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PROTECT HUNTING

Our hunting tradition and wildlife habitat is under serious threat. Care about the future of our heritage?
 



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Advocating for pro-hunting policy decisions and defeating anti-hunting and overzealous firearms control measures on all political levels.
 
 
 
Organizing and co-sponsoring California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus events.
 
 
Events from COHA and our Partners
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance sponsors and hosts several events each year. Below is a list of upcoming events as well as a recap of those that have recently taken place. In addition, please take the time to visit our member's and partner's websites for their upcoming events.
 
Upcoming Events
COHA 1st Annual Southern California Pheasant Hunt - March 19th
COHA is pleased to announce that our 1st Annual Southern California Pheasant Hunt will be held at Raahauge’s Pheasant Club in Norco on Friday, March 19th.

The event will not only offer a great upland bird hunt, but also an opportunity to meet and talk with members of COHA staff and Board of Directors.

The rolling fields of Raahauge's Pheasant Club – some of the most beautiful in Southern California – are conveniently located close to Orange County and just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles.

The fields will be made up of five person teams with four birds provided per person (cleaned). Dogs can be provided (please bring a tip for the handler). The day's activities include a catered Mexican lunch, raffle and auction.

Registration begins at 7:00 AM at Raahauge’s Pheasant Club, 5800 Bluff St., Norco, CA. Directions can be found at: http://www.rpclub.com/images/img6.jpg or call 951-738-9212.

The cost is $160 per shooter through March 10th, $200 per shooter after March 10th. Valid hunting license and upland game stamp required.

Come and enjoy a fun day in the field while doing your part to support COHA’s important fight to protect your right to hunt today, and for generations to come.

Please send your registration in to:

Gretchen Heffler, COHA Southern California Director of Development
10 Shasta Court, Oceanside, CA 92057 Ph: 760-722-6697 Fax: 760-722-6695 gretchen@outdoorheritage.org www.outdoorheritage.org

For event flyer and details see below link.
Raahauge’s Pheasant Hunt
Enter the COHA Bumper Sticker Contest - Win Lunch for Two!
Want to proudly let people know that you are doing your part to conserve wildlife and protect the future of our hunting, and possibly win lunch for two? Enter the COHA Bumper Sticker Drive contest. It's easy. All you have to do is place a COHA bumper sticker on your car or truck, take a photo, and email it and your contact information to COHA at COHA@outdoorheritage.org. The end of each month through June 2010, COHA will draw a random winner out of all entrants received and post the winner on our website. You only have to enter once to be in the drawing each month.

Again, the last chance to win a “free lunch for two” will be on June 30, 2010. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

If you don't have a COHA bumper sticker, but would like one. Simply email us and let us know. We will be pleased to place one in the mail to you.

FEBRUARY'S COHA BUMPER STICKER WINNER!!!
 
LATE SEASON GOOSE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES ONCE AGAIN OFFERED THROUGH SHARE PROGRAM
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), in cooperation with California Waterfowl and the CA Department of Fish and Game (DFG), is again offering special private land hunting opportunities for geese in late February and early March. Hunter applications must be postmarked on or before January 8, 2010. A drawing will be conducted by DFG the week of January 18th, with successful applicants notified shortly thereafter.

For the Imperial Valley white goose (i.e. Ross' and snow) hunt application, please click on link below.

Draw Results:

Feb. 13-14

Hunter_ID City Property
91780203 LOMITA 1
90518407 CYPRESS 2

Feb 17-18
Hunter_ID City Property
90580508 LAKEWOOD 1
92514110 FONTANA 2

Feb 20-21
Hunter_ID City Property
90586301 NORWALK 1
91694808 RIVERSIDE 2

Feb 24-25
Hunter_ID City Property
90577207 VISTA 1
90738408 EL CAJON 2

Feb 27-28
Hunter_ID City Property
90587606 SAN PEDRO 1
91584001 HELEDALE 2
Imperial Valley White Goose Hunt Application
North Coast Aleutian Goose Hunt
For the North Coast Aleutian goose hunt application, please vist California Waterfowl's website at the link provided below.

For Draw results got to: California Website Association Website
California Waterfowl Association
Waterfowl Hunts
Through COHA's founding member, California Waterfowl, all California hunters will have the opportunity to hunt exclusive and private duck clubs during the 2009-10 waterfowl season. The “California Waterfowl Hunt Program” will provide expanded quality hunting opportunities to all California hunters, showcase California Waterfowl's projects and educate people about the importance of waterfowl and wetland conservation. Hunt application fees are ONLY $5! All proceeds generated from application and hunt fees go towards California Waterfowl's award winning conservation and education programs.
 
For more information visit California Waterfowl
State/County Fish and Game Commission Meeting
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) continues to be the leader in protecting our hunting and wildlife conservation heritage by inviting County Fish & Game Commissions from around the state to a critical conference in Sacramento. The intent of the meeting was for the county commissions to form their own state association, share common issues, and to get to know their counterparts. Other goals included, seeking possible solutions to common issues from around the state – poaching, local prosecution of game violators, fines and fine collection, and promote better communication/coordination between county commissions and the California Fish and Game Commission. Another topic of discussion was the need to educate local district attorneys and judges on the seriousness of repeat or game marketing violators. Judging by the interest and involvement of the 40-plus representatives who met, the new California Association of County Fish and Game Commission will be formed.

The all-day meeting was held at the Sutter Club in Sacramento on February 4th. A full day of break-out sessions were planned after first hearing from a select group of interested guest speakers. State Senator Tom Harman, an active sportsman, led off with a strong message to county commissioners that they should become more active in local and state wildlife issues, along with touching on past and upcoming legislation. The outgoing State Commission President Richard Rogers followed the Senator and provided an interesting history on the State Commission, noting California’s declining number of hunters, and strongly urged those in attendance to form the association. Don Koch, Director of the Fish & Game, followed and conveyed to the crowd how proud he is to represent DFG. He noted that even with dire budget woes, DFG staff remains committed to doing everything possible in protecting our natural resources. DFG Law Enforcement Division Chief Nancy Foley gave an honest yet very bleak picture on the game warden situation and the seriousness of poaching. Warden numbers are decreasing and poaching crimes are running rampant. This of course was of great interest to the Commissioners who consider themselves’ living at the frontline of this battle. To end the speaker portion of the event, Bill Gaines, President of COHA addressed the crowd by stating "we believe that the California Association of County Fish and Game Commissions should have a say in the direction taken by the state with regard to fishing and hunting matters." Gaines, a life-long sportsman, then began to describe how this association could interact and work closely with COHA to provide grassroots support to secure policy decisions that benefit California’s sportsmen and women.

The conference also attracted fellow conservation organizations and an individual who wanted to join COHA in sponsoring this historic meeting. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), California Deer Association (CDA), California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC), California Waterfowl Association (CWA), Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), North Coast Fishing Association (NCFA), NRA-ILA, George Osborn, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and the Sonoma County Abalone Network (SCAN) all deserve recognition for their support of this event. The steering committee for the conference consisted of Rick Bulloch from COHA, Jon Fischer from the Fish and Game Commission, and John Turner, Karl Weiland, Larry Nelson, all of whom sit on the El Dorado County Commission. Pictured below: Don Koch, Director of Fish and Game addressing the Conference (photo on left) and Richard Rogers, Member of the California Fish and Game Commission also addressed the Conference (photo on right).
 
2008 Legislative Trap Shoot – A Big Success
On August 5th, 2008 the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus held its 6th Annual Legislative Trap Shoot at the Cordova Shooting Center in Rancho Cordova, just a short drive from the State Capitol. The event – which was sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Winchester Ammunition, California Waterfowl Association (CWA), California Deer Association (CDA), California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Rifle Association – Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), Comcast, The Sportsman Channel, and the Safari Club International-Bay Area Chapter – was once again a great success. In fact, it had the largest attendance to date, including Caucus co-chair Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta), numerous other Legislative members and staff, Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman, John Carlson Jr., Executive Director for the Fish and Game Commission, government agency representatives, and COHA member representatives.

For many who attended the event, it was their first time shooting or even handling a firearm. With a talk on gun safety from Roy Griffith, California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Hunter Education Program Administrator, and on range assistance provided by DFG Wardens from around the state, the trap and skeet shooting proved to be both challenging, safe, and enjoyable for seasoned pros and beginners alike. By the end of the evening, most participants were nursing a sore shoulder but gleaming with accomplishment.

All of those who attended had an opportunity to shoot several rounds of trap and skeet, as well as enjoy a delicious barbequed meal of ribs, chicken, and tri-tip prepared by J.R.’s Texas BBQ.

COHA staff helped create the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus to help ensure state legislative policy decisions which protect and promote California's wildlife, their habitats, and the ability of the public to participate in wildlife-related recreational activities – particularly hunting and fishing. COHA works closely with Caucus Co-Chairs Assembly Member Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) and Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) to build interest, membership, coordination and the political strength of this collection of Legislators who share our passion for the outdoors.
 
CHC and COHA Enjoy First-Ever Joint Fundraiser
In early August, nearly 200 enthusiastic sportsmen and women joined together in Thornton to enjoy great food, good drink, and exciting raffle and auction items – all while helping to preserve our right to hunt.

As one of the original members of the Alliance, the California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC) and COHA have enjoyed a strong and effective working relationship in tackling hunting and dog ownership issues in the State Capitol and beyond. This past summer, with the help of CHC Board Member, Dan Tichenor and COHA Director of Development, Rick Bulloch, the organizations elevated the partnership to the next level by holding the first-ever COHA/CHC joint fundraising dinner. CHC Board President, John Kunkle, COHA President, Bill Gaines, COHA Vice President, Mark Hennelly, and COHA Director of Advocacy, Jason Rhine, each addressed the crowd and touched upon the many political issues of mutual concern the organizations were currently working together to address.

A hearty thank you was earned by Co-Chair Dan Tichenor, Sharon Hensley, Vic Ellis, Carol Tichenor, Leora Hencratt, Troy Collinsworth, Jeanette Hinsz, Frank & Shelly Prader, John Kunkle, Pete Lacy, Bob (Griz) Rader, Brad & Peggy Donaldson, Tammy Ueland, Darren Solaro, and Tom (the auctioneer) Wright.
 
COHA Holds Inaugural “Sportsmen’s Night
This past July, over 225 Petaluma area sportsmen and women joined representatives from COHA, the California Waterfowl Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, California Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, the Sonoma County Hunter Education Program and other organizations to celebrate solidarity under the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance. This inaugural COHA “Sportsmen’s Night" event – driven by the idea of bringing California’s diverse outdoor groups together under one roof for one purpose – served as a demonstration of the growing unity and political strength of the Alliance, while helping to raise funds to support the important political advocacy efforts of COHA. Everyone enjoyed great food, quality firearms, exciting auction items, and numerous prizes, while often the comment was heard that, “it’s great to see sportmen and conservation groups finally coming together for a common cause".

COHA Board Member Victor Gonella, along with Ericka Hancock, Maxine Lamperti, Kevin Levo, Laurisa Riel, Mike Sutsos, and Tom Tolliver are to be applauded for their incredible efforts before and during the event to ensure its success on behalf of California’s sportsmen and wildlife.
 
Inaugural Political Action Committee (PAC) Dinner
Committee (COHA PAC) held its inaugural fundraising dinner on April 10, 2008 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple in Sacramento. The event -- which was widely attended by hunters, shooters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts -- was a smashing success, raising substantial funding to promote the campaigns of pro-hunting and angling candidates for California statewide office.

Prompted by the increasing frequency of attacks on hunting, angling, shooting sports, and science-based wildlife conservation in California, in 2007 the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) formally established COHA PAC -- a political action committee, or PAC, which contributes funds to state political candidates and elected officials that support the traditional outdoor legacy of California’s sportsmen and women. Now, more than ever, there is a need to ensure that California outdoor interests are well represented at the State Capitol by COHA – the professionals who are working to protect our hunting, wildlife conservation, and shooting traditions. COHA and COHA PAC are working together to ensure a strong future for California’s wildlife and fisheries and those who have a passion for the outdoors.
 
Legislators Enjoy Days in the Field
In February 2007, the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance teamed with the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) to hold a tour of Sacramento Valley wetland and waterfowl habitats for members of the State Legislature and their staff.

This educational event was coordinated with the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus and COHA and CWA staff, and included stops at the rice fields of Dingville and the managed wetlands of Gray Lodge Wildlife Area and Birdhaven Ranch. The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Central Valley Joint Venture and California Rice Commission also assisted with the event. Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta), Co-Chair of the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, helped kick off the event with a talk about the purpose of the Caucus and the valuable role that hunters play in wildlife conservation.

Participants learned about a number of waterfowl and wetland conservation-related issues of importance to Sacramento Valley waterfowl enthusiasts, including water supplies for managed wetlands, hunting-related funding streams for wildlife conservation, increasing habitat maintenance costs such as mosquito abatement expenses, the contribution of rice as critical waterfowl habitat, DFG budget issues and state and federal habitat conservation programs on private lands. A key theme of the event was the value of public/private partnerships in conserving our waterfowl resource, as well as the need to maintain an incentive-based approach to encourage private landowners to restore and enhance their properties for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife.

A variety of waterfowl species were observed during the course of the day, including mallards, northern shovelers, gadwall, pintail, snow geese and cinnamon teal, as well numerous shorebirds, sandhill cranes, blue herons, egrets and even a bald eagle. In between wildlife viewing stops, a delicious lunch from Panera Bread Company® was provided at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area headquarters.

COHA staff also participated in a separate hunting and shooting event for members of the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus that was held at Mike Raahauge Shooting Enterprises in Corona, California. Participants included Senator Hollingsworth, Senator Bob Dutton (R-Inland Empire), Assembly Member Bill Maze (R-Visalia) and former Assembly Member Jay La Suer. California Department of Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick also attended the day-long event.

Attendees were treated to a morning chukar and pheasant hunt over several well-trained and experienced bird dogs. After lunch and a much-needed rest from hiking the uplands, a well-designed sporting clays course awaited participants. While 30 mile per hour winds that day made the shooting particularly challenging for some, a fun and relaxing day was nevertheless had by all.
 
Previous Events
COHA Member Celebration in Sacramento
On Saturday December 5th the COHA hosted sportsmen and their respective groups from around the state to a COHA Member Celebration in Sacramento. The goal of the nearly 200 in attendance was to focus on promoting and protecting our outdoor heritage, youth education programs, conservation, legislative issues, firearm rights, and ultimately to raise supplemental funds critical for COHA to continue its essential work on behalf of the California’s hunting community. The day started with an “Education Summit” sponsored by the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), SCI San Diego Chapter, and the Bill and Ingrid Poole Foundation. Barbara DeGrew from SCI San Diego Chapter took charge and spearheaded the summit with support from COHA staff and it was well attended and received. SCI National Education Director Sue Hankner traveled from Tucson to lead off the summit and touched on the numerous programs sponsored by SCI. Firearm Issues came next with Ed Worley and Paul Payne of the National Rifle Association (NRA) joined by Tom Pedersen of the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA). Keynote Speaker Randall Eaton, noted author, educator, and lecturer, came next and wowed the crowd with his take on youth and the importance of our outdoor heritage. The final portion of the summit provided the other organizations in attendance the opportunity to promote the youth and education programs they sponsor or support. California Waterfowl Association (CWA) President Bob McLandress led off and noted the numerous programs around the state sponsored by CWA. Other groups in attendance included the California Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (CAFNAWS), California Deer Association (CDA), United States Sportsmen Alliance (USSA), California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC), Hunter Education Instructor Program, California Hawking Club (CHC), Kids Outdoor Sports Camp (KOSC), Red Bank Outfitters, Wilderness Unlimited Foundation (WUF), and more.

Following a short break after the summit, the COHA Member Gathering began. Both staff and volunteers from COHA’s numerous member groups came prepared with their banners, literature, and video productions to enlighten each other and those in attendance about their organizations and mission. As the crowd and conversation built, it was obvious the value of getting the leaders of conservation together is and was critical! In this reporters view, this must become a more common sight!
The following groups, all members or supporters of COHA, took advantage to promote their mission. California Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (CAFNAWS), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), California Waterfowl Association (CWA), Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD), Westervelt Ecological Services, California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), California Hawking Club (CHC), California Bowman Hunters (CBH), California Deer Association (CDA), Field of Dreams, United States Sportsmen Alliance (USSA), California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC), Hunter Education Instructor Program, California Hawking Club (CHC), Kids Outdoor Sports Camp (KOSC), Red Bank Outfitters, Wilderness Unlimited (WU), National Rifle Association (NRA), California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), Safari Club International (SCI), California Wardens Association, California Warden Foundation, Black Brant Group, of course the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance.

Soon it was time for the energized crowd to enter the main ballroom for the dinner/fundraiser where an outstanding selection of auction and drawing items were on display. During dinner the crowd was treated to very informative and passionate presentations by COHA President Bill Gaines, Judd Hanna of the Game Wardens Foundation, former director of the Department of Fish and Game Ryan Broddrick. The crowd was also treated the California Waterfowl Association’s incredible video production “Why I Hunt”. Noted keynote speaker Randall Eaton ended the presentations, and just as he had done in the morning he stirred the crowd deeply with his words. Also in attendance was Bill O’Leary from New Zealand representing the World Hunters Association, SF 49er Super Bowl Champ George Visger, 2008 Olympic Women’s Discus Gold Medal winner Stephanie Brown-Trafton, and local shotgun shooting State Champion and Olympic hopeful Michael Flores Jr. Auctioneer Kevin O’Callaghan kicked off the auction with his auctioneer song, and working with COHA Director of Development Rick Bulloch the crowd bid generously on many special items throughout the program. The drawing for quality firearms and other prizes ended program.
 
Purple Heart Hunt
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance was proud to participate in a blacktail deer hunt in the Livermore area for four “Purple Heart” medal recipients who were wounded in action overseas. The hunt was made possible because of California Deer Association's (CDA) ongoing “Special Needs” program which utilizes the outdoor experience to help the youth, disabled, and veterans who deserve these special events. This worthwhile program generated the interest of the Rao family from the Livermore area who wanted to help the CDA “Special Needs” program. The Rao family contacted CDA volunteer Tom Dermody who took the family's generous interest to help, and turned it into a CDA “Purple Heart” event. Tom immediately contacted COHA looking for their help to make the event as successful as possible. COHA in turn contacted Livermore residents Rich Fletcher (State Chair for the Mule Deer Foundation) and Darren Solaro (Field Operation Representative for California Waterfowl) who did a fantastic job of supporting the event. Thank you Gentlemen! COHA and Wilderness Unlimited also provided some key financial funding to offset lodging and other costs. Other donations came in from far too many generous folks to list, but thank you! Most importantly, the deserving four veterans from around the county had a wonderful time and harvested four dandy bucks.
 
Packed House Enjoys COHA/CHC 2nd Annual Banquet
A "sell-out crowd" crowd of over 200 attendees enjoyed the Second Annual California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) and California Houndsmen for Conservation (CHC) dinner, raffle and auction on August 1st. A crowd nearly double the size of last year's inaugural COHA/CHC event jammed the "Our Lady of Fatima Society Portuguese Hall" in Thornton on a Saturday evening and enjoyed an excellent tri-tip and chicken dinner with all the fixings. Guest speakers for the evening included Assemblyman Bill Berryhill from the 26th District, CHC President John Kunkle, COHA President Bill Gaines, and COHA Vice-President Mark Hennelly. This event elevates the partnership between CHC and COHA, and net proceeds from the event will help COHA and CHC protect your right to hunt, protect your shooting rights, and promote conservation. These rights along with your right to own and hunt with dogs are continually under assault from animal right extremists. Take a look at some of the bills that COHA & CHC is pushing through the State Legislature. Be sure to attend this event next year, and join the fun.
 
2009 Legislative Trap Shoot Draws Largest Crowd Ever
The California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus held its 7th Annual Legislative Trap Shoot on June 17th at the Cordova Shooting Center in Rancho Cordova, just a short drive from the State Capitol. Not only did this year’s affair draw a maximum capacity crowd of 160 people, it drew the largest number of Legislators and Capitol staff ever – including Caucus co-chair State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta). Numerous other dignitaries joined Caucus members, including several COHA organizational member representatives, and top California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and California Fish and Game Commission staff. Also attending the rapidly growing and popular event were 2008 Olympic Discus Gold Medalist Stephanie Brown-Trafton, California State Trap Champion and Junior Olympic Shooter, Michael Flores Jr., State Airgun Champion Brett Morrison, and Women’s State Trap Shooting Champion Paulette Graham. Graham was also very kind to donate her talents in helping some of the beginners find their shooting groove.

The event was sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, Federal Ammunition, California Waterfowl, California Deer Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Mendocino County Blacktail Association, California Rifle and Pistol Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Westervelt Ecological Services, National Rifle Association--Institute for Legislative Action, Shell Corporation, Safari Club International-San Joaquin Chapter, Safari Club International- San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Union Pacific Railroad, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

The event opened with a welcome from Caucus Senate co-chair, Dennis Hollingsworth, and COHA President, Bill Gaines. After a talk on gun safety from Captain Roy Griffith, DFG Hunter Education Program Administrator, participants eagerly hit the range. For many who attended the event, it was their first time shooting or even handling a firearm. With the close and careful assistance of a host of Hunter Education Instructors and DFG Wardens from around the state, the trap and skeet shooting proved to be challenging, yet safe and enjoyable for seasoned pros and beginners alike. By the end of the evening, most participants were nursing a sore shoulder, but gleaming with accomplishment.

All of those who attended had an opportunity to shoot several rounds of trap and skeet, as well as enjoy a delicious barbequed meal cooked up by Sierra Smokehouse BBQ.

The California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus was created by COHA staff in order to help ensure state legislative policy decisions which protect and promote California's wildlife, their habitats, and the ability of the public to participate in wildlife-related recreational activities – including hunting. COHA works closely with Caucus Co-Chairs Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy) and Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) to build interest, membership, coordination and the political strength of this collection of Legislators who share our passion for the outdoors.
 
COHA Wins NASCAR CWS at Sonoma
Jason Bowles in his #6 COHA/SunriseFord.com Ford won the NASCAR Camping World Series (NCWS) Bennett Lane Winery 200 race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma on Saturday, June 20th. Running near the front of the pack for the entire race, Bowles took COHA to Victory Lane following a last-lap incident between his teammate, Patrick Long, and Joey Logano, who had led 38 of 64 laps in the event on the 1.99-mile road course.

Photos of the race.

Additional Photos

U Tube interview with Jason Bowles

More on COHA's Facebook Page.
 
COHA Teams with Carter/Simo and Tommy Baldwin Racing at Sonoma
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) and its member organizations will be featured on Carter/Simo Racing’s No. 08 Ford with driver Boris Said in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California on Sunday, June 21st. Additionally, COHA will also be featured on Jason Bowles’ car in the NASCAR Camping World West Series Race at Infineon Raceway on Saturday, June 20th. This was made possible with the generous assistance of Everest Marketing Group and Tommy Baldwin Racing to highlight the important efforts of COHA to NASCAR fans in California and throughout the nation.

COHA was originally slated to be featured on Tommy Baldwin Racing's car #36 with driver Brian Simo in Sunday's feature event. However, a blown engine during Friday's qualifying eliminated car #36 from Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

“COHA is very pleased to team with Carter Simo Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing to run a car at Infineon which represents COHA and many of our member organizations who share our concern for wildlife and the future of our outdoor heritage," stated Bill Gaines, President of the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance. “NASCAR fans are proven to care deeply about these same traditions. With the generous assistance of these two racing teams, we can let them know that COHA is fighting hard to keep these traditions alive in California and beyond."

“I am really excited to team with COHA and Carter/Simo Racing on car #08 this weekend," Baldwin said. “We have road course specialist Boris Said in the car so we should put on a pretty good show for them. I just hope we can make all the COHA folks proud this weekend."

Said, has nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Infineon Raceway, finishing as high as 6th twice in 2003 and 2004. Bowles won the 2008 NASCAR Camping World West Series race at Sonoma by leading 38 of the 68 laps.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be televised live Sunday, June 21st, beginning at 1:30 p.m. PDT on TNT.
Outdoor Sporting Caucus – 5th Annual Sutter Club Dinner
On February 4th 2009, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), in partnership with the California Waterfowl Association (CWA), was pleased to sponsor the 5th Annual California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus Dinner event at the Sutter Club in Sacramento. The event, which was underwritten by the Cortopassi Family Foundation, was a big success. Boasting the largest crowd to date, the event was attended by numerous State Legislators and their staff. New Caucus Co-Chair Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston) was introduced by fellow Caucus Co-Chair Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) and she shared with the crowd the excitement of becoming an active member of the Outdoor Caucus. In addition to Senator Hollingsworth and Assembly Member Galgiani, the event was enjoyed by numerous other members of the California State Legislature. Other notable attendees included all five members of the California Fish and Game Commission, Don Koch, Director of the Department of Fish and Game, and a variety of interested hunting, fishing, conservation, and environmental organizations. The crowd was also treated to the chance to meet the 2008 Olympic Female Discus Gold Medalist and sportswoman Stephanie Brown Trafton, actor Tim Abell and 49ers Super Bowl Champion team member George Visger. A silent auction was also held during the event to raise funds for future Caucus events, with donations provided by COHA, CWA, California Deer Association, California Houndsmen for Conservation, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association. Pictured below are Members of the Legislature (photo on left) and Members of the Fish and Game Commission with key Fish and Game Staff (photo on right).
 
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