Please Do Not Hunt BC, Canada

[BCRESIDENTHUNTER]

Why would I say this about my beautiful province in Canada?

Our current Liberal government has recently changed its policy in regards to wildlife allocations. These changes have taken a large number of hunting opportunities from BC Residents and handed them to the guiding industry at the behest of the GOABC (guide outfitters of BC). Some of these resident draws are already once in a lifetime odds, so taking away tags may make it never-in-a-lifetime for some folks.  Basically, our government has privatized wildlife and sold it to the highest bidder with no regards to the average working class citizens who pay for conservation of animals and stewardship of the land through our taxes.

The norm in North America is for 5-10% of game to be allocated to the guiding industry. The changes we are facing would put 40% of sheep/grizzly/mountain goat in the north to guides, and up to 25% of other species. These changes are NOT a result of surplus wildlife, we are actually in a downswing in game numbers at the moment.  How would you feel if this was happening in your state? What if our province is setting a precedent? 

I am a working guy and come from pioneer stock in Northern BC. I fear for the hunting future for my children. I have joined up with this grass roots movement to protect our heritage from a greedy provincial government and a well-funded lobby group - the GOABC. 

If you are considering booking a hunt in Canada, please take the time to educate yourself. There are guides in BC that do not belong to GOABC and do not support these allocation changes. Also remember, there is amazing trophy game in Yukon, Alberta and the North West Territories. 

Finally, the lawyers are following our efforts and I'm afraid they may engage us residents with litigious law suits. So here’s my disclaimer - all comments are opinion only and I make no claim to the accuracy or completeness of any facts or figures I have provided. As I said please educate yourself.

I will monitor this board, and am happy to answer any questions.  If you’d like, you can also send email to: bcreshunt@gmail.com

Thank You for your time;

BC Hunter

[Special T]

Im pretty sure the only way you can hunt big game is through an outfitter.

[h20hunter]

 


Just about the weirdest first post I've seen.

Interesting but I'd say that the guides, lodges, outfitters, and associated business owners may disagree with you and your campaign.

[C-Money]

Im pretty sure the only way you can hunt big game is through an outfitter.

Right, so find a non GOABC outfitter? Looks like things are tough all over.

[Special T]

I have friends in BC that have invited me to hunt with them... My only real chance is if they go out of BC and have me tag along. BC has had much stricter controls than any other provence for some time...

I feel for the poster, however for the species he listed "sheep & mt goat" are likely just BC animals... Perhaps there are some in the NW territories in which case i think you also have ot have a guide... I know you do in AK...

[Magnum_Willys]

Hunting Tourism is what feeds many Canadian Residents and Natives in B.C.   Turning away that business will be a tough sell. 

[grundy53]

Following along.

[Woodchuck]

Hunting Tourism is what feeds many Canadian Residents and Natives in B.C.   Turning away that business will be a tough sell.

Yes, but how up in arms would we be if some of our draw tags were handed over to outfitters only?

[Gringo31]

Welcome to the site

[BCRESIDENTHUNTER]

Hi All,

I agree it is sort of an abrupt way to join a new forum, but we (resident hunters) are really trying to educate potential guided hunters as to our situation.  You are correct Special T and C-money, non-residents need a guide or (or a permit to accompany if with a non-guide resident of BC).  If you are considering a trip, perhaps look at some of the other areas mentioned or please look into non-GOABC options (there are a number of them).  There are a number guides here who weren't involved in this lobbing campaign and the back room deals.

The economics are a contentious part of all this.  There is no doubt that the 100,000 + resident hunters contribute far more to the economy than the outfitters, who have a handful of not-well  paid guides and pocket the rest. In fact resident hunters, who buy gas, charter float planes, eat in restaurants, stay in non-outfitter hotels really keep a lot of small towns going.


 Here is a HuntingBC thread on the subject:  http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?113549-GOABC-vs-Resident-Hunters-economics&highlight=economics

Cheers,

BCH

[Special T]

I have never heard of the permitt you speak of... To hunt with out a guide.. Can you point me in the direction or give me details?

[Curly]

The link isn't working for me.  It seems you have to be a member to read the BC forum. 

[BCRESIDENTHUNTER]

Special T, I don't really know anything about it, other than having heard of it.  Here is a link to some information:  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/pasb/applications/process/accompany_hunt.html#eligibility

[BCRESIDENTHUNTER]

The link isn't working for me.  It seems you have to be a member to read the BC forum. 

Ah that's too bad.  There is waaaay too much information there to transcribe.  I know a lot of guys have been using a VPN service if that helps with registration.  It's a really hot issue up here right now, and tons of information is on the site.

[Special T]

As i supsected that permitt is only good for DIRECT family relations... Cousins do not count...