A fantastic outdoor adventure took place this summer for a Virginia high-school senior-to-be and his father.

As soon as school got out in June, Taylor Turner of Warrenton, Va., set out with his father, Jeff, to fish a different trophy water in each of our 50 states over a 50-day span.

Their epic journey began June 13 while fishing for smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, and concluded on July 30 in Hawaii with a chartered trip for blue marlin.

What an amazing way to spend a summer vacation!

They visited every state in our nation, experienced fishing in a wide variety of incredible outdoor destinations, and strengthened the bond between father and son during what could be considered the final summer of a boy’s childhood.

Possibly the most impressive aspects of this adventure were their months of careful planning to make it all happen, and the dedication of both of them to stick to their schedule and see it through.

Every detail of their trip is thoughtfully chronicled on their Web site, www.fish5050.com. I highly recommend taking a few minutes to browse through the pages of all the fun adventures they enjoyed. It’s truly inspirational!

Ocean anglers asked for input

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) calls on Northern California recreational fishermen and boaters to participate in an important survey to determine where recreational anglers fish along the north coast of California.

This survey, conducted on behalf of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI), is designed to provide vital information for the implementation of the MLPA in the North Coast Study Region. The study region covers from Alder Creek (near Point Arena) north to the Oregon border.

The purpose of the survey is to incorporate recreational fishermen’s knowledge into the deliberations of the Regional Stakeholder Group in the MLPA North Coast Study Region, develop accurate maps of the local recreational fishing grounds, and characterize their relative importance to recreational fishermen.  The information will assist the local fishermen on the Regional Stakeholder Group in protecting recreational fishing access in the most important areas.

Anglers can visit www.ecotrust.org/

mlpa/interviewsignup to register for the survey, or call Jon Bonkoski at (503) 807-1660. Following registration, anglers will be sent an e-mail with a link to the online survey once it is ready or will be contacted by phone to set up an interview.

While completion of the survey is an investment of time, the results are vital in the effort to preserve fishermen’s access to public coastal waters.

The survey may be completed either online or via in-person interviews, but anglers must first register online. The PSO urges anglers to take advantage of in-person interviews.

Individual responses from participants will remain anonymous and confidential. Only the collective data will be shared with the members of the Regional Stakeholder Group.

For frequent updates about the PSO’s efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process, please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.

Upland game hunting clinic

The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Advanced Hunter Education Program, in conjunction with Quail Unlimited and Wilderness Unlimited, is offering an upland game hunting clinic on Sept. 26.

The clinic will be held at the Wilderness Unlimited property 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 paying parent or guardian.

The clinic includes information on hunting quail, chukar and pheasant. Topics covered include hunting regulations, huntable lands, proper types of firearms and ammunition used for upland game hunting, proper clothing, habits and habitats of upland game, hunting alone vs. hunting with others, hunting with or without a dog, and dog demonstrations. Other topics include field first-aid for hunters and dogs, hunter responsibilities and ethics, game care, and cooking. All skill levels are welcome to attend.

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 e-mail him 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.