Government

CA Democrats Call on State Fish & Game Chief to Resign Over Legally Hunting Cougar in Idaho, Chief Refuses

Gavin Newsom Asks California Fish and Game Commissions Daniel Richards to Resign for Hunting Cougar at Flying B Ranch in Idaho

Fish and Game Commission president Daniel Richards shot a cougar during an Idaho hunting expedition and, like many hunters, was photographed with the animal’s body.  The photo was sent to the Western Outdoor News blog with a caption reading: “I‘m glad it’s legal in Idaho.”

Once that photograph started circulating the on the Internet, however, conservationists became outraged and Democratic lawmakers found a way to file an ethics complaint against the San Bernardino County Republican in addition to calling on him to resign from his post of four years.

On what grounds?

The San Francisco Chronicle explains that Richards allegedly violated state law by accepting a free hunt, complete with dogs and a tracker, at the “Flying B” ranch. The typical package at Flying B costs $6,800 but the ranch offered the commission president a free hunt — a fact that did not escape Kathy Bowler, the former executive director of the California Democratic Party who filed the complaint.

Bowler cited state law limiting gifts to elected officials and state commission appointees to a maximum of $420 a year. According to SFChronicle, Bowler also complained that Richards did not report the gift to the FPPC.

To make matters worse, California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with 40 Democratic Assembly members are now calling on Richards to resign over the incident, saying the killing of a mountain lion doesn’t reflect California values. According to the Chronicle, Newsom also claims the incident is a distraction from commission business.

“I do appreciate that you did nothing illegal in Idaho, but it is clear that your actions do not reflect the values of the people of California,” Newsom said.

Gavin Newsom Asks California Fish and Game Commissions Daniel Richards to Resign for Hunting Cougar at Flying B Ranch in Idaho

But Richards is standing his ground and is challenging his Democratic assailants.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Richards wrote a letter Tuesday to an Assemblyman stating: “Do you really think a California Commissioner is actually obligated to follow California laws across these United States? Really?”

Responding to criticism that he killed the animal only for sport, Richards added: “We did dine on Mountain Lion for dinner…I will continue to hunt and fish wherever I please…There is ZERO chance I would consider resigning my position.”

WSJ adds:

Some Republican lawmakers have rallied to Mr. Richards’ defense, saying he had a right to hunt the mountain lion.

One of the state capital’s most powerful Democrats, Senate President Darrell Steinberg, said Thursday he wasn’t ready to say what action, if any, should be taken against Mr. Richards. Mr. Richards’ appointment expires Jan. 15 next year.

Referring to the commissioner’s letter to Mr. Hueso [assemblyman], however, Mr. Steinberg told reporters in Sacramento Thursday that “he acted like a jackass.”

Mr. Richards is one of five fish-and-game commissioners appointed by the governor who set regulations governing activities such as hunting and fishing in California.

Below are videos from the “Flying B” big game hunting ranch where Richards shot the cougar:


Comments (402)

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  • B4REALITY
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:48pm

    Truly, since when does California have “values,“ other than ”let’s get stoned dude.”

    Bunch of fools!!!

    Report Post » B4REALITY  
    • the_truth_or_not
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:38pm

      I agree B$REALITY! no matter what anyone says. Why do I have to follow the law of the state of which I reside, when I am in Vegas? I have to follow Nevada State Law. I dont care if I am a public official. I do not need to follow the law of the State I represent when I am not in that state. Other laws apply.

      Report Post » the_truth_or_not  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:27pm

      Oh they have values….Give us all your money so we can flush it down the toilet on worthless entitlements and big government vote securing…….

      Report Post » watchtheotherhand  
  • One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:48pm

    I love guns, I don’t particularly love hunting, but have gone many times and I’ll admit I myself have trouble killing animals but have never HAD to do it to feed myself. In cases like Ted Nugent, he feeds himself and family exclusively that way and that’s what God intended.

    I do hate seeing these majestic animals like big cats and stuff killed, but then again, they’re serious predators, and without a gun, they wouldn’t think twice having a human entree now and then.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:14pm

      They do occasionally
      http://www.chron.com/news/environment/article/Big-Bend-mountain-lion-attacks-6-year-old-3105934.php

      Report Post » stumpy68  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:31pm

      Overpopulation of predators will thin out prey populations and then force territory expansion with weaker and sicker population and human encounters. Hunting them is a VITAL tool in maintaining a healthy and strong population. Just go to IL and see what kind of cougar problem they have because they are illegal to hunt in that state (surprise surprise liberal idiots run that state). The deer population is huge and the cougars are going gang busters and there have been many human encounters.

      Report Post » watchtheotherhand  
    • MN NICE
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 12:45am

      @watchtheotherhand. Exactly. Many species have to be kept in balance, but you have to wonder (sometimes) if the DNR know what the hell they’re doing… They insist we don’t have a lion population in northern MN, but the cats are being spotted on a regular basis, have been struck on the highways and have been photographed in city limits (near a school)… And the wolves are another story…

      Report Post » MN NICE  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 2:07pm

      I know a lot of the “surburbia friends” that come out to visit us here in the sticks and just freak out when they see a deer. “Come here! Look, Look! Aw how beautiful”

      I tell them where there is deer there are coyotes and mountain lions and then ask if they would like to take a walk with me to bring the horse down to the pasture. The look on their faces is priceless.

      These are typically the same people who look at you cross-eyed when you talk about hunting season starting up.

      I do not see hunting as a “sport” as a game requires both sides to be aware of the rules. Hunting however is a practical necessity to control populations. The predators in our parts are there because there is a lot of prey available. We hunt and supplement our food but it is not a sport, it is a necessary thing to make up for man’s necessary interference in the food chain.

      Report Post »  
    • goahead.makemyday
      Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:30am

      Here in FL it’s illegal to hunt cougars. However that’s only because they are on the verge of total extinction. The FWC does a good and fair job here, probably because unlike landlocked states we have to deal with a huge coastline. Besides most FWC officers go hunting in their spare time. Go to animal planet and watch Operation Wild.

      Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
  • dsind
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:45pm

    BIG kitty!

    Kool!
    seriously

    Report Post »  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:43pm

    If you do not let hunters hunt, you will become the hunted.

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:38pm

    “…saying the killing of a mountain lion doesn’t reflect California values.”

    Yes, what REALLY reflects California values is the disgusting and vile LGBT community who parade their foul signs and blatant immorality up and down the avenue in San Fran every year. Yesiree… now that‘s California values at it’s finest.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • flipper1073
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:24pm

    @ DOTADO
    Idaho didn’t reintroduce Mountain Lions
    We reintroduced Wolves now We’re Up
    to our asses in them .
    Perhaps California would like a few breeding Pairs.

    Report Post » flipper1073  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:23pm

    what a beautifull animal it is…dead of course…good shot ..

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:30pm

      I would not shoot one for sport but I will not deny someone else their legal right to do so. This is where we always go wrong. Its the person who thinks because they would not want to, then nobody else should be able to either. We need to get back to liberty based on responsible behaviours and accountability. You do something stupid that infringes on others civil rights and pursuit of happiness, you go to jail. Keep it simple!

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:39pm

      News Flash
      Kathy Bowler, Cali Demo Party Czar was attacked and killed and eaten by a CALIFORNIA COUGAR today while running along a CALIFORNIA GREEN TRAIL . Republicans charged with having no heart for pointing out that CALIFORNIA COUGARS are predators, and love stringy white meat. Darwin strikes again.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:03pm

      @ChiefGeorge
      We would have to incarcerate most Liberals…

      They usually want it their way or the highway……

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 2:04am

      I agree with the Chief. I wouldn’t shoot him for the heck of it. It is the immature high-fiving and child-like glee that I object to. Hunt all you want and eat all you want, but just remember, it does not make you a bigger man because you can shoot and kill an animal. Anybody can do that.

      Report Post »  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 3:04am

      You are right Chief, I wouldn’t shoot one either. I love animals, and I love fishing, but I also understand the long hunting tradition in the States and that some species need some sort of population control in order to keep the balance of the environment and the safety for the humans.

      Report Post » GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • flipper1073
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:18pm

    @ PROGRESSIVESLAYER
    Not many Lunatic Progressives (Democrats) here in Idaho
    A Few in Boise’s North End and Sun Valley (small Area’s)
    But We do seem to have Our Share of RINO’s
    no open season on RINO’s yet But Maybe soon !

    Report Post » flipper1073  
  • Dotado
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:13pm

    Good for you! You guys should be hunting the fools who thought it was a good idea to release mountain lions back into the wild to breed in the first place. Call me silly but introducing a predator who eats people back into the food chain because you think they are pretty is crazy! They were killed off for a reason. Ask the families of the people they have killed. They stalk bike paths, walking paths and other areas that kids and people frequent, not all the time, but enough. Animal rights people won’t be happy until we are at the bottom of the food chain! Good hunting buddy.

    Report Post » Dotado  
  • bjornskis
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:02pm

    funny they outlawed hunting big cats where I live with dogs and guess what mountain lions are now hunting the little liberal mount-in bikers and hikers and oblumblers voters who wanted the ban

    hahahha

    Report Post »  
    • proantisocialist
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:18pm

      im concerned if took a bribe?the artical never answered that…

      Report Post » proantisocialist  
    • bumpkin
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:37pm

      I hear ya! :) Crazy world, this! Every time someone tries to intervene for the cute little/big and vicious animal that costs ranchers HUGE dollars in losses, they pay more for their meat. And their laws, and their fun. AND their homes, and their insurances, and their freedom to move about in their yards, etc etc… I live in the mountains, and do NOT enjoy the pristine beauty of big-cat tracks in my yard! -HERE, KIDDY, KIDDY! I have to keep and feed dogs just to try to keep Cats out of my yard. Dogfood costs around $50.00 for two weeks. That is equivalent to 3/4 of a tank of gas! All so city-slickers can say, Oh, while we sit here in our plastic apartments, with concrete under our feet, and lights on 24/7, we helped the Big cats- out there in the real world that we are too afraid to live in! Oh, and we are just SURE they are prowling out there, herding all the humans down into our cities so we can control them, toooo! Aren’t we something?! How WAS that cat-meat? You keep your job, Daniel Richards. I think you did some rancher a fine favor. For those of you who cry “protect our predators!” take a hike (in the mountains)! All alone…and when you hear a woman screaming, just KNOW its only a Big Cat with its eyes on YOU! !Boo!

      Report Post » bumpkin  
  • woebegone
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:01pm

    What a pathetic bunch of boobs.

    Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:58pm

    Communist

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • BJC
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:57pm

    Values and California don’t belong in the same sentence.

    Report Post »  
  • BJC
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:56pm

    Shouldn’t these same (terrorist) conservationists be calling for Obama our Community Agitator to resign? He did just pass a law that would allow and encourage people to kill of a poor ole owl.

    Report Post »  
    • bumpkin
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:51pm

      Oh, yeah! but, see, this owl couldn‘t destroy an entire PNW’s industry! therefore, it was no-good. My cat ate a stupid spotted owl right after that stupid legislation was passed, and I could NOT believe I had to steal the stupid thing from my clever, good little kitty and burn the evidence! Poor kitty! Know what Community Organizers really DO? They stir up sheet. Cause trouble from nothing, take empty, calm air, and stir a raunchy stink into it, so big-finance moguls can make money off the dust cloud somehow. That is ALL they do. Worthless, basically; at least to normal non-mogul humans. Like, when some finance giant wants to destroy your family’s farm in order to build a golf course and hotel. They call community organizers. –Who then gets the neighbors riled up with trash,- usually lies, so they can pressure families into being losers in their game. Communities are already organized with streets, and townships, et al..we do NOT need them, especially in politics…. Only thing most communities lack is some big-mouth on a megaphone, causing trouble. You WATCH! Since Obama is a natural-born comm-organizer, he will stick his nose into this one- to organize it, somehow, into a campaign trick. watch…

      Report Post » bumpkin  
    • chips1
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 11:22am

      BUMPKIN:
      Sounds like you took advantage of Obummers “shovel ready ” jobs. Good for you. By the way, don’t answer any government agents questions when they track you down. Harassment is what they do best!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:55pm

    Th question should be this…Why do we have a Game Warden position at all? You think if we didnt that these animals would disappear? The answer is they would not. I dont see whay we need Government officials telling us anything about how we live and what we do as far as huntimg goes anyway. If they want to create a position like that then make it an UNPAID position…. Believe me, if someone tried to kill all of tthese cougars, some other hunter would “accidentally” shoot them. We have no freedoms anymore…
    Get the Government out of these kinds of decisions…

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • fammus1
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:53pm

    I live in SO CAL if my cat kills a mouse no problem, if I kill a mouse I need to sift through tons of laws. Did I need to kill a mouse? Did I kill it humainly? Could I trap and relese? etc. etc. the mouse is more important than you.

    Report Post » fammus1  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:53pm

    And you should because the lunatic progressives will try to get into state government and destroy your beautiful state just like they have California,Michigan and many others.Don’t let them get a foothold,they’re vile indeed and want to make the people slaves to the state.Happy hunting !

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Maibus
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:42pm

    Whoa the Dems complaining about gifts…..ahahahahahahah thats to much. Lets see about insider trading on their part to say the least. So he went out of state and killed a small cat…who cares…is it against the law? Nope. They are idiots.

    Report Post »  
  • Banter
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:40pm

    “To make matters worse, California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with 40 Democratic Assembly members are now calling on Richards to resign over the incident, saying the killing of a mountain lion doesn’t reflect California values”

    Good thing Richards didn’t kill a human fetus, he would have received a homecoming parade. You know, because it does reflect the liberal, progressive, democrat values.

    Report Post » Banter  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:38pm

    “I do appreciate that you did nothing illegal in Idaho, but it is clear that your actions do not reflect the values of the people of California,” Newsom said. You sure said a mouth full there dumb ass prog,I can understand you have a problem with legal activity since you harbored illegals when you were mayor of SF
    and your sanctuary city BS going on.Progressives are stupid and there’s way to many in government,look how they’ve destroyed California.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • SoundStride
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:38pm

    This is the slowest site ever to post a comment what do you have windows 95 running the show p.S. Whats with the creepy pictures of beck on the gold ads could we just see a gold bar or coins thanks.

    Report Post » SoundStride  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:37pm

    Now, smoking dope while wandering the San Francisco streets and getting stoned. That represents California values.
    On the other hand, he does seem to be wrong for taking a free gift that exceeds the state’s guidelines.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Female
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:24pm

      “Naked Guy” in the San Frannie restaurant story…don’t forget that great morality. Does he have to cover the seat for sanitary reasons, yet.

      Hey, maybe the lion killer could cut nudieman some cougar cloth to cover those unmentionables.

      up is down, down is up,; in is out and out is in; truth is a lie and lies are the truth; morality is immoral and immoral is moral, right is wrong and wrong is right.

      Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:37pm

    First of all, Gavin Newsom; you’re a liberal putz which 49 other states know. Second, NOBODY cares what CA libs think or want. They have destroyed their state and 49 other states will not allow you to destroy theirs. Also, you better steer clear of Colorado cuz we have mountain lions. And we shoot them too. Sport, safety; whatever the reason–hunting/killing wild animals is a gig in which humans do involve themselves. I’m not a hunter, but I support legal hunting 100 percent.

    Mr. Richards, you have a lovely rug and mount there, sir. Enjoy it! I’d love to taste Cougar jerkey!

    Report Post »  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 9:18am

      CA needs to pay their bills and quit spending their money on frivolous crap like trying to get this guy fired. They need to worry more about the peoples rights in CA, such as being able to smoke on private property. It is legal in Idaho and just because a hand full of loons don’t go for this, tough s—. Keep on hunting.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
    • chips1
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 11:05am

      California is thinking just like the muslims. Just because one moves to the U.S. he is required to adhere to their way of thinking and kill the infadels. It’s understood that you are governed by shiria law where ever you go.

      Report Post »  
  • VermontPatriot
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:36pm

    I really hate sport hunting.

    What would make someone want to blow away a beautiful animal like that?

    Report Post » VermontPatriot  
    • jonnyfontain
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:40pm

      ***

      Report Post » jonnyfontain  
    • Gofish
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:47pm

      Sooo….just shoot the ugly ones?

      Report Post » Gofish  
    • TexOkie
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:58pm

      Look at it as maintaining a life skill. When the food supply is interrupted and people like yourself have nothing to eat, men who have the skills necessary to hunt wild animals will have meat on their tables for their family. And if you don’t think it is a skill take your camera out this weekend and try to take a picture of a wild deer, moose, elk or bear and I don’t mean in a wildlife refuge or state park. And make sure that shot you take with your camera is within 200yds.

      Report Post »  
    • Ishmot2
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:02pm

      That is a beautiful cat, love to have it mounted somewhere in my house, or running loose eating ******** in Kalafornistan.

      Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:27pm

      Answer:

      Finding a dead calf, a mulled goat, a half eaten sheep, a dead dog, or a missing child with lion paws next to where the child’s toy was dropped!

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:36pm

      UHM………Because it was there!!!!

      Report Post » watchtheotherhand  
    • freedomdontcomefree
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 1:36am

      my qeustion is if i invited here to my land and provided him with room and board to hunt in georgia and didnt charge him the 2-3k it would normally cost a person how in the hell is that considered a gift? So the dems of California is tryin to tell who a person in Idaho can invite to go on a hunting trip sorry where im from its plain hospitallity to ask if u know some who enjpys hunting if they would like to go. My wife has tried for years to gete to move from GA and i tell her to find me another state that i can kill 12 deer a season and hunt them 5 months a year then i would be more than happy to go see here huntin is a way of life as well as a tradition for me i live as much off the land as the law in my state allows

      Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 2:18am

      @VermontPatriot
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:36pm

      I really hate sport hunting.

      What would make someone want to blow away a beautiful animal like that?
      ****
      Probably read to many news stories of their attacking kids, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, pets and farm/ranch animals. Can’t say for sure, but that’s the reasons I hear and read most often from the hunters.

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • VermontPatriot
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 4:34am

      @Tex

      We shoot deer up here during hunting season…for food. Venison is great.
      I’ve never heard of anyone eating Puma Steaks! We also hunt turkey, rabbit, moose (if we win the lottery), and bear….again, for food.

      Report Post » VermontPatriot  
    • VermontPatriot
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 4:58am

      Wow! Reading further into the comments, I see some people do eat cougar meat.
      There have been no official sightings here in VT, but many folks believe they are
      making a comeback. I would shoot a big cat if it were to come after me while I was
      in the woods.

      Hunting for food and shooting in self defense is fine by me, but I will never support
      sport hunting.

      Report Post » VermontPatriot  
    • WYOMING4EVER
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 10:03am

      They are hunted to control the population to numbers that the area will safely hold.

      Report Post »  
    • PoliticallyRightUs.Com
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 10:09am

      Well MiMom… I have been face-to-face with a Cougar and it is not a picnic… Did I mention there are children 50 feet down the hill that play regularly?!?!?!

      Report Post » PoliticallyRightUs.Com  
  • SoundStride
    Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:32pm

    Ted Nugent · “Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians – except for the occasional mountain lion steak.”

    Report Post » SoundStride  
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