Editor, The Times:
The current wildlife allocation policy in B.C. has just been updated just before the Christmas season, when most people are busy with other things and aren’t aware of what the provincial government is doing.
In case you didn’t know, the B.C. wildlife allocation policy is how wildlife, i.e., moose, deer, elk, etc. are divided up between resident hunters and guide outfitters (Guide Outfitters Association of BC or GOABC). B.C. already has the most generous splits anywhere in North America. No jurisdiction outside of B.C. has more than 10 per cent non-resident allocation. The guide industry wants up to 40 per cent of the available sheep, goats and grizzly bears and up to 25 per cent of all other species for their non-resident trophy hunting clientele.
We have a limited entry hunt (LEH) system in place in B.C. which already reduces our opportunities. However, I have a problem sharing the available wildlife out there with non-resident aliens who can hunt year after year because they can afford it and having the guide territories owned by foreign citizens and corporations.
Should less than 5,000 non-residents get 25 – 40 per cent of our wildlife, while the 103,000 resident hunters argue over what’s left?
I have a problem with this picture and want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the benefits of this province the way I did.
There are 230 guide outfitters in this province and over 100,000 licensed resident hunters, of which BC Wildlife Federation currently represents 45,000 members. Once again the government has put the interests of very few over those of B.C. residents. GOABC donates regularly to the Liberal Party of B.C.. Is there a quid pro quo at play here?
Moose is one of the most popular species in B.C. to hunt. In Region 3, which includes our town and residents, guide outfitters have guaranteed access to up to 20 per cent of available moose tags. B.C. residents must apply for LEH for what’s left.
If I had $9,000 to spare I could book a hunt with a guide and bypass the LEH. I don’t. Wealthy foreigners do and they are getting those animals ahead of B.C. residents.
Access to the natural resources for the residents of B.C. is important to me and my family. Any reduction to this access at the expense of all British Columbians is simply wrong.
Larry Borsa
Clearwater, B.C.
