Or at least to get the season reviewed with some new biological data that actually pertains to the current population. At this point, the commision is basically telling us that these guys are more valuable for ambiance and scenery than they are as a game animal, all based on what some antis said like 15-20 years ago. I think it's time to review the regs and get some actual numbers, then decide whether to open or close the season on socal national forests. If people whining got the season closed, then it stands to reason that us whining is the only way to get it re-opened.
The main reason I want to do this is for my daughter. Without squirrel hunting, our kids do not have the traditional launch into hunting that most youngsters get in other parts of the state. Hard to start a kid out hunting in heavy brush for cottontails, you know? They will get disallusioned with the whole deal quite quickly if they are unable to bag anything, and our DFG and wildlife managment agencies are the ones that lose out from the reduced number of license fees. A reduced bag limit or season length would be a good alternative to a fully closed season if need be, and is quite a reasonable compromise if you ask me. Or even just opening the area to juniors only. Either way, there are many better alternatives to closing the area altogether.
Socal accounts for most of the state's population, so closing off the season is definitely a factor in the constantly dwindling number of hunters in California. Like I said, squirrel hunting is a part of our American heritage, and an important link in the chain for developing new hunters. Closing it only hurts our sport, our state's revenues, and leaves numerous squirrels running rampant, chewing up wiring and vinyl siding, causing fires, spreading disease, and causing accidents on our highways.
So like I said, I'd like to get a petition started to send to the Fish and Game Commision. I'll even stand outside bass pro gathering signatures for a month if I have to. I just need someone who is a bit more law-savvy than myself to help with the wording. Any help would be appreciated. If we pull together we can get this thing done. Thanks guys.
-Skyler
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