Chapter 18.12 - HUNTING IN RECREATION AREAS

 

Sections:

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18.12.010     Decoys.

18.12.020     Hunting Areas and Regulations.

18.12.030     Waterfowl blinds—Location, use and removal.

18.12.040     Waterfowl Blinds—Permit Registration.

18.12.050     Waterfowl Blinds—Permit and Deposit.

18.12.060     Waterfowl Blinds—Permit—Required.

18.12.070     Waterfowl Blinds—Permit—Revocation.          

18.12.080     Misdemeanors Designated.

 

18.12.010 Decoys.

1. All decoys, shotgun shells, lines or any other items must be retrieved when not actively hunting.

2. Decoys may not be deployed in any manner on land as hunting is permitted from the water.

 

18.12.020 Hunting Areas and Regulations.

1. The Director may establish hunting areas within recreation areas and may adopt such rules and regulations as may be reasonable or necessary for public safety and welfare.

2. Every hunter shall have in their possession a valid hunting license issued by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and abide by all rules and regulations imposed by issuing agent.

3. Only the following are permitted to hunt or occupy waterfowl blinds: persons in possession of a waterfowl blind permit issued by the county, persons accompanied by a waterfowl blind permit holder, and persons in possession of written permission endorsed by a relevant waterfowl blind permit holder. (Ord. CS 740 §5, 2000; Ord. CS 20 §15, 1983; prior code §10-36).

4. Violation of these regulations may result in suspension, revocation, or expulsion of a water blind permit pursuant to 18.12.080.

1. Any person aggrieved by such suspension, revocation or expulsion may appeal in writing to the Director within seven days of suspension, revocation or expulsion. The determination by the Director may be appealed to the Chief Executive Officer by filing a request for hearing within seven days of the decision of the Director. The determination of the Chief Executive Officer shall be final.

 

18.12.030 Waterfowl Blinds—Location, Use and Removal.

Waterfowl blinds within recreation areas are, during certain periods of the year, a public nuisance and a hazard to the safety of persons using such recreation areas. The erection, placement, maintenance, use, and occupancy of waterfowl blinds are regulated to promote the public welfare as follows:

1. A waterfowl blind once it is positioned shall not be moved unless permission is granted by the Director or an authorized agent.

2. Shooting of waterfowl shall only be done from authorized waterfowl blinds. Violation of this provision shall be punishable as a misdemeanor as provided in Section 1.36.010.

3. A waterfowl blind shall be removed within two weeks following the season closure. (Ord. CS 1120 §1, 2012; Ord. CS 740 §4, 2000; prior code §10-31).

4. Waterfowl blinds remaining after season closure shall be deemed to have been intentionally abandoned and may be disposed of or sold by the Director without formal bidding. (Ord. CS 1120 §1, 2012; prior code §10-33).

 

18.12.040 Waterfowl Blinds—Permit Registration.

Each applicant of a waterfowl blind shall pay a non-refundable registration fee, as listed in the current approved fee schedule. (Ord. CS §13, 1983; prior code §10-34(a)).

 

18.12.050 Waterfowl Blinds—Permit and Deposit.

A waterfowl blind fee shall be charged for each waterfowl blind permit issued. In addition to the waterfowl blind fee, a deposit shall be collected at the time the permit is issued to cover the cost of removal of each waterfowl blind in its entirety. The deposit shall be refunded to upon inspection by Department of Parks and Recreation staff of the blind and verification of proper removal as per waterfowl rules and regulations. In the event a waterfowl blind or other property owned by a permit holder is not removed within two weeks of season closure, the deposit shall be retained by the department. (Ord. CS 1120 §1, 2012; Ord. CS 20 §14, 1983; prior code §10-34(b)).

 

18.12.060 Waterfowl Blinds—Permit—Required.

1. No person shall erect, place, or maintain a waterfowl blind in any recreation area without first obtaining a permit.

2. Application for the permit shall be made to the Department of Parks and Recreation and upon the forms prescribed and furnished by the department.

3. The department shall issue a permit with a number which the must display not less than six inches in height on the exterior of the waterfowl blind and plainly visible above the waterline.

4. Permits issued shall be valid from September through March during any fiscal year as designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

5. Waterfowl blind permits shall not be issued after seven days prior to the opening of the waterfowl season. (Ord. CS 1120 §1, 2012; Ord. CS 512 §14, 1993; Ord. CS 20 §12, 1983; prior code §10-32).

 

18.12.070     Waterfowl Blinds—Permit—Revocation.

In addition to any other penalty, the Director may deny or revoke a permit for violation of any provision of this title. (Prior code §10- 35).

 

18.12.080 Misdemeanors Designated.

It is unlawful and constitutes a misdemeanor for any person to violate or fail to comply with any of the following provisions:

1. No person shall, without express permission of the owner, discharge a firearm within one hundred fifty yards of any dwelling, barn, or outbuilding, or within such a distance of any building as to create a hazard or to endanger the lives or property of the occupants, owners, or persons in or near the building(s).

2. No person shall discharge a firearm, bow and arrow, slingshot or any missile launching device in or into a recreation area, except as provided under subsection C of this section.

3. Shooting of waterfowl shall only be done from authorized waterfowl blinds. (Ord. CS 512 § 11, 1993; Ord. CS 20 § 18, 1983; prior code § 10-38).