I was chatting with a beauty of guy whose kid is in soccer with mine. This gent works with the ministry in the koots. I think this is some positive news.
I'll do my best to relay it but it's worth reaching out to your local govt biologists to seek clarity.
The koots are getting two new biologists. One in Cranbrook and one in Nelson.
The biologist mentioned that licence and tag revenue is going to be spent on wildlife management. Under the liberals it sounds like the bcwf had a larger role in the increased spending. The ndp has lessened bcwf's role and will spend more of the cash inside the government (note the pending hires above).
Now what's going to be contentious is that first Nation role in policy and management is going to be much larger and they will be a partner. This brings up the same ol contentions but please do not turn this into a first Nation bashing thread... Too many of those lately.
Buddy conceded that FN is contentious but their annual harvest is a huge unknown and that butchers throughout bc help with a harvest estimate.
If we had a better understanding of FN harvest numbers it was indicated that in some places allocations might actually increase. In short, the partnership will help with the overall data.
He indicated that FN interest groups have a lot of the same desires as resident hunters... Where's all the damn deer. So they want more as well.
My concern is that they want them all. Equality amongst FN sustinence and resident hunters is I think what we all want. Hopefully the partnership will remove some animosity.
West koot caribou was spotted across the border south of kookanoosa and has headed back into bc and was spotted around moyie lake.
Predator control is needed but unfortunately hunters can't do much of anything. 70% reduction is required and needs to be sustained.
Mentioned that 180 wolves were killed over the last while and they have already recovered 120.
Logging really affects caribou. Affects other ungulates but at a lesser extent.
Liked the way forests were manged decades ago when wildlife and forest management worked in partnership.
Big fan of the idea of decommissioning roads but costs were an issue with the lumber companies.
He has big concerns with mule deer. Not sure what will fix it.
Had some interesting recent studies on browse and how to encourage the growth of browse with higher nutritional value.
All that I can Remeber right now.
The big thing is that our licence and tag revenue is being reinvested and he indicated the DoF will not be receiving the funds due to their own revenue sources.