A suggestion from the Department of Fish and Game to help save the Klamath salmon fishery, which was threatened from the low water disaster in the river in 2002, hit the news this week with a scream. It was suggested that the entire coastal salmon fishery be closed this year to protect the scattered Klamath salmon which roam up and down the coast before returning to spawn in the fall. Fishermen all over are up in arms. Since most coastal streams had a bumper crop of salmon, why should everyone suffer because of the die off in 2002 due to low water (a man made problem)? Fishermen all over the state are urged to contact their local politicians and have the DFG reconsider. I personally do not think they will close the season.

New sturgeon

rules proposed

Three proposals are being considered to save the spawning population of sturgeon. The first is to retain the current statewide one-fish bag limit but reduce the 72-inch maximum to 56 inches. The second proposal involves a year-around zero bag limit on green sturgeon and a zero bag limit on all white sturgeon from March through June. Finally, the third is a year-around zero bag limit for green sturgeon and a zero bag limit on all other sturgeon from March through June in the following areas: The Sacramento River and its tributaries upstream of the Highway 12 bridge over the river at Rio Vista and in the San Joaquin River and its tributaries upstream of the Highway 5 bridge crossing the river.

At this time, it looks as though proposal one will pass with emergency regulations to be effective immediately.

More turkeys proposed

for Knoxville area

When the Napa Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation meets for its annual fundraiser at the St. Helena Catholic Church on Friday, March 17, some of the proceeds will be earmarked for a local project. This year's chairman, Dave Trinchero, said that the Knoxville area will be targeted for habitat work and releasing of more wild birds. For tickets, call 965-1430.

Increase your odds before the turkey season opens by scouting ahead of time. Should you decide that the Knoxville area is where you want to hunt, let me give you a suggestion. I did very well there two years ago by hiking way back and being in the right place at the right time, but there can be even better odds for those of you willing to hike back in the day before and camp out under the stars. To get to where some of the biggest populations of wild turkey are, you need to get back in a mile or two, and try to roost the birds, which means calling with a crow call just before dark and getting toms to answer. Then prior to sunup, you can set up and be ready for them at fly down and have no one else near you. Let's just hope for nice weather.

Hunting for wild turkey is getting to be a bigger sport every year, and the turkey are on the increase. Last year, the day before the season started, we found two groups of turkeys just off the Knoxville Road in the Knoxville Wildlife area. After checking with hunters on opening day, DFG found 24 hunters and only three birds taken. Two weeks later only six hunters were seen, and they had two birds.

Pesticides are in most

of our waters

Most of the nation's rivers and streams and the fish in them are contaminated with pesticides linked to cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders, but not all levels found harm humans.

Pesticides were found in almost all U.S. rivers and streams between 1992 and 2001, says a study released last Friday by the U.S. Geological Survey. It is important to note that most drinking water supplies haven't been affected.

While these pesticides have had a wide range of benefits in controlling weeds, insects and other pests, and have provided for increased food production, the possible effects on the environment, including water quality, are a big concern according to Robert Hirsh, the USGS associate director. The study raises concerns for the continued use of pesticides. It is only a mater of time until our drinking water is affected.

Many people who take water directly from streams were not included in this survey of tested drinking water (conducted in big cities).

Health note

I have just been informed that Stanford has found a bone marrow match for me. I'll share more next week.

Napa Valley Register outdoors columnist George Carl can be reached at 253-0665 or gcarl@sbcglobal.net