It is well to try and journey ones road and to fight with the air.Man must die! At worst he can die a little sooner." (H Ryder Haggard)
Maybe this question is best asked with a new thread...however....
Is it time for a new "federation" in BC whose mission statement advocates primarily for the rights of hunters (and fishers and shooters?) in the Province?
I don't want to get into the "right or wrong" of the BCWF, but only throwing it out there for discussion.
I know the BCWF has, at their core, the best interests of fish and wildlife at heart. Fair enough. Nothing wrong with that. While they also advocate hunting and fishing (and yes, gun ownership) rights however, that doesn't seem to be their "primary" focus.
I am all for the proper, well thought out conservation policies when it comes to fish and wildlife in our province, and I don't necessarily disagree with the BCWF's approach to that end.
I feel that the BCWF advocates for fish and wildlife (rightly so) in BC and includes hunters and fishers who agree with that.
I don't, however, see the BCWF as an organization who campaigns for the rights of hunters/fishers/shooters first, and then vigorously touts the concerns and passion of those people which, ultimately I'm sure, is the advocacy for fish and wildlife in BC.
Maybe I can sum it up like this. I want the best for fish and wildlife. So does some guy on a kayak drooling over a grizzly sighting on the coast. I have nothing in common with that guy. Nothing at all. I hunt, he doesn't.
Below is one of the "objectives" of the BCWF...
"To develop and support a comprehensive educational program to make all British Columbians aware of the value of British Columbia's fish, wildlife, park and outdoor recreational resources, and to arouse in the public conscience a recognition of, and a respect for, the place of fish, wildlife and outdoor recreation in the wise integrated use of the nation's natural resources."
I want an organization that holds my hunting/fishing/shooting rights first and foremost. I will not "join forces" with any groups such as Raincoast. Ever.
I am looking for a group of people who will fight for my rights as a hunter, fisher, and firearms owner in BC. If such a group needs to be formed, supported, joined.....I'm in.
Knowledgeable shooters agree- The 375 Ruger is the NEW KING of all 375 caliber cartridges. ALL HAIL THE NEW KING!
Again, giving hunters too much credit toward being the problem with wildlife
Wildlife will succeed as long as it has value. Value diminishes on a steeper curve than loss of opportunity, hunters cherish the chance to go hunting
If it was only about putting meat on the table, numbers and support for hunting would vanish
Take a looka thte increased numbers of new hunters, at a time when soap boxers are crying about no game in BC. They want to hunt and are not the ones crying about 'what it used to be like'
And about The Fed having the wrong direction, who do people think drives the bus? The annual convention is when most of the science and information gets disseminated to the various club reps, and if there was a try ground swell of opposition to a direction of the Fed, wouldn't it come up then as a major controversy? Changes and movements start aat the roots level and move up,, those that have traction get support, those that don't die on the floor
Ideas and resolutions get vetted and live or die according to their true value among the majority.
Tough to believe any of the nay-sayers have ever been part of the process or they would have a chance at seeing things in play
Never say whoa in the middle of a mud hole
Gates....I’m curious.....have you ever sat in on any wildlife stakeholder meetings at the provincial, regional or sub-regional level dealing with habitat enhancement, wildlife population declines, proposed regulation changes for harvest numbers and access restrictions ?
Wondering............
Never say whoa in the middle of a mud hole