A bill that would stop local government interference in hunting activities in the state cleared the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and now will go before the full Senate.
Despite the usual rants and raves from animal rights and anti-hunting groups, AB 815, sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Berryhill, R-Modesto, was approved thanks to Democratic Sens. Darrell Steinberg and Mike Machado, who joined Republicans Dennis Hollingsworth, Bob Margett and David Cogdill to advance the bill.
Where was this bill back when animal rights and anti-hunting groups took logical game management of mountain lion in California away from the Department of Fish and Game?
California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) sponsored the measure, which would reaffirm state pre-emption over hunting and fishing activities. It would mandate that only the Fish and Game Commission or Department of Fish and Game may adopt or promulgate regulations over hunting and fishing activities. This would ensure “comprehensive, science-based control over fish and game matters,” the COHA release states.
Also, the bill requires “public resource agencies to take into consideration the hunting and fishing rights inherent to navigable waters.”
Somehow, this is way too much common sense for our crew in Sacramento, don't you think? So what are the chances of this bill making it through the Democrat-dominated California Senate? Slim and none, and slim just was eaten by a mountain lion.
Kids Fishing: The sixth annual Shelter Island Young Anglers Tournament is set for Aug. 2 on Shelter Island Pier. Anglers ages 6-15 are invited to compete in this free tournament at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. It's being sponsored once again by the International Game Fish Association and the San Diego Sportfishing Council. Membership in the IGFA is not required for tournament participation. However, sign-up for Junior memberships in the IGFA will be available during registration and is being partially underwritten by IGFA members. The tournament will feature a points system to allow for catch and release. Winners – one in each year category between ages 6 and 15 – will be determined by adding up points for various fish caught. IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club will be on hand to assist anglers and to tally points. Anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided each angler while supplies last. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on the pier. The derby begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and sodas will be served to all registered anglers. Prizes and raffle drawing items include rods and reels, hats, T-shirts and fishing gear donated by a host of sponsors. Loaner fishing tackle, bait and terminal tackle are provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Squidco and Friends of Rollo. For more information, call the San Diego Sportfishing Council at (619) 234-8793 or visit www.sportfishing.org.
Pig Hunting Clinic: The California Department of Fish and Game will offer a Wild Pig Hunting Clinic at the Tejon Ranch in southern Kern County on Aug. 2. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $40, but registration is free to Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association members and other Certified Hunter Education Instructors. A barbecue lunch will be provided for a $10 donation. Topics in the clinic include pig biology, hunting techniques and requirements, methods for locating wild pigs and methods of take. Instructors will also discuss field dressing, care of game and recipes.In addition, instructors will discuss the new law prohibiting the use of lead bullets in condor habitat. In January 2008, before the passage of AB 821, which banned lead bullets in condor country, Tejon Ranch banned the use of lead ammunition on its property. A variety of certified nonlead bullets are available. For more information about this type of ammunition, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/. The clinic organizers will hold a raffle including a grand prize of a pig hunt on Tejon Ranch. Raffle tickets can be purchased with cash or check. All proceeds from the clinic will go to the Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association and DFG's Advanced Hunter Education Program. Tejon Ranch is 30 miles south of Bakersfield and 60 miles north of Los Angeles. It spans more than 270,000 acres and is privately owned. Use of this area is made possible through the DFG's Private Lands Management Program, a partnership between the DFG and private land owners to offer opportunities for public access. Interested individuals must submit a registration form, and space is limited. For more information about the clinic and to obtain a copy of the registration form visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced or call (530) 347-3980. The clinic is a partnership with the Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association, Tejon Ranch and the DFG.
Ed Zieralski: (619) 293-1225; ed.zieralski@uniontrib.com
