FIVE IMPORTANT VICTORIES
The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance has fought hard , and not every victory has come easily . Some wins were near misses from big-time bans . These are some of those near misses and big victories from the past five years .
SIX CALIFORNIA PURSUITS Not surprisingly , California leads the country in killing America ’ s hunting heritage .
In 1990 it banned mountain lion hunting by ballot initiative , in 1998 another initiative banned the use of conibears , snares and foot-hold traps , and in 2011 bear and bobcat hunting with hounds was outlawed .
In 2019 , California took its trap ban even further when it ended trapping for fur pelts . The Wildlife Protection Act prohibits commercial and recreational trapping of furbearers , including beavers , coyotes , otters and other animals . This ban extends to private and public lands .
Currently , the California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates its statewide bobcat population to be approximately 100,000 strong . Despite that , in 2020 , AB 1254 banned hunting and trapping of bobcats . It ’ s possible that in 2025 this could be reversed , but only if a $ 2.5 million management plan has been completed .
Take a moment to remember that Ronald Reagan was once the governor of California , so if you think you ’ re “ safe ” in your state , think again .
NEW MEXICO PUBLIC LAND TRAPPING In 2020 , New Mexico Gov . Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 32 into law after a political process that lacked transparency and basic democratic principles . The bill prohibited trapping on all public land in the state with very few exceptions .
The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance opposed Senate Bill 32 at every step of the legislative process and worked with a coalition of more than 20 organizations . However , New Mexico ’ s legislature rammed it through without legitimate input from opponents , little ( if any ) public notice and no consideration for wildlife management , sportsmen or ranchers . Multiple amendments were proposed , and all were turned down without any consideration . Yet another one for the “ no science , no reason ” category , as well as corruption of the democratic process .
CONCLUSION While we ’ ve lost more hunting and trapping seasons than those mentioned here , each one is a significant blow to our outdoor culture . It ’ s imperative to fight for our American heritage and protecting it at the local , state and national levels . Do that , and over the next decade , maybe we ’ ll have fewer lost hunts .
California ’ s Bear Hunting Ban California Senate Bill 252 , also referred to as the " Bear Protection Act ,” sought to ban all recreational hunting of black bears . After opposition from the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance , the bill was pulled .
Colorado ’ s Trapping Ban In 2021 , the Humane Society of the United States petitioned to ban box-cage trapping . It was the third attempt in as many years to take what little trapping remains from sportsmen . Fortunately , each effort failed .
Kentucky ’ s Trapping Ban In 2020 , pre-filed legislation would have banned the most common trap type used . After the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance spoke with the senator behind it , the latter realized the detriment of the potential law and pulled it from consideration .
Minnesota Wolf Hunting Ban Minnesota had wolf hunting seasons from 2012 to 2014 . Currently , due to a court ruling , no wolf hunting is allowed . That said , in 2023 , a wolf hunting ban , which would have made it impossible for the state to create a wolf season when delisting does take place , passed the Minnesota House of Representatives by a large margin . It was defeated in the State Senate . In 2024 , that scenario repeated , but it received more support than the year prior . For now , although a moot point given the current situation , the Minnesota wolf hunting ban is at bay .
Oregon ’ s Beaver Trapping Ban Another 2020 effort , the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission considered a proposal that sought to ban beaver trapping on federal forest land . The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance , among others , fought to oppose the attack .
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