Wildlife-killing contests held in B.C.

How disappointing to see the Environment Ministry’s response to the revelation that there are three wildlife-killing contests occurring in our province today, that we know of. The assertion that wolf populations are “healthy and self-sustaining throughout the province” is without basis, as researchers have acknowledged that wolf numbers are “difficult to obtain” due to the shy nature and large ranges of the animals.

With no bag limits for wolves in 10 management units in Region 5, the Chilcotin Guns contest in Williams Lake will be an unmitigated disaster. The “wolf whacking” contest states “the most wolves wins.” How long are those populations going to remain “healthy and self-sustaining” when a full-scale slaughter is allowed?

The Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club is targeting coyotes, raccoons, wolves and cougars. The bag limit for cougars is two animals in nine management units in Region 4. Every hunter with a tag is going to attempt to achieve that limit. There is no bag limit for coyotes.

In Region 8, the West Kootenay Outdoorsmen are offering $500 for each wolf killed. The bag limit for that region is three. That’s a lot of incentive to kill three wolves per tag.

How is the ministry going to ensure that these enthusiastic hunters with varying degrees of expertise take only lawful bag limits? How many conservation officers are going to be needed to monitor these legal events if they are allowed to continue year after year?

Kelly Carson DeerSafe Victoria