Bighorn Sheep Hunting

The contract amends Section 362, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations to adjust bighorn sheep hunt tag quotas across the state, reflecting updated wildlife management goals population data and conservation needs. It introduces three new hunt areas in San Bernardino County, expanding opportunities for hunting while ensuring sustainable practices in previously unallocated regions. Additionally, the designation for the bighorn sheep fundraising tag number 2 is formally assigned to a specific zone, clarifying allocation procedures and enhancing transparency for participants and stakeholders involved in conservation funding initiatives. These changes aim to balance recreational hunting with the long-term preservation of bighorn sheep populations throughout California. The amendment is managed by the California Fish and Game Commission, with primary point of contact Melissa Miller-Henson, Executive Director, overseeing implementation and public communication. The action is forecasted for implementation starting June 18, 2026, and aligns with broader state wildlife objectives to maintain ecological integrity while supporting regulated hunting traditions. All modifications are intended to improve administrative clarity, support conservation funding through fundraising tags, and ensure hunting opportunities remain aligned with scientific population assessments. The process is governed under existing regulatory frameworks and will be coordinated through existing state wildlife management channels.