Support a 2nd Bear Tag in CA!

CDFW has released their final black bear conservation plan, and in response, CA BHA has submitted a resolution calling on the Fish & Game Commission to implement a 2nd bear tag.

Help advance bear hunting opportunities and science-based wildlife management in California by signing our petition here!

Event/Stewardship Updates:

Duck Camp:

In January, BHA volunteers gathered in Mendota for our annual Duck Camp. Birds were shot, stories were shared, and fun was had by all. If you couldn't make it, fear not: we will be hosting again in early 2026, so be on the lookout for the event announcement! 

San Gabriel Bighorn Sheep Survey:

BHA once again teamed up with the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep to help out biologists at the California Department of Fish & Wildlife in their annual survey of the growing bighorn sheep population in the San Gabriel mountains. 

Check out our event blog here!

State Policy Updates:

The California legislative session is in full swing, and BHA has worked publicly and behind the scenes to advance hunting opportunities, promote science-based management of public lands and wildlife, and prioritize wildlife connectivity and habitat continuity. Check out our stances and letters of support for the following bills: 
 

Supporting:

AB 427: This bill would remove the sunset date from the Habitat Conservation Fund, a critical source of funding for public lands conservation in California. We proudly joined several other organizations in a joint letter of support. 

AB 764: This bill would legalize the take of Mute Swans, an invasive species that can negatively impact native waterfowl habitat. 

AB 818: This bill introduces a pilot program in El Dorado County to humanely haze problematic mountain lions in an attempt to reduce lion-human conflict without lethal means. BHA proudly joined many of our partner organizations in signing a joint letter of support. 

AB 900: This bill would help streamline the prioritization of science-based management and reduce barriers to the stewardship of conserved lands in the state. 

AB 902: This bill provides a framework for regional transportation agencies to meaningfully prioritize wildlife connectivity in future transportation projects. 

AB 1038: This bill would allow for specific instances in which houndsmen may use dogs to pursue problem black bears in a non-lethal manner, helping to re-wild the species while protecting the public. 

AB 929: This bill would help secure water resources for managed wetlands and underserved communities. 

AB 1169: This bill would help strengthen the SHARE act, advancing opportunities for hunters across the state. 

Opposing:

AB 1316: This bill would require CDFW to distribute information about gun safety annually to all those who purchase hunting licenses. This information is redundant (hunter's education already distributes this information), but more concerningly, the funds for this would pull from dedicated conservation funding. 

Consider Becoming a CDFW-Certified Hunter Education Instructor (HEI):

CA BHA and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would like to invite you to become a volunteer hunter education instructor and enjoy the rewarding experience of certifying new hunters.

Here are some benefits:

• Broaden your social connections with those who share your interests while passing on the tradition.
• Become eligible for the chance to win the Open-Zone Deer Tag along with other exclusive opportunities.
• Receive special hunting gear discounts only offered to volunteer hunter education instructors.
• Feel the reward of passing on the hunting tradition and giving back to your community.

Becoming an instructor is as easy as completing this simple survey to get started!

Coordinator Update:

Joel Weltzien, CA BHA's Chapter Coordinator has been busy this spring advancing the organizations' goals across the state and in Washington. 

Joel was recently appointed to California's 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee (PCC) by California's Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Here, Joel is able to both ensure that California's 30x30 process includes the perspective of the hunting and angling community, and advocate for consumptive users to always have a seat at the table in our state's conservation practices. The PCC recently met with Secretary Crowfoot in Sacramento to discuss how to best meet California's conservation goals. 

Additionally, BHA's own Devin O'Dea, now our Western Conservation & Policy Manager, was recently invited to participate in a panel discussion with Secretary Crowfoot about the future of public land conservation in the state.

Listen to that conversation here!

Joel recently spent a week in Washington DC, talking with elected officials about the concerning recent mass firings at key federal land and wildlife management agencies, the sporting community's support for the conservation protections afforded to lands via the Antiquities Act, and the overwhelming public opposition to any proposals that involving the selling of public lands. 

Future Events:

Turkey Camp 2025!

Join BHA volunteers for our annual Turkey Camp! We will again be heading just outside of the newly expanded Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to have a weekend of learning, swapping stories, and chasing birds. 

Click here for more info and to RSVP!

Bay Area Trivia Night with CalTrout!

Come on down to Two Pitchers Brewing in Oakland on May 20th as CA BHA teams up with CalTrout to host a trivia night! We will have speakers, prizes, and a great setting to talk about fishing and conservation across California! 

RSVP Here!

Summer Desert Bighorn Survey 2025!

We are again partnering with our friends at the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS) and the California Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation (CA WSF) in aiding CDFW biologist in their annual survey of bighorn sheep in the Marble and South Soda mountains! We will be meeting for a planning session the evening of Saturday May 30th, and spending all the next day out glassing for sheep. 

Click here for more details and to RSVP!

BHA at Compton Youth Expo!

BHA will be again tabling at the CHFC Youth Expo in Compton on May 31st. This is a FREE event, but you must pre-register.