CALIFORNIA – The California Fish and Game Commission is taking public comment, May 15, on potential restrictions to the unlimited killing of coyotes in California.
In February, the commission received a recommendation from the Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) to remove coyotes from the broad take provisions while maintaining coyote sport hunting opportunities.
“Broad take provisions” refer to regulations that allow certain nongame mammals, such as coyotes, to be hunted or killed at any time of year and in unlimited numbers.
The committee recommendation means changing California’s rules to stop unlimited coyote killings.
Coyotes significantly impact cattle operations
The upcoming discussion will explain coyote management laws, address community needs, identify issues, and work with stakeholders to find solutions and fix rule inconsistencies.
Rural counties and farm associations voiced their concerns about the rule change.
California Cattlemen’s Association said it strongly opposes any effort to remove coyotes from the broad take provisions.
“Coyotes significantly impact cattle operations, stressing herds, disrupting calving patterns, and killing calves. To protect livestock, ranchers must not merely be reactive (taking coyotes which prey upon livestock), they must often be proactive in managing coyote populations to prevent harm to livestock,” said the association.
They go on to say removing coyotes from the provision risks significant harm to California’s livestock producers.
Indiscriminate coyote killings can be counterproductive
Project Coyote, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of wild carnivores, supports the rule change and urges the commission to move forward with the rule making.
“Decades of scientific research demonstrate that indiscriminate lethal control of coyotes does not reduce their populations or mitigate human-wildlife conflict,” said the nonprofit.
They say instead, it can be counterproductive, disrupting social structures, increasing breeding, and exacerbating conflicts.
The WRC noted that it isn’t considering new rules for coyote depredation permits or reclassifying coyotes as game species. Such changes would require action by the California State Legislature.
Accepting public comment
The commission is accepting public comment on the rule change May 15 at 10:00 a.m. either online or in-person at the Natural Resources Headquarters Building located at 715 P Street, Second Floor in Sacramento.
For more information visit https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=230942&inline
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