‘Army of idiots’ triggers Fraser Valley shooting restrictions

Reckless gun use is behind the provincial government’s controversial decision to update the Wildlife Act and create “no shooting” zones within 400 metres of many popular forest service roads in the Fraser Valley Regional District.

The announcement was met with both outrage and understanding by B.C. gun enthusiasts, some of whom went online to tell stories of close calls in the woods around Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Mission.

A Calibre Magazine article posted Thursday said the “news was not a surprise” to those who frequent the backwoods, where it has become commonplace in some areas to see “trash and targets ranging from shotgun hulls to propane tanks and junk cars.”

The writer of the unattributed article went on to recall being shot at and having bullets pass through the vehicle of a family member. A commenter blamed an “army of idiots” for leaving garbage in the woods, adding “I was ashamed to shoot lest I be associated with the disgusting fools that have torn the land, left their huge piles of burned skids, nails by the millions, couches, car batteries, fridges, paint and millions of shell casings.”

According to a government press release, the increase in recreational shooting near forest service roads is posing risks to both the environment and public safety. The release cited an instance last year when wildfire crews were forced to abandon fire suppression activities because of firearms activity.

“It’s not unusual for homeowners to find bullet holes in their windows and cars, while hikers, campers and boaters have reported near misses with target shooters,” said Fraser Valley Regional District chair Jason Lum.

President of the B.C. Rifle Association Peter Dobell said the announcement would not impact Fraser Valley gun clubs, which provide a safe and supervised way to practise target shooting.

Gun users who ignore the restrictions face fines of up to $50,000 and six months in jail for a first offence, and as much as a $100,000 fine and a year in jail for subsequent convictions.