A sustainable caribou hunt was closed and moose changed from general open season to a limited entry hunt at a target of 50% harvest rate from status quo. The changes were made by the BC Government in response to a court finding that found unfettered industrial and commercial development impacted Treaty 8 First Nations’ right to hunt, fish and trap. However, resident hunting was not cited in the court finding. The Chapter responded by encouraging members to engage in the regulation public feedback process. The chapter board wrote letters to government officials expressing opposition and seeking to understand the reasoning behind the decision, why designated consultation processes weren’t used, and future management plans. The Chapter remains engaged to keep the government accountable to the management strategy put forth, including dedicated funding for habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring. See the letter here: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/b_c_bha_responds_to_proposed_hunting_regulation_changes_in_region_7b
British Columbia BHA continues to engage on this issue. Chapter Leadership met in Kelowna on June 4 for the first annual strategic planning session in two years. The meeting held at UBCO included presentations by Dr. Adam Ford on science based wildlife management and by Hunter Lampreau on shared decision making policy with First Nations. Leadership came away energized with a plan to continue to raise the profile and protect BC’s wilderness and wildlife. BC Chapter chair, Al Duffy, has also participated in a provincial Together for Wildlife stakeholder workshop regarding the formation of regional wildlife advisory committees.
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