California Game Warden

Mike Maschmeier Joins the Ranks as an Author

JackEdwards — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:36:49 +0000

Mike Maschmeier, retired California game warden, has just published his first book. An American Possibility. It is available on Amazon as a paperback, hard cover or for your Kindle.

As Mike says, “I’ve written and published a memoir (Outskirts Press), AN AMERICAN POSSIBILITY which has as a large part of it, stories about my time as a game warden.”

I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy finding a new book by a fellow game warden. After 30 years on the job as a warden, I love reading about other game warden’s tales.

My love started with “Tales of the Fish Patrol” by Jack London, and continues to this day.

Go to my “Authors” page for more links to other stories by and about game wardens.

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John Ortmann joins the ranks of Game Warden Authors

JackEdwards — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 20:05:04 +0000

I began this writing in 2013 but began the “story” in 1963 and never thought it would get to a publisher. Some pressure from my wife helped.

“Is It Routine” is available on Amazon.com as well as Kindle but would be glad to send out signed copies if desired.

Thank you for your consideration,

John Ortmann (Retired 1998)
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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SB-1446 Changes the law pertaining to large capacity magazines

JackEdwards — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 06:07:48 +0000

Anytime most of us see a new gun law, we automatically panic, thinking that our rights are being taken away. I understand that reaction. In fact, just this evening I saw a note on facebook listing several bills that have been sent to the Governor for signature, asking us to contact the Governor to urge him to veto them. For most of these bills, I would urge the Governor to veto them.

Here is that list of bills:

SB 880 (Hall): Bans common and constitutionally protected firearms that have magazine locking devices. Signed by the Governor
SB 1235 (de Leon): Requires background check to buy ammunition. Now competes with Gavin Newsom’s Safety for All Act/Ammo Ban. Signed by the Governor
SB 1446 (Hancock): Confiscation of lawfully acquired, standard capacity ammunition feeding devices. Signed by the Governor
AB 1695 (Bonta): Makes some non-violent misdemeanors punishable by prohibitions on owning firearms. Signed by the Governor
AB 1511 (Santiago): Bans the loaning of firearms. Signed by the Governor
AB 1135, Amending the definition of assault weapon to include semi-automatic rifles with magazines that can be detached with a button. Signed by the Governor
SB 894 (Jackson): Re-victimizes victims by criminalizing the failure to report lost and stolen firearms. Vetoed by Governor
AB 1664 (Levine): Bans common and constitutionally protected firearms that have magazine locking devices. Vetoed by Governor
AB 1673 (Gipson): Redefines “firearms” to include items that are not firearms. Vetoed by Governor
AB 1674 (Santiago): Bans buying more than one firearm within a 30-day period. Vetoed by Governor
AB 2607 (Ting): Dramatically expands who can request a Gun Violence Restraining order. Vetoed by Governor
AB 857 (Cooper): Forced “Ghost Gun” registration.
AB 156 (McCarty): Forced ammunition registration.

So, I started reading them. The first one was SB-1446 which deals with large capacity magazines. Surprisingly, I did not find myself as upset as I expected over this new law, probably because it exempts retired sworn peace officers. If I were not a retired sworn peace officer, I might have been up in arms.

Here is what I see:

The first thing it does is makes the crime a fine based infraction and no longer a misdemeanor or felony.
The second thing it does is exempt federal law enforcement officers from this prohibition. California peace officers were already exempt.
Third, it exempts honorably retired sworn peace officers, defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 from this prohibition.

To me, this new law fixes a major problem with the large capacity magazine law that was put in place just a few years ago by reducing the level of crime to an infraction and by exempting retired peace officers. Please read the info below and if you agree with my review, ask the Governor to sign it. If I missed something, please let me know.

The full change of the law is found below.
————————————————————————————————-

SECTION 1.

Section 32310 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32310.

(a) Except as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 32400) of this chapter and in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, commencing January 1, 2000, any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, buys, or receives any large-capacity magazine is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.

(b) Except as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section 32400) of this chapter and in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, commencing July 1, 2017, any person in this state who possesses any large-capacity magazine, regardless of the date the magazine was acquired, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) upon the first offense, by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) upon the second offense, and by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) upon the third or subsequent offense.

(c) A person who, prior to July 1, 2017, legally possesses a large-capacity magazine shall dispose of that magazine by any of the following means:

(1) Remove the large-capacity magazine from the state.

(2) Prior to July 1, 2017, sell the large-capacity magazine to a licensed firearms dealer.

(3) Destroy the large-capacity magazine.

(4) Surrender the large-capacity magazine to a law enforcement agency for destruction.

(b) (d) For purposes of this section, “manufacturing” includes both fabricating a magazine and assembling a magazine from a combination of parts, including, but not limited to, the body, spring, follower, and floor plate or end plate, to be a fully functioning large-capacity magazine.

(e) The provisions of this section are cumulative and shall not be construed as restricting the application of any other law. However, an act or omission punishable in different ways by different provisions of this code shall not be punished under more than one provision.

SEC. 2.

Section 32400 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32400.

Section 32310 does not apply to the sale of, giving of, lending of, possession of, importation into this state of, or purchase of, any large-capacity magazine to or by any federal, state, county, city and county, or city agency that is charged with the enforcement of any law, for use by agency employees in the discharge of their official duties, whether on or off duty, and where the use is authorized by the agency and is within the course and scope of their duties.

SEC. 3.

Section 32405 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32405.

Section 32310 does not apply to the sale to, lending to, transfer to, purchase by, receipt of, possession of, or importation into this state of, a large-capacity magazine by a sworn peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, or a sworn federal law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of that officer’s duties.

SEC. 4.

Section 32406 is added to the Penal Code, to read:

32406.

Subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 32310 do not apply to the following:

(a) An individual who honorably retired from being a sworn peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, or an individual who honorably retired from being a sworn federal law enforcement officer, who was authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of that officer’s duties. For purposes of this section, “honorably retired” has the same meaning as provided in Section 16690.

(b) A federal, state, or local historical society, museum or institutional society, or museum or institutional collection, that is open to the public, provided that the large-capacity magazine is unloaded, properly housed within secured premises, and secured from unauthorized handling.

(c) A person who finds a large-capacity magazine, if the person is not prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, and possessed it no longer than necessary to deliver or transport it to the nearest law enforcement agency.

(d) A forensic laboratory, or an authorized agent or employee thereof in the course and scope of his or her authorized activities.

(e) The receipt or disposition of a large-capacity magazine by a trustee of a trust, or an executor or administrator of an estate, including an estate that is subject to probate, that includes a large-capacity magazine.

(f) A person lawfully in possession of a firearm that the person obtained prior to January 1, 2000, if no magazine that holds 10 or fewer rounds of ammunition is compatible with that firearm and the person possesses the large-capacity magazine solely for use with that firearm.

SEC. 5.

Section 32410 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32410.

Section 32310 does not apply to the sale possession, sale, or purchase of any large-capacity magazine to or by a person licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive.

SEC. 6.

Section 32420 of the Penal Code is repealed.

32420.

Section 32310 does not apply to the importation of a large-capacity magazine by a person who lawfully possessed the large-capacity magazine in the state prior to January 1, 2000, lawfully took it out of the state, and is returning to the state with the same large-capacity magazine.

SEC. 7.

Section 32425 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32425.

Section 32310 does not apply to either of the following:

(a) The lending or giving of any large-capacity magazine to to, or possession of that magazine by, a person licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, or to a gunsmith, for the purposes of maintenance, repair, or modification of that large-capacity magazine.

(b) The return to its owner of any large-capacity magazine by a person specified in subdivision (a).

SEC. 8.

Section 32430 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32430.

Section 32310 does not apply to the possession of, importation into this state of, or sale of, any large-capacity magazine by a person who has been issued a permit to engage in those activities pursuant to Section 32315, when those activities are in accordance with the terms and conditions of that permit.

SEC. 9.

Section 32435 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32435.

Section 32310 does not apply to any of the following:

(a) The sale of, giving of, lending of, possession of, importation into this state of, or purchase of, any large-capacity magazine, to or by any entity that operates an armored vehicle business pursuant to the laws of this state.

(b) The lending of large-capacity magazines by an entity specified in subdivision (a) to its authorized employees, and the possession of those large-capacity magazines by those authorized employees, while in the course and scope of employment for purposes that pertain to the entity’s armored vehicle business.

(c) The return of those large-capacity magazines to the entity specified in subdivision (a) by those employees specified in subdivision (b).

SEC. 10.

Section 32450 of the Penal Code is amended to read:

32450.

Section 32310 does not apply to the purchase or possession of a large-capacity magazine by the holder of a special weapons permit issued pursuant to Section 31000, 32650, or 33300, or pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 18900) of Chapter 1 of Division 5 of Title 2, or pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 32700) of Chapter 6 of this division, for any of the following purposes:

(a) For use solely as a prop for a motion picture, television, or video production.

(b) For export pursuant to federal regulations.

(c) For resale to law enforcement agencies, government agencies, or the military, pursuant to applicable federal regulations.

SEC. 11.

No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

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Honoring Retired Captain Ray Nilsson

JackEdwards — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:25:38 +0000

Ray Nilsson was not only a well respected Warden & Captain in the Department of Fish and Game, he is an honored World War II veteran as well.

Captain Ray Nilsson is not the only member of the family to serve the Department of Fish and Game. His son retired just a few short years ago himself, Captain Ken Nilsson.

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My Interview on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery”

JackEdwards — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:19:35 +0000

The author with Warden Ryan Hanson in front of the Fish and Wildlife Patrol Boat Bluefin. Photo by Thomas C. Wilmer

What an honor it was to be interviewed in Morro Bay by Tom Wilmer, the illustrious host of National Public Radio’s hit program, “Journeys of Discovery.” The show will be broadcast this Wednesday, July 9, at 1:00 or 1:15 PM, throughout Central California, on NPR affiliates KCBX, KSBX, and KNBX. It will also air worldwide at the same time on the KCBX website at http://kcbx.org.

Hope you enjoy it!

This piece originally appeared on http://callan.coffeetownpress.com, and has been modified to conform to this version of WordPress.

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Are You Ready To Be A Criminal

JackEdwards — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 05:10:26 +0000

For years we were not just law enforcement officers, but were people who obeyed the law. Soon, if the Governor signs SB 396, those of us who are now retired game wardens will soon be criminals. We did not do anything wrong, but the idiots in Sacramento have recently passed a new “Large Magazine Law” that has been sent to the Governor for his signature.

Those of us who still are in possession of magazines for our Glocks will be criminals because they exceed the new limits under the law and there does not appear to be an exception for retired officers.

It is time for all of us to contact the Governor’s office and ask him to veto this legislation.

Thanks to Dymek for reminding me to send this post to you.

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Costco Book Signing a Sell Out

JackEdwards — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:44:44 +0000

We sold out in two hours at the Redding Costco book signing, on Friday. Saturday, we sold out again at the Whole Earth Watershed Festival.

The young man on my right is Gil Berg, a well-known retired California Fish and Game warden from the 1950s and 1960s era. Gil worked all over the state, including Gridley, Santa Barbara and Lake Tahoe. What a pleasure to have him come by!

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Wardens Killed, Wounded or Who Died While on Duty Since 1900

JackEdwards — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Bert Blanchard, killed on Feb. 2, 1913. Contra Costa Co.

John W. Galloway, wounded on March 10, 1913. S.F. Co.

Ernest Raynaud, killed on April 16, 1913. San Quentin Pt., Marin Co.

Frank Cady, wounded on June 1913. Near Moon Lake, Lassen, Co.

Joseph Nelligan, wounded on June 1913. Near Moon Lake, Lassen, Co.

George J. Rodolph, killed on Nov 29, 1914. 3 miles East of Los Banos.

Raymond B. Heacock, killed on December 12, 1916. Boudin Island (Isleton) San Joaquin, Co.

Richard Squires, killed on Dec 12, 1916. Boudin Island (Isleton) San Joaquin, Co.

James S. White, killed on Oct 17, 1923. Castella, Shasta Co.

Henry J. Abels, died from a stroke while on patrol on August 21, 1925. Santa Barbara.

John O’Connell, wounded on June 1927. San Joaquin County.

Frank Machado, drowned on June 10, 1928. Pinto Lake, Watsonville.

George Thompson, killed on Sept 7, 1928. Near Pennington, Sutter Co.

Alan G. Curry, killed on April 30, 1930. South S. F. Bay, San Mateo Co.

John “Jack” Burke (Ret.), killed on April 30, 1930 while assisting Warden Curry as a volunteer.

Walter R. Krukow, killed on April 20, 1947. Boulder Creek near Whiskeytown, Shasta Co.

K. Karl Lund, died in his patrol vehicle near Napa on June 14, 1948.

Capt. Arthur Stager, died on duty on Oct. 28, 1948. Drowned in Fall River near Glenburn, Shasta Co.

Captain Fred W. Hecker, died on Jan. 20, 1950 from a fall from a cliff between Avila and Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo Co.

Clarence L. Brown, died on April 3, 1959. Automobile accident. Fresno Co.

Russell M. Bushey, Jr. died on July 1, 1969 in Fall River while preparing his patrol skiff for an inspection of an ongoing streambed alteration violation.

Paul S. Smith, died on Dec 19, 1970 while SCUBA diving on duty off shore Pt. Mendocino.

Jean K. Jones Jr., killed on May 14, 1979. Near McAvoy Yacht Harbor in Pittsburg, Contra Costa Co.

Leon Harvey Nelson, died Oct 27, 1979. Automobile accident in Glenn County.

Lt. Robert A. Flynt, died on May 11, 1984. Automobile accident in El Centro.

Lt. Roy J. Reed, died on June 7, 1984. Automobile accident near Bakersfield while in pursuit of another vehicle.

Greg W. Cook, died on Jan 11, 1992. Helicopter accident while investigating an oil spill in the Sacramento River Delta near Carquinez.

Kyle Kroll, wounded on August 5, 2005 during a raid on a marijuana growing operation on Sierra Azul Mid-Peninsula Open Space property in Santa Clara Co.

Based on my experience and the experience of my fellow game wardens, being a game warden is not a job, but a calling. Game wardens believe that it is very important to protect our natural resources for our children and our children’s children. You can see from this story that many have put their lives on the line to protect that resource. As you read the stories about the wardens who make up the “Thin Green Line” between the outlaws and the precious natural resources of the State of California, take a moment to remember those who were wounded and those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Read more about it: To read more about game wardens, here in California as well as across the country, you will find many great books available in your local library, or available through online book sellers or as downloads for your Kindle or Nook. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with and known the following California Game Wardens: Jim Wictum, Terry Hodges, Terry Grosz, Steve Callan, and John Nores. Some of the best story tellers I have known over the years have been my fellow game wardens. For a list of a few of my favorite authors, go to www.CaliforniaWarden.com/authors.html.

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A Brief History of California Game Wardens

JackEdwards — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:00:05 +0000

History of California Game Wardens

Before California was admitted as the thirty-first state by the U.S. Congress on September 9, 1850 it had already had more than twenty years of Spanish and Mexican Fish and Game laws in place.

In 1851 the State of California enacted its first fish and game laws dealing with Oysters.

In 1852 more laws were enacted to protect specific species such as Elk, Antelope, Deer, Quail, Waterfowl and Salmon. At this time in History the task of enforcing such laws was the responsibility of the local authorities.

Some twenty-one years later in 1871 the first two recorded State Game Wardens or deputies as they were known then were appointed. One to patrol the San Francisco Bay and the other to patrol the Lake Tahoe area.

In 1883 the Board of Fish Commissioners (forerunners of the now known Fish and Game Commission) established the Bureau of Patrol and Law Enforcement.

In 1885 the state published it’s first set of Fish and Game laws and during that same year the first Fish and Game Marine patrol was instituted accompanied by a 46 foot vessel.

In 1901 the Game Warden forces reached to a total of fifty men.

In 1907 the Game Warden force expands to seventy-three

In 1933 A separate Fish and Game Code is enacted thus deleting fish and game laws from the Penal Code.

The Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is proud to be the very first State Law Enforcement Agency enacted in California for over 124 years of service.

The role of a Game Warden has evolved with the times, with the men and woman serving to protect the life and property of it’s citizens and those who visit and enjoy California’s Resources.

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My Review of Steven Callan’s New Book

JackEdwards — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:50:57 +0000

Badges, Bears, and Eagles by Steven T. Callan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

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