The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) will again consider a proposed expansion to the bear hunting season in southern California at it’s meeting tomorrow, Wednesday April 9th.
The proposal includes the addition of a bear hunting season in San Luis Obispo County. Those who are able to attend are encouraged to do so to voice their support of this proposal.
The decision to open San Luis Obispo County to a bear season was reached at the urging of sportsmen groups and after the CDFG conducted a habitat study confirming the San Luis Obispo area is comparable to neighboring areas where bear hunting is currently allowed.
The CDFG has also proposed the elimination of a provision that requires the early close of bear season after 1,700 bears are taken. This provision is no longer necessary and insignificant to the bear population. Additionally, it will eliminate the cost of notify notifying hunters that the season has closed.
California sportsmen should support this effort.
Before the rules take effect, they must be passed by the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC). The FGC is meeting tomorrow, April 9, to take public testimony. Click Here for the official statement from the FGC on the regulations.
It is anticipated that the Commission will make a determination on the proposal during an April 21 teleconference.
Take Action! California sportsmen who are able to attend the tomorrow’s FGC meeting discussing these rules are encouraged to do so. The meeting takes place at the Wine and Roses Country Garden Inn Garden Ballroom, 2505 W. Turner Road in Lodi.
Those who are unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting should submit written comments to the FGC by April 20, 2009 by faxing a letter of support to (916) 653-5040, by e-mailing fgc@fgc.ca.gov, or by sending a letter to:
California Fish and Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street
Room 1320
Sacramento, CA 95814
If you e-mail, be sure to include the subject of the regulations in the e-mail subject line.
For more information regarding the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network, call 614-888-4868, or email Greg R. Lawson, director of communications at glawson@ussportsmen.org or Sharon Hayden, assistant director of communications at shayden@ussportsmen.org.