Sale Starts TODAY - Save Big on Fall Goods - Plus Deals in all Departments

FALL SALE STARTS NOW!!

Today through Wednesday, September 15!

It’s been a crazy late summer season -- ocean salmon have come back big
time and folks have been buying bait, sinkers and lures like mad! The
copious amounts of late snowmelt and spring rains have made the stream and
Sierra fishing continue with vigor, while the bass fishing has been wide
open. Basically, no matter where you go, good things are happening!

All of which has made it a little difficult to focus on the fact that
Waterfowl Season is fast approaching! So, to give you a reminder and a
little head start - The 2011 Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale starts RIGHT
NOW!

You probably already know that our everyday low price is better than most
stores’ "sale" pricing. But, for this event, we roll prices back to the
lowest levels we possibly can - which makes it the perfect time to stock up
on what you'll need for a great duck season, dove or clay shooting or
whatever season is the big circled date on your calendar.

(And you probably already know that we are a DFG License Agent*, and can get you set up for the new California Hunting Licenses, plus Federal Duck Stamps)

Plus, if you come down to the shop today - Saturday, September 10 - you can meet with
representatives from California Waterfowl Association – find out about their
efforts to maintain habitat and duck populations in our state! If you
aren’t a member, it’s a great opportunity to join!

For starters - we know you need steel ammo!

Best Pricing of the Season on Kent Fasteel Waterfowl loads!
K1235ST40-BBB - 4 12ga 3.50" 1550fps reg. $19.99
WFD Sale! - $18.49
K1235ST36-BB - 3 12ga 3.50" 1625fps reg. $19.99
WFD Sale! - $18.49
K123ST36-BBB - 4 12ga 3" 1425fps reg. $14.99
WFD Sale! - $13.99
K123ST32-BB - 6 12ga 3" 1560fps reg. $14.49
WFD Sale! - $13.49
K122ST36-3, 6 12ga 2.75" 1300fps reg. $13.99
WFD Sale! - $12.99
K122ST32-BB - 3 12ga 2.75" 1425fps reg. $12.99
WFD Sale! - $11.99
K122ST30-BB - 4 12ga 2.75" 1550fps reg. $12.99
WFD Sale! - $11.99
K203ST24-2 - 4 20ga 3" 1550fps reg. $13.49
WFD Sale! - $12.49

Tired of that budget lead loads that don’t cycle or pattern consistently?
Try the Kent Ultimate Fast Lead
K122UFL36-4, 6, 7.5 12ga 2.75" 1350fps reg. $11.99
WFD Sale! - $10.99
K202UFL28-6, 7.5 20ga 2.75" 1255fps reg. $11.99
WFD Sale! - $10.99
K162UFL28-6, 7.5 16ga 2.75" 1220fps reg. $12.99
WFD Sale! - $11.99 (Limited Availability!)

Many sporting clays or other target areas are now requiring steel shot –
We strongly recommend the Kent Target Steel
K122TST28-7 12ga 2.75" 1290fps reg. $9.99
WFD Sale! - $8.99
K202TST24-7 20ga 2.75" 1215fps reg. $9.99
WFD Sale! - $8.99


Even though we've found the KENT Fasteel to be the some of the best and most
reliable loads, we know that ammo choice is important - so we've got a wide
variety of Hevi-Steel, Hevi-Shot, Tungsten loads, Federal Black Cloud and
more - still not quite right? Then make your order this weekend - lock in
the Fall Super Sale pricing, and we'll get it for you in time for the
opener. Just talk with any Western Sport Shop team member at the store.

How about decoys? We’ll be honest – it looks like availability on decoys
will be spotty this year – There have been some problems getting the very
popular green wing and widgeon decoys from Greenhead, and we’re actively
working with other manufacturers to find these. Check with us for updates
in the coming weeks.
But, here’s what we do have! DEALS ON DECOYS!
70002 - Hot Buy Magnum Mallards - half dozen reg. $49.99
WFD Sale! - $42.99
70003 - Hot Buy Mallards - dozen reg. $45.99
WFD Sale! - $39.99
73032 - Over-Size Pintails - half-dozen reg. $62.99
WFD Sale! - $52.99
73039 - Over-Size Blue Bills - half-dozen reg. $59.99
WFD Sale! - $44.990
73049 - Over-Size Canvasback - half-dozen reg. $59.99
WFD Sale! - $49.99
7108# - Speck, Snow, Canada Goose Floaters reg. $99.99
WFD Sale! - $84.99
28030 - Guides Choice Win-Duk air-driven attractor! reg. $52.99
WFD Sale! - $39.99

And all decoy bags in stock are 20% OFF this weekend!


Now, if you just like to fish or fly fish for 12 months out of the year,
that's OK too, because there are deals in those departments, too!

We've got specials in both the tackle and fly fishing department!

First for the Fly Fishing Focused:
Sage “Bass” series and Sage Z-Axis fly rods are now at 30% OFF!
All discontinued Fishpond tackle bags and luggage is now 40% OFF!
Plus, all remaining Ross fly reels and extra spools are 30% OFF!
Simms Blackfoot Wading boots are 40% OFF!
We also have a closeout clothing rack loaded with base layers, shirts,
jackets, insulation and discontinued or changed models that are 30 – 50% -
Great Deals Abound!

Now, for the salt and freshwater anglers:
All Apex Salmon trolling lures in stock – HALF OFF! This is a great chance
to grab some different colors and stock up!
All Pixie Salmon river lures – buy 2 and get a third FREE (Equal or lesser
value)
All Castaic Swim Baits (great for winter bass fishing!) – HALF OFF!
Penn Spinfisher SS Series Spinning reels – 20% OFF!
Selected closeout rods – 30- - 50% OFF!

In other words, it's time to get down to the sale - going on right now!

*DFG Licenses: To obtain a current hunting license in the state of California, you must provide photo ID and a evidence of Hunter's Safety Compliance - this can be either a validated Hunter Safety Course card or a previous year's hunting license. Please Note - DFG regulations state that we can no longer accept "Declaration Forms" in lieu of Hunter's Safety evidence. Cash or credit cards only on license sales.

2011/2012 Hunting Licenses Available

Just a quick update - if you are going to be putting in for draws in this year's hunting season, we are now able to issue Deer Tag draw applications and tags for the upcoming season.

The new automated license system is a little different than in years past, so please take a moment to make sure you have what you need, so we can help you more efficiently.

If you have already purchased a fishing license this year, bring that with you - the bar code on that document can be quickly scanned to bring up your information in the California Department of Fish & Game database. We can also scan your driver's license.

You will need evidence of Hunter's Safety - that means a prior year's hunting license or a copy of your Hunter's Safety card (from California or another state). Please note - Declarations are no longer accepted for evidence of Hunter's Safety. If you cannot produce either of these documents, then you must retake the Hunter's Safety course. Information on scheduled Hunter's Safety courses can be found here.

If you are purchasing an application for a deer zone hunt* or a deer tag, you will need to provide the zone choices. That means we cannot issue tags or applications without zone information. Maps are viewable here or at the store.

The good news is that we are now able to issue tags for the "guaranteed" zones - like A-zone - over the counter. It is no longer necessary to purchase the application, then send it to the DFG for processing.

The other change this year is that state duck stamps and upload bird stamps are now available at the same time - we have not yet received the Federal Duck Stamps, which are a different program - and of course, if you are hunting waterfowl, you will need to answer the survey questions at the time we sell you the license.

So, to recap:
1 - ID card/Driver's License
2 - Evidence of Hunter's Safety
3 - Determine your zone choice

See you down at the shop!

*You can put in for draw zones in groups as large as six hunters. You no longer have to put in all applications together - the first person in a "Party" is assigned a group number, and each additional hunter just needs to know the group number to be included. There is no need to come into the store at the same time, and you can actually join the same group from different license sales locations.

Get a Jump On The Big Weekend Sale!

If the phone calls, emails and questions are any indicator, this weekend is going to be busy! We've all been working like mad to get the ammo, clothing, decoys and gear organized for this weekend's Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale. At the end of the day yesterday, we looked around, noticed we'd gotten through almost everything on our lists, and figured, "Hey! Let's open it up for a test run!"

So, "Hey"... Why don't you - the loyal readers of our blog - come on down today, Thursday August 27th for a bit of a head start? Bring a friend or two if you want to, but we've got all the prices in place and are more than happy to honor any of the coupons which you might have for this weekend's big sale. Just our way of thanking you for joining us online.

A quick reminder that you don't have to wait in line at the US Post Office to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp. We have them at both stores, and they can be purchased along with your 2009/2010 California Hunting License. (Remember - You must bring in a previous year's license or proof of Hunter Safety Course compliance.)

Also - keep an eye out for rebate coupons from the various manufacturers. For example. Environ-Metal has sent rebate coupons for their Hevi-Shot, offering up to $20 off when you purchase 2 boxes of their ammunition! That's after you save big on our special pricing this weekend! (Note - rebate coupons are redeemed directly with the manufacturer.)

WEB ONLY FALL SHOOTING SPORTS SUPER SALE DEAL #2 -
Stock up on quality cleaning supplies and patches! Print this out and bring it with you to either store and you will get 15% off all Pro-Shot brand cleaning patches and equipment. Limited to stock on hand.
Coupon Valid 8/28/09 - 8/30/09 only. May not be combined with any other offer or sale.

This Weekend - Tune Up Your Quacking and Save BIG!

As you know, the 2009 Western Sport Shop Fall Shooting Sports Super Sale starts this Friday. It's your chance to stock up on the gear you need, with the best pricing of the season on ammunition, decoys, clothing and key gear for three days!

When you come into the San Rafael store on Saturday, you'll have the opportunity to hear duck calling done right - we're happy to welcome Curt Wilson from Zink Calls to our San Rafael store. Curt is known throughout the US as one of the most dynamic and accurate callers. He has been seen on instructional videos both on the Avery Outdoors website and on through nationally distributed called DVD's featuring Zink calls.

For those of you who haven't heard of Zink calls, we brought them in a couple years ago and they have become a staff favorite for their tone and rugged construction. If you already own a Zink call, bring it down to the San Rafael store between 10 am and 3 pm, and have Curt critique your calling. (And if you don't have a Zink call - it's OK - just show up and get ready to learn!)

If you are a bit shy about calling in front of a master, that's OK too. Feel free to listen to Curt and pepper him with all kinds of questions.

Of course, if you don't have a decent call we can fix that problem!

WEB ONLY FALL SHOOTING SPORTS SUPER SALE DEAL -
Print this out and bring it with you to either store and you will get 15% off any Zink call in stock
Coupon Valid 8/28/09 - 8/30/09 only. May not be combined with any other offer or sale.

2009/2010 Waterfowl Regulations Update - 2 Pintail!

According to our good friends over at California Waterfowl Association, Waterfowl regulations for the 2009-2010 hunting season have been approved by the California Fish and Game Commission, including a two pintail limit for the first time in twelve years. Other highlights for hunters include a raised limit on scaup and a reopening on canvasback.

According to Greg Yarris, Director of Conservation Policy for California Waterfowl, “The liberal regulations approved this year are the result of a strong western stock of mallards and improved local duck production this year because of timely spring rains.”

Waterfowl hunters will benefit this fall with a recommendation which calls for a duck season of 100 days, and a daily bag limit of seven ducks. In addition to pintails, there is also good news for hunters who enjoy diving ducks. The bag limit on redheads remains two birds, but the limit on canvasbacks (which was closed last season) is one for the entire season. The scaup season length remains at 86 days, but the bag limit went from two birds to three.

The pintail breeding population increased by 23% in North America, but it was the change in the distribution of pintail from the north to prairies further south that had the greatest effect on the regulatory outcome.

“Pintail are typically more successful when breeding in Prairie habitats,” explained Bob McLandress, President of California Waterfowl, “which allows for more hunter opportunity and an increased bag limit due to a southern shift in their distribution.”


REGULATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009/10:


• The duck season will be > 100 days, and the bag limit 7 birds/day in all zones.

• Pintail bag is 2 birds/day (either sex) for the entire season (for the 1st time in 12 years).
• Mallard bag will 7 birds/day, and two may be hens. (up from one hen last season)

• Canvasback bag is 1 bird/day for the entire season. (it was closed last season)

• Scaup bag is 3 birds/day, and the season will be 86 days. (up from 2 last season)

• Spinning wing decoys regs. remain unchanged, and will be allowed from December 1 until the season ends (statewide). (Note - this refers to battery operated and/or motorized spinning wing decoys. Natural wind-driven decoys can be used through the season.)
  

DFG Waterfowl Zone Map -
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/waterfowl/images/waterfowlzonemap.gif

BALANCE OF STATE ZONE

Seasons:

Ducks and Geese: 100 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2010.

Brant Special Management Areas: Northcoast Brant (Humboldt Bay) November 7,
2009 through December 6, 2009. Southcoast Brant (Tomales and Morro Bay),
November 14, 2009 through December 13, 2009; 2 per day, 4 possession.

Special Youth Hunt Days: February 6 and February 7, 2010 


Limits:

Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards of which only 2 
can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese of which only 6 
can be dark geese. Bag may include up to 6 large Canada geese; 6 small Canada geese, 6 white geese; 4 white fronts.


Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: No more than 2 white fronts may be taken only from October 24, 2009 until December 14, 2009. For more information 
on the Sacramento Valley (West) Special Management Area limits and boundaries, please refer to the Fish and Game Waterfowl Regulation Booklet.
 Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA ZONE

Seasons:

Ducks: 105 Day Straight Season (scaup during first 86 days only)
October 10, 2009 through January 22, 2010 

Geese: 100 Day Straight Season 
October 10, 2009 through January 17, 2010 
Special Youth Hunt Days: September 26 and 27, 2009


Limits:

Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 
can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese of which only 6 
may be dark geese. Only 1 may be a small Canada goose (Aleutian or cackling)
and only 2 may be large Canada geese; 6 white geese; 4 white fronts. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY ZONE

Seasons:

Ducks: 102 days split Season (scaup during last 79 days only)
October 10, 2009 through November 1, 2009 and November 14, 2009 through
January 31, 2010

Geese: 100 Day Straight Season
October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2010

Special Youth Hunt Days: February 6 and February 7, 2010

Limits:

Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2
can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese, of which only 6 
may be dark geese, and include up to 6 large Canada geese; 6 small Canada geese; 6 white geese; 4 white fronts. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ZONE

Seasons:

Ducks and Geese: 100 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 24, 2009 through January 31, 2010

Special Youth Hunt Days: February 6 and February 7, 2010
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 
can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Daily bag limit may contain 8 geese, of which only 6 
may be white geese and 3 may be dark geese.
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

COLORADO RIVER ZONE

Seasons:

Ducks and Geese: 101 Day Straight Season (scaup during last 86 days only)
October 23, 2009 through January 31, 2010

Special Youth Hunt Days: February 6 and February 7, 2010
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Daily bag limit may contain 7 mallards, but not more than 2 female mallards or Mexican-like ducks; 2 pintail (either sex); 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 
3 scaup. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

Geese: Daily bag limit: 6. Daily bag limits may contain 6 white geese and up to 3 
may be dark geese. 
Possession limit: Double the daily bag limit.

For more information as well as any changes or corrections which may affect you or the limits in your area, visit DFG’s website at
http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/09-10-waterfowl-sum.html

Shooting Times:
Northern California -
http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/bird-shoot-times-no-cal.html

Southern California -
http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/bird-shoot-times-so-cal.html