A recent proposed change that could see the moose harvest in the Peace Region cut by up to 50 percent has BC hunters up in arms.
The deal would allow 195 industrial projects—mostly forestry and oil and gas—proceed on traditional territories of the Blueberry River First Nations, with another 20 still in negotiations.
In exchange, the government would close all caribou hunting in the 7B (Peace) Region, as well major changes to the moose hunt, including:
- Closing all licenced moose hunting from August 15–31, and again from October 1–15.
- Change the rut closure around Moose Lake in Management Unit 7-51 to a full moose hunting closure.
- Convert all remaining moose hunts from General Open Season to Limited Entry Hunting.
- Establish the area of MU 7-32 outside of the Peace Moberly Tract as LEH Zone A and LEH Zone B.
More troubling to the local hunters, though, is the recommendation to reduce the number of moose killed by 50 percent and the number of BC licensed hunters by 50 percent.
BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) Executive Director Jesse Zeman believes the government has abandoned decades of science-based wildlife management. “This is not a sustainability issue,” says Zeman. “The proposed agreement will severely curtail moose hunting for British Columbians in areas with the highest moose densities in B.C. while negotiations on permitting for industrial activities continue.
He says caribou and moose hunting currently supports 5,957 resident hunters and their families, who spend a combined 56,000 days out in the wilderness. “These every day British Columbians also put more than $18.4 million in hunting related expenditures.”
He expects to see the number of BC residents allowed to harvest moose for food in the region reduced by 70 to 80 percent, and a loss of more than $14-16 million in hunting-related economic activity from resident hunters.
“The allowable harvest of moose will be reduced to fewer than 650 animals, from a population that can support a sustainable annual harvest of up to 7455 animals,” says Zeman.
“Ordinary British Columbians who hunt for food are being traded-off in favour of resource extraction. The BCWF is concerned that this is the tip of the iceberg and that these kinds of deals are coming to parks, campsites, streams and lakes in British Columbia. After two years of this pandemic, the province should be encouraging British Columbians to get outside and enjoy nature; instead it’s telling them they’re not welcome in the Peace and they should stay at home. The government’s approach puts science, fish, wildlife and habitat, as well as the mental and physical wellbeing of present and future generations of British Columbians last.”
The decision comes after a Supreme Court of British Columbia ruling last year that the Blueberry River First Nation’s treaty rights to hunt, trap and fish in their territory have been breached “by allowing industrial development in Blueberry’s territory at an extensive scale.”
According to the court’s ruling, “the cumulative effects from a range of provincially authorized activities, projects and developments (associated with oil and gas, forestry, mining, hydroelectric infrastructure, agricultural clearing and other activities) within and adjacent to their traditional territory that has resulted in significant adverse impacts on the meaningful exercise of their treaty rights, and that amounts to a breach of the Treaty.”
Zeman says the BCWF has similar concerns as outlined in Blueberry’s case against BC, and in fact, declined to testify on behalf of the Province. “For years both Treaty 8 Nations and the BCWF have pushed the provincial government to focus on wildlife management and habitat restoration in the region,” said Zeman. “This proposal does nothing to address the impacts of industrial activities nor does it provide support for on-the-ground actions that benefit wildlife and habitat in Treaty 8 territory. Successive governments have had more than a decade to respond to the concerns of Treaty 8 Nations and stakeholders, but didn’t. Our government is trading away the rights of British Columbians in order to continue unsustainable industrial resource extraction instead of working with First Nations, local governments, industry, stakeholders and the public on solutions that work for wildlife and all involved.”
The BC Wildlife Federation, says Zeman, fully supports the rights of First Nations to hunt and fish in their traditional territories for food, social and ceremonial purposes and our commitment to conservation and habitat restoration is shared between First Nations and non-First Nations.
But, he says, the BC government is prioritizing resource extraction over resident hunters and outdoor recreation with no science-based rationale for the conservation of wildlife in the Peace Region. The BCWF supported Treaty 8 First Nations in taking legal action against industrial development infringing on their treaty rights and agreed with the decision of the court case.
These proposed hunting regulations are aimed at addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life. The proposed hunting regulation changes are a two-year interim measure and only one part of a broader package of actions specific to improving wildlife stewardship, upholding Treaty rights, and habitat conservation and the future of resource management. This work is bringing the Province, Treaty 8 Nations, and stakeholders together in a shared management vision.
The measures would be short term, but that doesn’t mean the anger is less. On Thursday, March 24, Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais says that she received a voicemail uttering death threats.
In a joint statement with Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests and Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Desjarlais says “Such threats are illegal and abhorrent. Violence and intimidation must have no place whatsoever in British Columbia’s political discourse. Our government condemns these threats and this tactic in the strongest possible terms. We extend our sympathies to those affected by the threats and we affirm our support to all members of the Blueberry River community.”
The RCMP is investigating.
The Province is currently undertaking a review of hunting regulations as we seek to meet the Crown’s obligations resulting from last year’s Yahey v. British Columbia decision. This review has included consultations with Treaty 8 Nations as well as with hunting stakeholders. Blueberry River First Nations has not come to an agreement with the Province on any wildlife measures, including any changes to hunting regulations.
“Chief Desjarlais and Blueberry River First Nations should in no way be subject to racist and hateful threats and intimidation. Discussion, consultation and negotiation in lawful, democratic fashion is the only way forward for all people in British Columbia.”
Desjarlais says she understands that hunting is a big part of the way of life for all residents of northeast B.C., whether Indigenous or not. “This reprehensible incident underscores the sensitivity of this subject. The health of wildlife populations needs to be considered as we restore and heal the land. These decisions must be based on science and respectful discussions, not threats.”
She says Blueberry River First Nations is not against hunting. “We believe moose have been affected by overdevelopment and that some temporary protections are required in some areas. As long as wildlife management and habitat restoration are managed sustainably, there can be a healthy hunting industry in future for everyone in northeast B.C.”
The measures would be in place for two years.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.