July 14, 2015
On the Road Again
With Melanie Allen, president of the Lassen Association, before the Lassen Park book signing.
Kathy and I are on the road again with Badges, Bears, and Eagles. We’re having a ball!
Blog
June 26, 2015
“Best Outdoor Magazine Column” Award 2015
It was a thrill and a great honor to recently receive the “Best Outdoor Magazine Column” award from the Outdoor Writers Association of California for the second year in a row. It was an added honor to win a first-place award for an article I wrote entitled “America Needs Parks Now More Than Ever.”
May 25, 2015
A Jewel in the Desert
One of the many incredible rock formations within Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by author
In late April, before summer set in, Kathy and I decided to spend a few days in the land of blistering sands and sharp thorns. I had worked in the California desert during my early years with the California Department of Fish and Game and remain captivated by the incredible diversity of plants and animals that flourish in this seemingly barren landscape.
April 19, 2015
Marijuana Wars and the California DFW
Fish and Wildlife Warden Jerry Karnow with a suspected poisoned bear at an illegal marijuana grow site. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Jerry Karnow
Just after daylight in September 2014, four California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers and four Nevada County Sheriff’s deputies quietly locked their vehicles and began what was to be an arduous hike into the bone-dry Yuba River Canyon. Armed to the hilt and decked out in standard marijuana eradication attire—full camo uniforms and bulletproof vests—the officers were prepared for any eventuality. Since becoming fully engaged in the business of eradicating marijuana grows and routinely dealing with drug cartels and dangerous criminals, DFW wardens had added a new weapon to their arsenal: the POF .308 semiautomatic rifle.
April 1, 2015
2015 Book Tour Off to a Great Start
Signing books for the Rooster Tails Fishing Club of Northern California
The 2015 book tour is in full swing and off to a great start! Kathy and I have enjoyed making many new friends, and we look forward to a full calendar of events in the months ahead.
March 6, 2015
Show Respect and Pass Through Quietly
Mature bald eagle perched on snag at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
“Quick, roll up the windows!” said Kathy. We had just entered the ten-mile auto tour route at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, when four cars roared by us like we were standing still. Pulling to the side of the road, we waited for the dust cloud that enveloped us to subside.
January 14, 2015
Presentation at Wintu Audubon Society
Signing books for Wintu Audubon Society members. Photo by Kathy Callan.
Last night I had the pleasure and privilege of giving a presentation to a packed house of Wintu Audubon Society members. In addition to discussing my current book and the upcoming sequel, The Game Warden’s Son—A Half Century of Protecting California’s Wildlife, we shared ideas about how our natural resources might be better protected. One of the suggestions for helping to finance more wardens in the field was a voluntary wildlife stamp for people who bird watch, hike, and enjoy nature’s wonders but don’t necessarily hunt or fish. This is an excellent idea, in my opinion, and one that would find favor, I believe, with sportsmen, nature enthusiasts, and game wardens alike.