California has seen a dramatic rise in poaching during recent years.

Violations nearly tripled from 2003 to 2007, and cases of “extreme poaching” are coming to light more and more frequently.

Part of the problem has been attributed to California’s soft penalties on poachers.

For example, in 2008, a Gilroy man was convicted of possessing more than 300 harvested waterfowl, including several protected species.

His punishment for this extreme poaching violation consisted of $7,100 in fines, probation, community service and a one-year ban from hunting.

Responsible hunters give more money and time just to hunt legally in this state.

Without a stronger deterrent, expect to see the popularity of poaching continue to grow.

Fortunately, a bill has been proposed to increase the penalties in California.

The proposed law would set harsher punishment for violations such as hunting protected birds, hunting over limit, hunting without a license and hunting out of season.

It provides for minimum mandatory fines of $5,000, and increased minimum fines for repeat offenders. It also gives the the State Fish and Game Commission authority to permanently revoke licenses in the worst cases.

The state assembly has passed the bill, and it now is with the state senate for approval.

The Audubon Society has created an online petition to show support for the bill. Hunters and bird-lovers alike are called to sign the petition and encourage our state senators to pass this into law. Visit audubonaction.org/

campaign/poaching_petition to offer your support.

Waterfowl Hunting Clinic

Waterfowl season will be here before we know it, so the Department of Fish and Game is offering a clinic for hunters in Colusa County on Aug. 15.

Two experienced instructors, Assistant Chief Mike Carion and Warden Aaron Freitas, will lead this clinic, which is part of DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education program.

Hunters will learn about decoy placement, blind design, ballistics, calling, duck identification, K-9 considerations, gear and garb, game care and cleaning, cooking tips and safety.

All skill levels are welcome to attend.

The clinic will be held at the Wilderness Unlimited RV Park in Williams from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $40 for adults; children 16 years and younger are free but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants can register online at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced or request a registration form by mail by calling (916) 358-4356.

Once registered, participants will be provided with a workshop agenda, a map to the facility and a list of items to bring.

For more information about this clinic or other Advanced Hunter Education clinics, contact Lieutenant Dan Lehman at (916) 358-4356 or by e-mail at dlehman@dfg.ca.gov.

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

Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.