Wildlife Politics in California: What’s Really Going On?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lori Jacobs, president of California Houndsmen for Conservation, joins the podcast to talk about two critical wildlife bills impacting predator management in California. She shares the tragic story behind Taylor & Wyatt’s Law, details the political challenges facing non-lethal cougar hazing efforts, and dives into Assembly Bill 1038, which proposes the return of bear pursuit with hounds. Lori offers a passionate, behind-the-scenes look at how advocacy, science, and heartfelt persistence are shaping the future of wildlife management—and why it all matters. Whether you're a conservationist, houndsman, or just someone who cares about ethical wildlife policy, this is a must-listen conversation.

Episode Notes

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics

00:00 – 01:00 | 🎧 Intro & Sponsor Shoutout
– Alpha Dog Nutrition promo
– Podcast setup chaos and technical difficulties

01:01 – 07:00 | 🐾 Mountain Lion Hazing: SB 818 Explained
– What the bill would have allowed in El Dorado County
– Use of hounds for non-lethal cougar hazing
– How "adverse conditioning" works in practice

07:01 – 13:00 | 🧑‍⚖️ Taylor & Wyatt’s Law and a Political Gutting
– Tragic story of Taylor and Wyatt
– Committee overrides bill author and guts the legislation
– Replacement language adds ineffective, pre-existing measures

13:01 – 17:00 | 💥 Broken Politics and Losing Trust
– Disappointment from the family and advocates
– Mounting frustration with lawmakers and advocacy groups
– Calls for more honest collaboration

17:01 – 24:00 | 🦁 What Works, What Doesn’t, and the Need for Dialogue
– Friction with the Mountain Lion Foundation
– Personal experiences of mountain lion threats in rural communities
– The idea of "Hound Day" at the Capitol to educate legislators

24:01 – 31:00 | 🧠 Changing Minds with Dogs & Science
– Stories of skeptics converted after seeing hounds in action
– The need to bridge emotional and political gaps with firsthand experiences

31:01 – 40:00 | 🐻 Assembly Bill 1038 – Bear Hazing & Public Safety
– Pursuit-only vs. take provisions
– Bear population explosion and increased conflicts
– Opposition to including a harvest clause

40:01 – 48:00 | 🗳️ Legislative Challenges & Political Strategy
– Committee vote breakdown
– The bill fails narrowly, but is granted reconsideration
– Strategy for 2025 and potential amendments

48:01 – 55:00 | 🔁 Why Keep the Bear and Cougar Bills Separate
– The importance of not combining efforts legislatively
– Discussing cross-house strategies to gain traction

55:01 – 1:02:00 | ❤️ Personal Reflections & Advocacy Fatigue
– Lori’s 40 years with hounds
– Her role as president of CHC since 2013
– A call for younger leadership in the hound community

1:02:01 – End | 📅 What’s Next & Hope for the Future
– CHC banquet and continued lobbying
– The changing political landscape and reasons for hope
– Final thoughts and encouragement to stay engaged

🔗 Links & Resources

Learn more about California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC)

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We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Alpha Dog Nutrition and Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  Want to learn more about Alpha Dog Nutrition? Check out the links below

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