Letter: Being responsible means we can enjoy BC’s wilderness

April 12, 2020

Enjoy wilderness responsibly

Contributed – Apr 10, 2020 / 12:07 pm | Story: 296960

With self-isolation, physical distancing, restrictions on travel and a number of us facing an uncertain future related to our employment, British Columbians are looking to nature as an outlet to relieve some stress.  Hiking, hunting and fishing are some of the finest ways to recharge your body and mind. These activities will improve your sense of being, help you reconnect with your kids and disconnect from your electronics; the great thing is these activities can be enjoyed responsibly while practicing physical distancing. Unfortunately, the recent closure of BC Parks has put your ability to go out and enjoy nature responsibly at risk – and it could get worse.

The most significant issues started in the most populous parts of the province where thousands of people flooded Provincial Parks.  Restrictions were followed by closures in a few parks, but it was not enough to ensure public health objectives could be met.  Overflowing parking lots, trash being left, and people crowding each other looked more like a spring break party than a park. Having a Parks budget which has been on life support for decades, and less than a handful of staff to monitor tens of thousands of people resulted in the closure of all BC Parks. While a kneejerk reaction, it certainly shows just how poorly a job BC has been doing funding, managing and staffing our provincial parks.

As the snow melts and the days get warmer, more and more people will be looking to BC’s wilderness for a reprieve. We all need to be mindful that further restrictions could be placed in BC, including a full backcountry closure.

When you’re thinking about enjoying some sunshine, a fish on the end of the line, a turkey or bear hunting trip, or the sound of a male ruffed grouse drumming, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Make sure you stay local. Small town BC does not want to see out of towners at their gas pumps, convenience stores, or hotels, and they do not have the health care infrastructure to deal with a COVID outbreak.

Hike, hunt and fish only with people who live in your household.  That does not mean go out with your neighbour, friend, sister, brother or aunt and maintain physical distance – it means only go with people who live in your house.

Practice physical distancing. Boat launches and trailheads will be especially busy. Give people extra space and time to load and unload, be courteous and aware that we’re all stressed due to COVID-19.  Have a backup plan; if your first spot is busy, continue to a different area or pick a less busy time when there are fewer people. If you’re feeling sick at all, stay home.

While BC Provincial Parks are closed, there are still a number of areas and lakes which remain open.  There are simply not enough BC Parks staff, Conservation Officers or the Natural Resource Officers to monitor or educate British Columbians in outdoor settings, so you’re basically on your own. It might take an extra 30 minutes to get to your favourite hiking trail or fishing spot, but remember, that’s better than not being able to go at all.  It only takes a few to wreck if for the many, so please make sure you’re doing your best to ensure we can all reconnect with nature responsibly this spring.

Jesse Zeman, BC Wildlife Federation director of fish and wildlife restoration Published by Wally Kampen, in Uncategorized. Edit

Fishing Forever and Family Fishing at Cottonwood Lake on Fathers’ Day weekend

is being cancelled this year due to the risks posed by the ongoing Covid-19 virus pandemic.

We sincerely regret the necessity to forgo this popular event.  Stay safe and plan for a happier 2021 with a return to normality!

                         – by Glen McKen and Richard Green

Fishing and Hunting COVID-19 Updates
As part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this page will provide updates regarding any changes implemented by the Province related to hunting and fishing activities.

As the Covid-19 situation rapidly evolves, the Resource Stewardship Division within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development continues to modify our response accordingly. Changes and updates to hunting and angling services as of March 28, 2020 include the following:

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General Information

Licensing Information

Hunting licences and other products continue to be available online through BC Hunting Online. Many hunting licences are electronic only, with no paper copy required. Species licences will be mailed directly to you – expect to receive them within 4 weeks. Please make sure your mailing address is correct and up to date.
Angling licences are also available online through BC Freshwater Fishing. Anglers are not required to hold a paper copy of their licence unless they are fishing for a species where a retention record is required. An unmodified electronic copy on your digital device (i.e. a photo on your phone, tablet, computer, etc.) is acceptable. See Basic Licence Carry and Production Requirements for more details.
Service BC locations are only providing core services and will not be administering hunting or angling services.
FrontCounter BC has closed all in-person locations.
Angling and hunting licences may be available in-person through private vendors who are continuing to operate. It is suggested to call ahead.

BCWF WILDLIFE REPORT

As with all aspects of life, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted wildlife and habitat engagement —
it’s been pretty quiet, but the committee chair continues to have discussions with Wildlife and Habitat
staff in Victoria.
COVID-19 Impacts on Hunting
Unlike some other jurisdictions (Washington State, Oregon, and Alaska), angling and hunting are still
supported by government. The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has not issued any orders restricting
individuals from angling and/or hunting at this time. At all times, individuals are expected to follow
the orders and guidance provided by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). Dr. Henry has also indicated
that everybody should stick to activities close to home according to her orders and guidelines, and that
travelling to smaller communities is not recommended at this time as the medical capabilities in
smaller communities are not up to handling a COVID-19 outbreak. Government may choose to restrict
hunting and angling if people choose to ignore these orders, guidance and recommendations.
COVID-19 Angling and Hunting Updates:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-huntingcovid-
19-updates
Service BC and Front Counter BC (FCBC) offices are not providing in-person services for anglers,
hunters, guides and outfitters at the moment. However, Service BC’s community access terminals are
still accessible. Therefore, a person could go into a Service BC office to use their computer to buy
licences (species licences would be mailed). This process could change in the future.
Licences can be purchased online. Indications are that species licences are being delivered quite
quickly. BC Mail Plus and Canada Post continue business as usual at this time.
Some licence vendors are still open, but it is recommended that the hunter/angler call first to confirm.
Government has provided plenty of licence stock to vendors.
FCBC has increased Contact Centre support and is well prepared to help hunters/anglers get their
licences.
More information:
www.gov.bc.ca/hunting
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing/recreationalfreshwater-
fishing-licence
Hunting licence and species licence sales have been brisk so far in 2020 compared to recent years for
January to March:
Wildlife Allocation Committee, Quarter 1 Report 2020
Cont’d… Page 2.
Year (Jan, Feb and March) 2017 2018 2019 2020
Resident Hunting Licences 1844 2478 2324 4852
Black Bear 1441 1968 1886 4803
Grand Total Hunting Licences (all types) and Species Licences 6626 9192 9073 17,356
Provincial and

March 31, 2020

Pursuant to BC Health Authority guidelines our indoor range is now closed to all activity until further notice.

 As of March 31, 2020, the NDRGC Outdoor Rifle Range and its other ranges (archery and trap) 
situated at 124 Porto Rico Road, Ymir will be closed until further notice. 
This is due to health concerns re  COVID-19 Corona Virus

Membership applications will only be processed by email for the time being. 

Given concerns around the Covid-19 outbreak, this year’s Gun Show is cancelled. With social gatherings being limited to 50 people, an event like our gun show becomes logistically un realistic. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our Membership Meeting scheduled for March 25, 2020 has been cancelled and will be held at a later date.

Be safe everyone.

Howie