BC ends bear hunt, calls it ‘no longer acceptable’

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Hunting bears was prohibited in British Columbia.

The BC government says people consultations have left it crystal clear that grizzlies is no longer acceptable.

The spring hunt from the state was first scheduled to open in April, however the banning for non-resident hunters and the novice takes effect instantly.

Glad to see that the grizzly bear hunting ban put into effect instantly. It is an important step in protecting the 15,000 grizzlies in BC. #bcpolihttps://t.co/94aOHGInEi

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) December 18, 2017

Environment Minister George Heyman says First Nations will nevertheless be permitted even for treaty rights, or to search grizzlies such as food, ceremonial or social reasons.

“British Columbians have told us in no uncertain terms quite clearly just how ardently they believe about shielding bears, and grizzly bears’ natural habitat,” he says.

Heyman adds some research imply bear sightseeing could have a more impact than searching.

BC Green Party spokesperson for the Ministry of Forests, Adam Olsen, Lands Resource Operations, says he could not be more thrilled with the conclusion.

“After years of effort on this document, my colleagues and I’m completely overjoyed this decision has been made,” he says in an announcement.

Olson adds yet that there’s still work to be performed to protect grizzlies.

“If we neglect to also consider food and habitat supply — particularly with climate change further threatening essential salmon along with huckleberry stocks — conflicts with people, roadkill rates, or poaching events, we’ll neglect to protect grizzlies at the very long term.”

The government estimates that there are approximately 15,000 grizzly bears in the state.

source http://www.tnbearhunters.com/bc-ends-bear-hunt-calls-it-no-longer-acceptable/