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Grizzly Bear Hunting Banned

Dec 18, 2017 | 9:45 AM

The provincial government is banning Grizzly bear hunting throughout British Columbia.

Only First Nations will be allowed to hunt grizzlies in accordance to Aboriginal rights for food, social, or ceremonial purposes, or treaty rights.

During the election campaign, the NDP promised to ban trophy hunting but allow hunting for meat.

A lengthy consultation process found 78% of respondents recommended the hunt be stopped entirely.

The spring grizzly bear hunt was scheduled to open on April 1, 2018, but the ban takes effect immediately.

Provincial government staff will be implementing recommendations from the recent Auditor General report on grizzly bear management.

The government will also be moving forward with a broader consultation process on a renewed wildlife management strategy for the province in the new year.