:> Liveducks.com | Duck Article

ALERT!

PROTEST ELECTRONIC DUCK DECOYS

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. ON THE AGENDA (item #5): Use of the controversial "robo-duck" duck decoy. (NOTE: Public Forum is item #3.)
WHERE: Flamingo Resort Hotel, 2777 4th Street, Santa Rosa
DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN TESTIMONY IS AUGUST 22
------------------------------------------------------
"I try to keep people focused on the goal, and the goal is the boss. It's not the ideology, it's not the constituents, or any other individual here. The goal is to implement the governor's policies."
Mike Flores, President of the Fish & Game Commission, in the July 2003 CALIFORNIA JOURNAL

The Commission is composed of five members, all appointed by the Governor (Mike Flores, Pres.; Mike Chrisman; Jim Kellogg; Sam Schuchat; Bob Hattoy). The three hunters on the Commission (Flores, Chrisman, Kellogg) are all expected to vote in favor of the continued use of these decoys. THE COMMISSION NEEDS TO HEAR FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON THIS ISSUE, IN A STATE WHERE FEWER THAN 3% OF THE CITIZENRY HUNTS. Thus far, they're hearing only from the hunters. The Commission's duty is to protect the environment and wildlife of California for ALL citizens, not just to promote the interests of the hook 'n' bullet fraternity.

Washington and Oregon have recently banned electronic decoys, including the "robo-duck," and Pennsylvania did so many years ago, primarily for reasons of sportsmanship and "fair chase." California should follow suit. Others will follow our lead.

At the June 20, 2003 Commission meeting in Mammoth Lakes, CA the Dept. of Fish and Game had recommended a "tentative total ban" on the use of the robo-duck, inspiring the following heated outburst from Mr. Flores (to the DFG's John Carlson):

"I'm one, right now, who wants to put an end to this (controversy). I want robo-duck to remain...I don't want to hear your recommendation about the prohibition of robo-duck. We're not there. And I'm not going to make an ethical decision." (on videotape)

The Commission then bullied the Dept. of Fish & Game into adding three other "alternatives" to the single one first proposed by the Dept. (total ban). Ugh.

The waterfowl hunting community is split about 50/50 on this ethical and "fair chase" issue, reportedly. To their discredit, neither Ducks Unlimited nor the California Waterfowl Association is taking a position. Aldo Leopold must be turning over in his grave. (See the Mad Duck.org website for a more in-depth discussion of this issue.)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

LETTERS OF OPPOSITION MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 22, 2003
THE ADDRESS:
Robert Treanor
Exec. Director California Fish & Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916/653-4899 / fax 653-5040
fgc@dfg.ca.gov

PLEASE ATTEND THE THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 HEARING IN SANTA ROSA AND VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO THESE UNETHICAL DEVICES.

INFO: Eric Mills
Coordinator, ACTION FOR ANIMALS
510/652-5603
afa@mcn.org

Submitted by IBRRC