For the second time this year – though now with proper public notice, after Assemblywoman Hadwick and I joined the ag community in calling for a new hearing in February – a committee of the state’s Fish and Game Commission on May 15th plans to discuss changing regulations on the take of coyotes. While this is an open discussion with no detailed plans, removing the “non-game mammal” status of coyotes could mean having to buy a tag, establishing seasons and setting bag limits, and having to seek a warden’s permission through a depredation permit to stop coyotes that are attacking livestock.
There is no scientific basis for establishing limits the way the Fish and Game Commission does for deer, ducks or other animals that we are trying to protect from over-hunting. These predators are more than abundant in rural areas and even in California’s suburban neighborhoods.
Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the state protections for predators – including bears and lions – and new limits on the ability of everyone from full-time ranchers to families with backyard chickens to protect their animals. And that’s not even counting the spread of gray wolves, which enjoy the strictest legal protections even as they prey aggressively on cattle herds. Adding new protections for coyotes is the last thing rural communities need.
I am very grateful for the county sheriffs from around the North State who have joined in one voice to oppose any changes, which will not keep their communities safer.
I encourage anyone concerned about this proposal to share their thoughts by email at [email protected].
For more details about the meeting including how to participate via Zoom, here is a link to the agenda.
