Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
British Columbia Sport & Outdoor Lounge => Hunters' Cabin => Topic started by: IronNoggin on July 20, 2012, 10:26:04 AM
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The Tl'etingox-t'in Band from the Chilcotin Region has announced they will be closing all of Region 5 to all moose hunting for non natives (except with Band Members who have Guide Hunting Operations). They have publicly stated their intent to close (physically deactivate and/or occupy) all roads and stop all hunters from hunting, & further noting they will "escort" any non Tl'etingox-t'in hunters out of the area.
Here is their official release to this effect: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/64595952/Moose_Hunting.pdf
This topic has been the focus of much discussion on the Hunting Site with over 450 responses over 46 pages: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?84338-No-moose-hunting-in-Area-5
Were this initiative to be accomplished, it will set a VERY Dangerous Precedence regarding our Hunting & Fishing activities Province Wide.
An official Legal Petition has been struck by several members of the hunting site, and is now being circulated. This is not an on-line petition, rather one that must be physically signed and returned. If you are a Member of that site, I strongly encourage you to contact those circulating the Petition and express your concern for your continued access in BC. If you are not a member there and are interested in signing or collecting signatures, send me a pm here and I will get you the relevant information asap.
This one is IMPORTANT Folks! We must nip this type of action in the bud before it effects ALL we do in BC's back-country!!
Cheers,
Matt
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It is important to note that there is some history to their actions. Over the years they have closed various roads in the area to hunters without any notice. There are not enough members in their band to be able to enforce this type of blockade as the area has many many access points.
This is not meant to minimize the need to respond to this threat which could spread to other parts of the province.
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This is not meant to minimize the need to respond to this threat which could spread to other parts of the province.
It already is...
On relate fronts, the Tseshaht Band on Vancouver Island declared their "Right" to Roosevelt Elk which may have a direct impact on any others hunting them in the future:
Tseshaht has more than just an interest in Roosevelt Elk
By Debora Steel, July 12, 2012
Tseshaht First Nation Chief Councillor Hugh Braker has written a response to a discussion paper on Roosevelt Elk Management and B.C.’s invitation to the nation for “input”.
Braker’s letter, addressed to Kim Brunt, a senior wildlife biologist with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations on the West Coast, states clearly that Tseshaht has more than just a passing interest in the Roosevelt Elk. It has a right to the resource.
Mere “input” into the development of the ministry’s 10-year management plan, of which the discussion paper is a part, isn’t going to cut it when the courts have upheld that First Nations be consulted, accommodated and compensated when their rights are, or may be infringed, Braker writes. What the discussion paper fails to include is a plan for co-management of the resource in Tseshaht’s traditional territory, wrote Braker.
“We have an aboriginal right to the Roosevelt Elk which is grounded in our aboriginal title to our ancestral lands. We believe that only through co-management can we truly enter into a new relationship on this issue.”
Braker explains in the letter that First Nations rights are not like those of any other stakeholder or user group.
“Our rights are recognized in the Constitution of Canada. We call on you to amend the Discussion Paper to reflect the unique position of First Nations with respect to consultation, accommodation and compensation. We fear that the entire process may be derailed before it starts unless there is an appreciation by government of the First Nations’ rights and positions.”
Braker goes on to say that the harvest of the elk currently allowed annually by the ministry does not meet Tseshahts’ needs in the area of food, social and ceremonial rights. He said Tseshaht is not willing at this time to allow an increase of allowable catch in the sport or guided hunt sectors without Tseshaht’s harvest numbers first going up.
According to Canadian law, Aboriginal food, social and ceremonial needs come second only to conservation. Braker said management of this resource must recognize and give content to this right.
Braker is concerned that a decision has already been made at the ministry to “compromise Roosevelt Elk numbers where other land use may be in conflict with higher numbers of elk. “The Tseshaht are not convinced that every other land use trumps elk rebuilding,” writes Braker.
He also encourages the use of aboriginal knowledge to improve current limited data on the elk. And he said the discussion paper had not talked about greater prosecution of illegal hunting or compulsory reporting by sport hunters.
Though a number of concerns were raised about the discussion paper, Braker is pleased that the province is embarking on a review of the Roosevelt Elk and their management. “We can all only benefit by sound co-management that is in recognition of and respectful of, our rights, the importance of conservation and long-term planning.”
http://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2012-07-12/tseshaht-has-more-just-interest-roosevelt-elk
Should these initial attempts prove successful, we can likely look forward to MANY more such initiatives. Time to Pony Up, sign that petition, WRITE your MLA and Protect Our Access Folks!
And none of that is anywhere near "Cheery"!
Nog
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Petition Locations:
Gone Fishin' - Port Alberni, Courteney & Nanaimo
Granlund's Firearms in Campbell River
Berry's Bait and Tackle, 14651 Westminster hwy, Richmond
A&C Sports, 337 Banks; Grouse River Outfitters, 2720 Hwy 97N Kelowna
Weber & Markin Gunsmiths & Gunshop, 4-1691 Powick Kelowna
Hy Mart in Westbank
Del Selin in Vernon
International Shooting Supplies in Surrey
Backcountry in Ft. St. John
Westside Stores Salmon Arm
Hub Sports in Abbotsford
More as they come in...
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Adding:
Tyee Marine and River Sportsman Campbell River
Frank's Supermarket Quesnel
Island Outfitters Victoria
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Also adding:
Sign-in hut at the South Okanagan Sportsman Association North of Oliver.
You don't need a key, just walk past the gate and open the white angled box, and you see the petition.
Cheers,
Nog
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Adding:
Blue Mountain Guns/Sandpiper Fly Fishing Williams Lake
Friesen's Hardware Cedar
Cheers,
Nog
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Anywhere in Chilliwack?
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Anywhere in Chilliwack?
Not that I am aware of at this point. If you know of a shop that might be interested, shoot me a PM with your Email address, and I can fire off the background information and Petition to you...
Cheers,
Nog
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Chilliwack Dart and Tackle http://chwkdart.com/ (http://chwkdart.com/)
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Chilliwack Dart and Tackle http://chwkdart.com/ (http://chwkdart.com/)
Are you affiliated with them, or simply suggesting?
Wondering...
Nog
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Are you affiliated with them, or simply suggesting?
Wondering...
Nog
Just suggesting Nog. I shop there for all my fishing and hunting stuff and I know they would be very supportive of this.
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Hey Matt, My email address is alwaysfishn@gmail.com
I'd be happy to take the petition info to the guys at Chwk Dart.
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A COMPROMISE has been reached: http://www.bcwf.net/images/stories/Committee/Wildlife/2012.08.30_Moose_Management_Agreement_Reached_in_Chilcotin_MFLNRO_RELEASE.pdf
"The Tl’etinqox‐t’in Government Office confirms there will be no disruptions to the 2012 Limited Entry Hunt."
However:
"In co‐operation with forest companies operating in the area, road deactivation plans to manage access to sensitive moose habitat will start without delay."
Rather appears that the first Announcement was done in order to garner attention. It Worked.
Those with an LEH may now proceed it seems.
Best of Luck if you're headed up there!! ;D
Cheers,
Nog
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Regardless of the result, how many signatures did the petition get in the end?
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--I don't expect everything is now OK... as, like all governments... just because they have signed the agreement doesn't mean all their constituents agree or will abide by the ruling.
--This agreement although far from perfect is however I believe historic in a hopefully continued joint conservation effort... rather than.. using resources as a political pawn.
--I am certain their will soon be complaints from some LEH permit holders that they are being denied access into areas that they are supposed to be allowed to go into. There will also be reports of poaching from both non LEH hunters and native hunters who will exceed their needs or indeed waste game..ie. taking only hind quarter and leaving rest in the bush, illegally guiding etc.
--These issues cannot be ignored but we have to keep our eyes on the prize and not be sidetracked by these reports... an agreement in principal is something to be proud of and built upon.
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Friend is hunting with some buddies right now west of Whilliams Lake for 9 days. Will find out if they had any problems when I hear from him.
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Friend called last night. Two moose for their group of 8. No problems with the locals just coyotes. Guy at work said some of his buddies came back from hunting west of Willys lake same thing no problems, but no luck.