Celebrate Departure of the California Fish and Game Commissioner Jim Kellogg

Longest-serving Commissioner of the California Fish and Game Commission, Jim Kellogg, suddenly resigned on December 31, 2015 bringing hope to many that the department’s attitude toward wildlife in California may now have a positive chance for change.

Kellogg, who has always heavily supported hunters, left the Commission over frustration that he was the only one who was speaking up for hunters, and obviously against the interests of those who were hunted, “I’m just tired of being the only one fighting the fight for the hunters and fishers,” he said. “The first 12 years I won most of the battles, and the last couple of years I lost almost every battle.”

This is because, Jim Kellogg, killing wildlife is unjustifiable. And guess what? We’re not the only ones who think this way. Bill Gaines, a hunting advocate and lobbyist, even acknowledges, “Recent studies have shown that only 10 percent of Californians actively support hunting,” and that“ The number of state residents who hunt and fish has been declining for decades, according to researchers.”

These public opinion findings, along with the resignation of the Commissioner, could mean that the protection of wildlife will be rising in the state. Evidence of this has been seen in the recent laws banning bobcat trapping, , coyote killing contests, the hounding of bears and bobcats, as well as the use of lead bullets .

Governor Jerry Brown is responsible for filling Jim Kellogg’s position and although he has said that he does not know when the position will be filled, we can only hope he appoints a conservationist with a compassionate attitude toward wildlife and not an active supporter of killing animals.

Goodbye, Commissioner! Hello, Conservation!

Read more about how things are changing in California here