CDFW to Allow Pathway for Sheriffs Hazing Wolves
Published Friday, April 10, 2026
California Farm Bureau, alongside partners, is actively engaging with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on potential updates to the funding for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program and the program’s three “prongs.” These efforts aim to improve how the program functions for farmers and ranchers experiencing wolf impacts.
In addition, Farm Bureau has continued to advocate for full implementation of Phase 2 of the state’s Wolf Recovery Plan, which includes expanded use of nonlethal deterrence and hazing tools. As a result of this continued engagement, CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced several program improvements:
• Coordination with county sheriffs to explore authorization of less-than-lethal hazing tools, such as pepper balls, to help protect livestock and encourage wolves to return to natural prey.
• Expanded support for deterrence efforts, including funding and capacity for tools such as carcass removal programs.
• Exploration of county-based liaison positions to improve communication, coordination and access to collared wolf data for ranchers.
CDFW has also committed to conducting in-person visits and holding meetings in wolf-affected regions throughout the spring and summer. Additional details will be shared as dates are finalized.
These improvements build on Farm Bureau’s broader efforts to strengthen California’s wolf management framework, including a $48 million budget request to fully fund the Wolf Livestock Compensation Program, as well as ongoing research and support from partners such as the University of California, Berkeley’s wolf project and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Additional priorities include expanded CDFW staffing, helicopter and collaring efforts, and improved rapid-response capabilities for wolf conflict.
Staff contact: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com.
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