Range closure

“ The outdoor range will be closed Monday May 8 2023 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm”

31st March 2023

Gun Show

Date/Time
Date(s) – Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location
Mickey McEwen Memorial Hall

THE WEST KOOTENAY GUN & ANTIQUE SHOW IS BACK FOR 2023

WHERE: MICKEY McEWEN HALL 801 RAILWAY ST NELSON BC

WHEN: FRIDAY MARCH 31, SATURDAY APRIL 1 AND SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2023

CONTACT: DAVE WHITE @ 250 505-6007 TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE

SHEEP FEEDING PROGRAM

NELSON DISTRICT ROD & GUN CLUB SHEEP FEEDING PROGRAM

IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE
ATTENDING THE FEEDING SITE WITH FOOD FOR THE SHEEP.

PLEASE, DO NOT FEED THESE ANIMALS.

THIS IS A PROVINCIAL PROGRAM THAT HAS AUTHORIZED CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS
OF THE NDRGC AND THE WEST KOOTENAY BIG GAME ASSOCIATION AS THE
ONLY ONES PERMITTED TO FEED THESE ANIMALS AND ONLY AT THIS LOCATION.
THE FEED THAT IS PROVIDED BY THE CLUBS IS SHEEP SPECIFIC AS PRESCRIBED
BY A PROVINCE OF BC WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. ANY DOMESTIC FEED CAN BE
HARMFUL AND POTENTIONALLY LETHAL FOR THE SHEEP.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Howie Grant
President
NDRGC

Feeding Wild Ungulates

WILDLIFE HEALTH FACT SHEET

Feeding Wild Ungulates – why it isn’t the answer. Keep wildlife wild – it is BC policy and it makes sense. When humans provide food to wild animals it changes their “wildness”, no matter what species is being fed. There are justifiable reasons to feed wild animals, such as to attract them for capture, but these situations are rare. The consequences of feeding a wild animal unnatural types and amounts of feed can range from mildly irritating behavior to catastrophic health issues, so understanding the reasons behind this policy is important. The following guidance is specific to ungulates (hoofed mammals) such as deer, elk, or bighorn sheep but the principle of keeping wildlife wild apply to all wild animals. Background Opportunities to come close to wild ungulates are rare but rewarding, especially when the animals are unaware of the humans. Habituation, or increased animal tolerance for close contact with humans, occurs when animals are fed, and with this comes unplanned consequences. Some of the consequences include: 1. Feed Effects Wild ungulates have specialized seasonal food requirements, which they fulfill by eating a wide variety of foods from their environment. Well-intentioned people may quite literally be “killing with kindness” when they provide unnatural food items to wild ungulates.  All ungulates are ruminants with specific bacteria in their digestive tracts, specialized to digest their specific diet. It can take weeks for ungulate digestive systems to adjust to new food items. Rapid changes, especially at critical times such as the fall, can result in death, even with rumens full of (unnatural) food.  Dry feeds, such as hay, grains or pelleted types, are prepared for domestic livestock and meant to be used with abundant fresh water. Without ready access to water, dry feed can impact in the digestive tract and can kill wild ungulates.  Grains, pelleted feeds or surplus fruits are high in carbohydrates/protein/energy and even small amounts can cause digestive upsets that lead to diarrhea, bloating and significant damage to ungulate digestive tracts. 2. Population Effects Wild ungulate populations are naturally limited by a number of factors, including the amount and quality of food their habitat supplies. Animals in poor body condition or with high nutritional needs, such as the young may die when natural environmental conditions and appropriate foods are not present in the right amount and quality to sustain them. Feeding of wild ungulates by humans increases animal density in the short term by concentrating animals around the feed source. Density increases may also occur over time if the feeding results in – 2 – improved body condition or more frequent reproduction. Increased density results in increased competition for natural resources with other animals that share that range. Other consequences of increased animal density include:  Increased risk of infectious diseases: o Disease transmission and outbreaks – animals in close and frequent contact with others transmit organisms more easily than when at lower density. There are many examples across North America where high ungulate density contributes to disease issues, e.g. pneumonia in wild sheep, tuberculosis, brucellosis and chronic wasting disease. o Higher stress on individual animals. Stress can lead to reduced immune function, making these animals more susceptible to infections. o In BC, viral papillomas (warts) in deer appear to be increasing in urban areas where deer numbers are unnaturally high.  Poor body condition – animals may not grow or gain weight due to reduced feed quality or quantity.  Increased conflicts with humans: o Increased habituation. Animals that learn to take human supplied feed become habituated, losing their natural wariness of humans. Habituated ungulates can be aggressive towards humans and their pets – especially during the spring when protecting the young fawns or in the fall during the breeding season. o Increased motor vehicle collisions causing injuries or death of humans and wildlife.  Increased mortality from wild predators and humans – when animals are concentrated and much easier to find.  Other major ecological effects from ungulate feeding are documented across North America and include: o Disruption of normal wild animal movement patterns and spatial distribution o Alteration of native plant community structure with reduced diversity and abundance o Introduction and/or expansion of invasive exotic plant species o General degradation of local habitat Alternatives to Feeding ***Better ways to help wild ungulates*** Wild ungulates benefit when we preserve and restore natural habitats and reduce human-caused disturbances, leaving them alone to conserve their energy to survive severe winter conditions.  The best way to help wild ungulates survive in severe weather is to maintain high-quality habitat year-round. If animals enter the winter in good condition, most survive persistent deep snow and cold temperatures. Even in well-functioning natural ecosystems, however, some animals succumb during winter months. This is natural, winter mortality helps keep ungulates populations in balance with the available habitat.  Another way to help wild ungulates in winter is to avoid disturbing them. Animals must conserve their energy to survive in winter conditions. Human-related causes of disturbance such as from recreation (e.g. snowmobile activity) and chasing by domestic dogs can result in wild ungulates expending valuable energy. Dr. Helen Schwantje, Wildlife Veterinarian helen.schwantje@gov.bc.ca

New Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Group

New Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Group

Starting in March 2023, I would like to start a Fly Fishing Group within the Nelson District Rod and Gun
Club.
The Vision of this group is to promote fly fishing as a sporting and conservation activity that can be
enjoyed by all through fish conservation, member participation, and education.
Depending on Club interest, I could potentially organize the following events:

  1. Club – Fly Tying Nights. Club members can attend a bi-weekly social evening with similarly
    talented members and bring their personal fly-tying equipment /supplies. Create your own fly or
    work on a specific fly pattern. Basic support can be provided between members.
  2. Club – Specialized Fly Tying Nights. With enough interest, specialized fly tying nights could be
    organized where a club member/guest can lead a step-by-step fly pattern. Potentially, future
    fundraising may be able to provide communal tying materials and equipment.
  3. Guest Speakers – Potential guest speakers could be arranged to join us such as Fish Biologists,
    local expert fly tyers, fishing guides, etc.
  4. Trip Planning – Discussion/Organization of fishing trips including our favorite stillwaters or local
    rivers.
    Before the Club can begin organizing, I am canvassing Club members to see what level of interest there
    is in both attending and co-organizing the club or events. There is a potential night available at the club
    and I will keep everyone informed as soon as I determine the level of interest. Deadline for feedback is
    end of February.
    If you are a fly fisher/tyer or know anyone in the club who would be interested, please contact Drew at:
    flygroupnelson@gmail.com or 250-505-6630.
    Hope to see you soon! Tight Lines.
    Drew

Raffle on a new Remington Model 870 Express 12 gauge shotgun.

NDRGC SHOTGUN RAFFLE

Starting Feb 1, 2023,  there will be a raffle on a new Remington Model 870 Express 12 gauge shotgun.
There are only 200 tickets available and they are $10 each.
The draw will take place on the final day of our Gun Show April 2, 2023 @ 2:30 pm at Mickey McEwen Hall.
Tickets will be available at the Banquet, the Gun Show, or from most NDRGC Executive and Directors.