Anti-Hunters after Neck of California Commissioner
In one of their biggest attacks on hunting in recent years, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other anti-hunting organizations are seeking to remove a prominent hunter from the California Fish and Game Commission. Commission President Daniel Richards is under attack from the world’s largest anti-hunting group after legally hunting a mountain lion in Idaho.
“This is a clear attempt by anti-hunting organizations to use the fact that Mr. Richards is a hunter to have him fired,” said Walter “Bud” Pidgeon, Jr., U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO.
Recently, a picture of Mr. Richards’ successful mountain lion hunt in Idaho was posted online prompting HSUS and other anti-hunting organizations to call for him to be removed from his position. Those radical anti-hunting groups have been calling the California Fish and Game Commission and state lawmakers seeking to have Richards fired. In fact, a number of state legislators have sent a letter asking for Richards’ resignation.
Although mountain lion hunting is not permitted in California, it is legal in Idaho where Richards hunted. Despite acknowledging this fact, Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO has been quoted by news outlets stating, “[i]t’s not illegal. But he’s thumbed his nose at the people of California. He’s supposed to be representing the interests of all California citizens. It seems like such a tone-deaf action. What part of ‘no’ doesn’t he understand?”
Sportsmen help is needed to fend off this blatant anti-hunting attack.
“There is nothing illegal or unethical about hunting mountain lions or any other game animal simply because one state allows it and another does not. They are simply trying to use any excuse possible to remove hunters from the Fish and Game Commission. Sportsmen need to show their strong support for Mr. Richards by contacting their elected officials and the Fish and Game Commission today.”
Take Action! Sportsmen need to call their state legislators in support of Commissioner Richards TODAY. Tell them to keep anti-hunting politics out of wildlife conservation. To find your state legislators’ contact information, visit USSA’s Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.
Sportsmen can also voice their support for Commissioner Richards with the California Fish and Game Commission via phone at (916) 653-4899 or by email at fgc@fgc.ca.gov.
