Hunting groups get win with veto of California anti-safari legislation

By Chris Eger

SCI President Paul Babaz said the bill would have “discouraged Californians from legally hunting outside the U.S. and participating in the community-based conservation efforts that are succeeding in Africa.” (Photo: SCI)
Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday scuttled a bill that would have pre-empted federal conservation efforts by going after African species trophies.
Brown, a Democrat, vetoed SB 1487, which would have prohibited the possession of various parts or products of a wide range of animals including the African elephant and black rhinoceros by any individual or association in California. The bill passed the state Senate 27-11 and the Assembly 55-20 with a thin measure of bipartisan support in August.
Writing in his veto message to lawmakers, Brown said that, “Even though I share the sentiments of the author, this bill, if enacted, would be unenforceable.”
Sponsored by state Sen. Henry Stern, D-Canoga Park, the Iconic African Species Protection Act aimed to make California the first state to outlaw the mere possession of the body parts of a variety of species– including lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes — under threat of civil penalties of as much as $40,000. “The choice is pretty simple. Where do you think these animals belong? Is it out in the

Source: Guns.com