For Immediate Use Contact: Garrison Frost, (510) 601-1866, Ext. 225
October 12, 2009

Sacramento, CA – Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature on a new anti-poaching law that creates tough new penalties for violators signals a new seriousness about the protection of the state’s precious birds and wildlife, said representatives of Audubon California today.

Assembly Bill 708, authored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman, recently passed through both houses of the State Legislature without a single no vote. The bill installs tough penalties for the illegal taking of birds and other wildlife well over what the law allows, as well as poaching for profit and intentionally torturing wildlife. It also allows the State Department of Fish and Game to revoke the license of the worst offenders.

“We are pleased that the Governor and the Legislature has moved quickly to address the real and growing threat of poaching to California birds and other wildlife,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “This law is an important tool that our wardens will have in combating this shocking trend.”

Audubon California began pushing for new legislation to increase penalties for violations after learning late last year of an alarming upswing in poaching incidents. AB 708 quickly gained widespread support from both sides of the aisle, as well as an array of conservation and hunting organizations, wardens, and law enforcement officials.

The bill landed on Schwarzenegger’s desk just months after the California Department of Fish & Game declared 2008 “The year of extreme poaching.” This designation was typified by the arrest of a Gilroy hunter who had in his possession more than 300 bird carcasses – way over the legal limit – including protected species such as Sandhill Crane and Tundra Swan.

The rise in extreme poaching matches that of poaching overall. Violations rose from 6,538 in 2003 to 17,840 in 2007. The trend has hit waterfowl particularly hard, with sensitive species of geese and ducks the most at risk.

“Californians take their natural treasures seriously, and they shouldn’t tolerate anyone undermining protections for wildlife in this callous manner,” said Huffman, who also chairs the Assembly’s Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee. “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 deterrents in A.B. 708 are particularly important because the state has so few resources for enforcement. California currently has only about 200 active-duty Fish and Game wardens to patrol the state’s 100 million acres. These wardens do courageous work, but their efforts aren’t matched by the state’s poaching laws, which are among the weakest in the country.

“This legislation sends a message to poachers that the days of pillaging California's wildlife are over,” said San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris. “We must take aggressive action to hold poachers accountable and ensure swift and certain consequences for those who harm our environment. Preserving the natural resources of this state is important for all Californians.”

“This bill will assist our county in controlling the egregious poaching incidents which have overwhelmed law enforcement personnel and which threaten lawful hunting and fishing,” said Michael L. Ramsey, district attorney of Butte County. “Today, the remote possibility of being caught and insufficient fines make continued poaching a low risk activity for those violators who are willing to pay a small fine and a minor misdemeanor conviction.”

“The cost of violations is low to the offender and high to the citizens whose lawful hunting and fishing opportunities are reduced,” said Lawrence Allen, district attorney of Sierra County. “This bill is clearly, and without question, in the best interests of the citizens of this state.”

About Audubon California 
Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect birds and nature. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 49 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.