In the spring of 2018, B.C.’s NDP government announced it would ban the hunting of grizzly bears, except by indigenous peoples. Government freely admitted this ban was pure politics and supported by their public opinion polls.
There was no science behind their decision. It was not implemented for conservation reasons. Just like their promise to give B.C. residents $500 during the 2020 election, my opinion is this ban was implemented to buy votes.
Although it can be said that everything boils down to politics and is subject to voter sentiment, it shouldn't be. Not everything should be left to public opinion polls, or to the belief that unless it is good for voters in Metro Vancouver, it is not good for B.C.
There is hope.
Last fall, the NDP made an election promise to create a "Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition.” Within this plan was the commitment to:
“In the first 100 days of the new government’s mandate it will:
"1. Introduce legislation to create a Fish, Wildlife and Habitat endowment.
"2. Dedicate all hunting, guide-outfitting and trapping license fees to wildlife management.”
Those 100 days are now ending, so we'll see what is done, as it is a start.
But much more is needed.
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/opinion/columnists/evan-saugstad-wildlife-management-in-b-c-politics-rule-1.24274004
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Topic: Wildlife management in B.C. (Read 2933 times)