Wildlife Commissioner taking heat for a legal cougar hunt

[bearpaw]

I thought some of the H-W members may like to add a comment to this San Jose Newspaper story where everyone is bashing the Commissioner for doing a legal cougar hunt in Idaho. I think we should help out a fellow hunter..... 

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_19992359?source=rss



Random Reader Comments:

Kristen Ivey
I'm sorry but hunting for sport is NOT a worthwhile activity no matter who you are or where you're from. If you find the slaughter of innocent animals "doing as you please" then you're just as disgusting and idiotic as he is and are probably one of those that tie firecrackers to puppies and set them off!


Mano de Nada · Top Commenter
He did nothing illegal, he did plenty stupid in terms of his position and perception, and he deserves all the backlash he gets, and then some. Actually it's neurotic jerks who think hunting animals for pleasure is admirable that need to get a life; because taking life for enjoyment is a sick affliction.


Chris Cameron · Executive Director at Camp Ocean Pines
I don't know Richards or his record, but if he followed the laws, this shouldn't be a story. If the head of CHP follows the speed limit in CA, I don't think he should loose his job if he is clocked going 120 mph on the German autobahn.


Mano de Nada · Top Commenter
Nothing wrong with the president of Fish & Game trophy hunting protected animals in other states? Nothing illegal unfortunately, but still incredibly stupid. Obviously a person in a leadership position with the department that enforces prop 117 in CA should not flaunt killing mountain lions elsewhere, especially for pleasure. Furthermore it was a canned hunt at a corporate ranch, he wasn't defending anything and the only thing he was feeding was his ego; he may think he's primal man, but to the vast majority of wilderness lovers he looks like a complete and shallow joke. If that was his life long dream he should do us all a favor and just stop sleeping. That kind of person cannot accurately, with integrity, represent CA or the law; much like having a gambling addict as district attorney. How can he honestly weigh the delicate balance of differing legitimate interests, hunters and nature lovers included, if he's so beholden to only one position? He should find a day job more in line with his beliefs and interests.
Then he should go hunting with Dick Cheney.


Katherine McGill · Top Commenter
OMG, this guy is a complete crook and exactly what F&G agencies today do NOT need in positions of any power today.

Gov Brown made exceptions for museums? Folks, take a closer look at these so-called "museums". They are remote semi-private sportsmen trophy lodges and nothing more, seriously!

And WHY can a Gov'r appoint these whack jobs yet not remove them from the position? That is messed up. TELL YOUR LEGISLATORS you want our wildlife back - before they agree to other funding sources with NO changes. Hunting may continue but these agencies need to clean up their act, do it soundly, and cut the crap that goes on - activities that have ZERO to do with conservation at all. And please, also has ZERO to do with taking guns, or letting Bambi starve, yadda yada... step away from the Kool-aid already.

Maybe your F&G agency doesn't care about your opinions (and never has), but the legislators who care about your votes will, and -- IF THEY HEAR FROM YOU -- they will think twice before they soon grant "wildlife conservation" any more tax revenue funding (because hunting revenue is declining and these single-track minded leaders refuse to evolve).

[WAcoyotehunter]

done.  so many tree huggers there...

[bobcat]

That was entertaining, no doubt! I made a couple of short comments, but it looks like a few "normal" people have things under control over there. It's ridiculous the way some of those people think.

They say it was a canned hunt. They talk about how it was killed on a ranch and the outfitter there advertises using bait for bear hunting. OK, but this wasn't a bear hunt. 

They don't like that he paid money for a "guaranteed" hunt. They keep saying how they don't agree with "sport hunting" and not eating the animals that hunters kill. Well, I wonder how they know the meat from this cat wasn't saved for human consumption? They don't. Maybe it wasn't but they don't know that.

They say this commissioner is thumbing his nose at the laws of California. How? He didn't hunt in California, he hunted in Idaho where it is legal. What a bunch of morons! I think it's a waste of time trying to reason with people like that.

[bearpaw]

Bottom line is they are trying to make a big deal out of it so they can get the guy forced off the CA wildlife Commission. He is a hunter and the greenies want him replaced by an aquarium biologist who probably doesn't hunt.

[BOWHUNTER45]

thanks for that one BearPaw  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!  done !

[pianoman9701]

My comment's in there. Thanks BP.

[bobcat]

I guess I'll have to go back and read the comments again, now that a couple people from here have posted comments there.

And again, I must say I can't believe how many morons there are in California. Although I am sure we have plenty of the same type of people right here in Washington.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Man I am peeeesed  they took all the comments off....I have had it with this sheet ...the only people that can speak on these type issues is the antis .....

[bobcat]

Now I really need to go look! You've got to be kidding?

[BOWHUNTER45]

NO I am not kidding . but there is another link you can go to and leave a comment ...it goes off to say how he has went against the voters of Cal. Knowing they voted on no killing cougars  he killed it in Idaho but they say it does not matter he portrayed them by killing the cougar ....what a bunch of freakin freaks !!!

[BOWHUNTER45]

I give up ....now it is back up again ..... these computers 

[BOWHUNTER45]

Hey can you guys go back to this link and see if your comment is still there.... I think they are taking off the ones they do not like ....Just curious ! thanks

[pianoman9701]

My comment is still there. You have to keep opening the "more posts" link at the bottom of the page.

[BOWHUNTER45]

My comment is still there. You have to keep opening the "more posts" link at the bottom of the page.

Does not surprise me 

[pianoman9701]

My comment is still there. You have to keep opening the "more posts" link at the bottom of the page.

Does not surprise me 

I don't think it's an intentional hiding. I think it's to keep the page loading more quickly. The additional posts appear to be in order and from both sides of the issue.

[Curly]

With the amount of morons in CA, I almost wouldn't mind just giving CA to Mexico.....(at least So. CA).  The state of CA is bankrupt and it is obvious that it is because the majority of voters down there are a bunch of idiots.

[huntrights]

I attempted to leave a comment last night.  The web site appeared to accept it, but my comment is nowhere to be found.  Have others been successful?

Here is a link to an article from the U.S. Sportsmens Alliance. 

http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=3004&erid=11039021&trid=f81f4f8e-3ed6-4eae-af52-eba5743123fc

"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."

[BOWHUNTER45]

This guy needs our help .... could not find a link so go to :

                WWW.KEEP AMERICA FISHING.ORG
SIGN THE ON LINE PETITION .......

[FC]

Some extraordinarily clueless idiots commenting there.

[dreamingbig]

This made the WSJ today.  It sounds like he can be removed with a resolution passed through the legislature.  Unfortunatey I feel like he is going to get pushed out.  Not right at all! 

[FC]

This made the WSJ today.  It sounds like he can be removed with a resolution passed through the legislature.  Unfortunatey I feel like he is going to get pushed out.  Not right at all! 

It's theoretically possible yes but if you look at all those comments you will see the same few flapping their keyboards repeatedly while a lot of people who have more realistic views are answering them.

[dreamingbig]

I hear you but the article states, "A resolution to remove Mr. Richards was being drafted in the Democratic controlled assembly on Thursday and could be acted on next week... ....the legislature has the power to remove them on a simple majority vote."

They even included a picture of him with the dead cougar.  It is on A2 bottom left so fairly prominent.

[Wenatcheejay]

The HSUS is behind the this drive to unseat him. They say it will move their eco-agenda.

It has nothing to do with what he did, it has everything to do with politics.

HSUS kills 95% of the animals in it's trust. The Wildlife Agency IN California kills 100's of cougars a year. But, that is good.

He hunts lawfully in Idaho and that is bad. 

Yep, that's about right. I know if I would just take up pot I would understand the logic. Alas, I don't, and I just don't understand. 

The real goal here should be to get States to reclassify HSUS as an Animal Euthanasia Organization.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Found this in a Sacramento Bee article supportive of the commissioner.

“This is the same Legislature that didn’t react when one of its members was caught by police with a prostitute in his car, parked alongside a busy Los Angeles highway, or when another crashed her state-issued car while driving recklessly, injuring two people.

“More recently, this is the same Legislature that didn’t respond when a member was nailed for shoplifting, or when another carried a loaded pistol into an airport security checkpoint.

“As for (Lt. Gov. Gavin) Newsom, a politician who had an affair with his top campaign aide’s wife shouldn’t moralize.”

[400out]

 

[Knocker of rocks]

Wow, you'd think the the legislature would have more important things to worry about.

I think it's weird that the state can make possession of cougar parts killed after 1990 illegal.  That doesn't seem like it would hold up in court, if the cougar was legally killed in another state.

This also suprised me

Mountain lion hunting in California was first banned by Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1972 in five-year increments. It was outlawed permanently when California voters passed Proposition 117 in 1990.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Things have taken a new twist.  I guess he didn't pay for the cougar hunt worth $6800, the ranch gave it to him gratis.  Because of this someone has filed an ethics complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission.  CA state officials are not allowed to accept more that $420 in gifts per year.

[bobcat]

Things have taken a new twist.  I guess he didn't pay for the cougar hunt worth $6800, the ranch gave it to him gratis.  Because of this someone has filed an ethics complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission.  CA state officials are not allowed to accept more that $420 in gifts per year.

Now that is interesting. I wonder why they would give it to him for free? What was in it for them? Doesn't make any sense. I guess now they really do have a somewhat legitimate complaint against him, if that is true.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Here's an article with some more info about the hunt
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/02/BA221NFBVG.DTL

[bobcat]

OK, after reading that it doesn't sound to me like it was a "gift". He was there anyway as a paying customer, hunting birds and shooting clay pigeons, and he just went along on a cougar hunt, and was the shooter. If he hadn't been there they would have chased that cat and killed it anyway. He doesn't even get to bring it home. So I don't see what he has gained. But they will probably be able to spin this the right way and get rid of him. Too bad we can't get him here on our fish & wildlife commission as some have already said.

[bearpaw]

This made the WSJ today.  It sounds like he can be removed with a resolution passed through the legislature.  Unfortunatey I feel like he is going to get pushed out.  Not right at all! 

It's theoretically possible yes but if you look at all those comments you will see the same few flapping their keyboards repeatedly while a lot of people who have more realistic views are answering them.

Very True....

Keep the comments going in for him.....

[Sumpnneedskillin]

OK, after reading that it doesn't sound to me like it was a "gift". He was there anyway as a paying customer, hunting birds and shooting clay pigeons, and he just went along on a cougar hunt, and was the shooter. If he hadn't been there they would have chased that cat and killed it anyway. He doesn't even get to bring it home. So I don't see what he has gained. But they will probably be able to spin this the right way and get rid of him. Too bad we can't get him here on our fish & wildlife commission as some have already said.

I read it the same way.  I think you are right that they will get the spin going and going and going and then can him.  However, this guy may have the fight in him to challenge it in court.  If he decides to do that he may wind up with a lot of financial help from around the country.

[huntrights]

Below is a sample communication that can be written to all of our representatives, including the President and the California Fish and Game Commission.  It is very fast and easy through the U.S. Sportsman's Alliance website:

Link to U.S. Sportsman's Alliance article:
http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=3004&erid=11039021&trid=f81f4f8e-3ed6-4eae-af52-eba5743123fc

Excerpt from article:
"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."

Sample communication:

"I am writing to clearly voice my solid support for Commissioner Richards, with the California Fish and Game Commission, who participated in a legal mountain lion hunt in Idaho. The arrogant and blatant anti-hunting attack on Commissioner Richards by some of the California State Legislature representatives and radical anti-hunting organizations shows how out of control the management of our wildlife populations has become.  Anti-hunting politics and radical anti-hunting organizations absolutely must be kept out of wildlife management and conservation decision making.  Wildlife management and conservation must be based only on valid, unbiased science and research, NOT on radical anti-hunting sentiment and emotionally based propaganda disseminated by anti-hunting organizations.

Voters in California voted for a hunting ban on mountain lions based on emotion and anti-hunting sentiment; it had nothing to do with science-based wildlife management or conservation.  The same types of manipulations of wildlife management are happening in the state of Washington and other states.  Perhaps it is good that the anti-hunting legislators and anti-hunting organizations have shown their true radical and controlling nature.

I am writing to respectfully ask that legislation be written and enacted on national, state, and local levels that will ensure wildlife management and conservation is based only on valid, unbiased science and research.  Anti-hunting politics and emotionally-based voter initiatives absolutely cannot be allowed to control wildlife management decisions and conservation.  Outrageous attacks like what is happening to Commissioner Richards clearly shows that there is a need for such legislation at all levels.

Thank you."

[bearpaw]

thanks for the info, messages sent to my legislators

[Wenatcheejay]

Thanks JS, letter sent. 

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Done!!

[Sumpnneedskillin]

The CA F&G Commission is having a meeting today.  Just got an update from one of the Socal boards that the meeting is standing room only.  It also appears that there are several tv cameras there too.

[bearpaw]

I read a recent story on my email that he is getting lots of support from sportsmen, good job to everyone who has written.... 

[pianoman9701]

From the US Sportsmen's Alliance just now:


"HSUS Demands Payment for Support
3/9/12

 

There’s no denying that California’s Department of Fish and Game has become increasingly cozy with the Humane Society of the United States.  In 2009 the radical animal rights group “donated” $5,000 to help feed game warden search dogs. The group also pledged an additional $2,500 to the Cal TIP line (a special line to report poaching) to help combat poaching. And HSUS donated deer decoys to California that were used to catch poachers.  Of course there is a price to pay for collaborating with the world’s largest anti-hunting organization.  In their publications, HSUS refers to the apprehended poachers as hunters.

Just to be certain you understand this growing connection between HSUS and California, and see the results, California Dept. of Game and Fish Chief of Law Enforcement Nancy Foley wrote this in 2009: "California's wildlife and habitat are under severe pressure," penned Foley. "We are very grateful for the support from The Humane Society of the United States for our efforts to combat the scourge of poaching and look forward to developing a lasting partnership."

Hunters know better.  They are fully aware of HSUS’ real agenda to ban hunting, and recognize that their ploys are a means to sanitize their image to fool people.

Now it seems that HSUS is demanding payment for the more than 7,500 favors (dollars) it bestowed on California. The HSUS wants Commissioner Daniel Richards fired for taking personal vacation and legally—and successfully—hunting mountain lions in Idaho. Daniel Richards is the current president of California’s five-member Fish and Game Commission.

On February 22, 2012 Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO, blogged that, “Richards should step down and make way for an appointee who balances the diverse interests of the people of California―who want something more than a lion hunter in the lead.”

Perhaps Pacelle really wants Richards to step down and make way for someone who follows HSUS views and does not hunt—anything, anywhere.

Apparently HSUS feels that its financial investment in the California Department of Fish and Game gives the organization the political clout to determine whether a hunter can continue to manage a department that is charged to manage all wildlife—and hunting, trapping,  and fishing.   

The ranting by Pacelle continued again on March 2 when he blogged: “The NRA and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance are bellyaching that Richards is being unfairly targeted for a legal hunt.”   Mr. Pacelle has us dead right there.  The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance will always stand up for the rights of America’s hunters and anglers.  And we’re not alone in this fight.  In addition to the NRA, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club International, Masters of Foxhounds, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and many, many more organizations have all lent their support to Commissioner Richards.     

The bottom line is that HSUS has declared open season on wildlife professionals who hunt.  And we can’t just take that lying down.  And neither should any other hunter.  HSUS has already hoodwinked half of California’s state legislature to call for Commissioner Richard’s head.  California sportsmen should contact their state assemblymen and state senators in support of his right to hunt, right now.

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

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Looks like they are changing tactics.  Instead of trying to remove him they're going to change the way the commission does business.  They vote in May to change the way the President of the commission is selected.  Instead of seniority it will be by vote so it looks like the antis will get their person as president of the CA F&G commission.  The president determines the agenda and speaks for the commission.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/localnews/ci_20134520/wildlife-official-caught-mountain-lion-controversy-may-be