The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has created an easy, convenient way for people to apply for statewide participation in upland game bird hunts.

Hunters can now apply electronically on the DFG Web site, or they can download, print and mail an application from  www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/ hunting/uplandgame/

gamebird/SpecialHunts/index.html.

Hunt applications can also be obtained at DFG’s regional office in Yountville.

Previously, drawings for DFG’s upland game bird hunts were conducted separately in each individual region. This new statewide drawing is designed to reduce the overall time it takes to conduct the drawings by almost 80 percent, and makes it easier for everyone to understand the process.

It also brings the upland game bird hunts in line with all of DFG’s other hunt drawings, which are done on a statewide basis.

Eleven Wild Bird Hunts and 38 Apprentice Hunts are planned for this year, including hunts for dove, pheasants, quail, chukar and wild turkey.

The deadline for the first of these Game Bird Heritage Special Hunts is Sept. 1, 2008.

All hunts are funded by the Upland Game Bird Stamp, which is required for hunting upland game in California.

The Apprentice Hunts provide beginning hunters with a controlled, educational and safe environment to learn hunting skills and further develop hunter safety and a sense of hunter ethics and wildlife management.

Events include gun safety review, easy to hunt topography, a high ratio of volunteers to hunters, experienced dog handlers and clay shooting among other educational activities.

A hunter can make up to three choices on the application, but will not be able to list them by priority.

DFG expects to make priority applications available in 2009. Additional information on the program is available in the summer California Hunting Digest, which is currently available at DFG offices and on the Web at www.dfg.ca.gov/publications/digest/

Upland Game Hunting Clinic

DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education Program, in conjunction with Quail Unlimited and Wilderness Unlimited, offers an upland game hunting clinic on Sept. 13.

The clinic will be at the Wilderness Unlimited property in Williams, one hour north of Sacramento.

The clinic is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the cost is $40. Interested hunters ages 10 and up are encouraged to attend.

The clinic includes information on hunting quail, chukar and pheasant.

Topics covered are hunting regulations, huntable lands, proper types of firearms and ammunition, proper clothing, habits and habitats of upland game, hunting alone vs. hunting with others, hunting with or without a dog and dog demonstrations.

Topics also will include field first-aid for hunters and dogs, hunter responsibilities and ethics, game care and cooking.

This information-packed clinic will provide instruction to beginning hunters in a safe, encouraging atmosphere.

Waterfowl Hunting Clinic

With waterfowl season just around the corner, the DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education Program is hosting a waterfowl hunting clinic on Sept. 20.

This clinic will also be held at the Wilderness Unlimited property in Williams, with a cost of $40.

Two experienced instructors, Assistant Chief Mike Carion of DFG’s Northern Enforcement District, and Warden Aaron Freitas will instruct the clinic.

Participants from last year said the waterfowl clinic was comprehensive and helped waterfowlers of all experience levels.

Topics covered will include concepts of decoy placement, blind design, ballistics, calling, duck identification, K-9 considerations, gear and garb, game care and cleaning, cooking tips and safety.

As with the upland game clinic, interested individuals must submit a registration form.

Space is limited.

For more information about both clinics and to obtain a copy of the registration form, visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/ advanced or call (530) 347-3980.

Approximately two weeks prior to the clinic, registered participants will receive a packet of information which includes a map to the facility, an agenda, and a list of items to bring.

These hunting clinics are being done in partnership with Wilderness Unlimited.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdco

cpa.com). Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.