be asked to forfeit his or her reservation.
•
If a junior hunter qualifies for the WUF Mentored Hunt, he or she may be placed in both the WUF Mentored Hunt
and Junior General Hunt Selections.
•
If the junior hunter successfully harvests a turkey during either the Junior General or WUF Mentored Hunt, that hunter
will not be able to hunt that ranch for remainder of the season.
•
Selection forms are due in the Hayward Office by 5:30 p.m. on March 5th.
•
It is recommended to attend the Turkey Seminar held on March 2nd 2013 at the Sac Valley RV Park.
Information about the WUF Mentored Hunt
•
The WUF Mentored Hunt is for junior hunters that have not successfully harvested a turkey.
•
Four hunters will be drawn for the hunt. The first two boys and first two girls drawn will be the hunters.
•
Please plan on arriving on the Clarke Ranch between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12th.
Good Luck!
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
17
Turkey
“Turkey Hunting's Heroes”
Spring turkey hunting is one of the most challenging and mysterious of all types of hunting. These people, heroes of
mine and maybe of yours, have contributed much to the growth of this exciting endeavor.
By Ed Migale
turkey calls. A champion caller and expert hunter, Kirby is truly
in a league of his own with an unbelievable 61 Grand Slams, 5
Royal Slams, and 5 World Slams to his credit! But it is Kirby's
service to and support of the National Wild Turkey Federation
(NWTF) and his many instructional videos that define his
legacy. In fact, it was after viewing Kirby's video “In Quest
of the Grand Slam” that I vowed to one day hunt in the oak
hammocks and cabbage palm fringed swamps of Florida. When
in March of 2011 that dream became reality and I completed
both my Grand and Royal Slams by bagging one of those lean,
long-legged Osceola gobblers, one of my most immediate
thoughts was of Dick Kirby.
We all have to learn somewhere and from someone.
For me, the conclusion of duck season some 20 years ago
provided the impetus to call a friend whom I knew was an
accomplished turkey hunter. “Eight months 'till the start of
dove season is just too long to wait to start hunting again so I'm
thinking I'd like to look into this spring turkey hunting thing,” I
said. “What can you tell me?”
After a lengthy phone call and copious notes I was left to
my own devices, which meant that I started reading every
newspaper and magazine article along with the few books I
could find (no Internet then!) and started watching and listening
to every video (VHS cassettes back in those days!) and cassette
tape available (no CDs).
What soon became apparent was that 1.) turkey hunting was
essentially in its infancy – especially here in California –
and 2.) there were really only a handful of people who were
providing proper instruction on this intriguing, mysterious
type of hunting, and 3.) even fewer who were producing the
camouflage clothing and specialized calls crucial for success.
But “Wow!”, did their stories and tapes get me excited; I
couldn’t wait for spring!
Problem was, I was too green to really absorb all that I was
“learning” and success was a long time coming. But eventually
– after re-studying and re-re-studying what the masters had to
say, I started to get a little better at turkey hunting. Naturally,
as soon as I would gain a little confidence, I'd go up against
a turkey that would thoroughly whip me! That, of course, is
really the essence of spring turkey hunting: that is, the bird wins
most of the time. It is those fleeting moments of glory – and
those spine tingling gobbles!!! – that send us back to the spring
woods time and time again.
Will Primos & Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland – When first trying
to learn about turkey hunting, I put a lot of time in in front
of the TV watching video tapes and some of my favorites
were “The Truth About Spring Turkey Hunting” series by call
manufacturer Will Primos of Primos Hunting in collaboration
with videographer Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland of Mossy Oak
Camouflage. I think I've watched more of Primos' turkey
hunting videos than all the others on the market combined. And
for good reason: If you want to see some of the most stunning
footage of wild turkeys and get some great tips about turkey
hunting “The Truth” videos are a solid bet. Primos' “The Truth
6 – Western Style” featured several hunts for the mountain
dwelling Merriam's turkey and was a huge motivation for me in
wanting to hunt this gorgeous subspecies.
Tom Kelly – I never would have imagined that a book entitled
Tenth Legion would have had anything at all to do with turkey
hunting, yet it is in so many witty, hilarious and educational
ways, THE book about turkey hunting. Tom Kelly of Spanish
Fort, Alabama – author of a dozen books and hundreds of
articles on turkey hunting – has been hunting turkeys for only
75 or so years, and the wisdom he shares in just 114 pages in
Tenth Legion is enormous. But … it may not all quite sink in
if you are new to turkey hunting. So here's my advice: read the
book then go turkey hunting this season. Read the book again
and go hunting again next season. Repeat the process for a few
years and you may start to get an appreciation of everything
Kelly is trying to teach. I've had the book for 12 years and I still
go back to it every year.
So here are some brief bios on some of the men whom have
shared and given so much to turkey hunting, without whom I
might have never decided to explore this fantastic experience:
Terry Knight – How can there be an article published in California
about turkey hunting without mentioning Terry Knight, who
is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable hunters in
the state? Additionally, Knight was one of the founders of the
NWTF's California State Chapter and served as its president,
served as a volunteer in trap and trans-location efforts of wild
turkeys, and has taught thousands of Californians how to turkey
hunt at his Wild Turkey Expo seminar in partnership with
Wilderness Unlimited for the past 17 years.
Dick Kirby – As the founder of Quaker Boy Game Calls, Inc.,
the late Dick Kirby was one of the pioneers of mass produced
Continued on Page 19
18
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Turkey
Turkey Tid Bits
By Terry Knight
The California spring wild turkey season opens on March 30
and turkey hunting continues to be the fastest growing hunting
sport in the state. The good news is that Wilderness Unlimited
has many excellent properties where wild turkeys abound. Like
all wildlife, knowing the bird’s habits and biology can vastly
increase your chances of success.
Wild turkeys are not native to California but within the past 30
years they have become one of the most popular game birds in
the state. The state has three species of wild turkeys with the
most common being the Rio Grande. These are the turkeys you
see around the local farms and houses. The Merriam turkey is
a high country bird and is normally found at elevations above
5,000 feet. The other species is the Eastern which is found in
limited numbers along the North Coast. All three species will
interbreed where their ranges cross.
During the spring months wild turkeys break off into small
flocks that will consist of three or four toms and up to 15 hens.
The breeding season for turkeys starts in early March and
continues to the middle of May. It will reach its peak the last
two weeks in April.
Like all wildlife, turkeys are creatures of habit. In other words
their day is pretty much the same unless hunting pressure or a
lack of food and cover change their behavior. During the spring
breeding season a tom will start his day roosting in a tall tree.
Normally the toms will roost in one tree and the hens will roost
in a separate tree that is nearby. Although there are occasions
when the toms and hens will roost in the same tree.
Just as the sky lightens up in the east the toms will start to
gobble. Often at this time in the morning the sound of the
gobble will carry for up to a half mile. Once one tom gobbles
other toms in nearby trees will also gobble. The gobbles can
go on for up to a half hour. When the darkness fades and the
turkeys can see, the hens will start to cluck and yelp. In a few
minutes the hens will fly down and usually go to the tree where
the tom is roosting. The reason the tom gobbles is to attract the
hens. The tom will fly down and join the hens. They will gather
Ed Migale Continued
In addition to the men listed above, there are many – so many
– others who have contributed so much such as biologist Lovett
Williams for his amazing recordings of live turkey calls on the
Real Turkeys audio CDs and the information in his book Wild
Turkey Hunting and Management; Toxey Haas, Bill Jordan,
& Jim Crumley for their work developing the camouflage
clothing patterns that we now take for granted but which are
integral to turkey hunting success; Rob Keck, former CEO
of the NWTF whose message in the Federation's TV show
summed up the essence of spring turkey hunting: “Remember,
it's not the gobbler, but the gobble that's important”; outdoor
scribe Michael Hanback, who has written countless articles and
several books on turkey hunting all of which constantly stress
the importance of practicing safe turkey hunting habits; and
Charlie Ryan, who worked tirelessly for the NWTF as a fund
raising coordinator, gave me Tenth Legion after I described
Spring 2013
in a flock and the tom, or toms, will strut around the hens. They
fan out their tail feathers and gobble. They do this to attract a
hen to breed. A willing hen will approach the tom and squat
down. The tom will climb on top of her and breed her. The
actual mating only takes a few moments. The hen will rise and
wonder off and the tom will seek another willing hen. Normally
it’s the dominate toms that do most of the breeding, although
young toms will often stay at the edge of the flock and mate
with a stray hen.
Throughout the day the hens will constantly be moving,
looking for food. They eat acorns, seeds, insects and even
young flowers. The toms will trail the hens and gobble and
strut. The toms do feed but not as much as the hens. Like a lot
of wildlife, the turkeys will often rest from noon until about
3 p.m. and then start to feed again. Late in the afternoons the
turkeys will meander towards their roosting areas. They have
favorite trees that they roost in and will return to them every
day unless spooked. They fly up to the branches just before
dark and settle down for the evening.
The hens will stay with the flock but leave for a brief period
each day to lay one or two eggs. The nests are normally located
at the base of a tree or a log. Once the hen lays 10 to 12 eggs she
will leave the flock for good and incubate the eggs. The chicks
hatch in approximately 26 days and the hen gathers her brood
and leaves the nest. The primary food for the young chicks are
spiders or other insects because of their high protein value. At
the age of five days the chicks are capable of flying to the tree
and roost. The hen will fly up first and then coax the chicks with
yelps and putts.
As the spring progresses the number of hens in the flock
dwindles and one morning the tom will fly down from his roost
tree and there won’t be any hens to breed. He then goes on
a march to locate to new hens. He becomes frantic and will
gobble consistently. After a week or so of this behavior the tom
realizes that the breeding season is over and he resumes his
normal behavior. This is normally the middle of May.
to him what were some of the things I felt most proud about
accomplishing in turkey hunting. I've lost track of him over the
years, but wherever you are, Charlie, “Thank you!” for inviting
me to join The Legion.
Finally, there is one more “Hero” I need to mention, my friend
Larry Tischer, a veterinarian now retired, whom I met a long,
long time ago while duck hunting at Grizzly Island and the
man I called that late winter day some 20 years ago, inquiring
about turkey hunting. It is people like Larry who take the time
to introduce others to the joys of the outdoors that are the hope
and fortune of hunting's future.
In closing, enjoy every day in the bright, green spring turkey
woods to the fullest as if it were your last, best day on Earth.
Hunt safely and with the utmost respect for our most magnificent
game bird, taking Rob Keck's words to heart: “It's the gobble,
not the gobbler...”
Wilderness Unlimited
19
Spring Hunting
California Wildlife
By Robert Moore
We are in a new era for California in relation to wildlife. An
increased interaction with predators within communities and
vocal environmental requests to manage them differently has
been presented to the California Fish and Game Commission
(CFGC). No actions by the CFGC at that time but these
groups are persistent. This was not a big issue in recent years
but certain organizations have created a “Crisis Industry”. I
didn’t invent the name, I first heard the term at a recent CFGC
meeting by a fisherman there to speak against an agenda item.
The fisherman’s explanation fits with the recent actions of
environmental groups such as multiple petitions to initiate a
candidate listing for a California Endangered Species, various
predator management issues to name a few “crisis”. Invent a
crisis, such as “Hound Hunting”, present a solution then ask
for money to make it happen is one way these organizations
collect money, a for profit business. Your tax dollars are even
used to pay these organizations to sue Government Wildlife
Departments. How active are you in keeping your cultural
heritage alive?
Daylight is getting longer, waterfowl season is over so it must
be Spring. Spring brings new life to many species of which
hunters and fishers pursue for consumption. Spring Turkey
Season starts at the end of March and closes in the middle
of May after a two week archery only season. The pursuit of
wild turkeys with archery equipment is challenging on many
levels such as getting close and good shot placement. Can
you visualize the vital area of a turkey while strutting, feeding
or standing? A strutting bird is probably the most difficult to
decipher the vital layout. Here is an internet link to a diagram
overlay that breaks down sections of a turkey http://forums.
mathewsinc.com/archery-4/stickies-29/turkeyanatomy-pics-34266/. Here is a video link with different
vital shot angles on actual turkey kills (graphic) http://vimeo.
com/21976271 or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wkgdl4i4xg.
Spring also brings carp into shallow water or up closer to the
surface. Special equipment is needed such as a reel loaded with
strong line that is attached to a bow, a fish arrow with a barbed
point, a special rest to support the fish arrow and a sliding
attachment on the arrow that the line attaches to. Bow fishing
equipment kits can be purchased that has everything needed.
Inland waters have limited species available by take with bow
and arrow. Carp are the primary species with some suckers also
legal targets. Check with the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW) for specific regulations and a fishing license
is needed.
Now is the time to perform maintenance on your archery
equipment. Check strings and cables for broken strands,
excessive fraying and damaged serving. Compound bows
require the use of a bow press of the correct style in order to
replace any string or cable. If you don’t have the knowledge or
equipment to make necessary repairs, have a reputable archery
pro shop perform the service. Check all arrows for damage,
especially carbon. Nocks or inserts that have “popped” will
need to be reseated but first check for cracks that may have
caused them to come out in the first place. If carbon arrows are
cracked, throw them away, they’re not repairable.
Varmint and Predator Hunting
One of the many beneficial services that WU members provide landowners is assisting with non-game, pest and animal
control. Varmints, in particular, such as ground squirrels are a huge pest to ranchers and farmers. Coyotes and other predators,
including feral cats and dogs, do their fair share of impacting our agriculture interests and wildlife, including game species.
Over the years, WU has tried to take a proactive role in pest species management, keeping landowners happy, while at the
same time not impacting our game hunting members.
For 2013 WU will again be using the following hunting program, initiated in 2012, for varmints and predators.
Ground Squirrel Hunting: WU will be opening ground squirrel shooting to hunters on select ranches on Sundays and the last
day of a ranch's shoot days after 10:00 a.m.
Example: The Jacalitos Ranch hunts Friday through Monday. Hunters with reservations for the current game season, would
be allowed to squirrel shoot on Sunday after 10 a.m. and on Monday after 10 a.m.
A couple of key elements of this pilot program that should be noted are:
1) Members hunting a ranch should know by the last day of the hunt who else is on the ranch – i.e. be respectful of each other,
talk in camp and figure out the plans for the morning. The squirrel shooter is second to the pig hunter.
2) Usually by 10:00 a.m., the prime pig hunting time has mostly lapsed (even though members can still take pigs that day)
3) Squirrels don't usually come out in force until after 10 a.m.
As usual, no plinking will be allowed on WU ranches. The properties available for squirrel shooting will not be listed, but
instead will be verified at the time reservations are made. Squirrel shooting opportunity will be based on the landowner's
blessing and availability.
Wilderness Unlimited encourages members to take predators at all times when a hunting season is on.
20
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Members Speak Out
First Pig
By Nicole Camp
my cell phone snapping cute pictures to show all my friends at
school. Keep in mind this was at 5:04 leaving me 22 minutes
left to shoot. About ten minutes later my cow friends began
to ignore me and started looking up the hill and snorting. In
my head I’m thinking “THEY’RE HERE!!! THE PIGS ARE
COMING!!” I could hear them grunting from above. Slowly I
peeked around the tree and I could see 6 pigs under the oaks at
the top of the hill. I quickly rolled on to my stomach and put the
308 up to my shoulder. I knew which pig I wanted, not the big
300 pound boar but the plump medium sized one that would be
great for sausage. I aimed the rifle but of course the one I had
chosen was looking at me and I did not have the broad side shot
so I went for the chest.
My family and I just joined Wilderness Unlimited in November
of 2012 hoping for a chance to enjoy the outdoors. My dad
and I have always enjoyed hunting and have been looking for
places to explore and find new areas to hunt. One of the first
hunts my dad and I wanted to do was a wild pig hunt. We went
out to the Hill Ranch in December looking for pigs and was
excited to find lots of pig rooting and a small pack of pigs 10
minutes past shooting time. Ultimately we were not successful
on this trip.
We visited again in January on a Friday afternoon and planned
to spend the weekend on the ranch. I had eaten dinner on the
way down from Redding so I was ready to go. I left my dad
at the camper to finish his dinner and headed for the hills
overlooking the barn/camping area. I decided to sit at the base
of a hill nestled under a tree so that the pigs would not spot me
as they came from over the hill. To my luck the wind was just
right and I was down wind so my smell would not reach the
pigs as quickly. As I’m sitting I was observing the cattle who
were no more than 150 feet away. They were bunched up and
ears perked staring at me. As any cow lover would do I took out
As you can see from my picture, when I pulled the trigger my
face was too close to the scope and the kick of the gun left a
nice gash on my eyebrow. But I did not worry about it at the
time because I was too focused on the pig that was running
along the hillside away from me showing no weakness. Just
before shooting the second shot the pig began to roll down the
hill about 100 feet from me. About 4 seconds later I hear my
dad on the radio, “Tell me you got the pig”. At this time my dad
had actually been watching me from the camper and saw the
pigs scatter up the hill when I shot, but could not see if it had
fallen. I happily reported that “I DID IT!”
Let’s just say I got really excited. I met back up with my dad at
the patrol station where Bill the patrolman gave us a hand and
hauled the pig out on his jeep. Pigs are tough animals because
the one I shot had a shattered shoulder blade and did not limp
as it was running away. With my new spotted trophy I gladly
showed it to a young boy about 5 years old who had been
camping with his dad and grandpa and had never seen a pig
before. The excitement in his eyes made the hunt extra special.
This was an amazing hunt which I will never forget.
2013 Deer & Elk Hunting in Oregon
If an Oregon buck hunt or elk hunt has been something you’ve always wanted to do, here’s some information you may find
worthwhile. Wilderness Unlimited is now firming up the ranches in the Oregon Lands portfolio for the coming year. Although
there are no huge changes expected (perhaps a ranch or two here or there), in the next few weeks the picture should be very
clear. At that time, the 2013 Oregon Big Game Packet will be available, and can be emailed to you (contact Marc in the Hayward
Office or Erik at the Sauvie Island Office to request it.). This packet covers a lot of ground, but has all of the information you’ll
need to know, from how the system works to costs of various hunts to season dates to application forms-it’s all included.
There’s one very important date to keep in mind, May 15, which is the Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife controlled hunt
deadline. WU asks that all members who would like to rifle hunt for deer and/or elk in Oregon have applications and deposits
submitted to the WU Hayward Office by May 10th to allow time for applications to be fully reviewed prior to delivering them
to the ODFW headquarters.
If you’d like to receive the 2013 Oregon Big Game Packet when it is ready, please email your request along with your name
and email address to Erik at [email protected], or Marc at [email protected]. If you would like a
hard copy mailed to you, contact Marc at 510-785-4868 ext. 110 to request it.
With the relatively mild winter and abundant moisture, a good big game season is expected. Plan to get out there!
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
21
Urge2Hunt
Urge2Hunt 2013 Specials
Mule Deer
Utah – DIY hunt includes CWMU landowner deer tags and access to
20,000 acre ranch in Northern Utah. Bucks should avg 160+ with a 190
class taken in 2012, should see multiple bucks per day. Hunt dates are Oct
18-28, pick your 5 days. Price is $4,500
Idaho – DIY hunt on 10,000 acres in SE Idaho (no wolves). Tags are over the counter and bucks should avg in the 150+ class.
Hunt dates Oct 10-24, pick your 5 days. Area 71 near Lava Hot Springs. Can camp on ranch or stay in town 10 miles away. Great
opportunity to harvest a good buck. Price is $3,750
Nevada – Landowner deer tags on multiple units allow tag owner to hunt all legal weapons seasons from archery, muzzleloader,
and both rifle seasons making them 3 month tags. Price - $4,500 - $5,000 each.
Alberta – Phenomenal bow hunt for monster muleys in Eastern Alberta for 160-200 class bucks. Guided hunt on private land with
great lodging , food and tag/license included. One of the most fun hunts I’ve ever done and you should expect to see 10-20 big
bucks/day. Price is $5,500
ELK
Colorado – We have 2 different private ranches to choose from near Trinidad in Unit 85 of about 3,000 acres each, which your
group would have to themselves. Rifle seasons 1/4 have been 100% draw and seasons 2/3 are over the counter tags. 5 day semiguided hunt and outfitter will show you around and then you can hunt as you wish. Rifle, bow and muzzleloader is available. Price
is $3,750
Utah – Guided hunt on 5,000 acres in Eastern Utah, bow, muzzleloader or rifle seasons, very good opportunity on 300+ class bulls
which also includes a cow elk too. Hunt includes meals, lodging and your 2x1 guide. Physically easy hunt at about 4,500 feet
elevation. Price is $3,500, muzzle is $5,500.
Idaho – DIY hunt on private ranch for archery only near Lava Hot Springs for big bulls on 20,000 acre ranch. Bow season is
month of September so pick your 5 days. Rut mid-late Sept. Price is $2,995
Antelope
Wyoming – Guided town hunt on private land out of Casper. Tags are 100% as is the opportunity at a good goat. Meals and lodging
are on your own but this is a fun hunt and you should be on shooter bucks right away. Hunt dates in early October on this 2 day
hunt. Price is $1,850
Moose
Alberta – 7 day moose hunt for Canadian moose that should be in the 30-45 inch range. Great opportunity to harvest a big moose
with rifle or bow (rut). Hunts include meals and lodging and a great time. Season is Sept and Oct and you can add a whitetail as
well. Price is $5,500
Whitetail
Alberta – 7 day guided hunt during Nov rut where you should have many bucks to look over before deciding on yours. Bucks
should avg 150+ and hunt includes a wolf; as well as all meals/lodging. Fly into Edmonton and guide will pick you up for your
adventure. Price is $4,500
More Hunts and Adventures
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22
Texas – All exotics with great hospitality
Alaska – Brown bear, guided/drop hunt caribou, moose and salmon/halibut fishing
Alberta – duck/goose hunting, black bear hunts
Mexico – mule deer, javelina
New Zealand – Red stag, fallow deer, tahr and chamois
Argentina – Dove, pigeons, ducks and red stag
Africa – We offer hunts in most African countries with a highly respected outfitter for all species.
DIY= Do it yourself.
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Gear Corner
Whether you are after turkeys or hogs this spring, here are some
items that just might help bring success to your hunt. Let’s talk
turkey first…
Hunter’s Specialties Undertaker XT Ported Choke Tube
If you want to improve your
chances of knocking that gobbler
flat this spring, make sure you
have a choke tube for your
shotgun that is designed for turkey
hunting. Yes, you can use your
standard full-choke but choke tubes like the Hunter’s Specialties
Undertaker XT Ported Choke Tube will give you the tight pattern
needed if that gobbler wants to keep his distance. Because this
choke is ported, it helps reduce barrel jump and keeps you on
target. The choke tubes are available for both high-density and
lead-shot loads in both 12 or 20 gauges. Suggested retail price
is $28.99. For more information on this choke tube, visit
www.hunterspec.com
Strut Lounger
Turkeys have great vision so you need to be
able to sit still for long periods of time. To
do this in comfort it helps to have a product
like Hunter’s Specialties new Strut Lounger.
The Strut Lounger is a lightweight, portable,
foldable seat. It is 20-inches wide by 17-inches
deep with a 23-inch backrest. It can also be
used when predator or deer hunting. In my opinion, this is a
must-have product. Suggested retail price is $39.99. For more
information on the Strut Lounger, visit www.hunterspec.com
Now, let’s talk hogs! With a growing hog population from coast
to coast, ammunition manufacturers are releasing ammunition
targeted especially for the hog hunter.
Winchester Razorback XT
Last year Winchester released two
cartridges designed specifically for
wild hog hunting – the Razorback XT
in .223 Rem and .308 Win. For 2013,
Winchester has expanded the Razorback
XT offerings by adding the .44 Rem. Mag. (225 grain), .270
Win. (130 grain), .30-06 (180 grain), and 7.62x39mm (123
grain). Plus for those who prefer to use a shotgun, Razorback
XT 12-gauge 00 buckshot and Razorback XT segmenting rifled
slug have been added. For more information on these products,
visit www.winchester.com
Barnes VOR-TX
For those of you with rifles in .260 Rem.,
.280 Rem. and .300 Weatherby, Barnes
Bullets has announced its VOR-TX rifle
ammunition will now be available in those
calibers. Also, varmint hunters will be
happy to hear that the VOR-TX ammunition
will now be loaded in .22-250. All these
loads will be legal for use in California’s non-lead hunting areas.
For more information, visit www.barnesbullets.com
And how about picking up a new rifle to chase those hogs?
New Browning A-Bolt III
Browning is making it more affordable to add one of their
rifles to your gun safe. With its new A-Bolt III, you can still
get a precision and accurate rifle but for a value price of around
$300 less than the A-Bolt II. It will be available in a Composite
Stalker model in four popular calibers – .30-06, 270 Win, 300
Win Mag, and 7MM Rem Mag. Suggested retail price is $599.
For more information, visit the Browning website at www.
browning.com
Oliso Pro Vacuum Sealer
Do you still wrap your game and fish with
freezer paper and tape? Then later, do you
open the packages and find part of it with
freezer burn? The Oliso Pro makes it easy
to package food items in their re-closeable/
re-useable Vac-Snap bags. The difference with the Oliso Pro
from other vacuum seal systems is that the bags can be reused
up to 12 times. Bags come in quart, gallon, medium pantry and
jumbo bags. You can use the system on moist or dry food. The
Oliso Pro can also protect those non-food items while boating or
in wet conditions. The double-zippered bags are dishwasher-safe
plus can be used for microwaving or simmering. For on-the-go
use it also comes with a 12-foot 12V DC power adapter. The
Oliso Pro Vacuum Sealer has a MSRP of $199.99. For more
information, visit www.oliso.com
Remington Hog Hammer
New this year from Remington are the Remington
Hog Hammer rifle loads. Using Barnes TSX
bullets, this ammo is designed for deep penetration
and maximum weight retention on tough critters.
Initial offerings will be .223 Rem. (62 grain) and
.308 Win. (168 grain). Loads in .300 BLK, .30 Rem. AR, .30/30
Win., .30-06, and 450 Bushmaster (using an AccuTip projectile)
are planned. For more information, visit www.remington.com
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
Jerry Springer
Editor
WesternHunter.com
[email protected]
23
Youth Shooting Clinic
Fifth Annual Youth Shooting Clinic
May 4-5
WILLIAMS—Youth shooters, from
3rd grade to 12th grade, who wish
to gain knowledge of gun handling
and safety, whether for target
shooting, hunting or just for general
knowledge, are invited to apply
for a very special Youth Shooting
Clinic sponsored by the Wilderness
Unlimited Foundation.
The shotgun range session will include basic trap shooting
technique and will progress to multiple target sequences for
those that grasp the basics.
The archery range will progress from standard target range to
open range full body targets and games for those that demonstrate
basic techniques.
The clinic will start promptly at 9 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. on
Saturday. A Saturday lunch will be provided courtesy of WUF.
The clinic will continue on Sunday from 9 a.m. 'till Noon.
Limited to the first 40 applicants,
the May 4-5 clinic will be held at
Wilderness Unlimited's 9,000-acre
Mosby Ranch west of Williams and
Arbuckle.
Space is limited. The clinic will be open to the public. Reservations
are being made through Wilderness Unlimited. A $20 donation
for lunch and ammo is required at the time of reservation.
Every youth interested in shooting, whether at critters, or not,
should attend this clinic. Complete rifle, shotgun and archery
ranges will be set up. Each youth will have the chance to participate
in each section for half a day (two sessions on Saturday and one
session on Sunday). The firearms, ammo, safety equipment, trap
and targets were provided largely due in part to a grant from the
Friends of the NRA.
Camping on the Mosby Ranch Camp 2 area and at the Sac. Valley
RV Camp will be permitted on Saturday night.
Come learn the basics of general gun safety, correct firearm action
use, targeting and shooting. These kids will be coached at the
range by trained range masters and educators simultaneously.
In other words, each youth can only participate in 2 sessions
on Saturday and the other to complete their training on Sunday.
The rifle range session will include the use of open sights and
scopes starting with .22 rimfire ammunition. Larger calibers will
be available to kids demonstrating sufficient skills.
Peninsula Guns and Tactical
WU Member Omar Zaaour owned
306 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA
650-588-8886
[email protected]
"Youth-Mentor Add On"
New for 2012 any WU member who would like to
add a non-dependant youth to their membership
can do so for $300 per youth for one full year. The
"Youth-Mentor Add On" is intended for nieces,
nephews or the youth next door that does not have
the opportunity to be exposed to the outdoors.
Grandparents, your grandkids aren't normally
included with your membership, but they could
be now!
The "Youth-Mentor Add On" is good for an
individual youth age 17 years or younger. The youth
cannot go on the property without their mentor!
For additional information regarding the "YouthMentor Add On", contact the WU office.
24
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
"Wild" Dinner
2013
“WILD”
DINNER
A Fundraiser to Support WUF and COHA
Together Preserving Our Outdoor Heritage
April 6th 2013
Beginning at 6:00PM at the WU Sac Valley RV Park
Presented by:
The Wilderness Unlimited Foundation (WUF)
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA)
WildEats Enterprises
You are invited to join a host of dedicated sportsmen at the 4th Annual
“Wild” Dinner, featuring nationally recognized Wild Game Chef and
WU Member John McGannon of WildEats Enterprises.
Dinner Tickets Include:
Dinner - Open, Top Shelf Bar - Select Beers and Wine - Gun Raffle Ticket
A True “Sportsmen’s Team Effort”
During the festive evening, attendees will have the chance to learn more about COHA,
WUF and WU, and socialize with an outstanding group of outdoor supporters as well as
participate and support our raffle, live and silent auction items. Raffle and auction items to
include guns, hunting and fishing trips, equipment, artwork and more!
DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S EVENT. SPACE IS “VERY” LIMITED SO BOOK EARLY!
Tickets for the evening include everything above for $100 per person or $150 for a couple. A limited
number of tables are also available. As a WUF event the contributions are tax deductable. Come out
and enjoy a fantastic meal and evening,while supporting your outdoor heritage!
For additional information contact:
WU Office at (877) 611-4868 or [email protected]
Rick Bulloch at (916) 606-7039 or [email protected]
Spring 2013
Wilderness Unlimited
25
WUF
The Wilderness Unlimited Foundation is busy this time of
year. We hope to see you at a future event!
Coming Up
March 2 – The 18th Annual Wild Turkey Expo: Along with WU and the National Wild Turkey Federation
(NWTF), WUF will sponsor the 18th Annual Wild Turkey Hunting Expo at WU’s Sacramento Valley RV
Camp. This is the "Original Wild Turkey Expo". The seminar will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2013
starting at 10 a.m. It's all part of the ongoing hunter education programs, sponsored by the Wilderness
Unlimited Foundation (WUF). The seminar is free and is open to the public. A hot lunch will be served,
courtesy of WUF and NWTF. A $10 lunch donation is suggested, ($8 for youth). Reservations Required.
For more information about the seminar, contact the WU Hayward Office.
March 23-24 – DFG Youth Turkey Hunt: This is the statewide early season turkey hunt. Select WU properties
will be available for the youth hunt. Valid junior hunting license required. See page 17 for details.
April 6 – “WILD” Dinner: This is a fundraising event to support WUF and COHA (California Outdoor
Heritage Alliance). This will be a great event with wild game dishes prepared by WU member, Chef John
McGannon of WildEats Enterprises. For more details see page 21.
April 12-14 – Mentored Junior Turkey Hunt at the Spring Valley Ranch: This is the WUF sponsored youth
turkey hunt. See page 17 for details. (Please note the date change from the WU Calendar.)
May 4-5 – Youth Shooting Clinic: This clinic will give kids an opportunity to become comfortable, confident
and safe with firearms and bows, for both hunting and target. The clinic is open for youths in the 3rd grade
through 12th grade. Students do not need a hunting license to participate in the clinic. (Please note the
date change from the WU Calendar.) See page 22.
May 17-19 – 26th Annual Bidwell Fly Fishing Clinic: Learn to cast a fly on the beautiful Bidwell ponds in
Shasta County. Reservations open Tuesday, March 19. Space is limited and fills up fast. See page 9 for
details.
June - Youth Summer Camp 2013: There are two sessions this year!
Session 1) June 16–22
Session 2) June 23–29.
Registration begins Monday, March 11. Please see next page for details.
Women’s Only Shooting Clinic – New for 2013 a Women’s Only Shooting Clinic! Ladies are invited for a
day on the range. Become familiar and comfortable with rifles, shotguns and handguns. We will even have
the archery range set up! No experience necessary. Clinic is open for ladies 16 years and older. Information
is forthcoming.
Habitat:
Spring is in the air and that means WU's very successful wood duck nest box program led by Matt Meyer
and Dennis Corvelo, is gearing up for another banner year. If you would like to help out, call WU.
WU is working on coordinating a Bidwell Pond 2 Forebay restoration project in memory of Chuck Echer.
Funding is being accepted now. If you like, designate your contribution to the Echer Project.
Volunteers and donations run WUF. If you can do either, please let us know.
26
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
WUF YOUTH SUMMER CAMP 2013
It is the 6th year for the WUF Youth Summer Camp! If your child enjoys the outdoors,
learning new skills and making new friends, this is the camp for them! Last year we added
a second session. We will have two, one-week sessions again this year. We hope that the
additional session will give new campers an opportunity to join the WUF Camp community!
The Details:
The WUF Youth Summer Camp is an overnight camp, providing an opportunity for children
to explore the outdoors in a safe, educational and fun environment. Each session will be
held from Sunday to Saturday. Both sessions are open for new and returning, beginner and
advanced campers. Camp is located in Laytonville, CA.
Camper ages range from 8-years old (or entering the 3rd grade, e.g. if your child is 7-years old and entering the 3rd
grade in the fall they are eligible) to 14-years old (or exiting the 8th grade).
During the course of each week, campers may participate and complete Hunter Education and Bow Hunter Education.
Camp is fully funded by camp tuition. Tuition per camper is $400 for W.U. Members and $450 for non-members.
,QFOXGHG&DPS7VKLUWDOOPHDOVDFWLYLW\PDWHULDOV¿UHDUPVDQGDPPXQLWLRQ7UDQVSRUWDWLRQPD\EHDUUDQJHGIRU
an additional cost.
Session 1: June 16 through June 22
Session 2: June 23 through June 29
Junior Counselor (JC) positions are available for high
school students. JCs help with the daily tasks during
camp, such as assisting with activities and supervising
campers. JCs will receive credit for high school graduation
volunteer community service hours.
Space is Limited for campers and junior counselors!
What WUF needs to help make camp great: Counselors,
Activity Leaders, Camp Help
Counselors: Are you, or do you know, a college aged
person that enjoys the outdoors and working with
children? Counselors are the ones that help make camp
fun for the campers. They form bonds, play games and
keep camp and campers moving. New! Possible paid
positions available!
Activity Leaders: Do you have something you would like
to share/teach at Camp? Do you have a skill, an activity
or just something really cool that you think would be a
great addition to the camp? We are always looking to
add to the list of activities to offer to campers. Activity
Leaders only need to be at camp on the day(s) of their
activity.
If you are interested in registering your child or being
a Counselor, Junior Counselor or an Activity Leader,
please contact us!
CAMP ACTIVITIES!
Fishing – Spin and Fly Fishing, setting up a pole/rod,
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removing hooks, catch and release and cleaning.
Ranges $UFKHU\ 5LÀH 7UDS ± 5DQJH VDIHW\
marksmanship, gun safety, B.B. Guns, .22’s, hunting
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Hunter Education ± 7KURXJK WKH FRXUVH RI WKH ZHHN
campers may complete their hunter education program.
Bow Hunter Education ± 7KRVH WKDW KDYH FRPSOHWHG
Hunter Education or will be taking Hunter Education
during camp, may complete Bow Hunter Education.
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animals, game animals, hiking, night hikes
and photography.
Conservation – Habitat building, wood duck boxes, “pack
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For more information about camp, to register your child,
sign-up to volunteer or if you have a donation, please
contact:
Outdoor Survival and Safety ± &35 ¿UH VDIHW\ DQG
compass reading.
2013 - We need a new ping pong table!
Crafts, games, team building, hiking, fun evening
activities, swimming and so much MORE!
Registration Opens March 11th.
Camp Director, Jenna Perry
(510) 692-WUF1 (9831)
[email protected]
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could always use more:
- Life Jackets - youth and adult sizes
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- EZ ups and large carports, army style tents
- What do you have? We might be able to use it!
Periodicals
Wilderness Unlimited
Postage Paid at
22425 Meekland Avenue
Hayward, CA 94541
Hayward, CA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Wilderness Unlimited
Spring 2013
Darian Burks
Ryan Zebo
Rich Arduini