Commission Votes Down Expansion of Lead Ban
At their August 6th hearing, the California Fish and Commission voted 4-1 not to expand a ban on lead ammunition for the taking of small and upland game in the range of the California Condor. COHA President, Bill Gaines, provided testimony at the hearing, noting that the best available science simply did not call for an expansion. Click here for more information.

Liberal Waterfowl Regs Approved by the Commission:
The California Fish and Game Commission voted 5-0 to approve the 2009/10 waterfowl hunting regulations package proposed by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), creating some of the most liberal waterfowl hunting regulations seen in California in decades.  California Outdoor Heritage Alliance and California Waterfowl Association (CWA) staff spoke at the hearing in favor of DFG's proposal, which most notably includes an increase in the pintail limit to two birds.  Liberalization of the pintail limit has been actively sought by CWA after years of unreasonably restrictive regulations on that species.
 
In addition to the pintail increase, the limits for scaup, hen mallards, and canvasback were increased by one bird each from last year's regulations. Goose limits also continue to be generous, with special late season hunts again authorized for the North Coast and Imperial Valley.  With the notable exception of the Northeast Zone, most waterfowl hunters will also enjoy a regular season extending until January 31st--the latest allowable date under federal regulations.  For the regulations by zone see CWA website.
 
Gustafson Resigns Commission Seat, Benninghoven Appointed
On Friday, July 31st, Cindy Gustafson resigned from the California Fish and Game Commission. Gustafson had served on the five member regulatory body since her appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger in June 2005, and was elected President earlier this year. On Tuesday, August 4th, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Donald Benninghoven, 76, of Santa Barbara, to fill the Commission seat vacated by Gustafson. Click here for more information