Last week, Safari Club International (SCI) joined 40 other organizations in a letter to Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) regarding the restoration of hunting access to the Castle Mountains National Monument – an important habitat in his district. These organizations represent millions of sportsmen and women across the country, many of whom are in the constituency of Rep. Obernolte in California.
The conservation of the Castle Mountains is critical as they provide habitat for a variety of species, including quail, chukar, rabbit, mule deer, and even desert bighorn sheep. Unfortunately, in 2016, the Castle Mountains received a National Monument designation, which transferred management from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service. This means hunting is now prohibited in the area.
SCI and the other organizations have drafted legislation – the culmination of years of work by stakeholders – for Rep. Obernolte to introduce in Congress which will transfer the designation of the Castle Mountains to the neighboring Mojave National Preserve. This will expand conservation for both the Castle Mountains and the Mojave areas by reinstating hunting and expanding public access.
As we know, hunters are critical to the sustainable management and protection of wildlife and habitat. Additionally, as the letter states, “The National Park Service has a positive history of working with state wildlife management agencies to provide hunting opportunities on Preserve lands. Placing this land inside the Preserve is both a better cultural fit within the NPS and will promote more efficient management activities.”
We encourage Rep. Obernolte to introduce this legislation and work to redesignate the Castle Mountains for his constituents and outdoorsmen and women across the country. SCI continues to work for a policy of No-Net-Loss of hunting access on public lands across the country – stand with us and sign our No-Net-Loss petition today!
