This affects all BC residents, including conservationalists: Steve HamiltonBC Hunting and Fishing 23 hrs · Prince George · Wildlife Harvest Allocation Decision Minister Thomson has communicated a final decision to the BC Wildlife Federation, Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. and Wildlife Stewardship Council (coastal guide outfitters), which confirms resident hunting priority, while providing targeted harvest increases to guide outfitters for a number of hunts. The Harvest Allocation Policy Review project began in 2003. Its goal was to give certainty to both resident and non-resident user groups in how wildlife allocations were made to each group. The current Wildlife Harvest Allocation policy has been transitionally in place since 2007 and was scheduled to be fully implemented in 2011, but did not occur. · Our intent is for a consistent and transparent policy that is fair to all wildlife user groups. · All stakeholders want the same thing – healthy wildlife populations that can be sustainably used by all groups. · Sustainable hunting contributes over $350 million to the B.C. economy. · While resident hunters are a higher priority than non-residents, this does not imply that resident demand must be fully satisfied before non-residents can be granted harvest opportunities. Instead, it means that the share that goes to residents is considerably greater than the share that goes to non-residents. · This decision follows a comprehensive review of the Harvest Allocation Policy, and ensures: o First Nations hunts and conservation goals are not affected. o Resident hunters continue to receive priority shares of the wildlife allocation, with a stable and predictable percentage. o By regionally tailoring the allocation decision, impacts on resident hunters are minimized. Resident hunters will continue to receive priority shares of the wildlife allocation, with a stable and predictable percentage. o Vacant areas and areas not currently allocated to guides will continue to be maintained as unguided areas, and available for resident hunting. o The decision to have clear and legislated splits for each harvest will result in less discretion in the hands of regional managers – and therefore more certainty for all user groups. Until legislative amendments can be made, the allocation splits will be set in policy. o Targeted increased shares of allocation for guide outfitters to help ensure the guide outfitter industry remains economically viable.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 05:47:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015