Editor:
Re: Tom Fletcher’s column titled ‘The NDP’s grizzly trophy hunt ban aims at cities,’ published in the Lakes District News‘ Aug. 23 issue.
As a lifelong hunter and licensed trapper for 40 years, I was born in Quesnel and have lived in northern communities including New Aiyansh, Hazelton, Fort St. James, McBride, Fraser Lake and others.
As a former RCMP officer, I have had to kill many problem bears.
Fewer people are hunting bears today than in years gone by, leading to increasing populations. Bears have a devastating effect on ungulate populations and I think have contributed to the drastic decrease in moose, caribou and deer populations. Hunting is an effective wildlife management tool.
I also would like to debunk the myth that a grizzly bear carcass goes to waste if only the hide is removed and taken. No protein goes to waste in the wilderness. Other carnivores, raptors, weasels, squirrels, mice, voles and insects would get far more value out of a grizzly carcass than a human would.
Sincerely,
Mike Morris, MLA
Prince George-Mackenzie
