Residents for Quality Hunting

Hunting generates
yearly revenues
of $350 million
dollars for BC

We are blessed with a wide variety of wildlife in this province which allows us some of the best hunting opportunities in the world.  The description of a quality hunting experience can be varied but the description of a bad experience is often the same: poor weather; too many people; or no game.  Where the harvest is sustainable there are general open seasons.  Because of simple supply and demand characteristics of wildlife populations and hunter numbers, some species must be managed through antler restrictions or Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) to control the harvest. 

Many hunters enjoy the LEH hunts because of the increased chances of harvesting an animal and the reduced competition from other hunters.  Hunters that are successful in LEH draws typically see more game and harvest larger mature animals.  Antler and/or horn restrictions have a similar effect.  This contributes to the quality of the hunting experience. 

It is important for hunter recruitment that new hunters are exposed to quality outdoor experiences.  The hunting experience allows people to spend time with friends and family as well as providing the opportunity to harvest an animal.  Some hunters hunt just for the meat while others are more selective.  Many hunters evolve over time; they may start hunting small game with smaller calibre rifles and move to larger calibres, bigger game, or sometimes more traditional equipment (muzzle loader or archery). 

Part of this evolution involves “passing up” smaller legal animals in search of larger mature animals.  Unfounded concerns have been raised about consistently harvesting this component (trophies) of the population.  In the late 1800s conservation organizations i.e. Boone and Crockett Club, developed record books to monitor animal size and quality.  These record books have become a reference for our hunting heritage.

It is important that BC’s wildlife resource is managed for all hunters.  Managing for a quality experience is biologically sound and appreciated by many outdoor enthusiasts.  Antler restrictions and LEH are methods used to provide quality experiences.  It is important to manage for opportunity and quality.  We are fortunate that we have the wildlife and seasons which allow this type of wildlife management. 

GOABC has constructed a survey with questions about the current hunting systems and regulations that may be of interest to resident hunters in BC. If you would like to share your viewpoint then please participate in our survey. Our survey is anonymous and your privacy will be ensured.