Lake Sonoma Boar Hunts 2009

The Department of Fish And Game published the wild pig hunting schedule for Lake Sonoma in 2009.

You can find the Calendar for Wild Pig Hunts at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/docs/specialhunts/2008-2009-PigHuntingCalander.pdf.

Detailed information on rules and procedures for the hunts are at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/docs/specialhunts/2008-2009-HuntInformation.pdf.

The news release of DFG reads as follows:

“Pig Hunting Information 2008-2009

There are major changes to the hunting policy at Lake Sonoma. Most importantly: the shoreline will be off limits from November 19 to April 11 to any vessel that is not registered at a campsite, registered to hunt that day at the visitor center or any vessel whose occupant/operator is not within shouting distance of the vessel. Any vessel not meeting one of these three exceptions will be considered “abandoned equipment” and it’s owner subject to citation ($150.00) and possible impound fees (TBA).

Absolutely no pig hunting on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Hunters will initially be required to check in with the visitor center staff. Hunters will also be required to show: a driver’s license, valid hunting license, and pig tags. They will then be issued with a hunting pass for their vehicle and vessel and given a brief orientation on hunting at the park.

Hunters may self-register only after they are issued a parking/boating hunting pass. Self registration will consist of filling out their name and vehicle/ vessel hunting pass number as well as date in and date out of the park. This check in process can be done before or after hours at the visitor center.

Shotguns with slug loads may be used on the Dry Creek arm of the lake during February ONLY.

Refer to the Shotgun Slug map for details on actual boundaries (no hunting Mondays or Tuesdays). Crossbows and bows may also be used in February on both arms of the lake (no hunting Mondays or Tuesdays).

Hunting stands and game cameras are permitted provided that they do not permanently scar the trees.

Hunting dates are as follows:

Archery and Crossbow November 19, 2008- April 11, 2009 with the exception of all Mondays and Tuesdays.

Pigs must be gutted at least 100 yards away from any man made structure, trail or campground.

Do not dispose of entrails in garbage cans; leave them in the field to attract other boar.

Stay within park boundaries even if an injured animal crosses onto private land. I may not see you but our neighbors do and they are very vocal in their disapproval of trespass.

Hunters are subject to all park rules and regulations as well as all county, state, and local laws.”

(Emphases added by editor)

The maps referenced above are at

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/images/ArcheryMap-2008-2009.jpg

for archery and at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/images/ShotgunMap-2008-2009.jpg for shotguns.

Please keep in mind that shotgun slugs must be lead-free. It may be a small challenge to find a store that carries lead-free slugs. I still have not found one in Los Angeles.

PJJ