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For anyone who enjoys California’s fantastic outdoors - or knows someone who does - the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has gift selections that can make this holiday season an easy, one-stop shopping experience. Whether it’s a robust multicolored atlas, a subscription to an award-winning wildlife magazine, or a lifetime license for hunting and fishing, there are choices for those who thrive in the beauty of the Golden State.

Since everything is available online or through a simple phone call there are no crowded stores no long lines, and no parking space headaches. DFG even offers a free magazine for hunters who want a publication that focuses entirely on hunters and hunting issues

ATLAS OF THE BIODIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
The Atlas of the Biodiversity of California serves as a fascinating guide to the state’s biological resources and presents the perfect gift for anyone interested in the magnificence of the state’s wildlife and wild lands.

The Atlas answers such questions as why should we care about biodiversity, what plants and animals occur in California, how have they been lost or become threatened, and what preservation and restoration strategies are underway for the protection of the state’s wildlife species. The volume costs $22.50, which includes tax, shipping and handling. To learn how to order the Atlas, and see sample pages and web-only articles, log on the DFG website at http://atlas.dfg.ca.gov/.

This 103-page reference book is a bound collection of maps, stunning photographs, and artistic illustrations - all depicting the state’s rich diversity of plant and animal species. It includes 87 nature photographs, 48 full-color maps, and 10 wildlife illustrations by well-known artist Dugald Stermer. Articles feature the diverse species, habitats, and programs geared toward conserving and protecting the state’s wildlife and wild places.

From college students to outdoor enthusiasts, environmental planners to policy makers, the Atlas will appeal to anyone with an interest in California’s biological resources.

OUTDOOR CALIFORNIA
Outdoor California, the full-color magazine published by DFG, is the gift that gives six times a year. An ideal present for outdoor enthusiasts, the magazine publishes six issues each year and retails at $15 for a one-year subscription, but for the holiday season, it is available at a special rate of $12.

Each issue is filled with fascinating stories and amazing photographs of California’s incredible wildlife and its habitat. The publication has won numerous statewide awards for content and design.

With each subscription, the recipient receives a special gift card letting them know they have a subscription and from whom it came. Orders for the holidays must be in by Dec. 10. The first issue arrives in January!

Place orders by sending your name and address - along with the name and address of the gift recipient - and a check to Outdoor California, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. For more information about additional offers and advertising opportunities, call (916) 653-6420, or log on at www.dfg.ca.gov/coned/ocal/index.html.

LIFETIME LICENSES
Whether gifted to the veteran outdoorsman who embraces hunting and fishing as a way of life, or to a youngster just discovering the rewards of the sporting life, DFG’s lifetime hunting and fishing licenses are the perfect presents.

Available since 1989, the Lifetime License Program had a resurgence of interest several years ago when the Legislature reduced the fees. Historically, the three busiest times of the year for purchasing lifetime licenses are around the opening of trout season, Father’s Day, and the holidays.

Lifetime license fees are based on the licensee's age at the time of purchase. The fees are as follows:
• Lifetime fishing license: Birth to 9 years, $365; age 10 to 39, $600; age 40 to 61, $540; age 62 and older, $365.
• Lifetime hunting license: Birth to 9 years, $365; age 10 to 39, $600; age 40 to 61, $540; age 62 and older, $365.
• Lifetime sportsman's (hunting and fishing) license: Birth to 9 years, $730; age 10 to 39, $1,200; age 40 to 61, $1,080; age 62 and older, $730.

Prices are subject to change on Jan. 1, 2005. Persons interested in buying a lifetime license should contact the Department's License and Revenue Branch by telephoning (916) 227-2290. Further information may be found on the Department's webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov.

Tracks
Finally, Tracks, the Department's official source of information about hunting and fishing in California is a free subscription-based publication that focuses on hunters and anglers and the issues they believe are important. It can be another perfect stocking stuffer - and the price can’t be beat.

Among other topics, the quarterly publication has articles on hunting regulation summaries, harvest statistics, and other information sought by hunters.