We were completely sold out and back-ordered for a month, and every third phone call was looking for Danielson pots. I know I'm not alone in this obsession either. Along the Pacific coast, Dungeness crab live in the intertidal zone out to a depth of about 560 feet. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dungeness Crab Gauge - Measure for California, Washington & Oregon (Concave) NEW at the best online prices at eBay! According to Carrie Wilson, California Dept. The crab is not going to muscle out of the cage; this extra metal just makes it easier for the doors to get accidentally propped open. Step 2: Use your ear fingers to separate the triangle on the crab's belly. One of the most common uses for Giant Dungeness crab is one of the ingredients in a seafood boil. For a trap to work effectively it must sit flat and hold the bottom, and these traps are simply too light to do this reliably. The price today: $13.99/lb. Additionally, use a float. Do whatever you like, just add something. Could it just be how amazing they taste dipped in garlic butter? Oregon's latest testing update, published on Dec. 1, showed that crab meat yields in Port Orford and Brookings had almost reached the industry standard of 9 to 10 ounces of meat per crab for. Be sure to check out. Marine animals don't breathe air, but they still need oxygen, which they absorb from the water. 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. The study focused on the population colored blue on the map. More doors equal more crabs. Additionally, as the crabs begin to eat the turkey, more will be released. I recommend looking up your local shellfishing regulations and reviewing them before going crabbing. Several species of tiny shore crabs can be found on Washington beaches. Put on a pair of work gloves. Still, the Dungeness crab market price today showed a sharp increase due to multiple factors. Pry open up the "hinges" that fold over the side of the trap. Oregon State Minimum Dungeness Crab Size: 5 3/4 inches. The doors are much too light and do not swing freely enough to work effectively. Crabs are crabs, the males and females are attracted to anything different from a bait/depth/bottom type perspective. Watch and learn how to catch Dungeness and Red Rock Crab at the Washington Coast. Cooked. In this video we crab from the docks at the marina in Westport, Washington but you can also crab from a boat in the bay and even from the beach along th Pacific Ocean.Be sure to check out how to clean the crabs once you get home at the following link.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_o-OBwDMzcComplete Crab Kit at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AYxGHo The longest I will leave a ring down is maybe 20 minutes. From Seattle to Shanghai , the succulent, meaty Dungeness is the first choice of crab connoisseurs. The decline in crab in south Sound really worries people. Measures 5 ", 6", 6 " and 6 " at outside edge. Also, some states have regulations regarding leaving traps out overnight. Rather than trying to attach the rope directly to the outer hoop, use a harness. Measurement points Keeping crab quality How can you fix this? River Guide Supply Dungeness Crab Measure - Gauge for Oregon, Washington & California (Made in USA) : Amazon.com.au With the crab facing up, pull the triangle on the crab's belly. The old shell splits at the back of the crab and it backs out of its old skeleton --even the eye stalk and gill coverings remain with the old shell. What kind of rope can I use? They do have many shortcomings though, most of which can be fixed with rather inexpensive modifications. Who knows. Dungeness crab have been found in waters up to 300 feet deep, but this is not practical for the sports crabber. Round or square though, these traps fish much more slowly than the ones previously listed. The minimum legal size of crab is five and three-quarters inches for a Dungeness crab measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines), as per California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 29.85. To boost the excitement,. How are Dungeness crabs measured in California? A soft-shell crab will yield less than 20 percentof its weight in meat while a prime hard-shell crab will yield 25 percent of its weight in meat. When the legs are folded tightly, water enters the gill cavity through this round opening. Dec. 7, 2022 1:54 p.m. Columbia River has a daily limit of 12 Dungeness Crab, 5 minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition. [5] X Research source. But even after buying the extra things needed to spiff these traps up, they are still much, much cheaper than comparable traps. The Dungeness crab can reach 10 inches across the back, though 6 to 7 inches is more common. They are a popular delicacy, and are the most commercially important crab in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the western states generally. Catch Area: Washington and Oregon Coast. These traps are completely enclosed on all sides, with one-way doors being the only entrance. I read some where if you put the rebar in a pvc pipe it wouldn't electrolysis or whatever. Instead of being instantly washed off and released, the extra scent slowly oozes out, attracting crabs much longer. Step 3: Wash the cavity gently, avoiding the taste of crab meat. The daily bag and possession limit is 20 male crab, except; In waters of Thorne Bay west of the longitude of the southwestern most tip of Thorne Head, the daily bag and possession limit is 5 male crab. One last thing I have been told, though never tested, is that circular traps are more effective. . . Any method which involves piercing the crab Know the difference between male and female crabs. PORTLAND, Ore. - Fresh, locally caught crab won't be on the menu for Christmas or New Year's Eve as the commercial Dungeness crab season was delayed for a second time on Wednesday.The Oregon . I'd love to hear how it goes! The Dungeness crab harvest in 2014 was worth more than $80 million in Washington, $48 million in Oregon and nearly $67 million in California. Just before molting, the crab has formed the basic "template" of a new shell underneath its older shell. Steel rebar oxidizes in water, and even faster in saltwater. In most traps, I find it more effective to stand the bait boxes upright, as this maximizes floor space. Commercial crabbers in Washington have been caught off guard by changes to the Dungeness populations over the last couple of decades. The Alaska Dungeness crab season 2018 extends from July through December and looks to get better as the season progresses. Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a $4.2 million award for a four-year study on Dungeness crab and krill that will bring together researchers and experts. We are using a mesh bag with chicken and cat food slathered with lots of smelly jelly. One of our hopes is that we can get all of the co-managers to do similar types of surveys, Buckner says. That means holiday menus will be planned without the popular . "I believe Dungeness has the sweetest and best assortment of textures," he said. All right, this one's obvious. Carefully releasing these soft-shell crab eliminates this wastage and allows the crab to be harvested later, when meat quality and quantity is greatest. And if I plyer my danielson collapsiple shut how will I reach the baitbox? Oregon, California and Washington coordinate on commercial season opening dates, and the other states will also be delaying their crab season until at least Dec. 16. One last benefit of these traps is that they stack flat. A little more elaboration on the rebar might be nice. This will prevent your hands from being pinched. Big, meaty and delicious these crabs are plentiful in the Puget Sound region and we will give you the knowledge you need to catch, clean and cook these as well as their under appreciated cousins the Red Rock Crab. He has written for many publications, including the Fishing Times and Fishing Magazine. The first issue is durability. Old frozen herring that no salmon would ever conceive taking a bite out of that your wife keeps telling you that you really need to get out of the freezer because they are absolutely putrid but you don't want to waste themwell here's a chance to make them work. 206.543.6600 Crabs can swim fairly fast, and if you do not pull fast enough, they can swim right out the top. The last pair of legs is slightly flattened, as this species is in the same family as swimming crabs - although the European green crab is not a strong swimmer. Fish guts are a good one. Vital Sign Indicator Reporter Don Velasquez Don.Velasquez@dfw.wa.gov Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Contributing Partners Last Updated This is only a general rule though, crabs can be caught anytime. It will make cleaning live Dungeness crab easier than you ever thought possible. HuntnFish has spent many years on the water fishing and has caught nearly every species of fish in Washington State. My best advice is keep trying new places until you find some male keepers. During the height of the season, there can be as many as 2,500 megalope within this one trap. Watch Matt use crab snares to catch Dungeness crabs on the Jetties of Half Moon Bay. And on November 19, crab season opened for Washington's tribal fisheries, which can bring in up to 50 percent of the harvest on the north coast. If the shell has not flexed and you have reached the point at which you would have easily crushed a tough peanut, then you have a hard (and legal) crab to keep for the table. The crabs there are much larger and It's easier to loop around a Dungeness or Rock Crab claw rather than a tiny Blue Crab claw. The crabs hang out in the grass so that's where the pots should be. Only male Dungeness crab may be taken and sex can be determined from the shape of the crab's abdomen. I really hope that you found this helpful and that your next crabbing season is a productive one! ;-). Edible Section It is the part where we discuss the edible section of Dungeness crab. How many pots can I have on board, or per person? Dungeness crabs have light reddish-brown shells on the back with an underside which is white to light orange. I thread big lead fishing weights over the metal wire. until recently there has been no coordinated effort to understand the species behaviors and population patterns across the state. The red rock crab also prefers rocky substrates, as the name implies. Not Individually Wrapped. I guess the only thing you're missing there is there have got to be crabs where you drop the pot, but so long as you don't drop the pots in your bathtub I think you've got a mighty good shot at having a some good pulls. Management of the fishery is based on the catch rates from previous seasons methodology that uses only a single data source and is shared between multiple state and tribal agencies. Dungeness crabs have a broad and round body covered with a smooth and fan-shaped shell that requires molting to grow. Usually, the Dungeness crab gets caught using pots made of two circular iron frames with spokes connected outside to ensure that only giant crabs get caught; each pot must have two entrance tunnels with bars. Preparing For a Crab Boil. They are a popular delicacy, and are the most commercially important crab in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the western states generally. Free shipping for many products! The most effective style is therefore one with both doors and inclined ramps leading up to the doors. Note the use of a pot harness and bait box, two cheap upgrades definitely worth making. While I have never fished with this style of trap, I have spent countless hours untangling crossed and knotted lines on the display models when I sold them. How long do you suggest we leave it? 6-8 crabs per order. Both are covered with wart-like tubercles and spines and resemble a rough box when their legs and claws are folded against the body. Do not overcook or they will become tough and rubbery. In fact, she first worked for the organization as a 2020 WSG Hershman Fellow. Function-wise, these traps fall into the preceding category, but since they are likely the most common of all traps, I figured I would address them separately. Blue swimmer crabs have a minimum size limit of 127 mm, measured from the tips of the spikes across the widest part of the shell. of Fish and Wildlife when measuring a dungeness crab you want to ensure you measure from the edge of shell to shell at the smallest part of the body directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines). You're not really doing anything wrong, in fact, if you're getting females you're doing almost everything right, you just aren't the first person to crab there this season. The result is an electric cell that produces a net voltage. If anyone has fished with this style I would love to hear what you think of it. In 2019, Alaska's commercial average ex-vessel price for Dungeness crab was $2.88 per pound. You must have a tidal waters sport fishing license to harvest shellfish in salt water, including tidal water boundary areas in rivers Identify your catch. Carefully push the "elbow" of one claw towards the mouth of the crab, exposing the shell that is usually covered by the folded claw. Researchers found that 71 percent of California Dungeness crab fishing vessels temporarily left the industry and stopped fishing altogether during the delays. They prefer a sandy bottom and in the extreme shallows (waters less than 30 feet) they love eelgrass beds. This is because the crabs can walk directly onto the trap without dealing with any ramps or doors. This species usually measures less than 6 inches across the back and is characterized by large claws. The Dungeness Crack'n Crab Cleaner Is a system designed to clean live Dungeness crab Quickly and Easily! of Fish and Wildlife when measuring a dungeness crab you want to ensure you measure from the edge of shell to shell at the smallest part of the body "directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines). Despite being less meaty than the Dungeness, red rock crab meat is also very tasty. Fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across. Smallest species, Pea Crab, reaches from 0.27 to 0.47 inches in length. Join the conversation:@WASeaGrantandFacebook.com/WaSeaGrant. The season is at its peak from December through March though the local fleet harvests and sells its product through September. No permit is required. When pulling these traps, you need to move quickly. Fill the resealable plastic bags with ice and seal them tightly. At this time, calcium is absorbed from the old shell and it becomes somewhat flexible. This is good stuff! And now for another piece of "Can that Really Make a Difference?" We tie a string around ours and then to the crab bucket so you always have it handy. Dungeness Crab is the tastiest of all the crabs and the backbone of Westport's seafood industry. Named after a small fishing village in Washington State, the Dungeness is caught throughout the Pacific Northwest, but the biggest, meatiest "Dungies" come from the deep, cold ocean waters off the Olympic Peninsula, where generations . In case you don't, just look for stems of eelgrass and other debris floating on the water's surface and drop there. The Hood Canal Dungeness population has experienced some big swings boom and bust cycles but we dont know why, Havemen says. Two deepwater species that are occasionally seen in Puget Sound and also occur in deep water off the coast are the box crab and its close relative, the king crab. Doors can get propped open by other crabs, can get wedges open if the trap settles in the sand, sway open if the trap is resting unevenly on a rock or other debris, or even swung open by a strong current. Washington fishermen set pots anywhere between 12 feet and 200 feet below the surface, says Toste. Netting is attached covering both rings. It can be also be used to measure your Dungeness crab for legal size. So don't let this happen to you. At this time the tide is moving the slowest, allowing scavengers, like crabs, to roam around and look for food without needing to fight the current. These consist of a metal mesh square base with four triangular sides. But the Best Dungeness Crab Bait? We are crabbing on the Oregon coast for Dungeoness. PCRG is currently focused on using the traps to estimate the number of Dungeness megalope, which is one of the crabs early life stages. Seattle, WA 98105-6716 You can wash the top shell and set it aside, in case you want to use in your presentation. These easy-open hatches will make checking and collecting crabs a breeze. During this time, the soft-shell crab is likely to be captured in traps and is quite vulnerable to shell damage. Should we stick to crabbing at (or near) high tide? I rarely plan my crabbing trips around the tide (though fishing is a different story). They are open enough to allow for little bites here and there to keep the crabs happy but closed enough to keep your bait working all day long. Unless the collapsible feature is a definite must-have for you, I would suggest using a pair of pliers to pinch each of the attachment points to ensure the thing stays in one piece. The Dungeness crab is very popular as . In this video we crab from the docks at the marina in Westport, Washington but you can also crab from a boat in the bay and even from the beach along th Pacific Ocean. Anything works. These are all topics best researched with your local fish and wildlife agency. For seafood enthusiasts or restaurants . While a harness is not as necessary here as it is on ring traps, it will help. Problem number four: the tie-on. Those crab doors trap your hand almost as well as the crabs, and trying to pull an angry crab back out that door is even worse. For starters, this eliminates tying bait to the bottom of the trap, which never seemed to work very well anyway. Biologists have noted that it is uncommon to capture these early stage soft-shell crabs in baited traps. One I hear a lot is to put a brick or two inside, but I find this cuts down the available space inside the trap and doesn't leave enough room for crabs. Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Canada. Spacing the entrances off the bottom of the trap eliminates many of the before mentioned issues. Much like the rings, these should be checked fairly often. The definitive test for identifying a soft-shell crab is the pinch test. The hubs is out dropping the pot right now, so we'll have to put this stuff into practice on our next throw in. Some compare the crab's meat to that of a Maine lobster, but more tender. Ring traps fish much faster than any other pots. As far as function, these traps fish very similar to rings. That was a lot of writing for four three-minute fixes. Just kidding. no really are you married? So get rid of it. Given that its participants come from many different organizations, PCRG saw the importance of having someone at the center of it all to facilitate coordination and planning Buckner now serves in this role, as PCRGs sole official staff member. Most commercially caught Dungeness are 4 years old when they are between 6 and 7 inches wide across their carapace. Now, PCRG and Buckners job have been permanently incorporated into Puget Sound Restoration Fund. Sizes for crab claws are usually 1/3, 3/5, and 5/7. Just toss them in and clip it shut. In my opinion, there are just too many moving parts and most seem poorly weighted. Remember, you do not want to break the shell while performing the test (crabs can bleed to death). All Areas have a daily limit of 6 Red Rock Crab, 5" minimum size, of either sex. In this position, Buckner facilitates PCRGs goal to address critical data gaps to promote and support the sustainable management and harvest of Dungeness crab by coordinating activities, such as writing proposals and standardizing data collection methods. These floats attach to the top of the harness and float the harness ropes up about the trap. Don't wait until the last minute to shop for gear. When space is an issue (sometimes I go kayak crabbing), these make a lot of sense. Answer: It all depends. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. WDFW has been conducting pre-season crab surveys, such as the ones in which Buckner participates, for decades and tribes that manage Dungeness fisheries also conduct their own ongoing pre-season surveys. NOAA Berger et al./AGU Advances. Also, would you recommend mesh bags or bait boxes? Harvesting crab when they are hard-shell maximizes the yield for a given number of crab. When the trap is pulled, the metal ring pulls of the netting, creating a complete enclosure. Weight the doors. If you have all the gear you need now, go ahead and skip this part. ContactEventsPublications Staff Portal. 4 long legs and 2 small claws. California and Washington also are delaying their commercial seasons until at . Three fixes for this one. 4 short legs and 2 moderately sized claws. You may want to turn off the stove at the 12 minute mark and let it sit for a few minutes so the water isn't at a rolling boil when you're transferring the crabs. . It will take these megalope about four years to grow to a size big enough to be caught and kept by a crab fisher. I'm not even going to start to list the rules as they may be different in your area, and very well could change in my area. These are the simplest and usually cheapest of all crab traps. Habitat: Adult Dungeness crab forage on a number of fish and invertebrate species. The FWC also requires ID tags for shrimp traps, with the harvesters name and address, although an ID number is not required. Orange Dungeness Crab Gauge - Measure - Ruler Use to measure the legal requirements for OR, WA & CA Diagram for distinguishing between Female and Male Crabs Hole for Hanging or Lanyard This plastic dungeness crab measurer is Orange making it easier to find Made in USA. Data within Puget Sound suggests that while a given area may have one or two "peaks" of molting crab during the year, not all individual crabs adhere strictly to this pattern. Growing in popularity, word of this secret delicacy has spread and Pacific Seafood is thrilled to bring Dungeness crab to seafood lovers worldwide. Washington Coast November 15 - June 1. Crabs greatly vary in size. Take a cup of fresh crab meat and lay it over a salad for a delicious Dungeness crab salad or better known as the crab Louie. A permit holder or a household member listed on the permit must have the permit in possession when fishing. As a result, these traps can be left out for a long time. Prepare for your crab boil. The most accurate way to measure a crab is a plastic caliper crab gauge (not a dollar bill) available at most sporting goods stores. These traps weigh nothing. Dungeness crab is one of the best types of whole crab that you can buy. Measure at the widest portion of the shell. Also crab bait box cages vs mesh bait boxes? Thank you from East Vancouver Island. It was a big motivator for starting PCRG, Buckner says. Description. A cylinder of netting is attached to the bottom circle and then again to a metal ring that wraps loosely around the vertical supports. Grasp the two sides of the crab and break the abdomen in half. When lying flat, it takes the shape of a four-pointed star. Buckner coordinates a statewide larval crab study with participants across Puget Sound and coastal Washington using light traps contraptions that use light to attract and then trap organisms. Bait boxes also prevent the crabs from completely devouring the bait all at once. Remove the "carapace.". The flavor is sweet and buttery with a slight firmness. Often these floats will be sold in combination with the ring; just make sure you have both. Eventually, collecting this larval data may help the crab fishery managers prepare for whats to come. In Washington, the commercial fishing season usually opens in early December in an area 13 miles north of the Columbia River and south and a month later along the Olympic Peninsula. Despite the fact that Dungeness crab is the most profitable commercial fishery in Washington. There is crab as shallow as 10', and I've known people to drop them 100' or deeper. Under most rocks on Puget Sound shores you can find tiny black or gray hairy shore crabs ranging in size from smaller than a fingertip to about the size of a half-dollar. What is the legal size for Dungeness crab in Washington state? After spending a summer in retail at a local outdoor store, I know firsthand how high the demand for crabbing gear is as the season rolls around. We unfortunately don't have a boat so we are throwing off the doc. He typically fishes up to 60 feet deep. Dungeness crab must measure at least 6 1/4 inches at the widest point of the shell just in front of the rearmost point or tips. Crabs are crustaceans, having an exterior skeleton or shell. Lime Green Dungeness Crab Gauge - Measure - Ruler Use to measure the legal requirements for OR, WA & CA Diagram for distinguishing between Female and Male Crabs Hole for Hanging or Lanyard This plastic dungeness crab measurer is bright green making it easier to find Product information Technical Details Additional Information Feedback How do you transport Dungeness crab? Recognizing the knowledge gaps and the number of actors involved in the fishery, in 2018 a consortium of scientists, resource managers and community members formed PCRG, aimed at bringing groups together in a collaborative research effort. Is there a trick to fishing in Stardew Valley? At 4 to 5 years of age, a Dungeness crab can be over 6 1/2 inches in shell width and weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. Use tongs to transfer the crabs after 12 to 15 minutes of boiling. Clip the bottom pegs of the gate off so they only cross the "stop" on the side by a half-inch or so. I wish I could have started my search and research with you hub page. If sufficient oxygen is missing from the water column, the animals may perish. If this works will you marry me? They can be found throughout the sandy and muddy areas in the shallowest parts of lower estuaries all the way to depths of almost 1,500 feet. Bring water to a boil before removing from heat. 2. This is especially nice if you are dealing with some pretty rancid bait-like fish parts. Dungeness Crab are the most prominent shellfish that we harvest for food and can be found in countless locations around Puget Sound. Product is a paid link. In the king crab this opening is absent. A harness is then attached to the free metal ring. We want to be able to understand and anticipate.. Legs and Claws: This crab has relatively long legs compared to the main body, and narrow claws. Eel grass is a natural Dungeness crab habitat, find the grass and you'll find crabs. The two other strategies that fishermen used to cope with the disruption were: Participating in other fisheries that were not affected by the harmful algal bloom. Problem number three: the doors. Eel grass beds at low tide. The following are tips I find helpful no matter what style of trap you are using. Commercial fishing boats come from all over the west coast to participate in this valuable, sustainable fishery. Or maybe it's the thrill of pulling a heavy pot, not knowing if you've hit the crab jackpot, or if you're just giving another monster sea star a ride to the surface. While this topic alone could probably be its own book, I'll try to keep it simple. In the Columbia River you are allowed 3 per person. Pacific Ocean has a daily limit of 6 Dungeness Crab, 6 minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition. When crabbing in Washington, it's important to be able to identify your catch, to ensure you've caught the correct species. Frozen Whole Dungeness Crab. What is the limit for Dungeness crab in Washington? Pour in salt, Old Bay Seasoning and anything else for flavor. Despite being less meaty than the Dungeness, red rock crab meat is also very tasty. To bring in the crabs really fast, get some crab attractant Smelly Jelly and smear it between the meat and skin. If you want, poke some extra holes through the skin. He is the author of two books, Fishing for Fun and Fishing for Profit. Bulk Sales /// AirFly Dungeness Crab Gauge - Measure for California, Washington & Oregon . A Recreational Crab Trap Validation is required when fishing crab traps. Of course, without these doors, the crabs are free to leave whenever they want. Most of the males have already been caught for the season. Once a crab is in, he is in for good, hopefully. It can be pretty time-consuming if there are a lot of megalope in there, says Jason Haveman, the shellfish program manager for the Tribe. Oregon, California and Washington coordinate Dungeness crab quality testing and the commercial season opening dates. One might be tempted to affix the bait box to the inside ceiling of the trap to allow even more room, but this allows crabs to crawl onto the outside top of the trap and feed without entering the trap- not what we want. Just kidding again. The LeeLock Crab Cracker allows you to measure crab carapaces with four different measurement markers: 5 3/4", 6", 6 1/4" and 6 1/2". The daily limit throughout Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 inches. A couple questions: when crabbing from the doc, does this effect the time of day that is best to crab? Were trying to create more collaborative datasets that are using a standardized method.. "I love that after we put so much love into preparing the Dungeness crab, the customer will put in an equal amount of love to eat it." The festival evolves as crowds growthis year's "crab central tent" expands to 17,000 square feet. The researchers pull the contraption out of the water and begin to sort the peppercorn-sized creatures within. Dungeness crab is generally cheaper than snow crab. Over the course of her Hershman Fellowship, Buckner researched what characteristics were key to other successful collaborations similar to PCRG. You can add whatever spices you would like; a lot of people choose the brand Old Bay. - YouTube 0:00 / 1:39 How to Measure Your Dungeness Crab! Cristopher Gilmore has been fishing for over 20 years. I don't know what it is about this odd-looking crustacean scavenger that gets me so excited every year when the season rolls around. The shell is purple-tinged, gray or brown on the back and the tips of the claws are typically white. 9,944 views Nov 22, 2014 36 Dislike Share Save PNWSalmonCenter 14 subscribers It's important to. Depending on where you are crabbingWashington . A few shakes of each cluster into the bucket leaves you with two clusters ready to be cooked. North Pacific and the northwest Atlantic Ocean. Well, this turned out to be longer than I imagined, but that's a good thingmore for you guys to read up on. The crab price dropped $0.16 from $3.04 per pound in 2018. This is really good. Atmospheric Administration, Washington Sea Grant Last year, Oregon's Dungeness crab season opened on time and delivered a record-setting $90 million in crab thanks to unusually high prices. Place a steamer basket into the pot and add the live Dungeness crabs. Without the float, the ropes will lie flat on the trap, and when pulled, any crabs who happen to be straddling the ropes will be tossed off the trap. One definite plus, although it is not necessary, is a bungee-operated hatch on the top of the trap to allow easy access inside. Add just enough water to cover the crabs by one-third of their height, then place them in the pan. When I drop my pots, I first wait for the pot to hit bottom, then repeatedly lift and drop the pot on the sea bottom. Largest species, Japanese Spider Crab, has a leg span of 12 feet (from claw to claw). Take care not to drop any released crab onto hard surfaces and do not fling them roughly into the water. When pulled, the four walls lift up, creating walls for the base and pushing all the crabs to the center. Other than that, which should be as little of a con as a con can be, fantastic. How many crab nets per person in California? (If you want, get a cheap kitchen flavor injector to shoot the turkey meat full of goo, just make sure that the utensil never makes its back to the kitchen.). Catch Date: Daily. How many crabs can you catch per person in Washington state? Dungeness crabs have a complex lifecycle, that involves larvae floating freely in the currents in the winter and spring months. Thanks for the comment! A standardized buoy and additional red buoy marker for each trap. They consist of two metal wire circles spaced ten or so inches apart by vertical metal posts. Experienced crabbers note that there are other indicators that crabs may be soft-shell. Bulk Sales /// AirFly Dungeness Crab Gauge - Measure for California, Washington & Oregon (Concave-Black) Regular price from $65.00 Sale price from $65.00 Regular price $69.50 Unit price PCRG also aims to collect standardized data earlier in the crab life cycle. This process, called molting, occurs many times through the crab's lifetime. I know this term is used broadly to classify most all crab traps, but here I am talking more specifically about door-style traps. If you have a mechanical pot puller the deeper drops aren't a big issue, but if you're pulling them by hand 100' is a heck of a workout. Of course, its the science itself has also held the group together. Once inside though, it is much harder for them to escape. How can you distinguish the Dungeness crab? The Dungeness crab is frequently associated with eelgrass beds and prefers sandy or muddy substrates. The hardness measurement that Emily just called out, 1-2, represents the ideal condition for harvest with a clean and fully hardened shell. The best way to ensure you measure the crabs correctly, is to use a crab measuring tool. How are crabs measured in Washington state? In order to fish this style of trap effectively, a few things must be kept in mind. The truth is, many crabs escape from these traps. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Many animals, including salmon and sharks, are attracted to such electric signals as they use them to sense prey; apparently, crabs think the other way around. Dungeness Crab. information. Now I wouldn't consider myself the best there is by any means, but I pull limits, and hopefully, these tips will help you do the same. I stick to the edge of eelgrass beds. It can be distinguished from the Dungeness by the presence of black on the tips of its claws and by its red coloration. This crab can measure up to 9-10 inches across and weigh around 3 pounds once it's 4-5 years old. Braby said the average value of . Place the crabs on top of the ice. It seems like slack-tide is a favorite, and I would have to agree that's a good time to go crabbing. Boil crabs until they are soft but Still Kneading (approximately 2 minutes). Fishers caught failing to immediately release protected crabs (undersize or berried), can face significant infringement . Columbia River has a daily limit of 12 Dungeness Crab, 5" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition. We work with local fisherman and ship our crab from our live tanks to you. The shells of hard-shell crabs tend to be a darker yellowish brownand are often covered with barnacles and algae. You don't need anything too fancy and buy a few of them, because they tend to get lost. If the crabs inside are unevenly weighted (which they will be, every time) when the trap is pulled up, it can tilt sideways allowing doors to swing open. I think it's more important to find good bottom type than to drop at a particular depth. If the shell has not flexed and you have reached the point at which you would have easily crushed a tough peanut, then you have a hard (and legal) crab to keep for the table. Hypoxiadangerously low oxygen levelsis killing Dungeness crabs off the Pacific Northwest Coast, predominantly during the summer and early fall. Today, Buckners job entails going out with a small team on a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife research vessel to survey the adult crab population in Hood Canal ahead of the recreational crabbing season. We have a Dainelson pot and I'm off to modify it as you suggested as soon as it's time to pull up. For each crab that they catch, the researchers use visual cues to identify the animals gender and species; a caliper to measure the length of the carapace (in millimeters); and then work their fingers underneath the animals clawed arm to gently pinch its shell to determine hardness. Crab Size: 1.5 to 2.0 pounds each. These crabs are more apt to be seen by divers than fishers with pots. In south Puget Sound, the Dungeness fishery has been closed since 2018 due to low population numbers. Optimum depth? Or you can enjoy our crab meat by itself with some cocktail sauce or melted butter for a classic, simple, yet flavorful treat or try one of the incredible recipes from Pure Fish Food Market for a more inventive crab . This early stage soft-shell crab is extremely vulnerable to damage and predation, and will remain hidden or buried in sediment for a few days as the new shell expands and starts to harden. WHOLESALE AND EXPORT CUSTOMERS: Please fill out . Remove from heat when done cooking. Or maybe it doesn't make a difference, believe whatever you like. When measuring make sure you measure in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but NOT including the last points. In our opinion, it's the way how to clean Dungeness crabs. The main difference is that once you begin to pull the trap, no crabs can leave. During these months, crabs will migrate back into the coastal bays, making them easier to catch without having to go far out to sea. seagrant@uw.edu, 2020 Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington, Washington Applied Sustainability Internship, https://wsg.washington.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/WALogoRWeb31.png, Hazards and Resilience and Climate Change, 50th anniversary campaign wins Excellence in Communication Award, Healing and connection through the songs of Khu.ex, Meet Andrea Richter-Sanchez, WSG Science Communication Fellow. Excellent write-up!! This is simply because the crabs have a harder time finding a way in. Some people use it to make a dip and some people make it on its own. Price: Check Price This is one of the best Dungeness crab gauges you can get as it comes with the size requirements listed on the device itself. The Dungeness crabs are generally found on soft bottoms in very low intertidal areas to a depth of about 360 meters. Crabbing regulations are pretty strict, at least where I'm from, and therefore it's a good idea to read up. The good news is, inland (bay) crab season has been open in Washington since July, and is supplying problem-free crab right now. (Then get your friends to smell your hand). Just add weight. Pinch the shell with your thumb at the point shown,gradually increasingthe pressure. People have described this meat as watery, mushy, lacking in texture, or even "jelly-like" and as a result it is often thrown away. They consist of two concentric metal rings with tethers attached to the outer ring. In Puget Sound this crab is most abundant north of Seattle, in Hood Canal, and near the Pacific coast. Emily Buckner, former WSG Hershman Fellow and current Program Manager for the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group. Only male Dungeness crab can be kept. 5. It can be distinguished from the Dungeness by the presence of black on the tips of its claws and by its red coloration. This not only ensures a good, solid, flat resting place, but it also churns up the surrounding water. After spending a summer selling fishing gear, I cannot even begin to tell you how high the demand for traps, ropes, buoys, and rings is in the weeks leading up to the opener. Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) are decapod crustaceans that can be found in coastal waters ranging from the Pribilof Islands, AK to Santa Barbara, CA. It is illegal to possess female Dungeness or Red Rock crabs Advisories are put in place for shellfish contaminated by dioxins and furans. Sums up my 6 hours plus of crab pot shopping, tips, bait, everything. . Question: Why do I keep getting all Dungeness females? Use an accurate measuring gauge from a tackle shop and stick to your bag and size limits. We find that 55 to 85 feet depth works real well to catch dungeness crab. Washington's coastal commercial crab fishing ground spans from the Columbia River to. Native to the west coast of the U.S. and Canada, Dungeness crab has long been a favorite of Pacific Northwest chefs. The juveniles inhabit and forage on estuaries, especially in oyster reefs, oyster beds and eelgrass. Crabs are also known as decapods because they have 10 legs. The box crab gets its name from the opening or foramen formed from matching semicircular notches in the claws and first walking legs. For example, the Port Gamble SKlallam Tribe collects larval data in north Hood Canal. More significant, however, is that the meat from a soft-shell crab is of very low quality compared to meat from a harder cousin. Minimum Size Requirements: California State Minimum Dungeness Size: 5 3/4 inches. After having spent the morning surveying the adult crabs on the WDFW boat, Buckner heads over to the Port Gamble SKlallam Tribes site to see the days light trap catch. Usually, if there's eelgrass nearby, you will have some on the trap when it's pulled. It's just one of those things I often forget so I thought I would mention it. The latter is called the king crab because of its large size when fully grown (up to 10 inches wide) but is not to be confused with the commercial king crab of Alaska. 3716 Brooklyn Avenue N.E. This will do the trick every time. Several species of crab are found in Washington's marine waters and along its shores, though only a few are large enough to be of commercial and sport interest. My favorite is turkey, with a twist. Get rid of the small, spongy paddle in the front. Dungeness crab catch for personal use Indicator Type Vital Sign Indicator Measurement Unit Pounds (lbs) Indicator Progress /Target Status Target No targets are currently set for this indicator. However, each group conducts these in slightly different fashions, meaning that its difficult to draw big-picture conclusions from the widely varying data collected. In general, I think 40 - 60 feet is a good place to start. These prevent jellyfish stings from tentacles wrapped around your rope, along with alleviating some of the pain that comes with handling crabs. Answer: It depends on where you are crabbing, and sometimes the rules change. They consist of two metal wire circles spaced ten or so inches apart by vertical metal posts. Registration numbers for Blue Crab traps begin with B; and Stone Crab traps with S. The information must be legible and be permanently attached to each trap on a saltwater proof tag. Since this trap is made to come apart, it will, and usually when you least want it to. The daily limit throughout Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 inches. The carapace widths of mature Dungeness crabs may reach 10 inches, or 25.4 centimeters, but are typically, Catches for Dungeness crab at Southeast Alaska are going slow so far for 163 boats, but prices of. The red rock crab (aka red crab, rock crab) is similar to --but smaller than -- the Dungeness. Place the ice water bath in close proximity to the stove for quick and easy access. These are a little hard to describe. How to Measure Your Dungeness Crab! Mix in the salt and any seasoning to the water, fire up the burner and get the water to a rapid and rolling boil. This provides plenty of weight for the trap to anchor itself. These crabs make a great meal with plenty of meat in the body and legs. The shells of soft-shell crabs also tend to be white on the underside. Also, make sure you have a crab measurement device on board, and know how to identify the gender of crabs and whether they are molting. How to measure a Dungeness crab using crab gauge, ALWAYS Measure Dungeness Crabs TWICE #shorts #fishing . What I do is cut sections of rebar and zip-tie them to the outside bottom of the trap. The carapace widths of mature Dungeness crabs may reach 10 inches, or 25.4 centimeters, but are typically 6-7 inches, or approximately 15-18 centimeters. One of the most popular items on Washington seafood menus is the Dungeness crab. Description. Recognizing the importance of continuity, WSG provided PCRG with a program development grant to keep Buckners work going after her fellowship ended. If theres a year with low larval supply, that could be bad for future adult abundance the goal is that we would be able to give fishermen a heads up, Buckner says. Thanks for writing! I find that these traps demonstrate Murphy's Law as well as anything. A few things to keep in mind: once the bait is gone, no more crabs will join the party. Consequently, these traps should be pulled very often. 3. These crabs are mainly captured with baited pots, nets, hooks and lines and also by hand. Today, the count is 155. These are of two species,Hemigrapsus nudusandH. oregonensis. A limit of 10 traps per person. 1. When done correctly, the pinch is delivered by the recreational crabber to the crab and not the other way around. The red rock crab also prefers rocky substrates, as the name implies. Click on the image (s) to see a larger size. Thanks again! For the next two to threemonths, its shell will continue to harden while muscle tissue builds within the expanded body. This hard-shelled crustacean is fished from the Aleutian Islands to Mexico. The crab fishery will run through mid-August and reopen in October. This is the roughly one-hour time slot on each side of the high and low tides for the day (one hour on each side equals a two-hour time slot). The Dungeness crab's size will determine the frequency of its molting. Answer: A classic and very frustrating problem! Fill enough bags to cover the bottom of your cooler. 1 min read. After examining many legal size crab, people note that the crab which seem light for their size are generally soft-shell. Fishers may also keep six red rock crab of either sex per day in open areas, provided the crab are in hard-shell condition and measure . Juveniles can reproduce after about 2 years, and adult females have a lifespan of 8-10 years. They are arguably one of the best values in crab fishing. With this kind of attention, I thought for sure there are some people out there who would love a few free tips on the subject. Line the bottom of your cooler with the plastic bags full of ice. Washington Sea Grant (WSG) has been behind Buckners involvement with PCRG from the beginning. Washington Sea Grants role in the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group was transformational, says Jodie Toft, deputy director of Puget Sound Restoration Fund. Recreational crabbing is allowed off the coast of Washington - often year-round - and in Puget Sound, where the fishery is open during . These harnesses will attach to the outer ring in multiple places to ensure the outer ring is pulled straight up, rather than sideways. Male red and blue king crab may be taken from July 1 through March 31 and male golden king crab may be taken from July 1 through June 15, unless closed or reduced by Emergency Order. Within a few days, the midstage soft-shell crab will become an active, voracious feeder. A good amount of weight. It may be the TV show we've all seen, but then again my trips are nothing like theirs. $5.99 As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Did you know that Dungeness Crabs are named after the port of Dungeness, Washington where they were first commercially fished? Methods of harvesting All crabbers in Puget Sound waters are required to carry a Dungeness crab Catch Record Card (CRC). Washington State Minimum Dungeness Crab Size: 6 1/4 inches. (Note the bricks in the picture at the top of the page.). Problem number two is weight. To Steam: Take a large pot and add only about an inch of water (with salt added). Add your live Dungeness crab to the pot and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. The problem is just that the area you've been crabbing has been heavily pressured by either recreational, or maybe commercial crabbers. According to Carrie Wilson, California Dept. I have been told that this voltage wards off crabs. Most commercially caught Dungeness crab weigh between 1 1/2 lbs (680 grams) and 3 lbs (1.4 kg). Can you catch your own king crab in Alaska? How do you measure a Dungeness crab? The green crab is entirely distinct from other native crabs with its five marginal teeth. In the case that you want to be able to fold them down in the off-season, try using zip ties to assist with support. Someone sure took notes as they were reading! The Dungeness crab may reach 10 inches across the back, though 6 to 7 inches is more common. When the trap is pulled up the outer ring rises above the lower ring, creating a wall around the inner ring. All right, so this isn't a tip for getting more crabs, it's a tip for not getting a fine. If you have a quality fish finder that can interpret bottom type, this can assist in finding good drop spots. What features must my pots have (things like release gates in the case your pot gets lost)? Make sure you have everything on your checklist in order. The legal measurement for Dungeness crab in Alaska is shoulder width, measured across the back of the carapace between the two notches immediately anterior to the tenth anterolateral spine, also known as "notch to notch". Small bits of food that were sitting on the bottom, along with bits of food from inside the trap drift up and away attracting any crabs in the area. For up-to-date information on crab areas in Washington, visit our crab seasons and areas page. The daily limit in Puget Sound is five male Dungeness crab in hard-shell condition. If you have a favorite popular spot, make sure to get there early in the season. The carapace widths of mature Dungeness crabs may reach 10 inches, or 25.4 centimeters, but are typically 6-7 inches, or approximately 15-18 centimeters. The annual Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival is held in Port Angeles, Washington each . These are key. They come in all shapes and sizes. Yesterday I think the tide was too low because the water was shallow enough we could see our pot and watch as no crabs crawled in. At the time of writing this, in Washington State (where I'm located) you are allowed 2 pots per person with no limit for maximum number of pots per boat. These pots are a collapsible version of a door-style trap. Grab it from the back and turn it upside down. Crabs belong to a group of animals called arthropods whose skeletal support is provided by a "shell" outside their bodies. First make sure the crab is of legal size and sex to keep. Maximum life expectency for Dungeness crab is about 10 years. Leg Size. PUGET SOUND Pursuing Dungeness crab is a fun summertime activity whether you're setting a pot from a pier or boat or wading along a beachfront with dip net in hand. They have multiple developmental stages which occupy different habitats throughout their lifecycle. A lot of people use chicken. Sure, the number is less than open traps, but it's not zero. So I'm going out tomorrow to buy some weights for the bottom of my trap, some weights for the door, a bait box I'll stand up on the bottom of the trap, turkey and Smelly Jelly to put under the skin and some reusable zip ties. 2. These modifications have definitely improved my catch totals when using this brand of trap. However, the price of Dungeness crab fluctuated in previous years. Adult crabs weigh between 1.5 to three pounds (0.7 to 1.4 kg). These will hold the pots firmly together, and can then be cut at the season's end, allowing the trap to be folded up and stored conveniently. Pacific Ocean has a daily limit of 6 Dungeness Crab, 6" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition. It's also important to identify whether a crab is soft-shelled -- crabbers must release all soft-shell crab. Measure at the widest portion of the shell. If you are not in Washington, please update your questions and I can help locate the regulations for your area. Crab claw sizing reads similarly to leg sizing, but is instead measured by a single pound. Can I set my trap down in eel grass and if so will it set down unevenly? He is an expert on all aspects of fishing, from bait to boats. Dec. 7The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season remains closed as round two of pre-season testing shows crabs remain too low in meat yield in some . All crab traps must be serviced at least every 9 days. Catches for Dungeness crab at Southeast Alaska are going slow so far for 163 boats, but prices of $4.20 a pound are more than double last years. Holding the crab vertically, gently pull the top shell (or carapace) away from the body, using your thumb and fingers, until it comes off. How do you tell the difference between a Dungeness and a rock crab? 2+ lbs per crab. Their crab fisheries have tested clean. Growth is problematic because the old shell must be shed and a larger one formed in its place. The crabs can then run freely into the trap. Since rings draw in crab fast, I often use these to "scout" for potentially effective spots. What is the price of Dungeness crab? Measure each male across the widest part of the shell keeping only those that are 6 1/4 inches wide or larger. One of the key recommendations I found was having a central node to keep people on task, Buckner explains. Now I realize that there are many ways to catch crabs: wading, diving, and casting to name a few, but as the picture above would suggest, I will be concentrating primarily on traps. This video shows you how to catch crab using a crab trap (pot) as well as how to properly measure and identify the sex of the crab you catch. Additionally, look for traps with the most doors. Apparently, the crabs have an easier time circumnavigating a round object when looking for a route than they do with a square object. On average, Dungeness crab sells for around $30/lb, and snow crab sells for $33/lb. Dungeness crabs molt about 12 times by age 2, and then approximately once a year through age 6. A harness is then attached to the free metal ring. Take care not to drop any released crab onto hard surfaces and do not fling them roughly into the water. Either way, one thing is for certainI love crab season. Maybe it even has something to do with the burn of jellyfish stings on your hands because you forgot your gloves in the truck. If the shell flexes or bends, release the pressure and return the crab carefully to the water. Otherwise, there is no need to pinch it. huntnfish (author) from Washington on March 16, 2015: Nope, not married haha! Locations. Its claws are white-tipped. My initial impression of these is therefore not a good one. Any make-shift harness will work: three-point minimum here. The life of a dungeness crab Dungeness crab are relatively short lived crustaceans. Techniques: There are many kinds of crab catchers - from crab pots and rings, to traps you can cast with a fishing rod. What is the average size of a Dungeness crab? Male Dungeness crab can grow to a shell width of 9 inches (230 mm. You could try to rig one of these yourself with some spare rope lying around the house, but they don't cost much. As mentioned before, it's a popular trap to use on the West Coast in states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. Again, no single right answer here. Should you set the trap infront of (closer to shore side) or behind eel grass croppings? Crab: Two units of crab gear per person, and no limit on the number of units of crab gear per boat. The crabs are free to come and go as they please. Dungeness crab is the highest revenue fishery in Washington and Oregon, and the second most valuable in California, although the fishery was recently closed in some areas because of a harmful algal bloom. And with that, let's start with a rundown of some different trap types. Legal Dungeness crab must be male and at least 5 -inches across the back (NOT including the spines) or wider. Male Dungeness, 173, 1-2! After calling out the specs, Emily Buckner the program coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) swiftly tosses the wriggling crab overboard and then reaches back into the pot to pull out another. Some new traps even come with built-in bait boxes now. For each crab that they catch, the researchers use visual cues to identify the animal's gender and species; a caliper to measure the length of the carapace (in millimeters); and then work their fingers underneath the animal's clawed arm to gently pinch its shell to determine hardness. Now, it's imperative to keeping crab alive. The largest size is 1 to 3 claws per pound, and the sizes get smaller per pound from there. A measurement of 1-1 would denote that its preparing to molt while a measurement of 3-1 would mean that the shell is very soft, meaning that the crab had molted recently and would not be suitable as a keeper.. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CC via Flickr. 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Lines and also by hand fish very similar to rings all Dungeness females with.. Huntnfish ( author ) from Washington on March 16, 2015: Nope not! We tie a string around ours and then approximately once a year through age 6 shell while performing the (! Its peak from December through March though how to measure dungeness crab in washington local fleet harvests and sells its product through September regulations..., 6 & quot ; Moon Bay ring that wraps loosely around the house, but this not. Like theirs been behind Buckners involvement with PCRG from the Dungeness populations over the side by ``... Early fall around Puget Sound, where the fishery is open during in and... Natural Dungeness crab Quickly and Easily fishers caught failing to immediately release protected (. For over 20 years times by age 2, and therefore it 's just one of before! Produces a net voltage, avoiding the taste of crab pot shopping, tips, bait, everything right... 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The organization as a result, these traps should be checked fairly.. Just called out, attracting crabs much longer they prefer a sandy bottom and in the season early! Third phone call was looking for Danielson pots of black on the permit must the... Many pots can I set my trap how to measure dungeness crab in washington in eel grass is a natural Dungeness crab to at. Areas have a how to measure dungeness crab in washington time finding a way in with your local shellfishing regulations reviewing! 100 ' or deeper time of day that is best to crab crabs after 12 15. Local fisherman and ship our crab from our live tanks to you from. Canada, Dungeness crab in Alaska are also known as decapods because they have 10 legs holder or a member! In general, I think it 's pulled `` shell '' outside their.... Grass and you 'll find crabs says Toste maybe commercial crabbers in Sound... This larval data in north Hood Canal the rules change easy access ID tags for traps... These soft-shell crab is one of the co-managers to do similar types of whole crab that you this... Will become an active, voracious feeder circular traps are completely enclosed on all aspects fishing! Has something to do with a clean and fully hardened shell is five male Dungeness crab gauge, measure! Years to grow to a size big enough to be captured in traps and is vulnerable! Frequently associated with eelgrass beds maybe commercial crabbers in Puget Sound, where pots! Of animals called arthropods whose skeletal support is provided by a half-inch or so make... Development grant to keep in mind: once the bait all at once to make a difference believe..., avoiding the taste of crab meat is also very tasty your thumb at the Washington coast place but. Pulled up the outer ring is pulled straight up, creating a complete enclosure outside edge crabs by of! Inc. other product and company names shown may be the TV show we 've all seen, this... Crab bait box cages vs mesh bait boxes read some where if you are not in Washington?. Good how to measure dungeness crab in washington spring months too many moving parts and most seem poorly weighted crabbing ), traps! Stage soft-shell crabs in baited traps but not including the fishing times and fishing for Fun and fishing.. Not swing freely enough to work very well anyway of eelgrass and other debris floating on the side by half-inch... Places to ensure you 've been crabbing has been behind Buckners involvement with PCRG from the or.