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B.C. GOVERNMENT EXPANDS “NO HUNTING” AREAS FOR BEARS

July 6, 2009

An interesting information bulletin from the Ministry of Environment with an announcement of more bear hunting closures. These closures have been decided through consultation with First Nations but with absolutely no consultation, since government adjusted membership at the Land Use Plans, with the BC Wildlife Federation, The BC Trappers or the Guide-Outfitters. Which is not to say that the Federation was unaware that the government’s plan was to move towards further hunting closures.

What is more disturbing is that the Ministry is now using a population figure of 80,000 to 100,000 black bears which is contrary to their own published literature of 160,000 plus bears in the province. It would appear that they may be downgrading their own estimates in order to justify further reductions of hunting opportunity.

What we are seeing here may be just the tip of the iceberg as the countdown to the 2010 Olympics begins and the government tries to eliminate any opportunity for protest by environmentalists and First Nations that might tarnish their Olympic image.

Read the Ministry of Environment’s press release:

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2009ENV0006-000084.htm