BC Evens Playing Field for Hunters vs. Wildlife

The Province is taking action to protect big game wildlife in areas severely affected by wildfires this summer.

In the long-term wildlife benefit from wildfire. However, in the short-term there can be negative impacts. For example, wildfires in the Thompson and Cariboo regions have enabled motor vehicle access by hunters to remote moose and mule deer habitats that were previously only accessible by foot. In addition, loss of vegetation from fires has significantly increased lines of sight for hunters.

To address the increased vulnerability of wildlife to hunters, two motor vehicle restrictions are being implemented under the Wildlife Act.

First, within the area of the Elephant Hill fire in the Thompson Region, the use of ATVs for the purpose of licensed hunting is prohibited from Sept. 1 to Dec. 10, 2017, within Management Units 3-28, 3-29, and 3-30, and that portion of Management Unit 3-17 north of Highway 99. A map is available online at: http://ow.ly/qdZF30fxfK2