Dear Editor:
This letter is written regarding the column that appeared in the Osoyoos Times on Feb. 25 that was written by Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson.
As stated, “More than 91,000 basic hunting licenses were issued (by the provincial government), the majority for deer, elk and moose.”
This is a misleading statement as the basic hunting license only allows you to hunt upland birds and other small game, such as coyotes, snowshoe hare and skunk, etc.
Big game like deer, elk and moose, sheep, goats and Grizzly bears all require an extra special species’ license.
I can remember when game tags were first brought out for deer at 25 cents each. Now they are called “species licenses” and 1cost $15 each. Originally, they were requested by the various game clubs to build up a conservation fund, but like a lot of things, are now dumped into general revenue.
Region 8, which Larson mentions, has not had any open seasons for at least the last two years on “trophy” animals. Therefore, resident hunters must travel to where there is an open season, which is where most of the guide outfitters are located.
These same guide outfitters are being given too large a share of these trophy animals, as claimed by the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
Larson also stated, “Many of the clients of guides are B.C. residents.”
I would like to see her figures for this statement. In my dictionary, the word “many” is defined as “a very large number, most or the majority.”
The BCWF is not trying to get more hunting privileges, rather they are trying to keep a fair share for the B.C. resident hunters.
Since each trophy animal brings in approximately 10 times the revenue when taken by a non-Canadian, it is easy to see why our government wants the guide outfitters to get a bigger share since non-Canadians must use a guide to hunt here.
As for Larson’s support of the BCWF and the resident hunters, it’s logical she would say that as I’m sure her political party wouldn’t want to offend 91,000 voters.
Fred Fouty
Osoyoos, B.C.
