Hunting and Fishing Deemed an Essential Service

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Some good news
https://bcwf.bc.ca/hunting-and-angling-included-in-essential-services/?bblinkid=218189247&bbemailid=21083502&bbejrid=1465708920

[boilerroom]

Indeed good news - especially with recent reports of meat processing facilities shutting down.

[ekul246]

Then they should open a couple of the parks and boat ramps so that they can be accessed.

[Bigdoggdon]

Now if we could get the RCMP to start processing PALs and renewals again.

[albravo2]

Great news. Thanks BCWF.

[Astepanuk]

Great News I’ve sure been worried about my Caribou hunt being cancelled time to get my butt in gear!!

[srupp]

Then they should open a couple of the parks and boat ramps so that they can be accessed.

Yes especially the boat ramps..lake access.
srupp

[russm]

Then they should open a couple of the parks and boat ramps so that they can be accessed.

I wouldn't expect to see that start happening until at least after the may long weekend

[russm86]

Nothing there regarding hunting with buddies that you don't live with so I assume that is still going to be a recommendation? Not sure if COs will enforce that though?

Also, curious if that overrules the park closures for all the provincial parks that allow hunting during open seasons?

[Yuritau]

Nothing there regarding hunting with buddies that you don't live with so I assume that is still going to be a recommendation? Not sure if COs will enforce that though?

Per this page (which everyone here should have bookmarked TBH): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates


In response to COVID-19, the province is adapting hunting and fishing regulations and guidance.
The changes are considered adaptations of the regs themselves.


You are expected to follow all the orders and guidance (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus) provided by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).
It's NOT optional. Any of it.


See below for a list of specific orders and guidance for fishing and hunting activities (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates#orders).

All angling and hunting regulations and licensing requirements (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing-and-hunting-covid-19-updates#regulations) are still in effect
The Conservation Officer Service (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/natural-resource-law-enforcement/conservation-officer-service) is continuing to operate across B.C.

CO's are still operational and you should go with the expectation that they will be enforcing all of this.


Orders & Guidance for Fishing & Hunting
If you cannot meet all the COVID-19 orders and guidance to fish or hunt safely, do not go fishing or hunting.
Pretty clear what that means.

[Arctic Lake]

Is there a definition to hunting Locally ?
Arctic Lake

[pg83]

Is there a definition to hunting Locally ?
Arctic Lake

not currently.

[Arctic Lake]

It would be good to know ! I would think that hunters that live outside the lower mainland will have more options than those who live in the lower mainland . Will they go by mileage from your home address I wonder . Not trying to be difficult here and realize the importance of keeping people safe .
Arctic Lake

not currently.

[srupp]

I am wondering IF they will consider any place outside your region to be excessive..?
by the wording it could be interpreted that way ?
Whatever everyone be safe..
Srupp

[pg83]

It would be good to know ! I would think that hunters that live outside the lower mainland will have more options than those who live in the lower mainland . Will they go by mileage from your home address I wonder . Not trying to be difficult here and realize the importance of keeping people safe .
Arctic Lake

It would be good to know indeed, but I highly doubt the gov't will commit to anything concrete for fear of repercussions associated with that decision. It's far easier to remain vague and retain some votes.

[Arctic Lake]

Guess one needs to make some phone calls and see what THEY SAY !
Arctic Lake

[Sixer]

https://bcwf.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BCWF-Covid-19-Infographic-Final.pdf

[Arctic Lake]

Did not have time to make a call this week to determine what LOCAL is meaning ! Anyone get a definition ?
Arctic Lake