Changes to hunting and trapping policies are being proposed in the Peace Region of BC, which would remove all bag limits from wolves and triple the number of grizzlies allowed to be killed. Until January 31, 2016, residents of BC have the opportunity to formally comment in an online forum. There are also ways to get involved for Canadian and international wildlife lovers, too, all listed below.
1. Register to comment
The government has a website specifically for commenting on proposals like the ones affecting bears and wolves today. You can register on this website by clicking here. When you visit, don’t worry that you’re not part of an organization, and please input accurate information. This process allows you to formally comment on any proposals. A password and more login information will be emailed to you – if it doesn’t show up in a few minutes, make sure you check your junk folders.
2. Speak for the wolves
The biggest changes to policies facing wolves are in the Peace Region, but there are proposals for other regions you should comment on, too. Click the proposal number to open a new window to that specific proposal:
- Peace (Proposal #2124): Eliminate the bag limit and create an open season on wolves.
- Thomson-Nicola (Proposal #2084): Eliminate the bag limit and create an open season on wolves in most of this region.
- Thomson-Nicola (Proposal #2086): Make it easier for ranchers to trap and/or kill wolves on their properties.
- Kootenays (Proposal #2095): Increase the number of wolves allowed to be killed per hunter.
- Omineca (Proposal #2110): Increase the season on wolf hunting.
You can comment on each one of these proposals. Please read the “rationale” section below each proposal so you get a firm handle on the kind of language the government is using, and consider these tips on writing about these proposals:
- There is no scientific data presented on populations of wolves;
- There is no evidence that populations have changed or increased;
- There is evidence that hunting wolves can increase conflict or depredation on livestock;
- The delicate social structure of wolf packs is completely ignored in these proposals;
- Traps such as snares are used which can cause extreme suffering and duress, and are indiscriminate in what they catch;
- Over 90 per cent of BC residents polled are opposed to trophy hunts (and this is split evenly between rural and urban voters);
- Wildlife management must consider ethics, and always be grounded in the belief that it is there to manage people, not animals; and,
- Be polite, do not use foul language or threats, run spellcheck and save a copy so you can send it to your MLA and the Premier (more about this below).
3. Speak for the bears
Though they aren’t calling it a trophy hunt, that’s what the hunting of grizzlies means. It is rarely done for sustenance and therefore falls under the classification of a trophy hunt. The only proposal affecting grizzly bears currently is in the Peace Region. Click the proposal number to open a new window and comment.
- Peace (Proposal #2147): Significantly increase the number of grizzly bears hunted in the region.
Please read the “rationale” section below each proposal so you get a firm handle on the kind of language the government is using, and consider these tips on writing about these proposals:
- Non-government scientists have raised alarms about the population estimates and methodology used by the government, indicating they could be extremely inaccurate;
- The consultation conducted by government relies heavily on anecdotal information rather than scientifically conducted studies;
- There is no scientific or ethical cause to increase the number of grizzlies killed;
- Over 90 per cent of BC residents polled are opposed to trophy hunts (and this is split evenly between rural and urban voters);
- Wildlife management must consider ethics, and always be grounded in the belief that it is there to manage people, not animals; and,
- Be polite, do not use foul language or threats, run spellcheck and save a copy so you can send it to your MLA and the Premier (more about this below).
4. Tell your representatives how you feel
The proposal is a vital part of speaking for the animals. But speaking directly to your representatives is important, too. Click here to locate your Member of Legislative Assembly. Send your comments (as noted above) to them, along with the Premier (Christy Clark, premier@gov.bc.ca), the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources (Steve Thomson, FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca), and the Minister of Environment (Mary Polak, mary.polak.MLA@leg.bc.ca). If you’re not a resident of British Columbia, this list of contacts is who you should address with any letters or comments, too.
5. Tell your friends
Share this blog and supporting images or videos with your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours. The more people who know and comment, the more powerful the voices of the bears and wolves become. You can click the social media buttons below to share this directly on your pages.
6. Stay in touch with us
To find out how this campaign and others are progressing, sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter – just click here and enter your email address. Once a week we’ll let you know what we are up to, and provide updates on important initiatives like this.
Please know, from the bottom of our hearts and those at LUSH Cosmetics (our great friends who are helping promote this important campaign), we appreciate everything you have done and will continue to do for the animals. And we know that someday, we will live in a Canada where we’re part of history – just like the trapping and hunting of our fur-bearing neighbours.
