Sportmen's Monthly August | Page 12

LEGISLATIVE BLOCK STATUS OF PENDING LAWS CALIFORNIA BANS BOBCAT TRAPPING, DESPITE EVIDENCE W ith a contentious 3-2 vote, the California Fish and Game Commission approved a statewide ban on trapping of bobcats. The Sportsmen’s Alliance and its Al Taucher Conservation Coalition partners favored following the science amassed by the state and federal governments. “The narrow decision by the commission to ban bobcat trapping in California fl ies in the face of the science made available by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Josh Brones, government affairs coordinator of western operations for the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “For the commission to willfully ignore the departments’ recommendations to not implement the ban, indicates an utter lack of regard for the role and value of science and wildlife professionals in resource policy-making decisions.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provided evidence that the bobcat population in California was stable and possibly growing, and as high as 140,000 animals. When the maximum population was estimated to be no more than 72,000 CBS, NBC, CNN SEARCH FOR ANSWERS DURING THE COVERAGE OF ‘CECIL’ THE LION W bobcats nearly 30 years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife established a threshold of harvest by hunters and trappers to be 14,400 bobcats. Given the current average annual take of approximately 1,800 bobcats, the department’s staff appropriately summarized their presentation by stating that the trapping of bobcats would have no impact on the population. FLORIDA COMMISSION SUED OVER BEAR HUNT J ust weeks after receiving final approval, Florida’s recently established bear season could be at risk. On Friday, July 31, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was sued by Speak Up Wekiva, a central Florida watershed conservation organization, and Chuck O’Neal, an environmental activist with the League of Women Voters. SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE CEO FEATURED ON NATIONAL NEWS Not surprisingly, the suit aims to stop the commission from proceeding with the upcoming bear hunting season, slated for late October. In June, the commission overwhelmingly approved the limited bear hunt by a vote of 5-1. Attorneys for the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation are currently evaluating the lawsuit. ILLINOIS GOV. SIGNS BOBCAT HUNTING BILL hen news of “Cecil” the lion’s death at the hands of Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer broke, frenzied knee-jerk reactions ensued. Nick Pinizzotto, president and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance, brought level-headed intellect to the discussion by appearing on almost all the major networks on behalf of sportsmen. After news of Palmer’s hunt became public, the dentist went into hiding as celebrities such as Mia Farrow tweeted his business address, comedian and actor Ricky Gervais made comments to his 10 million followers and hundreds of protesters descended upon his dental practice. Calls for his death and the end of hunting were common. The White House said it would look into the matter, which then elicited responses of extradition from the Zimbabwean government – who had been silent on the matter for a month prior. Pinizzotto appeared on CNN; the Washington, D.C., Fox affiliate; and twice on CBS This Morning – including a live in-studio broadcast. He also taped a fact-filled interview with NBC’s Today Show that never aired. The information Pinizzotto put forward to mainstream media concerned the role of hunting in wildlife management and habitat conservation – that without hunting the entire ecosystem suffers, most notably the very animals hunters pursue and animal-rights activists think they’re saving. “While the backdrop wasn’t ideal with the allegations made regarding Palmer’s lion hunt, it did provide an opportunity to tell the world about the many important benefits that come from hunting for both wildlife management and conservation,” said Pinizzotto. “Despite the challenging nature of the interviews and abundance of misinformation that is swirling, we were proud to step up in defense of hunting and provide an educated and rational voice.” #PROJECTELK is the story of the origins, science and evolution behind conservation, and the question around whether hunters are earth’s true conservationists. Follow along on this epic journey alongside one of North America’s most majestic creatures, the Rocky Mountain Elk. OCT. 31, 7PM EST SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Presented by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation I llinois sportsmen will be able to hunt bobcats for the first time in 43 years thanks to Gov. Bruce Rauner. Gov. Rauner signed a bill into law July 14, allowing hunters to take one bobcat per season starting Jan. 1, 2016. Bobcats were once listed as a threatened species in the state of Illinois, but were removed from the list in 1999 after the population reached sustainable levels. Today, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates that roughly 5,000 bobcats roam the state, particularly in southern counties. The vast majority of supporters for the bill also live in the southern half of the state, and claim rising bobcat populations endanger livestock, pets and people. Opposition chiefly originated from Chicago residents. “The Sportsmen’s Alliance is pleased that Gov. Rauner supported the sportsmen of Illinois and their role in the proper management of wildlife,” said Adam Wright, associate director of state services. “Through responsible, scientific management, Illinois sportsmen and the general public will be able to enjoy a sustainable population of bobcats for years to come.” 11 SPORTSMEN’S MONTHLY August 2015 August 2015 SPORTSMEN’S MONTHLY 12