Hadwick Bills Advance Hunter Safety and Youth Access

CALIFORNIA — Today, Assembly Bill 1912 passed out of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee. A second bill on youth hunting access, Assembly Bill 2207, remains pending in the committee. California Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick, who represents the 1st Assembly District and enjoys hunting and fishing, introduced the two bills earlier this year to support hunting in California. Assembly Bill 1912 was co-authored by Senator Megan Dahle.

Assembly Bill 1912 would change the rules for the deer archery season. Current law prohibits people from carrying or controlling any firearm while they take or attempt to take deer with a bow and arrow. The new measure would allow licensed hunters to carry a concealable firearm for personal protection. Hunters could not use the firearm to hunt deer. The change would apply only during the archery season in open deer hunting areas.

Special hunting tags are required in addition to a hunting license for animals such as antelope, elk, deer, bears, and bighorn rams. Assembly Bill 2207 would create new ways to transfer those tags. The family program would let parents, legal guardians, or grandparents transfer a tag to a child or grandchild age 17 or younger. The young hunter would need a valid license and must stay accompanied by a family member. The program would allow donations of tags to organizations that organize hunts for children with serious medical conditions or disabilities.

On Assembly Bill 1912, Hadwick said, “Hunters heading deep into the backcountry should not have to leave their ability to defend themselves at the trailhead.” The California Bowmen Hunters and the California Deer Association cosponsor the bill. Gun Owners of California also strongly supported it. On Assembly Bill 2207, she said, “AB 2207 is about making sure the traditions of hunting and fishing don’t fade away, especially for the next generation.” She added, “Think about a kid heading out before sunrise with their dad, grandpa, or uncle—learning the skills, the respect for the land, and the stories that come with it. This bill helps keep those moments alive.”

Assembly Bill 1912 will next face consideration by the Appropriations Committee or proceed directly to the floor for second and third readings and a vote by the full chamber. Assembly Bill 2207 continues to await action in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee. If either bill passes the Assembly, it would then move to the Senate for committee hearings and floor votes before reaching the governor.