California is on the verge of making an irreversible wildlife decision—and the public was never given the full picture.

On Santa Catalina Island, a plan is moving forward to eradicate the island’s mule deer. Not manage them. Not reduce them responsibly. Eliminate them entirely.

This comes after decades of hunting under a program that the Conservancy now claims “failed.” But as documented in the film Killing Catalina, that claim doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.

Here’s what the public was never shown:

• There was never a clear population goal for the deer.

• There was never a management plan designed to reach a goal, even using the Conservancy’s own population estimates.

• The primary population survey method relied on spotlight counts, a method widely criticized for its inaccuracy—especially in rugged terrain.

• On camera, the hunting program was described as doe-focused and designed to reduce numbers, yet the historical harvest data does not support that claim.

• Eradication was presented as the “only option” without demonstrating that proper management was ever tried.

This isn’t about denying impacts. Deer browse vegetation. That’s not disputed.

What is disputed is whether the response should be eradication and waste, when:

• Hunting can manage populations when it’s actually allowed and designed to do so.

• Modern survey tools could provide accurate data.

• Sensitive plants can be protected through fencing, targeted restoration, and adaptive management.

• Peer-reviewed research shows large herbivores can even reduce wildfire risk, contradicting some of the fear-based claims being made.

What we are asking for is simple — and reasonable:

We are calling on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, state legislators, and the Governor to:

• Pause the eradication before it begins.

• Require an accurate population survey using modern technology.

• Demand a transparent, time-bound management plan with clear goals, modeled harvest numbers, and public reporting.

• Allow a defined management window—five years—to see if a properly designed program works before resorting to extermination.

Once eradication starts, there is no undo button.

A pause is not anti-conservation.
It is responsible governance.

Why your voice matters

Decisions are being made right now—during leadership transitions, behind closed doors, and without public confidence.

This action sends a clear message:
Do the work. Show the science. Try real management before choosing eradication.

Watch the film. Read the facts. Then take action.

Take action below to send a message directly to decision-makers.

Your message will go to CDFW leadership, Fish & Game Commissioners, state legislators, and the Governor’s office.

This conversation isn’t over—and it shouldn’t be.