My Letter to Governor Brown asking for Veto of SB1221

 

Governor Jerry Brown

c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA  95814

 

Dear Governor Brown:

 

Please Veto SB1221. This is a case of the majority taking freedom away from a minority.

 

There is no biological reason for elimination of hound hunting for black bears. On the other hand, there are many good reasons why hunting bears is a good thing. First of all, in areas where black bears are not hunted with hounds, bears are causing significant damage to homeowners. (Lake Tahoe for example.)

Hound hunting produces revenue that is beneficial to all wildlife management.

This is your chance to be a voice of reason.

Sincerely,

 Rich Fletcher

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Supporting Deer and Deer Habitat

The Livermore/Pleasanton Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), has been working to “Conserve and Protect” California deer and their habitat since 1993. During that time we’ve raised funds in support many projects that enhanced habitat, supported California’s Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), reduced deer deaths on highways, educated youth, supported hunting programs and firearms safety – to name a few.

In recent years, MDF has worked with the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) and a coalition of various conservation organizations to support programs within CDFG during these times of change. In addition, legislative efforts, coordinated by COHA, have created a new environment where our voice as outdoorsmen and women is louder than ever.

Hunters purchased 175,000 deer tags last year with a harvest about 30,000 California deer in 2011. About twice that many deer were likely hit by cars on California highways. We do not know how many deer were killed as depredation for agricultural crop losses. We can only imagine how many deer were killed by poachers. Sale of 175,000 deer tags raised several million dollars to support California wildlife programs.  MDF and other conservation organizations, like COHA, led the fight to pass legislative reform requiring public oversite over these user fees. Deer killed by cars, depredation, poachers and mountain lions raised no money for wildlife.

But, automobiles, hunters, poachers and farmers are not a serious threat to the long-term health of California deer herds. Despite the fact that mountain lions prey heavily on deer they too are not a huge threat to the viability of healthy deer herds.

During California’s lengthy run of economic success, industrial prosperity, population growth, agricultural expansion and residential construction, deer have declined. Deer habitat is disappearing  and that loss of habitat is the biggest problem  facing deer and other wildlife.

Hunter or not, many people appreciate deer as one of the remaining large mammals that live in our open spaces both nearby our cities and in the remaining wild places of California. The Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter of MDF is asking you to support our efforts to keep deer relevant.

It is concerned citizens that will make the difference for deer in the long haul. We are making it our business to stay involved with our wildlife managers to track deer numbers, better evaluate population changes, improve habitat and educate the public about how important deer are to our  culture and outdoor experience. Please help MDF  accomplish its mission.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City Utah, the Mule Deer Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization with 2,500 California members, 11 California chapters and over 13,000 total members. Donations are tax deductible. Membership is $35 per year and entitles members to attend MDF functions and receive “MDF,” its offical magazine, each year.

Bob Holm and I are co-chairs of the Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter of MDF. We are very interested in helping you help deer. Contact information follows. We would like to expand our committee, find merchandise donors, new members and people who want to support our efforts. We have no magic, but we do have an organization, a good mission and cooperation from people who can get things done.

Rich Fletcher (925)989-4372 richfletcher@sbcglobal.net

Bob Holm (925)447-2044  rholm@hughs.net

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MDF Supports SB 1058

May 27, 2010
The Honorable Jared Huffman, Chair                                                                    

Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee

1020 N Street, Room 160

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE:     SB 1058 (Harman) – SUPPORT

 Dear Assembly Member Huffman:

 On behalf of The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), I am writing you to urge your support of SB 1058 (Harman), which would provide greater accountability and transparency over the use of hunting license tag and stamp revenues. MDF is a 501c3 tax exempt organization whose mission is to conserve mule and blacktail deer and their habitats.

 SB 1058 would require that hunting license tag and stamp monies, whether for deer, wild pigs, wild sheep, bear, elk, antelope or game birds, be used for certain game species conservation and related purposes.  In addition, the bill would require that conservation groups, like MDF, have an opportunity to review and provide comment on proposed projects funded with the monies—creating much-needed transparency and allowing for projects to be better tailored to fit the conservation needs of particular game species.

 It should also be noted that the bill consolidates the existing fiscal accounts for big game species into one single account which improves efficiencies in the use of the monies. SB 1058 would also facilitate greater assistance with habitat projects by nonprofits who specialize in game species conservation.

 SB 1058 ensures that hunting license tag and stamp monies are used for their intended game species conservation purposes.  Please support this bill when it is considered before your committee.

 Sincerely,

 Rich Fletcher

State Chair, The Mule Deer Foundation

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CA Governor’s Race. Am I a Single-Issue Voter?

My voting record is very conservative, probably more conservative than my thinking.

Immigration, finances, taxation, they’re all very important to me. However, when I look at the California Governor election, one agenda item stands out strongly above the rest. Will the Governor stand up for hunters? appoint effective leadership for the Department of Fish and Game? Will he protect our rights to own firearms and will he provide appropriate funding for conservation programs?

No other elected official has the impact on the DFG that the Governor does. He appoints the Director of the Department  of Fish and Game (DFG) and Fish and Game Commission members. He oversees the budget and has veto power over bills that are necessary or harmful to the existence of the activity I am most passionate about.

Does this power over the future of hunting warrant electing a Governor based upon his position on one issue only?

Yes.

Every hunter needs to think this over. We need a Governor who commits to supporting the California Department of Fish and Game. He must support the 2nd amendment. He must agree to appointing a Director of Fish and Game who supports hunting and the Governor must assure us that user fees collected specifically for conservation, will not be channeled away from DFG inappropriately.

How can we assure that a pro-hunting Governor will be elected? There is a way and we need to find it. If we don’t, we will one day wake up and find that our treasured pursuit is a thing of the past.

Along with that loss will come a loss of habitat that will change the face of California. There are many many people who have no idea how important hunting is to the existence of wildlife habitat and wild places.

Are you a single-issue voter?

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COHA: A Huge Agenda for CA Hunters

The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) held its annual meeting for members last week. The program showed that they are seemingly involved in every facit of California wildlife conservation. A non-profit 501 c4 organization, COHA, has the ability to lobby the state legislature in support of legislation that benefits hunters and fishermen as well as lobby against legislation that damages their members.

Here are a few of the areas where COHA is active:

State

State Legislature: Lobbies in support of and opposition to legislation affecting hunters.

State Resource Agencies: Created the SHARE program creating additional hunting opportunity for California sportsmen. Supports public hunting on Refuges and Wildlife Areas

California Fish and Game Commission: Routinely appears before the F&G Commission on behalf of hunters. Works with F&G Commission subcommittees such as the Al Tausher Committee. 

Federal:

U. S. Congress

Regional:

Willow Creek Mutual Water District – Lambertville, Black Point Sports Club – Sonoma County, Suisun Marsh – Bay/Delta, Grasslands – San Joaquin Valley, Tulare Basin Wildlife Management Area – Southern San Joaquin Valley, Mystic Lake – Riverside County, Klamath Basin

Political Action: COHA raises funds in support of pro-conservation candidates for the California legislature. COHA meets with candidates to develop support for the California Department of Fish and Game for the benefit of hunters and fishermen.

COHA obtains much of its funding via donations from conservation organizations such as the Mule Deer Foundation, California Waterfowl Association, California Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Association, Delta Waterfowl Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Funding is also obtained by individual donors, the Outdoor Industry, Hunting and Shooting Clubs.

COHA organizes a few events each year to generate funding without competing with other conservation groups. COHA also lends a hand to other organizations to assist them with fundraising.

COHA plays a private sector role in organizing and promoting the California Legislative Outdoor Sporting Caucus. Activities include a dinner, trap shoot and tours to help educate Caucus members and their staff on hunting related issues of importance.

Here’s a link to the COHA website where you can obtain more details about COHA and find out how you can support their efforts: http://outdoorheritage.org/

COHA staff, director and members posed for a group picture before departing from the Members Meeting last week. (L to R) MDF Regional Director – Randy Morrison, COHA Member and Wilderness Unlimited Manager – Rick Copeland, COHA Vice President for Legislative Affairs - Mark Hennelly, MDF President/CEO and COHA director – Miles Moretti, and COHA Directors of Development – Rick Bulloch and Gretchen Heffler.

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California Hunting Opportunity Under all-out Assault by Humane Society of the US?

This email message just came in from Rick Bullock of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance. He paints an accurate picture of what’s happening in California. Hunters must take action. Groups like the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) need support from hunters everywhere. California is targeted for action by these anti-hunting groups because it’s the weakest link in the chain. Once they snap the California link, they’ll be off and running.

Hello all, 

I’m writing to bring you up to speed on several important issues COHA staff have worked over the last week, as well as to provide an update on two key committee hearings scheduled for Tuesday morning. 

First, I attended the US Forest Service National Planning Rule meeting in Sacramento on April 6^th to promote and protect hunting opportunity on federal land and was very concerned to learn that “recreation” wasn’t even mentioned in the “guiding principles” for the new plan, which addresses current and future needs of the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands in the National Forest System. Yes, you read this correct, and the plan is for all forest lands in the nation, not just our state.  Additionally, COHA President Bill Gaines attended the California Fish and Game Commission meeting, held in Monterey on April 7^th and 8th, to stymie the Humane Society of the United States’ attempt to disrupt hunting management decisions that are based on the best available scientific data. Specifically the animal rights groups are strongly opposing the mammal hunting regulations that will guide big game hunting through 2012.  It was reported that at the meeting, HSUS and other anti-hunting groups outnumbered COHA and other interested sportsmen by 20 to1.

 Finally, our outdoor heritage will be in the spotlight tomorrow in the state legislature and COHA staff lobbyists Mark Hennelly and Jason Rhine will be there to ensure California’s sportsmen and their conservation groups are represented. We are entering a time when sportsmen must finally grasp that our outdoor traditions are under a full assault from all directions. Below is a snapshot of some, not all, of the bills and hearings Mark and Jason will be covering tomorrow.

The Assembly Water Parks and Wildlife Committee will hear AB 2223 (Nava), which would prohibit the use of lead shot on the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Wildlife Areas and public shooting grounds.  The bill is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and several environmental groups. The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance is strongly opposed to AB 2223 because it substitutes politics for sound science.

On April 5, 2010, Assembly Member Feuer (D-Los Angeles) amended AB 1810 to require the Attorney General of California to permanently keep and maintain a firearms registry that includes extensive personal information of all firearms purchasers. Under AB 1810, those who purchase a firearm will be required to register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number, occupation, and sex to the California Department of Justice.  COHA is in opposition to this bill and feels AB 1810 is little more than an extreme invasion of California Sportsmen’s personal privacy.

 Assembly Member Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) has introduced AB 2186 to prohibit a person from owning, purchasing or possessing a firearm for 10 years for violating the state’s “loaded firearms” laws. COHA opposes this legislation because it imposes an overly harsh penalty on hunters who may unwittingly violate loaded firearms laws.

For more information on these bills or other legislation of interest, please visit our website at www.outdoorheritage.org   

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News Release: California Senate Committee Passes Important Species Conservation Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Contact: Eileen Ricker

Date:   March 24, 2010                                                   (916) 651-4035

Senate Committee Passes Important Species Conservation Legislation

 Sacramento — Senator Tom Harman ( R-Huntington Beach ) announced today that Senate Bill 1058 has passed out of the Senate Natural Resources & Water committee. SB 1058 seeks to ensure that hunting license tag and stamp funds benefit game species and their habitats. The bill is sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA).

 “I am extremely pleased that my colleagues have demonstrated their dedication to conserving our environment by unanimously passing SB 1058 out of committee today,” said Harman.

“Hunters and sportsman pay good money for tags and stamps with the expectation that those dollars will be spent for species conservation.  This measure will ensure that is the case.”

Current law, particularly as it relates to bear and deer tag monies, does not always require that the monies be used for a dedicated purpose. Unfortunately, these funds have been continuously used for non-game purposes. SB 1058 will require that, before any of these hunting monies can be expended, hunting-related organizations would have an opportunity to review proposed projects and provide comment to the Department of Fish and Game.

“SB 1058 will provide the accountability and transparency necessary to restore the hunting community’s confidence in the tag and stamp system,” stated Mark Hennelly, Vice President of COHA.  “Hunters have a long and proud history of providing wildlife conservation funding, and will gladly continue to do so as long as the monies are used appropriately.”

“SB 1058 will further two causes that I am passionate about: increasing transparency in government spending and conservation of the environment,” said Harman.

SB 1058 will now be sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review

Senator Harman represents the cities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Rossmoor, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and portions of Buena Park, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Westminster. 

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COHA and Members Celebrate Alliance in Sacramento

This just in from the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA).

Linda and I attended and had a great time.

On Saturday, December 5th, the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) hosted its member conservation organizations, outdoor industry and individuals at the first annual “COHA Alliance Celebration” in Sacramento.  The event offered a full day program which focused on the need for those in the hunting and wildlife conservation community to better unite and coordinate efforts to more effectively protect our wildlife resources and promote our outdoor heritage for generations to come.  Topics included enhanced coordination on youth education programs, political action, firearm rights and other issues of importance to the hunting community.  The evening’s dinner banquet offered an opportunity to highlight the integral political role COHA plays in helping conservation organizations accomplish their mission, keeping outdoor industry in business and passionate individuals in the field.  The event’s auction and raffle helped to raise critical funds for COHA to continue its essential work on behalf of California’s hunting community. For additional information see http://www.outdoorheritage.org/event.php

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