EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Conservation-minded Californians recently rallied on the lawn of the State Capitol in Sacramento in support of Assembly Bill 1038. The bill, heard later that day by the California Assembly’s Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, would give the California Fish and Game Commission the authority to establish seasons that allow the use of dogs to pursue bears in areas needing population management.
“If passed, AB 1038 would reestablish the natural fear bears have for humans by hazing them out of populated areas with the use of dogs,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. “This would help enhance public safety where bear and human conflicts are skyrocketing and would empower the fish and game commission to designate seasons where houndsmen could be utilized.”
AB 1038 would establish two main goals: The first would be requiring the fish and game commission to designate specific seasons during which houndsmen may use dogs in the non-lethal pursuit of bears. The second goal would provide the commission with the discretion to establish a hunting season where dogs may be used to pursue bears for harvest.
“It’s important that science-based management stay in the hands of the commission versus policy makers, who are often without resource backgrounds, making decisions on wildlife management,” Modlin said. “AB 1038 would reinstate the authority to the commission to properly manage black bears in California based on science.”
Hunters, houndsmen and conservation advocates from all corners of the state were in attendance. The committee room — overflowing into the hallway — was filled with folks in hunter orange to show support and make their presence heard.
With the hearing starting at 11 a.m., those in attendance listened as both sides gave testimony and anxiously awaited the vote. Unfortunately, the bill fell short by one vote, however the bill did get reconsideration and has until next year to get another run at it passing.
Although AB 1038 did not pass, the unwavering support from California’s conservation community sent a powerful message. As sportsmen and women, we must show up for wildlife and land management when policy is being made.
“It was wonderful to see the turnout of folks wanting to see science-based management and return the power of wildlife regulations to the fish and game commission,” Modlin said.
Though the vote didn’t go in their favor, the passion and commitment of those who showed up speaks volumes. Advocacy for science-based wildlife and land management is critical to preserving hunting traditions and ensuring healthy wildlife populations for generations to come.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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