SCI Challenges California Mountain Lion Import Ban

by
posted on August 8, 2014
gunclub2015_fs.jpg (26)

undefinedOn Aug. 6, 2014, Safari Club International filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California challenging a California law, enacted in 1990 through voter initiative, which bans the importation, transportation and possession of mountain lions hunted outside California.

“Back in 1990, ill-informed California voters decided it was a good idea to take the management of this predator species out of the hands of the wildlife professionals,” said SCI President Craig Kauffman. “Not only did they ban mountain lion hunting within the state, but they went further and tried to impose on other states their misguided views on mountain lion hunting.”

The result? California hunters have been discouraged from hunting mountain lions ever since, regardless where such hunting might occur. SCI claims the import/possession ban violates the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it “infringes on interstate commerce without serving a strong local interest and it discriminates against hunters who wish to import mountain lions as compared to hunters of other wildlife that is not protected.”

SCI members in California and in surrounding states encouraged SCI to challenge the ban. Perhaps at least one recent event, as reported by American Hunter, was on their minds. Back in 2012, the president of the California Fish and Game Commission was forced from his post due to citizen backlash in response to his legal hunt and subsequent killing of a mountain lion in Idaho.

Latest

Draper Shooting S20 Hunter
Draper Shooting S20 Hunter

#SundayGunday: Sako S20 Hunter

Get a closer look at the Sako S20 Hunter, the latest addition to our #SundayGunday series.

Local Legends: Why Butch and Harold Still Prowl the Big Woods

The experience of two Vermont hunters shows it’s never too late to find a new hunting partner.

Non-Toxic Shot Roundup

Contributor Mike Roux discusses the ins and outs of non-toxic shot with his audience.

First Look: Garmin GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE Handheld GPS Units

Whether you want a high-tech hunting device that’s loaded with sophisticated features or simply need an easy-to-use GPS to avoid getting lost in the woods, Garmin’s new handhelds have you covered.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates $25,000 to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Henry Repeating Arms has announced a donation of $25,000 to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as part of its $1 million silver anniversary pledge and the company’s commitment to safeguarding America’s outdoors and hunting traditions.

Hardware: CVA Cascade XT

The new XT (X-Treme) is CVA’s precision-oriented rifle in the company’s popular Cascade rifle series, and boasts several features that make it an ideal multipurpose hunting rifle. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.