HomeMy WebLinkAboutFish and Game Notice 01.11.13 - Mammal Hunting RegsCOMMISSIONERS
Aaniel W. Richards, President
Upland
Michael Suttag, Vice Presideut
• Monterey
Tim Kellogg, Member
Discovery Bay
Richard Rogers, Member
5auta Barbara
.lack Baylis, Member
I.as Angeles
EDMUNA G BROWN, .IR.
u~ ' ~na
Governor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Fish and Game Commission
January 4, 2014
5onke Mastrup
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
1416 Nin[h ,Street
Box 944209
Sacramealo, C.4 94244-2090
(916) 653-4899
(916) 653-5040 Fax
FgcQ£gc.ca.gov
sc~o ol: s~~vl~s
,SAN t 1 20#3
aaa~u~,casoawu-
This is to provide you with a copy of the notice of proposed regu}atory action relative to
Amending Sections 354, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364 and 708, Title 14, California Code of
Regulations, relating to Mammal Hunting Regulations for the 2013-2014 season, which
are published in the California Regulatory Notice Register on January 4, 2013.
Please note the dates of the public hearings related to this matter and associated
deadlines far receipt of written comments.
Additional information and all associated documents may be found on the Fish and
Game Commission website at www.fgc.ca.go~.
Mr. Brad Burkholder, Department of Fish and Wildlife, phone (916) 445-1829, has
been designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed
regulations.
Sincerely,
~~~~
Jon D. Snellstrom
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
Attachment
TITLE 14. f=ish and Game Commission
Notice of Proposed Changes in Reginations
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fish and Game Commission {Commission), pursuant to the
authority vested by sections 200, 202, 203, 215, 219, 220, 331, 332, 460, 1050, 1572, 3452, 3453, 4302,
4334, 4902 and 10502; reference sections 200, 201, 202, 203, 203.1, 207, 210, 215, 219, 220, 331, 332,
458, 459, 460, 713, 1050, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1575, 2005, 3452, 3453, 3950, 3951, 4302, 4334, 4902,
10500 and 10502, Fish and Game Code; proposes to Amend Sections 354, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364 and
708, Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR}, relating to Mammal Hunting Regulations for the
2013-2014 season.
INFORMATIVE DIGESTS
Section 354
There have been recent changes in technology regarding equipment used for archery hunting. There is
currently an arrow developed and being used by hunters that has a Hock that emits light. This allows the
arrow to be seen better as it travels through the air and the ability to see the arrow path after it leaves the
bow is improved. This can assist the hunter in determining whether they accurately hit the intended
target. If the arrow hits an animal and it does not pass through the animal in a low light situation, the
hunter may be able #o see the lighted Hock attached to the animal and track the light to assist in finding a
dead or wounded animal and recovering the animal.
Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 2005 regulates the use of lights and gives the Fish and Game
Commission authority to regulate the use of lights while taking game. Wording in FGC 2005 makes it
illegal to use lights while #aking big game and other game under certain areas and situations. FGC
section 2005 allows the use of a lantern as long as the lantern does not cast a directional light. The intent
of FGC section 2005 is to not allow someone to cast a large directional beam of light while taking game.
It is illegal to waste game, and this technology will assist hunters in retrieving animals and therefore
decrease loss and waste. The regulation needs to be revised to add to the archery regulations that a
lighted Hock that does not send out a directional beam of light is a legal arrow.
Subsection 360{a)
Existing regulations provide for the number of license tags available for the A, B, C, and D Zones. This
regulatory proposal changes the number of tags for all existing zones to a series of ranges presented in
the table below. These ranges are necessary, as the final number of tags cannot be determined until
spring herd data are collected in MarchlApril. Because severe winter conditions can have an adverse
effect on herd recruitment and over-winter adult survival, final tag quotas may fall below the proposed
range into the "Low Kill" alternative ident'rfied in the 2007 Environmental Document Regarding Deer
Hunting. .
Minor editorial changes are necessary to provide consistency in subsection numbering, spelling,
grammar, and clarification.
Deer: § 360(a) A`B C, and D Zone Hunts
7'a 'Allocations
Zone Current. Pro .used
A 65,000 30,000-65,000
B .35,000 35,000-65,000
C 8,150 5,000-15,000
D3-5 33,000 30,000-40,000
D-6 10,000 6,000-16,000
D-7 9,000 4,000-10,000
D-s 8,ooa 5,ooa-1o,aoo
Deer: § 3GQ(a) A;..B, C,: and D Zone Hurtts
T Allocations'
Zone ` Current Pro osed
D-9 2,000 1,000-2,500
D-10 700 400-800
D-11 5,500 2,500-6,000
D-12 950 1 DO-1, 500
^-13 4,000 2,000-5,000
D-14 3,000 2,000-3,500
D-15 1,500 500-2,000
D-16 3,000 1,000-3,500
D-17 500 100-$00
D-19 1,500 500-2,000
Subsection 360(b)
Existing regulations provide for the number of hunting tags far the X zones. The proposal changes the
.number of tags for all existing zones to a series of ranges presented in the table below. These ranges
are necessary, as the final number of tags cannot be determined until spring herd data are collected in
MarchlApril. Because severe winter conditions can have an adverse effect on herd recruitment and over-
winter adult survival, fnal tag quotas may fall below the proposed range into the "Low Kill" alternative
ident~ed in the 2047 Environmental Document Regarding Deer Hun#ing.
Deer: `.§ 360(b) .X=Zone Hunts
Ta 'Allocations
ZorEe Cbr~ertt Pr•o aced
X-1 1,150 1,000-6,000
X-2 175 ~ 50-500
X-3a 310 100-1,200
X-3b 935 Z00-3, 000
X-4 385 100-1,200
X-5a 65 25-200
X-5b ~ 140 50-500
X-6a 325 100-1, 200
X-6b 315 100-1,200
X-7a 230 50-500
X-7b 140 25-200
X-8 240 100-750
X-9a 650 100-1,200
X-9b 325 100-600
X-9c 325 100-600
X-10 400 100-600
X-12 860 100-1,200
Subsection 360(c)
Existing regulations provide for the number of hunting tags in the Additional Hunts. The proposal
changes the number of #ags for all axis#ing hunts to a series of ranges as indicated in the table below.
The proposal provides a range of tag numbers for each hunt from which a final number will be
determined, based on the post-winter status of each deer herd. These ranges are necessary, as the final
number of tags cannot be determined until spring herd data are collected in MarchlApril. Due to this, the
fna[ recommended quotas may fall below the current proposed range into the "Low Kill" alterna#ive
identified in the 2007 Environmental Document Regarding Deer Hunting.
2
Existing regulations far Additional Hunts G-8 (Fort Hunter Liggett Antlerless Deer Hunt) and J-10 {s=ort
Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt) provide for hunting to begin on October 6 and con#inue
for three {3} consecutive days and reopen on October 13 and continue for two (2) consecutive days in
order to accommodate for Base operations and other hunt opportunities. The proposal would modify the
season to account for the annual calendar shift by changing the season opening dates to October 5 and
October 12 {far 2 and 3 consecutive days), respectively, in order to accommodate for Base operations.
Minor editorial changes are necessary to provide consistency in subsection numbering, spelling,
grammar, and clarification.
Deer: 36t1 c Additional Hunts Ta Allocations
Hunt Number and Title Current- ~ Proposed
G-1 Late Season Suck Hunt for Zone C-4 2,710 500-5,000
G-3 Goodale Buck Hunt 35 5-50
G-6 Kern River Deer Herd Buck Hunt 50 25-100
G-7 Beale Either-Sex Deer Hunt 20 Mili#ar * 20 Militar
G-8 (Fort Hunter Liggett Antlerless Deer Hunt} 10 Military* &
10 Public 10 Military * and
10 Public
G-9 Cam Roberts Ant[erless Deer Hunt 0 0
G-10 Cam Pendleton Either-Sex Deer Hunt 400 Milita * 400 MiGta *
G-11 {Vandenberg Either-Sex Deer Hunt) 500 Military *,
DOD and as
Au#horized by
the Installation
Commander ** 500 Military *,
DOD and as
Authorized by the
Installation
Commander **
G-12 Gra Lod a Shot un Either-Sex Deer Hunt 30 10-50
G-13 San Die o Antlerless Deer Hunt 300 50-300
G-19 Sutter-Yuba Wildlife Areas Either-Sex Deer Hunt 25 10-50
G-21 Ventana Wilderness Buck Hunt 25 25-100
G-37 Anderson Flat Buck Hunt 25 25-50.
G-3$ X-10 Late Season Buck Hunt 300 50-300
G-39 Round Valle Late Season Buck Hunt 5 5-150
M-3 Do le Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 20 10-75
M-4 Horse Lake Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 10 5-50
M-5 East Lassen Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 5 5-50
M-6 San Die o Muzzleloadin Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt 80 25-100
M-7 Ventura Muzzleloadin Rifle Either-Sex Deer Hunt 150 50-150
M-8 Bass Hill Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 20 5-50
M-9 Devil's Garden Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 10 5-900
M-19 Northwestern California Muzzleloadin Rifle Buck Hunt 20 20-200
MA-1 (San Luis 06ispo Muzzleloading RiflelArchery Either-Sex
Deer Hunt 150 20-150
MA-3 Santa Barbara Muzzleloadin RiflelArcher Buck Hunt 150 20-150
J-1 Lake Sonoma A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 25 10-25
J-3 Tehama Wildlife Area A rentice Buck Hunt 15 15-30
J-4 Shasta-Trinit A rentice Buck Hunt 15 15-50
J-7 Carson River A rentice Ei#her-Sex Deer Hunt 15 10-50
J-8 (Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area Apprentice Either-Sex Deer
Hunt 15 10-20
J-9 Little D Creek A rentice Shot un Either-Sex Deer Hunt 5 5-10
J-10 (Fort Hunter Liggett Apprentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt) 10 Military* &
75 Public 10 Military * and
75 Public
J-11 San Bernardino A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 40 10-50
J-12' Round Valle A rentice Buck Hunt 10 10-20
J-13 Las An eles A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hun# 40 25-100
3
Deer: 3fiD c Additional Hunts Ta Allocations
Hunt Number and Title Current Pro osed
J-14 Riverside A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 30 15-75
J-15 Anderson Flat A rentice Buck Hunt 10 5-30
J-16 (Bucks Mountain-Nevada City Apprentice Either-Sex Deer
Hunt 75 10.75
J-17 Blue Can on A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 25 5-25
J-18 Pacifc-Grizzl Flat A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 75 10-75
J-19 Zone X-7a A rentice 1=ither-Sex Deer Hunt 25 10-40
J-20 Zone X-7b A prentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 20 5-20
J-21 East Tehama A rentice Either-Sex Deer Hunt 50 20-80
* Specific numbers of fags are provided for military hunts fhrough a system which restricts hunfer
access fo desired levels and ensures biologically conservafive hunting programs.
** DOD = Department of Defense and eligible personnel as authorized by fhe installation
Commander.
Section 3fi1
Existing regulations provide for the number of hunting tags for existing area-specific archery hunts. The
proposal changes the number of tags for existing hunts to a series of ranges presented in the table below.
These ranges are necessary, as the final number of tags cannot be determined until spring herd data are
collected in MarchlApril. Because severe winter conditions can have an adverse effect on herd
recruitment and over-winter adult survival, final tag quotas may fall below the proposed range into the
"Low Kili" alternative identified in the 20071=nvironmental Document Regarding Deer Hunting.
Archery Deer Hunting:' § 361
Ta Alloca#ions
Hurit Numiber and Title Current Pro osed
A-1 C Zones Arche Onl Hunt 1,945 150-3,000
A-3 Zone X~1 Arche Hunt 125 50-1,000
A-4 Zone X-2 Archer Hunt 15 5-100
A-5 Zane X-3a Arche Hunt 40 10-300
A-6 Zone X-3b Arche Hunt 90 25-400
A-7 Zone X-4 Archer Hunt 140 25-400
A-8 Zone X-5a Arche Hunt 10 15-100
A-9 Zone X-5b Arche Wunt 5 5-100
A-11 Zane X-6a Arche Hunt 55 10-200
A~12 Zane X-6b Arche Hun# 110 10-200
A-13 Zone X-7a Arche Hunt 50 10-200
A-14 Zone X-7b Arche Hunt 25 5-100
A-15 Zone X-8 Arche Hunt 50 5-100
A-18 Zone X-9a Arche Hunt 140 50-500
A-17 Zone X-9b Arche Hunt 300 50-500
A-1$ Zone X-9c Arche Hunt 350 50-500
A-19 Zone X-10 Arche Hunt 120 25-200
A-20 Zone X-12 Arche Hunt 190 50-500
A-21 Anderson Flat Arche Buck Hunt 25 25-100
A-22 San Die o Arche Either-Sex Deer Hunt 1,000 200-1,500
A-24 Montere Arche Either-Sex Deer Hunt 100 25-200
A-25 Lake Sonoma Arche Either-Sex Deer Hunt 35 20-75
A-26 Bass Hill Arche Buck Hunt 30 10-100
A-27 Devil's Garden Arche Buck Hunt 5 5-75
A-30 Covelo Arche Buck Hunt 40 20-100
A-31 Los An eles Arche Either-Sex Deer Hunt 1,000 200-1,500
4
Archery Deer Hunting: § 361 -
Ta Allocations
Hunt Nurriber and Title Current Pro osed
A-32 (VenturalLos Angeles Archery Late Season Either- 250 50-300
Sex Deer Hunt
A-33 (Fort Hunter Liggett Late Season Archery Either- 25 Military* 25 Military* &
Sex Deer Hunt & 25 Public 25 Public
* Specific numbers of fags are provided for military hunts Through a system which restricts hunter
access fo desired levels and ensures biologically conservative hunting programs.
Section 362
The existing regulation provides for limited hunting of 27 Nelson bighorn rams in specified areas of the
State. The proposed change is intended to adjust the number of tags based on Department's annual
estimate of the population in the management unit. The number of tags allocated far each of the nine
hunt zones is based on the results of the Department's 2012 estimate of the bighorn sheep population in
each zone. Tags are proposed to ensure the take of no more than 15 percent of the mature rams
estimated in each zone. Final tag quota determinations will be completed by February of 2013 pending
completion of analyses.
The following proposed number of tags was determined using the procedure described in fish and Game
Code Section 4902:
MUNT ZONE NUMBER OF
TAGS
Zone 1 -Marble Mountains 1-4
Zone 2 -Kelso PeaklOld Dad Mountains 1-4
Zone 3 - ClarklKin stop Mountain Ran es 1-2
Zone 4 - Oroca is Mountains 1-2
Zone 5 -San Gor onio Wilderness 1-3
Zane 6 -Sheep Hole Mountains 1-2
Zane 7 -White Mountains 1-5
Zone 8 -South Bristol Mountains 1-3
Zone 9 -- Cad Mountains 1-4
O en Zane Fund-Raisin Ta 0~1
MarblelClipperlSouth Bristol Mountains Fund-Raising Tag 0-1
Kelso PeaklOld Dad Mountains Fund-Raising Tag 0-1
TOTAE. 9-32
Section 363
Existing regulations provide for the number of pronghorn antelope hunting tags for each hunt zone. This
proposed regulatory action would provide for tag allocation ranges for most hunt zones pending final tag
quota determinations based an winter survey results that should be completed by March of 2013. The
final tag quotas will provide for adequate hunting opportunities while allowing for a biologically appropriate
harvest of bucks and does in specific populations. The proposed 2013 tag alfaca#ion ranges for the hunt
zones are as set forth below.
5
201.3 Pronghorn Antelope -
Tag:Allocation Ranges.. .
Hunt Area Archery-Only
Season General Season
Period 1 Period ~2
Buck Doe Buck Doe Buck Doe
Zone 1 -Mount Dome 0-10 0-3 0-60 0-20 0 0
Zone 2 -Clear Lake 0-10 0-3 0-80 0-25 0 0
Zone 3- Likel Tables 0-20 0-7 0-150 0-50 0-130 0-50
Zone 4-Lassen 0-20 0-7 0-150 0-50 0-150 0-50
Zone 5- Bi Valle 0-15 0-5 0-150 0-50 0 0
Zone 6 -~ Sur rise 1%alle 0-10 0 0-25 0-7 0 0
Likely Tables Apprentice
Hunt
NIA
0-5 Either-Sex
0
Lassen A rentice Hunt NIA 0-15 Either-Sex 0
Bi Valle A rentice Hunt NIA 0-151=i#her-Sex 0
Surprise Valley Apprentice
Hunt
NIA
0-4 Either-Sex
0
Fund-Raisin Hunt NIA 0-10 Buck
Section 364
Existing regulations specify elk license tag quotas for each hunt. In order to maintain hunting quality in
accordance with management goals and objectives, it is periodically necessary to adjust quotas in
response to dynamic environmental and biological conditions. This proposed amendment modifies elk
tag numbers to ranges of tags to adjust for fluctuations in population numbers.
Periodic quota changes are necessary to maintain hunting quality in accordance with management goals
and objectives.
2D73 Pro osed Eik T Allocation
Hunt;Name and T pe` Bull Antlerless Bither-Sex Spike
Apprentice Hunts
Marble Mountains 0-4
Northeastern CA 0-4
Cache Creek 0-2
La Panza Period 1 0-2 0-2
Bisho Period 2 0-10 0-30
Grizzl Island Period 1 0-2 0-2
Grizzl Island Period 2 0-2
Fort Hunter Li ett P1 0-4
Fort Hunter Li ett P2 0-4
Fart Hunter Li ett P3 0-2
Arche Only Hunts
Northeastern California Arche On! 0-20
Owens Valle Multi le Zone Arche Oni 0-10 0-10
Lone Pine Arche Onl Period 1 0-10 0-30
Tinemaha Arche Onl Period 1 0-10 0-30
Whitne Arche Onl Period 1 0-10 0-30
Fort Hunter Li ett Arche Onl 0-10 0-6
Muzzleloader Onl Hunts
Bisho Muzzleloader Onl Period 1 0-10 0-30
Inde endence Muzzleloader Onl Period 1 0-10 0-10
6
9A~lR Prnnn¢nrl ilk Tan Allnr_ation I
Hunt Name-and T e Buil Antlerless Either-Sex S ike
Fork haunter Li ett Muzzieloader Onl 0-6
MuzzleloaderlArche Onl Hunts
Markle Mountains MuzzleloaderlArche Onl 0-10
General Roosevelt Elk Hunts
Siski ou 0-30 0-30
fdi La oon 0-10 0-10
Northwestern California 0-30
Klamath 0-20 0-20
De[ Norte 0-15 0-20
Marble Mountains 0-70 0-30
Genera! Rock Mountain Elk Hunts
Northeastern California 0-30 0-10
General RooseveltITule Elk Hunts
Mendocino 0-4 0-4
General Tule Elk Hunts
Cache Creek 0-4 0-4
La Panza Period 1 0-12 0-10
La Panza Period 2 0-12 0-12
13isho Period 3 0-10 0-30
Bisho Period 4 0-10 0-30
Bisho Period 5 0-10 030
Inde endence Period 2 0-10 0-30
Inde endence Period 3 0-10 0-30
Inde endence Period 4 0-10 0-30
Inde endence Period 5 0-10 0-30
Lane Pine Period 2 0-10 0-30
Lone Pine Period 3 0-10 0-30
Lone Pine Period 4 0-10 0-30
Lone Pine Period 5 0-10 0-30
Tiremaha Period 2 0-10 0-30
Tinemaha Period 3 0-10 0-30
Tinemaha Period 4 0-10 0-30
Tinemaha Period 5 0-10 0-30
West Tinemaha Period 1 0-10 0-30
West Tinemaha Period 2 0-10 0-30
West Tinemaha Period 3 0-10 0-30
West Tinemaha Period 4 0-10 0-30
West Tinemaha Period 5 0-10 0-30
Tinemaha Mountain Period 1 ~ 0-8
Tinemaha Mountain Period 2 0-8
Tinemaha Mountain Period 3 0-8
Tinemaha Mountain Period 4 0-8
Tinemaha Mountain Period 5 0-8
Whitne Period 2 0-4 0-10
Whitne Period 3 0-4 0-10
Whitne Period ~ 0-4 0-10
Whitne Period 5 0-4 0-10
Grizzl Island Period 1 0-3 0-12 0-6
Grizzi Island Period 2 0-3 0-12 0-6
Grizzl Island Period 3 0-3 0-12 0-6
Grizzl Island Period 4 0-2 0-12 0-6
Grizzl Island Period 5 0-2 0-12 0-6
Fort Hunter Liggett Period 1 - 0-16
2t)'13 Prv vsed EIk,T a Allocation
Hunt Name and T e Bull Aritfer[ess Either-Sex S Ike
Fort Hunter Li ett Period 2 0-14
Fort Hunter Li ett Period 3 0-14
East Park Reservoir 0-4 D-8
San Luis Reservoir 0-10 0-1 D D-10
Bear Valle 0-4 0-2
Lake Pillsbur - D-4 0-4
Santa Clara 0-4
Alameda 0-4
Fund Raisin Ta s
Multi-zone 1
Grizzl Island ~ 1
Owens Valle 1
Milita Qnl Ei[c Ta s
Fort Hunter Li ett Milita Earl Season 0-2 0-2
Fort Hunter Li ett Militar Period 1 0-16
Fort Hunter Li ett Milita Period 2 0-14
Fort Hunter Li ett Mlli#ar Period 3 0-14
Fort Hunter Li ett Militar A rentice Period 1 0-4
Fort Hunter Li ett Militar A rentice Period 2 D-4
Fort Hunter Li ett Milita A rentice Period 3 q-2
Fort Hunter Li ett Militar Arche Onl 0-10 0_g
Fort Hunter Li ett Milita Muzzleloader Onl 0-6
Section 7Q8
The purpose of this proposed change is to clarify that fund-raising tags are defined in Section 362 of Title
14, California Code of Regulations, and not in Section 708.9 of Ti#le 14; and to propose the Commission,
based an public input and Commission interest, consider increasing the maximum number of non-
residents general license tags from one to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the bighorn sheep tags
available.
Existing Section 708.9, Ti#le 14, California Cade of Regulations is inconsistent with fundraising tags
defined in Section 362 for bighorn sheep. Section 708.9 needs #o be updated to accurately reflect and
refer to the correct fund-raising tags available far bighorn sheep.
Existing Section 708.9, Title 14, Cali#ornia Code of Regulations limits the number of bighorn sheep
general license tags to non-resident hunters to one. The number of general license tags has increased
over the years and now averages 24 tags (when the regulation was established there were less than 5
general #ags issued annually). Non-resident general license tags have remained capped at one (1) so to
remain consisten# in the distribution of tags, there is a need to develop flexibility and allow more non-
resident general license tags as the number of tags change over #ime.
The benefits afi the proposed changes are to maintain or increase big game populations and #o ensure
their continued existence.
The Commission does not anticipate non-monetary benefits to the protection of public health and safety,
worker safety, the prevention of discrimination, the promotion of fairness or social equity and the increase
in openness and transparency in business and government.
The proposed regulations are neither inconsistent nor incompatble wi#h existing State regulations. No
other State agency has the authority to promulgate big game hunting regula#ions.
NOTICE iS GIVEN #hat any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, on all options
relevant to this action at a hearing to be held at a hearing #o be held in the Mt. Shasta Hatchery Museum,
#3 North Old Stage Raad, Mt. Shasta, California, on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 a# 8:30 a.m., or as soon
thereafter as the matter may be heard.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, on all
options relevant to this action at a hearing to be held at the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, 2777
Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, California, on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 8:30 a.m., or as soon
thereafter as the matter may be heard. It is requested, but not required, that written comments be
submitted on or before April 3, 2013 to be included in the Commissioners' briefing materials, at the
address given below, or by fax at (916) 653-5040, or by a-mail to FGCCa~fgc.ca~ov. Written comments
mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the Commission office, must be received before 12:00 noon on April
15, 2015 to be delivered by staff to the meeting; or be presented to Commission staff at the
meeting no later than the agenda item is heard on April 17, 2013, in Santa Rosa, CA. If you would
like copies of any modifications to this proposal, please include your name and mailing address.
The regulations as proposed in strikeout-underline format, as well as an initial statement of reasons,
including all information upon which the proposal is based (rulemaking file}, are on file and available for
public review from the agency represen#ative, Sonke Mastrup, Executive Director, Fish and Game
Commission, 1418 Ninth Street, Box 944209, Sacramento, Caffornia 94244-2090, phone {915) 653-
4899. Please direct requests for the above mentioned documents and inquiries concerning the regulatory
process to Sonke Mastrup ar Jon Snellstrom at the preceding address or phone number. Mr. Brad
Burkholder, Wildlife Branch, Department of IFish and Game, telephone (916) 445-1829, has been
designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed regulations. Copies of the
Initial Statement of Reasons, including the regulatory language, may be obtained from the address
above. Notice of the proposed action shall be pasted on the Fish and Game Commission website at
htto:llwww.fpc.ca.aov.
Availability of Modified Text
if the regulations adopted by the Commission differ from but are sufficiently related to the action
proposed, they will be available to the public for at least 15 days prior to the date of adoption.
Circumstances beyond the control of the Commission (e.g., timing of Federal regulation adoption, timing
of resource data collection, timelines do not allow, etc.) ar changes made to be responsive to public
recommendation and comments during the regulatory process may preclude full compliance with the 15-
day comment period, and the Commission will exercise its powers under Section 202 of the Fish and
Game Code. Regulations adopted pursuant to this section are not subject to the time periods for
adoption, amendment or repeal of regulations prescribed in Sections 11343.4, 11346.4 and 11346.8 of
the Government Code. Any person interested may obtain a copy of said regulations prior to the date of
adoption by contacting the agency representative named herein.
If the regulatory proposal is adopted, the final statement of reasons may be obtained from the address
above when it has been received from the agency program staff.
Im act of Re ulato ActianlResults of the Economic lm act Ana! sis
The potential for significant statewide adverse economic impacts that might result from the proposed .
regulatory action has been assessed, and the following initial determinations relative #o the required
statutory categories have been made:
(a) Significant S#a#ewide Adverse Economic Impact Directly Affecting Businesses, including the
Ability of California Businessmen to Compete with Businesses in O#her States.
The proposed action will not have a significant statewide adverse economic impact directly
affecting business, including the ability of California businesses to compete with businesses in
other states. This proposal is economically neutral to business:
(b) Impact on the Creation ar Elimination of Jobs Within the State, the Creation of New Businesses
or the Elimination of Existing Businesses, or the Expansion of Businesses in California, Benefits
9
of the Regulation to the Health and Welfare of California Residents, Worker Safety, and the
Sta#e's Environment:
The proposed upland game regulations will have positive impacts to jobs andlor businesses #hat
provide services to hunters in 2012-2093. The best available information is presented in the 2006
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife associated recreation for California, produced by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF1N5) and National Census Bureau, which is the mos#
recent survey completed. The report estimates tha# hunters spent about $659,366,000 on
hunting trip-related and equipment expenditures in California in 2006. Most businesses will
benefit from these regulations, and those that may be impacted are generally small businesses
employing few individuals and, like all small businesses, are subject to failure for a variety of
causes. Additionally, the long-term intent of the proposed regulations is to maintain or increase
game hun#ing populations, and subsequently, the long-term viabili#y of these same small
businesses.
The Commission anticipates benefits to the health and welfare of California residents. The
proposed regulations are intended to provide additional recreational opportunity to the public.
The Commission does not anticipate any non-monetary benefits to worker safety.
The Commission anticipates benefits #o the environment by the sustainable management of
California's big game resources.
(c) Cost Impacts on Representative Private Person or Business
The Fish and Game Commission is not aware of any cast impacts that a representative private
person or business would necessarily incur in reasonable compliance with this proposed action.
(d) Casts or Savings to State Agencies or Cos#slSavings in Federal Funding to the Sta#e.
There are no casts or savings with regard to state agencies or federal funding to the State.
(e} O#her Nondiscretionary CostslSavings to Local Agencies.
None
(f} Programs Mandated on Local Agencies or School Districts.
None.
(g) Cos#s Imposed on Any Local Agency or School District #hat is Required to be Reimbursed under
Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4.
None.
(h} Effect on Housing Costs.
None.
Effect on Small Business
It has been determined #hat the adoption of these regulations may affect small business. The
Commission has drafted the regulations in Plain English pursuant to Government Code sections
11342.580 and 11346.2(a)(1).
10
Consideration of Alternatives
The Commission-must determine that no reasonable alternative considered by the Commission, or that
has otherwise been identified and brought to the attention of the Commission, would be more effective in
carrying out the purpose far which the action is proposed, would be as effective and less burdensome to
affected private persons than the proposed action, or would be more cost-effective to the affected private
persons and equally effective in implementing the statutory policy ar other provision of law.
FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
Sonke Mastrup
Dated: January 4, 2013 Executive Director
11