doubled
04-13-2010, 08:39 PM
FYI
M.O.E. Meeting April 7th, in Keremeos
I wish to give you a brief overview of wildlife topics that were discussed at last night’s Ministry of Environment meeting in Keremeos. There were approximately 70 people present for the meeting representing various organizations from the Southern portions of Region 8.
I must first report that maps were posted that show the new “super regions” that have been identified by the province. These would include the Coast, the Kootenays, the North, and the Southern Central Interior. The Southern Interior would include all of what is now region 3, region 5, and region 8. Management Units, and zones will continue as they currently are, to allow for area management. Also, there will be no change this year re hunting regulation changes as per various regions. At this time we will be continuing to report to Penticton, however, it appears that the government is striving to centralize offices, which would mean Kamloops for the Central Interior Region.
A report of the sheep harvest on the Crater mountain area was given and data showed that harvest has generally been going down with a 61/39 guide outfitter/ resident split. There is a current estimate of approximately 65 sheep in Okanagan Mtn. Park.
It was also stated that zones 8-01/9 were back to near normal sheep population levels. Joan McKay stated that we would expect to see, in the very near future, a return to original hunting opportunities (no LEH).
The new LEH for “any ram” in the Similkameen was challenged and the answer returned was that the Ministry wanted to proceed “cautiously”, and they were concerned with the level of success that could be had, as well as trespassing issues. (These excuses/reasons make no sense to this writer.) It was also stated that this program would be reviewed in 2 years. One individual stated he was disappointed that this was not identified as a “bow only” hunt area.
Mule deer showed the harvest trend to be going up, Regionally, and with fewer hunt days being required to harvest a deer.
White tailed deer population levels appear high, regionally and biologists are not concerned about the upcoming doe general open season. This is a Provincial initiative that is being introduced where white tail deer occur.
Cougar stats mentioned were that there were 49 cougar harvested with 21% being female. Biologists were satisfied with this percentile.
In a very recent aerial survey, goats were counted in the Keremeos area, and there were 107 goats counted. This included many kids, and officials are hopeful that this will be the start of an upward trend in the local goat population. It should be noted that this year there are 3 LEH tags offered residents, (as compared to 1 for previous years) and as the g/o gets 1/3 of the tags, it would be safe to say that he will now get 1 tag annually, for a possible harvest of 4 goats annually. The hunting area for these goats has also been expanded to include all of 8-02/7.
There was discussion re wild sheep vs domestic sheep and the very real possibility of contact between the two, as at the present time there is only a separation of a few hundred yards. Ministry stated this is a work in progress.
North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Program (ncgb) issue was raised and we were informed that this was not a dead issue. It is very real and is International in scope. I was also informed privately, that this is why the Vuich Creek road closure remains in effect. We are to get hold of Mr. Tony Hamilton (Prov. large carnivore specialist) to become better informed. Joan requested that the BCWF be included in the panel re the ncgb and was not given an appropriate answer. I will be in consultation with Mr. Springer re this issue in the upcoming days.
It appeared to this writer that there would be no “burns” of any significance in the southern portions of Reg. 8. There were several areas mentioned, but I believe, they would include more of the central and northern areas of the region.
There were complaints by some individuals of “no deer”, but that appears to be the continuing saga of protectionist people in the western regions (Otter Valley) and I believe these were basically discounted.
In summary, I was quite pleased with the meeting. There was ample time to ask questions, and for the most part, honest (?) answers were given. The presenters did not monopolize their time offering “feel good” information. That in itself was refreshing.
Rick Simpson was also in attendance at this meeting, and I requested him to forward a report re the fishing information that was produced.
Submitted for your information.
M.O.E. Meeting April 7th, in Keremeos
I wish to give you a brief overview of wildlife topics that were discussed at last night’s Ministry of Environment meeting in Keremeos. There were approximately 70 people present for the meeting representing various organizations from the Southern portions of Region 8.
I must first report that maps were posted that show the new “super regions” that have been identified by the province. These would include the Coast, the Kootenays, the North, and the Southern Central Interior. The Southern Interior would include all of what is now region 3, region 5, and region 8. Management Units, and zones will continue as they currently are, to allow for area management. Also, there will be no change this year re hunting regulation changes as per various regions. At this time we will be continuing to report to Penticton, however, it appears that the government is striving to centralize offices, which would mean Kamloops for the Central Interior Region.
A report of the sheep harvest on the Crater mountain area was given and data showed that harvest has generally been going down with a 61/39 guide outfitter/ resident split. There is a current estimate of approximately 65 sheep in Okanagan Mtn. Park.
It was also stated that zones 8-01/9 were back to near normal sheep population levels. Joan McKay stated that we would expect to see, in the very near future, a return to original hunting opportunities (no LEH).
The new LEH for “any ram” in the Similkameen was challenged and the answer returned was that the Ministry wanted to proceed “cautiously”, and they were concerned with the level of success that could be had, as well as trespassing issues. (These excuses/reasons make no sense to this writer.) It was also stated that this program would be reviewed in 2 years. One individual stated he was disappointed that this was not identified as a “bow only” hunt area.
Mule deer showed the harvest trend to be going up, Regionally, and with fewer hunt days being required to harvest a deer.
White tailed deer population levels appear high, regionally and biologists are not concerned about the upcoming doe general open season. This is a Provincial initiative that is being introduced where white tail deer occur.
Cougar stats mentioned were that there were 49 cougar harvested with 21% being female. Biologists were satisfied with this percentile.
In a very recent aerial survey, goats were counted in the Keremeos area, and there were 107 goats counted. This included many kids, and officials are hopeful that this will be the start of an upward trend in the local goat population. It should be noted that this year there are 3 LEH tags offered residents, (as compared to 1 for previous years) and as the g/o gets 1/3 of the tags, it would be safe to say that he will now get 1 tag annually, for a possible harvest of 4 goats annually. The hunting area for these goats has also been expanded to include all of 8-02/7.
There was discussion re wild sheep vs domestic sheep and the very real possibility of contact between the two, as at the present time there is only a separation of a few hundred yards. Ministry stated this is a work in progress.
North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Program (ncgb) issue was raised and we were informed that this was not a dead issue. It is very real and is International in scope. I was also informed privately, that this is why the Vuich Creek road closure remains in effect. We are to get hold of Mr. Tony Hamilton (Prov. large carnivore specialist) to become better informed. Joan requested that the BCWF be included in the panel re the ncgb and was not given an appropriate answer. I will be in consultation with Mr. Springer re this issue in the upcoming days.
It appeared to this writer that there would be no “burns” of any significance in the southern portions of Reg. 8. There were several areas mentioned, but I believe, they would include more of the central and northern areas of the region.
There were complaints by some individuals of “no deer”, but that appears to be the continuing saga of protectionist people in the western regions (Otter Valley) and I believe these were basically discounted.
In summary, I was quite pleased with the meeting. There was ample time to ask questions, and for the most part, honest (?) answers were given. The presenters did not monopolize their time offering “feel good” information. That in itself was refreshing.
Rick Simpson was also in attendance at this meeting, and I requested him to forward a report re the fishing information that was produced.
Submitted for your information.