- I know we don't have a lot of trappers but it is important that we support. This is one of the most controversial subject in this state. Some might already know in 2013, AB 1213, Bobcat Protection Act was put into place.
This bill would enact the Bobcat Protection Act of 2013, which would, beginning January 1, 2014, make it unlawful to trap any bobcat, or attempt to do so, or to sell or export any bobcat or part of any bobcat taken in the area surrounding Joshua Tree National Park, as specified. The bill would require the commission to amend its regulations to prohibit the trapping of bobcats adjacent to the boundaries of each national or state park and national monument or wildlife refuge in which bobcat trapping is prohibited, as specified. The bill would require the commission, commencing January 1, 2016, to consider whether to prohibit bobcat trapping within, and adjacent to, preserves, state conservancies, and any other public or private conservation areas identified to the commission by the public as warranting protection, and to amend its regulations accordingly, as specified.
So the F&G Commission asked the Fish and Wildlife Department to come back with recommendations. Director Donham (Fish and Wildlife Director) came back with department recommendation which were to make two bobcat trapping zones, one North and one South. His recommendation came from the last 10 years of bobcat trapping history and where majority of trapping was done. He said in his letter it would be easier creating two zones because creating all of the individual boundaries would be a huge task for the department staff.
So this would mean the current few people that trap in San Diego would no longer have this ability. You can look at the maps I attached and see for yourself. Any future trapping would be banned in all areas except the north and south zone. A ban is not what the legislation was intending. We know this is what the anti's have asked for many times over the last year.
So I am trying to connect with out local Representatives of our county. We need letters in support of SB 457 from County Supervisors and other leaders that represent San Diego. San Diego would be in the banned area for bobcat trapping if the DRAFT BOBCAT TRAPPING ZONES is accepted. Trapping has a long recreational history and our future of trapping will be stopped in San Diego. I need letters in support of SB 457 (Nielsen) Bobcat Protection Act of 2013. I have attached SB-457 for you to read and it will be heard in the legislation on April 14th.
I am giving you this information because it is important that everyone understands and are involved. Even though they aren't looking for letters from hunters, we still need to be aware of the issues. We need our county reps to support our recreation. We are the constituents that put them in office.
**********I am attaching the Senate Bill 457 which we support.
**********Attached is also the Draft Bobcat Trapping Zones maps (if you look at it, San Diego would be banned)
Director Bonham letter with recommendations
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2014/dec/Exhibits/14_1_DFW_Memo_Bobcat.pdf
Bobcat Zones
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2014/dec/Exhibits/14_2_BobcatZoneMap100714.pdf
Nelson SB457 (we support)
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/sen/sb_0451-0500/sb_457_bill_20150225_introduced.pdf
- I know we don't have a lot of trappers but it is important that we support. This is one of the most controversial subject in this state. Some might already know in 2013, AB 1213, Bobcat Protection Act was put into place.
