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Rob, Jesse (if you ever come back), anyone know what the BCWF's stance is on the NDP's imposition of travel restrictions that will potentially/seemingly restrict hunters' access to hunt outside their health authority (which many do) for the next month? Will you be issuing a formal statement at some point?
This would be an opportune time to advocate for hunters' rights. We need you to step up and demonstrate that you have our backs
I am not sure we'll be issuing any formal statement aside from what we've said in the past: follow provincial health orders and take note that BCWF was very active in getting hunting declared an essential service last year. Hunting is, in fact, deemed essential.
I don't think BCWF is going to go further than that -why would we have to?
I'm glad you asked. Last year hunting was deemed essential and everyone thought we were good to go.
Then the issue of First Nations expressing Covid-19 concerns came up. There were conflicting worldviews on the Covid question. I won't go into details to avoid inflaming an already sensitive issue.
How are conflicting issues, especially over access to the land base in BC sorted out? Negotiation, court, or..."regulation". In this case the government decreed, through regulation, that while hunting is essential, travelling to hunt renders the practice "recreational". It's a bullshit call on the government's part, but they wanted a fast and easy workaround (and by "bullshit" I mean I traded a couple sharp emails with a rep from the Wildlife Branch. Strangely he didn't ask "how high?" when I said "jump!")
It was in the works for BCWF to deal with this workaround, and we've brought it up with the Wildlife Branch, but as of a few weeks ago we were all of the opinion that it was moot - we didn't have any existing restrictions and we were confident that by fall everyone would be vaccinated.
Then the numbers flipped the wrong way and we got the renewed lockdown.
I'm caught on that front myself. I've got personal and club spring bear hunts that were planned before the recent guidance.
We are having the AGM this weekend. I'm sure it will come up. We will be attending Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Table Monday and Friday and I will raise it there (PHTAT is not the PHO, mind you).
Short answer: hunting is deemed essential, travelling to hunt is recreational (my understanding); from North Van MLA Bowinn Ma: up to 10 people can gather outdoors (Stick to the same people), work, both paid and unpaid (volunteer) is essential.
There are a lot of other things that can be deemed essential as well, such as livestock and agriculture, or the provision of financial services.
Bottom line? BCWF is going to recommend following PHO orders, requests and suggestions. The organization can't really do otherwise. Look at the regs closely and see if you can determine a workaround.
I wish I could give better news.
the government decreed, through regulation, that while hunting is essential, travelling to hunt renders the practice "recreational". It's a bullshit call on the government's part, What a crock! Please keep on them Rob.
^^^^ I know, right? I said to the guy "I hunt to eat. It's subsistence. It's essential"
He says "Well, hunt in your area".
I say "You wanna show me where the moose are in North Van?" :-)
What an asinine statement !. They are experts at juggling ! They better sort this out pronto ! Who wants to put in for an LEH draw and if your lucky enough to get a draw you can’t go !
Arctic Lake
Quote:
Originally Posted by Opinionated Ol Phart
Lets all stay home till May 25 so we can hunt in Sept!!!
Good thing the government is taking such good care of us all so those that live in the city dont have to hunt anymore.
Now there's an idea that might be worth a try.Quote:
Originally Posted by Onesock
Ok good reply Rob and thank you for taking the time to indulge. Good to know you guys were making your case known directly with the Wildlife Branch beforehand. But what kind of authority do they have anyway - if Bonnie says no dice, then its no dice. Too bad she couldn't demonstrate a little more common sense when it comes to hunters hunting for sustenance - we're outdoors FFS! Will never forget or forgive any of the main characters in this charade.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Chipman
Looking forward to the annual meeting tomorrow
This is just one step, but the AGM today decided to change how we refer to how we hunt and fish - we're dropping the word "recreational" in terms of hunters and anglers. Again, small step, but it goes ion the right direction to change the way hunting and angling are thought of across the wider public.
Fantastic! Simply fantastic!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Chipman
I've been lobbying for Alberta hunting organizations to do the same for over twenty years.
It has fallen on deaf ears and dumbfounded eyes. They just didn't/don't get the importance of the terminology.
Now to pressure the government to remove the language from the Acts and regulations.
Well done. :cool:
Excellent move.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Chipman
We all know words matter. There are those among us who hunt for subsistence, basically food to survive and those of us who hunt for sustenance.
It’s not widely known among the public that guide outfitters donate meat that foreign hunters cannot export due to foreign or provincial import regulations. The meat goes to needy families and also First Nations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Chipman
Good stuff!
Love the idea. So simple, yet extremely pertinent. Part of the reason why the Anti's hate what we do with such vitriol is because they think we just like to shoot anything we see simply for the joy (recreation) of killing. Hugely important to frame the narrative in terms of sustenance rather than recreation. Tip of the hat!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Chipman
Hunting is not a sport. Hunting is a way of life and a state of mind. Good work Rob.
Good Job Rob and others on the BCWF!
It’s important that we reframe hunting as a traditional cultural practice. Our forefathers who settled Canada generations ago brought these practices with them from Europe and shaped them to the new world. I worked and studied Foresty in Germany and the traditional hunting practices of Germans are deep rooted and very important. Words shape how we perceive the world and are perceived by it. Thanks for looking out for us!!
Thank you Rob and BCWF I think this is a good move !
Arctic Lake
It is a great start,Quote:
Originally Posted by Arctic Lake
That will be completely irrelevant if the wording within legislation is not also changed.
Time to write proposals and lobby for amendments to ALL relevant legislation.
Just posted by BCWF on facebook
Travel for hunting and fishing, whether for food or for recreation is deemed non-essential under the new PHO in British Columbia.
"The B.C. Wildlife Federation sympathizes with your frustrations. However, we encourage you to follow the Provincial Health Orders for everyone’s safety and health." said #BCWF President Chuck Zuckerman.
Facebook link:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...12034768864581
So hunting being deemed essential really meant nothing when it mattered.....hope BCWF didnt waste a lot of time and money on it.
400 in hospital out of 5 million, shut down travel...imagine if we had a global pandemic? More like a public healthcare mismanagmeant debacle...
They could start with shutting down International and interprovincial travel and let those of us that live get on with our lives. The number of planes landing in Vancouver infested with Covid is effing disgraceful. Whoregan and his moron posse started strong and kept the numbers down in the beginning, but have fallen flat on their faces since fall. Turdeau has been his usual moron self throughout the whole thing. They both hoped to use their exemplary handling of Covid to cement their re-elections, but both have phucked it up royally! With any luck, the simpering masses will figure out how bad these clowns are by the time this ends.Quote:
Originally Posted by ElectricDyck
Can you tell I’m fed up??
Thanks Rob
Redthies - I agree that allowing international travel from global hot spots while we are on a lockdown on recreational travel is STUPID!! However, for clarity, aviation is a federal jurisdiction and the BC Government can't close the airports or I think the NDP would have done that already.
Onesock - Agreed but just take a look at the Covid thread and you will see that it ain't going to happen. Can't you just see the headlines ... BAM another black eye for hunters!
And the savvy reader will note I also slammed Turdeau in my post. I am aware it’s federal policy that dictates aviation and quarantines etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Hermit