Hi Friends.  We have big news to share with you.  Your voices MATTER!   On Thursday May 14th members of the Coalition to Save Catalina Deer personally delivered the petition, which numbered over 900 pages,  to the offices of Governor Gavin Newsom and incoming California Department of Fish and Wildlife director Meghan Hertel. More than 30,000 of YOU have let them know that you hold them accountable for wildlife decisions made in California that are responsible, transparent, and that follow established California law.  We want to assure you that personally identifying information was carefully redacted to protect your privacy.  The delivery was accompanied by a press conference on the steps of the California State Capital featuring speakers from the Coalition, our partners from Safari Club International, Howl For Wildlife and the California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association as well as Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, who also servers as Co-Chair of the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus.  Now more than ever, given the recent massive fire on Santa Rosa Island that burned nearly one third of the island despite the eradication of Santa Rosa Island deer 15 years ago, it is imperative that the Catalina Island Conservancy be required to follow a full CEQA review process as part of the recently granted Restoration Management Permit (RMP).  We continue to advocate for this at the judicial level and will keep you posted as events unfold.  Your support continues to be crucial to this ongoing effort.

The next day, May 15th, another exciting event took place in Corning California at the Catalina Deer and Wine Mixer which raised over $11,000 and counting to support the legal fight to Save the Catalina Island Deer.  We are humbled beyond words by the outpouring of support.  It was a chance to connect with hunters, conservationists and concerned citizens eager to learn more about this cause and enjoy an evening of connection, food, and drink at the fabulous local venue The Vault.  We are deeply grateful to owners Ben and Ruth Myhre, also owners of Wildlife West, who have worked tirelessly for years to promote responsible hunting as the most common sense solution to managing the deer population on the Island.  We extend our sincere thanks to our generous donors McCurdy's Truck Repair, longtime supporters James and Teresa Lamb, John and Lori Jones as well as new donors Denny Bar Co., South Ave Ace Hardware, Orland Outfitters,, Nick's Guide Service, Clayton Fraughton, Bumgarner Logging, and Dudley Excavating. It has been amazing to see people from so many different communities and different sides of the aisle come together for one great cause to Save the Catalina Island Deer.  We thank you!