Two announcements from BCWF at the same time.

The first is the 2021 AGM and a call for nominations. Clubs need to register to vote and volunteers who want to work on the BCWF Board need to submit their intentions.

The hunting community is evolving as we run into more and more challenges. The challenges vary from regular conservation challenges through hunting rights, access, firearms and other things I'm forgetting. So far no single organization can address every issue effectively. Different organizations have different strengths and weaknesses. Thankfully, you can multi-task and be active and support more than one organization.

Some people love BCWF and some people hate BCWF. That's fine and good. One strength BCWF has is a large membership, a good reputation with government and the ability to exert some influence.

BCWF is a conservation organization made up, in the majority of hunters and anglers, meaning we are predominantly hunting and angling conservationists. BCWF's aim is to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of our environment on behalf of all British Columbians. BCWF advocates for hunters, anglers, outdoor recreationalists, firearms owners and sport shooters. We strive to ensure the long term sound management of BC's fish, wildlife and outdoor recreational resources in the best interests of present and future generations.

If you would like to get more involved with the BCWF, join us and attend the AGM.

If you are a member already, make sure you register, make sure your club is registered, and get ready to vote and volunteer. Details are below and anyone can contact me anytime through the forum or at rob@robchipman.net or by telephone at 604-230-4225.

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The 65th Annual General Meeting will be held virtually via Convene Virtual AGM software, on April 24 & 25 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All usual AGM protocol will be followed. Register below – and check back frequently for updates!
Guiding Documents

Please click on the links below to be referred to the guiding documents:



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The second issues is a recent letter from BCWF Firearms Committee champs Doug Bancroft and Gary Mauser. It was not originally addressed to the wider audience, but it's alright to be shared:

Hello BCWF leaders,
As you are no doubt aware, governments at all levels are attempting to fix the problem of increasing gang gun violence. Unfortunately, they all seem to be going about this mission using the same ineffective approach of further regulating lawful firearms owners.
The province introduced Bill-4, the Firearm Violence Prevention Act, into the B.C. Legislature on March 3, 2021. Bill-4 consists of unnecessary restrictions that either duplicate the existing Criminal Code or impose additional and confusing provincial offences with no likelihood of reducing violent crime. Bill-4 will create additional administrative burdens and costs, directly and immediately harm many lawful citizens, and negatively impact Public Safety and Security. Many of the small and mediums size ranges in B.C. that also are used for training Law Enforcement Officers will likely have to close.
BCWF President Bill Bosch sent an official request to Premier John Horgan to table the legislation. Bosch emphasized, "the government has failed to consult with B.C. First Nations and key stakeholders such as the BCWF or any lawful and responsible firearms organizations this Bill would directly and adversely impact."

However, the Bill was being rushed through Third Reading and Royal Assent, with no amendments in Committee.
Your committee chairs have met, and will continue to meet with staff of the B.C Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and assertively following up with Minister Farnworth and opposition critics. We are insisting that government provide a meaningful opportunity for the BCWF to consult in the regulations that will “operationalise” this legislation.




How can you help?
Meet with your MLA, MP and Mayor and Council to talk to them about your concerns. We have prepared background materials that address federal legislation (Bill C-21), including municipal bylaw-driven gun bans, and now, the new provincial Bill-4.
Ask your members to send letters in opposition to these Bills, using our handy and customizable letter-writing templates. Find all these materials on our campaign page here. To assist in your government advocacy, Jesse Zeman has prepared best practices videos to assist even the shyest member in speaking to government officials. Find the information here.
Keep in touch; let us know how your meetings go, and if there are any questions raised that the materials we have created have not addressed.
It's easy to be cynical, and it's harder to stand up for what you believe. We are speaking up for you, and we ask that you take whatever effort you can to oppose legislation that will directly impact all our shooting ranges.
Thank you, and please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information and to let us know how your efforts went.
Sincerely,
Douglas Bancroft, Chair, BCWF Recreational Sports Shooting Committee
Gary Mauser, Chair, BCWF Firearms Committee