Janice Hahn, a Los Angeles County supervisor, appealed to Governor Gavin Newsom on September 1, 2026, requesting that the state withdraw the permit that allows the Catalina Island Conservancy to kill thousands of mule deer on Catalina Island. Hahn’s request specifically asks the governor to suspend or revoke the authorization granted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The permit in question permits the Conservancy to conduct a large‑scale reduction of the island’s mule‑deer population. Under the terms of the agreement, the Conservancy is authorized to remove the animals as part of a management plan aimed at controlling numbers on the island.
Hahn expressed opposition to the planned eradication, arguing that the cull should not proceed. Her stance places pressure on state officials to reconsider the current approach to wildlife management on Catalina Island.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which issued the permit, has not publicly detailed the criteria used to determine the need for a cull of this magnitude. The Catalina Island Conservancy, the entity responsible for implementing the removal, maintains that the action is part of its broader stewardship responsibilities.
The issue has drawn attention to the balance between ecological management and animal welfare on the island. Hahn’s appeal to Governor Newsom adds a political dimension to the ongoing discussion about how best to address the deer population while respecting the concerns of local leaders and the public.
As the governor considers the request, the future of the permit and any potential deer cull on Catalina Island remain uncertain, pending further review by state authorities.