Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Wildlife harvest allocations for the next five-year allocation period were released Dec. 22 by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for 24 hunts around the province.
The ministry manages all wildlife populations on the principle of conservation first. Allocations for resident and non-resident hunters are set only after conservation requirements and First Nations food, social, and ceremonial harvest opportunities have been met.
The allocation numbers reflect the 2015 update to the wildlife harvest allocation policy. Hunts that are on allocation are those that have percentage “splits” between residents and guides on hunting opportunities for specific big game hunts. Guides are provided quota, whereas resident opportunity is managed through limited entry hunts or general open seasons. Of the over 52,000 animals taken by resident hunters each year, about seven per cent are on allocation.
The announcement includes specific hunts for elk, moose, bison, big horn and thin horn sheep and mountain goat. Allocation numbers for grizzly bears will be released in early 2017, after 2016 harvest data is reviewed. The most commonly hunted animal, deer, is not managed through allocation.
Information providing the breakdown by region and species is available online at:http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/management-issues/docs/FAQs-Wildlife-Allocation-2017-2021_20161222.pdf
Quick Facts:
Sustainable hunting contributes over $350 million to the B.C. economy.
There are over 105,000 resident hunters in the province generating an estimated $230 million in economic activity each year.
There are approximately 250 licensed guide outfitters in the province employing over 2,000 people and providing services to roughly 5,000 non-residents hunting in the province each year, generating an estimated $116 million in economic activity each year.