The annual dinner for the Napa chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be held this Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Napa Elks Lodge. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., and at 7 p.m., their famous prime rib dinner will be served, including fine wines from Gauge Winery.

The evening will feature DU’s famous live and silent auctions, along with a general raffle and several games and activities where participants can win great prizes.

This year they will have nearly 50 live auction lots, including a fishing vacation in Alaska and the annual DU Dinner gun, a rare Beretta 28-gauge over & under.

More than 20 guns will be available in the different auctions and raffles, along with original artwork not available anywhere else, select Napa Valley wines, and a host of outdoor-related prizes.

A tribute to Perry Collins, one of the founders of both the Napa and St. Helena DU chapters who passed away recently, will be held during the evening.

Perry had requested donations to be made to DU in lieu of flowers or gifts, and already more than $1,200 has been received by the Napa chapter on his behalf.

The Napa dinner is open to men, women, and children of all ages.

For kids 17 and under, there are special “Greenwing” games and raffles in which more exciting prizes can be won.

Since 1937, DU has been raising money for wetland and habitat restoration throughout North America. The benefits of the organization’s efforts are enjoyed by hunters and all enthusiasts of waterfowl and wildlife.

The improved habitats are used by egrets, finches, meadowlarks, and a myriad of wetland creatures, including ducks and geese.

All proceeds from the DU dinner will go towards these restoration projects.

Dinner prices this year are the same as last year, $60 per adult or $90 per couple. Greenwing dinners are $40 each.

Sponsor packages are also available at the event.

They recommend purchasing your dinner tickets in advance. Please contact Larry Brown at 258-9423 to buy tickets or for any further information about the event.

Support regulation changes on Putah Creek’s wild trout fishery

— today only

The group called Putah Creek Trout has organized a letter-writing campaign to support changing the regulations on Putah Creek to catch-and-release only, with gear restricted to artificial lures with barbless hooks.

Under the proposal, the stretch of the stream between Monticello Dam and Lake Solano would be open for fishing year-round, but no trout could ever be taken from these waters.

The public comment period on the proposal has been extended through today only, so now is the last chance to register your opinion with the California Fish and Game Commission.

Personally, I’m in favor of this proposal for a number of reasons.

The Department of Fish & Game is no longer stocking fish here, so all of the fishing pressure now directly impacts the wild trout fishery.

And with nearly all of Napa County’s streams permanently closed to trout fishing, this nearby cold-water fishery is a wonderful resource for the trout enthusiast.

The proposed regulations would not affect Lake Solano downstream nor Lake Berryessa above the dam, so those anglers wishing to use live bait and/or take fish home have plenty of alternatives.

Putah Creek Trout has designed a pre-written, online letter that can quickly and easily be submitted with a click of your mouse.

Visit www.putahcreek flyfishing.com/proposed-regulation-changes-

letter.html to offer your support.

You may also directly send your own personal comments to the commission via e-mail at fgc@fgc.ca.gov, or write a traditional letter, postmarked by today, and mail to:

California Fish and Game Commission

1416 Ninth Street,

Room 1320

P.O. Box 944209

Sacramento, CA

94244-2090

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.