Coyote Killers will strike again.

The Pit River Rod and Gun Club has planned a Coyote killing contest in Modoc County California on February 8-10th. The link to their contest page is here http://www.adinsupply.com/coyote%20drive.htm
It is common knowledge that hunters rarely can tell the difference between a wolf and a Coyote and it is common knowledge that OR-7 aka Journey has been roaming the areas in Northern California. Journey is that lone wolf that has been a media sensation. And even though California Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB2402, which requires that the California Fish and Game use “ecosystem based management” and the best available science in the stewardship of California's wildlife," this contest is going to happen.

UNLESS: see below

What you can do:

Write or email the California Department of Fish & Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham and the California Fish & Game Commission and urge them to stop this coyote hunt. See contact info. and talking points below.
Sign our petition on Change.org and share this with others.
Attend the California Fish & Game Commission meeting on February 6th and testify during the public comment period (using talking points below).
What: California Fish & Game Commission meeting
When: Wed. Feb. 6th @ 8:30 am (public comment period starts at 8:30 sharp so get there early to fill out a speaker card and find a seat)
Where: Resources Bldg., First Floor Auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento

Draft letter here:
Director Charlton H. Bonham
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
director [at] wildlife.ca.gov

California Fish & Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1320
Sacramento, CA 95814
fgc [at] fgc.ca.gov

Dear Director Bonham & Commissioners

My name is ____________________ and I live in _____________________, California. [Include a one-sentence description of your experience with wildlife]

I am writing to strongly oppose California’s sanctioning of wildlife killing contests – in particular the upcoming “Coyote Drive 2013” scheduled for Feb. 8-10 in Adin. Not only are such contest hunts offensive in their wanton waste of wildlife and disregard for the important ecological role coyotes (and other predators) play in maintaining ecosystem health and species diversity but they also pose a significant threat to the recovery of gray wolves in California. This region is where wolf OR-7 (aka “Journey”) has been known to range and while DFW staff have expressed their concerns for the safety of OR-7 (and any other un-collared wolves that may roam the area), this contest hunt continues year after year.

It is time that the Department of Fish and Wildlife conduct a top-to-bottom evaluation of its approach to managing predators in California, including a review of current scientific literature and of proven practices that may be more likely to yield better outcomes for wildlife, other animals and people. Governor Jerry Brown recently signed legislation (AB 2402) requiring the agency to use “ecosystem based management” and the best science in its stewardship of California's wildlife.

Please do everything in your power to stop this coyote killing contest hunt and use this as an opportunity to move California toward more responsible and ethical wildlife management.

Thank you for taking my concerns into consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]