Safari Club International (SCI) expressed profound disappointment with a Los Angeles County Superior Court ruling that dismissed SCI and its litigation partners' claims against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Catalina Island Conservancy in relation to a permit that authorizes the eradication of Catalina Island's mule deer population.
The court rejected SCI's California Environmental Quality Act challenge as untimely and rejected claims concerning wildlife trust responsibilities, agency authority, public nuisance, and the validity of the Restoration Management Permit issued to the Conservancy.
"SCI disagrees with the court's decision," said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. "We're disappointed because the public deserved a transparent process. The fact is that out of more than 100 permits issued under this program, only the Catalina Island Conservancy received different treatment. For a project that would completely eliminate a long-established deer population, we believe a full environmental review and greater public scrutiny were not just appropriate, they were necessary."
SCI and its co-petitioners HOWL For Wildlife and the Coalition to Save Cataline Island Deer challenged the Department's approval of the Catalina Island Restoration Project, arguing that the agency improperly exempted the project from California Environmental Quality Act review and failed to adequately consider the broader impacts of permanently eliminating the Island's mule deer herd. This deer population was a popular educational and wildlife viewing resource, as well as a source of sustainable big game hunting opportunities in the Los Angeles area. With the deer's eradication, all those opportunities are lost for California residents.
"At its core, this case is about whether the public was given a voice before an entire deer population was slated for removal," Hamberlin said. "We believe decisions with consequences this significant demand transparency, accountability, and a hard look at the science. Californians deserved a full review and open process. SCI is evaluating appellate options and will continue fighting for a fair and transparent approach to wildlife management."
Despite the adverse ruling, SCI reaffirms its commitment to protecting hunting opportunities, promoting sound wildlife management, and ensuring that state agencies remain accountable to the public.
About Safari Club International: Safari Club International is a global leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. Through advocacy, litigation, and education, SCI fights to promote the sustainable use of wildlife resources and to defend the rights of hunters. Visit www.safariclub.org today to join the mission.