California has a new leader guiding its wildlife and habitat policies. Meghan Hertel was sworn in as Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on February 17, 2026, following her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Hertel steps into the role after the departure of longtime director Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, who led the department for nearly 15 years before leaving to head The Nature Conservancy’s California program.
A Background in Habitat and Conservation Policy
Hertel brings a conservation-focused résumé that includes serving as Deputy Secretary of Biodiversity and Habitat at the California Natural Resources Agency. Prior to that, she held leadership roles with Audubon California and worked on land and water conservation initiatives throughout the state.
Her experience also includes directing working lands programs and conservation policy efforts, as well as earlier work with the Resources Legacy Fund.
Supporters say this background positions her to navigate California’s complex mix of wildlife conservation, agriculture, water management, and public land use.
What the Director Role Oversees
CDFW is responsible for managing California’s wildlife resources, enforcing hunting and fishing regulations, protecting habitats, and balancing conservation with recreation and land use.
For hunters, that includes:
– Setting hunting seasons and tag allocations
– Managing big game populations such as deer, elk, and pronghorn
– Addressing predator management and human–wildlife conflicts
– Maintaining public lands and wildlife areas
– Enacting conservation policies affecting habitat and access
Priorities and Challenges Ahead
Hertel assumes leadership during a period of significant wildlife management challenges and policy debates. Key issues likely to shape her tenure include:
Wildlife population management: balancing herd health, habitat capacity, and human conflict concerns.
Predator management and species protection: ongoing debates over wolves, mountain lions, and endangered species protections.
Habitat conservation and drought resilience: protecting migration corridors, winter range, and wetlands critical to game species.
Working lands partnerships: improving collaboration with ranchers and farmers affected by wildlife impacts.
Her background in biodiversity and working landscapes suggests continued emphasis on habitat connectivity and ecosystem resilience.
Reaction from Hunting and Conservation Communities
Early reaction from conservation groups has been positive, citing Hertel’s long experience in habitat restoration and collaborative conservation efforts. Agricultural and land stewardship stakeholders have also expressed cautious optimism about her experience working on “working lands” solutions that balance wildlife needs with rural livelihoods.
Hunter advocacy organizations are expected to monitor her approach to predator policy, tag allocations, and public access — long-standing pressure points in California wildlife management.
Many hunters hope the new director will emphasize science-based decision-making and improved communication with sportsmen, especially on issues like herd health, hunting opportunity, and habitat restoration.
A Leadership Transition at a Critical Time
Hertel takes the reins as California continues to balance wildlife recovery successes with growing conflicts between expanding animal populations and human land use.
For hunters, her leadership will influence everything from tag availability and herd management to habitat conservation and future hunting access.
As the new director begins her tenure, sportsmen across the state will be watching closely to see how policy direction evolves — and what it means for California’s hunting heritage.
Hunters can stay informed by following CDFW announcements and regulation updates as the department outlines priorities under its new leadership.
