Blog

July 9, 2013

For decades, there have been major concerns about the depletion of California’s marine resources. In 1999, the Marine Life Protection Act was established, mandating that the California Fish and Game Commission designate marine protected areas where fish, habitat, and other priceless marine resources are allowed to recover. This statewide network was completed at the end of 2012, with 124 designated protected areas from the Oregon border to Mexico. Specific regulations may exist for individual marine protected areas (MPAs), so contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife before fishing or conducting any type of outdoor activity in these areas. Maps, GPS coordinates, and specific information are available. To learn more, go to https://www.dfg.ca.gov/.

June 19, 2013

in Conservation Issues, Wildlife Law Enforcement

by Steve

Wildlife Trafficking Out of Control

Did you know that the wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC, estimates that the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a ten billion dollar a year industry—right behind drugs? It’s getting worse every day as black markets continue to expand—not just in Asian countries like China, but in Australia, Europe and the United States.

June 17, 2013

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

by Steve

Chico Costco Book Signing–Another Sellout

Our June 14th book signing at the Chico Costco was a huge success! Thanks to Dan Barnett’s great review in the Chico Enterprise-Record and my radio interview with Nancy Wiegman on KCHO’s “Nancy’s Bookshelf,” we sold 120 books. The highlight of the day was visiting with all of the wonderful people who showed up for the event. Thanks to everyone who helped make this day possible.

June 4, 2013

in Fish and Wildlife, Personal Stuff

by Steve

What’s in Your Yard?

My wife and I are fortunate to live on a patch of oak woodland in the foothills of Northern California. Several years ago we decided to rid our yard of water-guzzling domestic fescue and replace it with gardens of drought tolerant native plants. In doing so, you might say we put out the welcome mat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Documenting bird species that visit our yard has provided a special sense of pride and enjoyment.

May 26, 2013

in Conservation Issues, Fish and Wildlife

by Steve

Where Have All the Pheasants Gone?

Growing up in the tiny farm town of Orland at the north end of California’s Central Valley, a pheasant sighting was a daily occurrence for me. These beautiful Asian transplants were so plentiful, and pheasant hunting was so popular, the annual season opener was practically a national holiday.

May 6, 2013

in Wildlife Law Enforcement

by Steve

The Game Warden’s Best Friend

Most game wardens or wildlife officers will tell you that the odds of going out on any given day and catching someone in the act of taking a deer out of season are pretty remote. With thousands of square miles to patrol, it’s like finding a needle in the proverbial haystack.