California's anti-poaching laws, among the softest in the country, just got some extra teeth.
Assembly Bill 708, which garnered widespread support among conservation groups, hunting organizations and game wardens, was recently signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after clearing both houses of the state Legislature without a single "no" vote.
Written by Assembly Member Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, the law establishes tougher penalties for the illegal taking of state wildlife. It also allows the Department of Fish and Game to revoke hunting licenses of the worst offenders.
The movement to strengthen California's anti-poaching laws began soon after the department declared 2008 "the year of extreme poaching." There were several egregious poaching cases that year, including a Gilroy man found to be in possession of more than 300 bird carcasses, far above the legal limit.
From 2003 to 2007, statewide poaching violations surged from 6,538 to 17,840, even though California has the lowest per capita ratio of game wardens of all 50 states. (California has about 200 active-duty wardens. By comparison, Florida has about 750.)
"Californians take their natural treasures seriously, and they shouldn't tolerate anyone undermining protections for wildlife in this callous manner," Huffman said in a news release.
"We've taken great care to draft legislation that offers strong deterrents for poaching without detracting from the enjoyment of responsible hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts."
The new law establishes a minimum fine of $5,000 and up to a year in county jail for first-time offenders found to be in possession of triple the daily bag or possession limits of any wildlife species. The minimum fine is doubled for second-time offenders, who can also face a lifetime hunting ban and are subject to asset forfeiture.
Existing laws did not set a minimum fine for any poaching violation.
"We just felt the penalties in the old law were not providing the proper deterrent," said Dan Taylor, Audubon California's public-policy director. "This will give wardens the tool they need to combat poaching."
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