By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. April 28, 2025 | Sacramento, Calif.
A fierce debate over the future of bear management in California is set to come to a head Tuesday, as Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas) and wildlife advocates prepare to rally at the State Capitol over Assembly Bill 1038.
Hadwick, a first-term assemblywoman representing Lake Tahoe and a large swath of Northern California, authored AB 1038 to reinstate the use of hound dogs to pursue bears during hunting seasons. The practice has been outlawed since 2012. Hadwick argues the bill is necessary to curb a surging black bear population, which she claims is putting rural communities at risk.
“Bears are out of control in California, while rural communities live in fear of their lives and livelihoods,” Hadwick said in a statement. “Wildlife managers need more tools to responsibly manage the bear population and protect the public. This bill will keep bears wild and our communities safe.”
Hadwick has secured a permit to hold a rally on Capitol grounds beginning at 8:15 a.m., ahead of AB 1038’s hearing before the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee.
This bill would bring back the ability of hunters to use GPS-collared dogs to track bears.
The Bear League urges the public to contact members of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee and plans to be present at the hearing, scheduled for Room 444 of the Capitol. While the Legislature’s calendar lists a 9 a.m. start time, the BEAR League notes it has been moved to 11 a.m.
Details of AB 1038
The amended bill outlines a grim picture: California’s black bear population is now estimated between 60,000 and 80,000, roughly double previous estimates. Hadwick’s office cites the state’s first confirmed black bear-related human fatality in 2024 as evidence that urgent management reforms are needed.
The bill asserts that overpopulation is leading to increased conflicts with humans and negatively impacting deer populations and mountain lions, referencing research from the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s updated Bear Management Plan (Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, draft 2025 Bear Management Plan).
Hadwick’s proposal would amend the Fish and Game Code to allow the use of dogs to pursue bears under tightly regulated seasons and conditions set by the Fish and Game Commission. However, it explicitly forbids injuring or killing bears during pursuits unless within authorized hunting seasons.
What’s Next
The Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee will hear testimony from both sides Tuesday. If AB 1038 passes through committee, it would next move to the full Assembly for a vote.
Regardless of the outcome, Tuesday’s events are expected to draw significant attention from lawmakers, animal rights groups, rural advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts.
For more information on the bill, visit: California Legislative Information: AB 1038.
