For Dan Richards, president of the California Fish and Game Commission, the photo on an outdoor blog was evidence of a successful hunt. It shows Richards beaming as he holds on tight to a mountain lion, its head hanging and massive paws limp.

He killed the big cat in Idaho; in California, it would have been illegal. And now, many animal advocates and political leaders -- including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom -- are saying the photo is proof that Richards needs to resign.

"While not in California at the time, your actions call into question whether you can live up to the calling of your office," Newsom wrote to Richards, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I do appreciate that you did nothing illegal in Idaho, but it is clear that your actions do not reflect the values of the people of California."