The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is undergoing a major leadership change. After nearly 15 years leading the agency, Director Charlton “Chuck” Bonham has stepped down and is moving to a leadership role with The Nature Conservancy’s California program. Bonham’s tenure was one of the longest in CDFW history, overseeing contentious issues from predator management to salmon fishery closures.
Taking the helm is Meghan Hertel, recently appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as the new Director of CDFW. Hertel comes from a background in habitat and biodiversity conservation and has held leadership roles within the California Natural Resources Agency and environmental organizations.
The reaction from hunters and conservation advocates has been mixed — reflecting both optimism and concern:
“I am beyond thrilled that Governor Newsom appointed Meghan Hertel… she truly does love wildlife and this will mean very good things for the wildlife of our state!” — Beth Pratt, conservation advocate and wildlife partner who has worked with Hertel.
This positive take highlights expectations that Hertel’s leadership might foster collaboration, including with outdoor recreation and hunting stakeholders.
At the same time, many long-time hunters have voiced frustration with past CDFW leadership:
“During his time as director California hunters and fishers have lost opportunities due to mismanagement,” wrote a Northern California guide critiquing Bonham’s approach.
This sentiment echoes broader concerns from the hunting community about access to seasons, predator policy (e.g., wolves), and salmon closures — issues hunters watch closely when leadership changes.
Wildlife management plans — from black bear conservation to deer and elk outreach efforts — remain central to both conservation and hunting interests. CDFW’s recent Black Bear Management Plan stresses the goal of balancing population health with hunting opportunities, reporting use of science-based monitoring and inclusive management approaches.
Similarly, ongoing outreach on deer management aims to gather local input from stakeholders and hunters alike, underscoring the importance of public dialogue moving forward.
Leadership changes at CDFW rarely shift regulations overnight, but they can influence priorities and how the department engages with hunters, guides, and landowners on key issues such as:
- Big game seasons and tag opportunities
- Predator policy and livestock/wildlife conflict
- Habitat conservation and hunter access
- Fisheries closures that impact multi-use landscapes
With a new director in place, hunters are encouraged to stay engaged — through public meetings, surveys, and management plan comment periods — to make sure the voices of California’s hunting community are heard.
