BCWF Stance on what's considered "Essential Travel"?

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

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.

---

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Onesock

Lets all stay home till May 25 so we can hunt in Sept!!!

---

Now there's an idea that might be worth a try.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob Chipman

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.

---

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.

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.