Bill to Ban Bear Hunting with Dogs Signed by Governor

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Caudawg
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Bill to Ban Bear Hunting with Dogs Signed by Governor

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This is from COHA...bad news for us hunters!!

SB 1221, legislation that outlaws the use of dogs for hunting bears and bobcats in California, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on the afternoon of September 26th. Easily the most severe anti-hunting legislation ever passed into California law, SB 1221 was sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and authored by Senator Ted Lieu (D/28th-Torrance) and Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D/06th-Sacramento).



In addition to prohibiting the hunting of bears and bobcats with hounds, SB 1221 prohibits "pursuing, running or chasing" any bear or bobcat with any dog at any time. Further, the bill expressly clarifies the Department of Fish and Game's ability to "capture or dispatch" any dog inflicting injury or even threatening to inflict injury on any bear or bobcat at any time.


If you hunt with dogs - or if you hunt at all - the passage of this measure should be of great concern to you. Among other things, arguments in favor of SB 1221 were based on the position that hunting of bears and bobcats with dogs does not represent the "fair chase" of these species. As such, passage of this bill not only prohibits the long-standing tradition of hunting these species with hounds, but sets precedent placing the hunting of pigs, deer, pheasants, quail, ducks and other species with dogs in serious jeopardy.



Because SB 1221 takes effect on January 1, 2013, it will not impact the current 2012 bear season. However, since the bobcat season runs into 2013, hounds will only be allowed for the hunting of bobcats during the portion of the season which falls into 2012.

COHA worked tirelessly with our member organizations - including the California Houndsmen for Conservation, the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, California Waterfowl and California Deer Association - to defeat this measure. COHA is now working with these same organziations on positive poltical actions we can proactively take to offset this tremendous loss of our heritage.



For more information on the passage of this bill, please visit our website at www.outdoorheritage.org











OUR MISSION STATEMENT


The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a 501(c)4 non-profit political advocacy organization dedicated to the promotion of wildlife conservation and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA was created to enhance the political effectiveness of hunters and other wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts in the halls of our State Capitol and beyond. For further information on COHA and its member organizations, please visit us at www.outdoorheritage.org
John Caulfield
Big Rock Sports- Territory Sales Manager (Norcal)
Freelance Outdoor Writer
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