Ian Hatter's letter

November 19, 2008

Mr. Gary Allan

Dear Mr. Allan:

Thank you for your response letter of October 31, 2008, addressed to the Honourable Barry Penner, Minister of the Environment, regarding wolf management in British Columbia and hunting and trapping regulations within parks, conservancies, and protected areas. Your letter has been forwarded to me for response.

Your perspectives with respect to the hunting of wolves and grizzly bears have been noted. Hunting is an imporant element in the livelihood and lifestyle of many citizens, particularly in the more rural areas of the province. Hunting opportunities, province-wide, are provided only where such activities are biologically sustainable. Under no circumstances does the government allow hunting that threatens the conservation of any species, nor does it condone unethical hunting practices.

Wolves are considered the main predator of endangered Mountain Caribou herds throughout the province. Cougar predation, however, is a significant mortality factor on caribou within the southern portion of Mountain Caribou range. Bears also prey on caribou calves, but do not appear capable of limiting caribou numbers. Other threats to Mountain Caribou such as habitat loss, human disturbance and poaching are recognized by Ministry staff, and steps have been taken, to minimize their impact on caribou herds. For more information regarding the Mountain Caribou Recovery program administered through the Species at Risk Coordination Office please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/sarco/mc/index.html.

The population estimate of 6000 wolves in 1979 was based on the Ministry report "Preliminary Wolf Management Plan for British Columbia." The current population estimate of 8000 to 9000 wolves is based on increasing numbers and distribution of their primary prey which includes deer, elk and moose. Additional supporting evidence for an increase in wolf numbers has come from anecdotal reports and observations supplied by Ministry biologists, conservation officers, ranchers, guide outfitters, resident hunters, and First Nations. Aerial wolf surveys by Ministry staff associated with Mountain Caribou recovery have also indicated healthy wolf populations throughout the southern and central interior of the province.

Information on permitted activities within BC Provincial Parks is available online through the BC Parks website at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/fac_search.html. You are correct in your supposition that many of the Parks where hunting is not permitted are closed for safety reasons or negligible hunting potential. As per Park Management Plans developed through Land and Resource Management Plans and considerable consultation with the public, many parks include hunting activities in order to meet park objectives. Parks with more restrictive hunting and trapping seasons apply to all wildlife species and are listed in the Appendix A to this letter.

The Ministry of Environment manages wolves on the basis of sound scientific principles. Wolves are extremely elusive, have a high reproductive rate, and receive light hunting pressure. Consequently, the harvest of wolves by hunters is considered to be of minor importance to the viability of the species in the province.

Thank you again for expressing your concerns and your interest in the wildlife resources of British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Ian Hatter
Manager, Wildlife Mangement Section
Fish and Wildlife Branch