Sportsmen Stop California Anti-Hunting Bill
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Helping You Get the Most From Your Hunting Dogs


Sportsmen Stop California Anti-Hunting Bill





Grassroots action by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and California outdoorsmen has blocked a bill that threatens hunting dog competitors and field coursers.

Assembly Bill 2110, which will make open field coursing competitions illegal, did not move out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 25. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-El Cerrito, failed to garner enough support among the committee members, which prevented the bill from reaching the Assembly floor.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) invested thousands of dollars on a series of mailings and e-mail alerts to sportsmen in key legislative districts. The USSA supporters were urged to turn the heat up on assembly members who had not committed to protecting sportsmen’s interests by opposing AB 2110. In addition, the USSA hired a lobbyist who helped identify legislators that sportsmen needed to target with calls.

The Masters of Foxhounds Association of America and the United Kennel Club also sent mailings to their California members in specific legislative districts, alerting them to the dangers of AB 2110. They were urged to call lawmakers and describe the bill’s impact on sportsmen and its financial impact to local law enforcement.

Grassroots action by members of California Houndsmen for Conservation and field coursing and falconry groups were also essential in stopping the damaging bill. The California Waterfowl Association also lobbied against the bill.

A measure of victory was achieved earlier when Hancock amended the bill to remove the original language that would have made vulnerable to prosecution all who hunt with dogs and pet owners whose dogs have run-ins with backyard wildlife.

Take Action! California sportsmen should contact the members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and thank them for opposing AB 2110. Let them know that sportsmen appreciate their support. To find your legislator, call (916) 319-2856 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

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