BCWF and 2021 wildfires

[rageous]

Was the BCWF consulted on this recent 560000 hectare motor vehicle prohibition in region 3 and 8?

What is the BCWF official stance on this MV prohibition?

[Bugle M In]

Some of these fires are big areas, popular areas to hunt as well.
Especially when it comes to the hunting of Mule Deer and the upcoming November 11th and how many of us take that week off
or at least extend a weekend.
And, on top of that R5 is closed for 10 days.
So, talk about a shit show in some areas coming soon as well as any other day of this season and for seasons to come!

So easy for them to shut it down isn't it, but no consideration in opening up say R5 so that at least there is some
room for many to hunt.
Not everyone can drive 10 hours.
And many are from the LM who hunt much of what is now closed.
So, you tell folks to drive way east or way north, but i guarantee you, areas that are not closed in R3/R8 are going to be
crowded....big time.

What i cant understand is that we had a ATV/ORV ban with the Elephant Hill fire, but now we are having outright vehicles
bans altogether!
And, who knows how long these will last????
I have never heard anything "officially" as to at least an approximation as to how long.
Sometimes wonder if they will just think we will end up "accustomed" to the closures and 20 years from now just consider it
the "norm"???

Because, if it comes to "sightlines" etc, and "easy exposure of wildlife" for the purpose of hunting, then heck, we could be waiting
10 to 20 years for some areas to grow up to a reasonable level. (some places anyways)

Waiting to see what BCWF has on this subject as well.
IF they were consulted, and what else they may or may not know.
And is the Ministry at all concerned about the hunting community or even having talks with BCWF.
Honestly, i have no clue how the Ministry/BCWF relationship is anymore these days, especially with a NDP government
and F'n Heyman running this Ministry.

[HighCountryBC]

These areas are simply motor vehicle closures covering areas that were hit hard by fires. They are not closed to hunting. This is a good thing. Carry on.

[adriaticum]

I think areas that have burned down substantially should be closed to heavy traffic.
We are going to have major problems with land slides and whole mountain sides sliding if we allow heavy traffic in these areas.
I'd be really careful going in there even on foot.
These heavy rains sure don't help.

[Livewire322]

…
And, on top of that R5 is closed for 10 days.
…

Where’d you see that?

[ghost]

10th to 21st been that way for a while now

[Bugle M In]

Where’d you see that?
Better check the Regs, been like that for years and certainly caused additional traffic in areas bordering R5 after that.

[Livewire322]

Better check the Regs, been like that for years and certainly caused additional traffic in areas bordering R5 after that.
Huh, would you look at that!
Mule deer closure for more MUs in region 5 from Nov 11-21 - interesting!
Been a spell since I hunted up that way, but always good to learn something new. Thanks for the direction, Bugle.

[Bugle M In]

Okay, i know the areas are still open to hunting (i get that)
My question is:
How long are these burnt areas going to stay closed to MVA for hunting?
Has the Ministry given an outline (other than when sightline and vegetation grows up)?
Are they considering what that timeframe is or do they even care to give an outline?

My concern is, we know that 75% of the province could go up in flames without much effort.
Given the fact that Global Warming is occurring (yes, i am not a nay sayer on this).
The chances of seeing several more summers in the not to distant future as the one we just had, is very likely.
And if within these years, we see 500,000+ hectares burn each time, we now know the ministry's policy is to just close it off.
So, it could get very "tight" for hunters.

Tunkwa, Spray and Pavilion are not just insignificant hunting areas.
We aren't even at the height of MD season, and these areas are some favorite stomping grounds for many come November.
And some of the prime stuff is beyond what many can "walk to".
Which means the fringe areas are going to be very busy potentially.
I have seen the Elephant Hill area become busy, right after R5 shut down, and then thro in the fire, and it was busy beyond
belief last season with hunters. (and thats only an ATV'ORV ban).

So my point is, it may not seem like a big deal right now.
But these closures could potentially be the starting of a whole new problem.
If we have no more future fires, then fine, but what are the chances of that??

And, i am also curious to still know if the BCWF was consulted or talked to by the Ministry before this came out.
And, what is the relationship like between the BCWF and Ministry these days???
Does the Ministry even care to listen anymore??

[rageous]

Will BCWF respond or just sit quietly on this?

[boxhitch]

How can anybody not agree that the closures are necessary
How they go forward and what the recovery plan is , that is where the focus should be now
individual voices have no strength, now is the time to get involved with a group or club

[rageous]

“We are British Columbia’s leading conservation organization, made up of province-wide volunteers who aim to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of our environment for the benefit of present and future generations. We advocate for anglers, hunters, outdoor recreationists, firearms owners and recreational shooters. The B.C. Wildlife Federation strives to ensure the sound long-term management of B.C.’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in the best interests of all British Columbians.”

[Bugle M In]

How can anybody not agree that the closures are necessary
How they go forward and what the recovery plan is , that is where the focus should be now
individual voices have no strength, now is the time to get involved with a group or club
I dont per say have an issue with the closures due to what has happened.
But the door is wide open on interpretation as to how long, what will be done etc.
And, there is no consideration on the effect these closures have to surrounding areas.
And there is no consideration of reopening areas like R5 to maybe help.
(and like R5, they never mentioned when that might open again, if ever).

I know totally understand now, when Fisherdude said that they always asked to keep 1 doe leh permit open in an area.
Example, an area had say 50 MD doe leh, but suddenly the area has a sharp decline in MD in that area.
Most would say, get rid of all the doe leh forthe time being.
But like Fisherdude said, if they did that, it would be near impossible to got it back open again when the time was right.

This is the whole issue that i see going on all over the place now.
No problem closing, restricting and banning anymore.
Easy peasy for them.
But try and go the other direction, and nothing!
And then there are the 2 different standards based on your skin.
Fine if they had to give up there non traditional equipment.
But nope, somehow they are allowed that as well.

[Rob Chipman]

Will BCWF respond or just sit quietly on this?


Have you contacted anyone at BCWF rageous, or are you waiting for someone to notice your post? :-)

[rageous]

How can anybody not agree that the closures are necessary
How they go forward and what the recovery plan is , that is where the focus should be now
individual voices have no strength, now is the time to get involved with a group or club

Your individual voice has strength boxhitch.

I am a current member of the BCWF. I am disappointed so far with them on this issue.

[Rob Chipman]

I have forwarded your concern to the President, Chuck Zuckerman. You can also email him yourself. I don't personally do any work on that side of things. I did hear that the closures would be announced the day before they were announced, but that was in a setting that's covered by confidentiality agreements.

What would you like to see BCWF say about the closures and why do you hold that position? (Honest question - I don't think you've shared your perspective so far).

Also, feel free to ping me at rob@robchipman.net in the future if you want, or your Regional president (tell me where you are and I'll go ev you his email) or Chuck directly.

This forum isn't an official BCWF one and while it's appreciated it is only occasionally monitored.

[rageous]

I have forwarded your concern to the President, Chuck Zuckerman. You can also email him yourself. I don't personally do any work on that side of things. I did hear that the closures would be announced the day before they were announced, but that was in a setting that's covered by confidentiality agreements.

What would you like to see BCWF say about the closures and why do you hold that position? (Honest question - I don't think you've shared your perspective so far).

Also, feel free to ping me at rob@robchipman.net in the future if you want, or your Regional president (tell me where you are and I'll go ev you his email) or Chuck directly.

This forum isn't an official BCWF one and while it's appreciated it is only occasionally monitored.

Rob, I thank you for your reply.

[tylerduce]

Okay, i know the areas are still open to hunting (i get that)
My question is:
How long are these burnt areas going to stay closed to MVA for hunting?
Has the Ministry given an outline (other than when sightline and vegetation grows up)?
Are they considering what that timeframe is or do they even care to give an outline?

My concern is, we know that 75% of the province could go up in flames without much effort.
Given the fact that Global Warming is occurring (yes, i am not a nay sayer on this).
The chances of seeing several more summers in the not to distant future as the one we just had, is very likely.
And if within these years, we see 500,000+ hectares burn each time, we now know the ministry's policy is to just close it off.
So, it could get very "tight" for hunters.

Tunkwa, Spray and Pavilion are not just insignificant hunting areas.
We aren't even at the height of MD season, and these areas are some favorite stomping grounds for many come November.
And some of the prime stuff is beyond what many can "walk to".
Which means the fringe areas are going to be very busy potentially.
I have seen the Elephant Hill area become busy, right after R5 shut down, and then thro in the fire, and it was busy beyond
belief last season with hunters. (and thats only an ATV'ORV ban).

So my point is, it may not seem like a big deal right now.
But these closures could potentially be the starting of a whole new problem.
If we have no more future fires, then fine, but what are the chances of that??

And, i am also curious to still know if the BCWF was consulted or talked to by the Ministry before this came out.
And, what is the relationship like between the BCWF and Ministry these days???
Does the Ministry even care to listen anymore??

BCWF guy here. I don't know everything but I will share what I do know.

1. Some of the big fires from this summer are still not declared "out". Yes, they are under control and 99.9% out. But still technically a worksite.

2. Firefighting scars the landscape not just by fire but by all the machine control lines and hand lines that are dug. Contractors are hired to go in after to restore the land to prevent unnatural erosion for example.

[Shermanator]

I have forwarded your concern to the President, Chuck Zuckerman. You can also email him yourself. I don't personally do any work on that side of things. I did hear that the closures would be announced the day before they were announced, but that was in a setting that's covered by confidentiality agreements.

What would you like to see BCWF say about the closures and why do you hold that position? (Honest question - I don't think you've shared your perspective so far).

Also, feel free to ping me at rob@robchipman.net in the future if you want, or your Regional president (tell me where you are and I'll go ev you his email) or Chuck directly.

This forum isn't an official BCWF one and while it's appreciated it is only occasionally monitored.

Are you sure you aren't a "shortcut" Rob? LOL:cool:

[Rob Chipman]

Google "BCWF"
Click on "Menu"
Click on "Contact"
Click on "Executive"

Copy and paste the president's email.


Or, randomly browse an internet forum, find a random post, and copy an email from there.

Choose your shortcut.

[Shermanator]

Google "BCWF"
Click on "Menu"
Click on "Contact"
Click on "Executive"

Copy and paste the president's email.


Or, randomly browse an internet forum, find a random post, and copy an email from there.

Choose your shortcut.

Well I'd pick you! You got more done on my issue than anyone else did after years of me trying!����