Predator Killing Contests in BC Set to Begin in March.

Yes, you read that right. . . Predator killing contests are happening in 2019 right here in British Columbia (BC). There are unscrupulous, self serving, self righteous hunters preparing to terrorize wildlife by signing up to kill BC’s apex predators for fun and prizes. And this is all happening in the guise of bolstering young ungulate survival rates. Once again, predators, such as wolves, cougars, bears, coyotes, foxes, lynx, bobcat and other species are being vilified and scapegoated as the culprits responsible for the decline in ungulate numbers.

Their argument is compelling to many and indeed the BC government has picked up and run with the idea that wolves are responsible for the massive decline in woodland caribou. The only problem with this argument though is that it is dead wrong. After having slaughtered hundreds of wolves in a half-baked attempt to save the caribou, their numbers have continued to decline to the point of extinction. Hundreds of wolves culled and not one single caribou saved. Evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that it is habitat loss and human activities that are responsible for precipitous decline in caribou numbers, but the BC government chose to ignore the science.

One of the biggest problems with the government backed wolf cull is that it has emboldened unethical hunters to take up the cause and go on an apex predator killing spree, so much so that they are promoting tournaments with cash prizes based on the species and number of predators killed. The Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club is actively promoting one such tournament beginning in mid March. They are selling this inhumane event by falsely claiming that predators are responsible for declining ungulate numbers. “Help manage our predator problem,” it details in the brochure, “As sportsmen we have a responsibility to balance predator and prey to preserve our hunting heritage.” That statement in and of itself, is proof of how this tournament is a self-serving endeavor. It’s got nothing to do with caring about wildlife or being responsible wildlife stewards; rather, it has everything to do with preserving their ability to hunt and kill wildlife. The brochure goes on to say that, “Wolves have decimated our mule deer populations, (and) are negatively impacting our once thriving elk herds.” That claim is just not borne out by the evidence. Mule deer populations have not been decimated and in fact, the city of Cranbrook has just approved a mule deer cull because it was determined there were too many (that’s a story for another day). And while it is true that elk populations have been in decline as of late, predation by wolves plays only a small part in an otherwise complex set of factors that account for their declining numbers. The Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club is not alone with its predator killing contest. The Chilcotin Gun Club is actively promoting its version by inviting people to “Sign up for a wolf whacking contest, folks.”

A great many hunters believe the solution always lies in killing one species to save another despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Apex predators are constantly being singled out and targeted as the the culprits for population declines in ungulate species. However, there is always one apex predator that is never included in that list. Human activities, whether it be hunting, trapping, farming, industry, urban sprawl and the list goes on, are the real reasons for population declines of the various wildlife species. The solution isn’t in managing or conquering nature; it’s in allowing nature to manage itself with humans leaving as small a footprint as possible. The list of failures is endless when it comes to humans attempting to play Mother Nature.

Don’t be fooled by these hunters masquerading as conservationists. They say they respect nature, but their motivations don’t stem from any sense of higher purpose to protect wildlife. Their sole motivation is to preserve the hunt at any cost. If a predator hunt was warranted, which it is absolutely not, it should never be for entertainment as it is presented by The Creston Rod & Gun and Chilcotin Clubs . What does it say about these people that they believe killing wildlife is something to be celebrated and actually rewards ‘hunters’ for killing apex predators? Does that sound like conservation?

Your voice matters. It’s not enough to get angry and post comments on social media. In order for these inhumane events to be stopped, contact your MLA and MP and voice your opposition. If you want to get involved, think about joining The Call at www.thecall.pacificwild.org. Check it out and make a difference.

Should Hunting Really be Considered a Sport?

I have never understood how recreational hunting became an acceptable pastime. I understand the premise of subsistence hunting and I have no issue with people hunting animals to feed their families. However, the majority of hunters, most of whom will dispute this, hunt for enjoyment. Sure, hunters will tell you that it is all about the meat. They will argue that wild game is healthier than domesticated stock and that it is much cheaper than buying meat from the grocery stores. Today’s blog is not about disputing those claims; that’s a topic for another day. This blog is about challenging the notion of whether or not it is morally and ethically right to kill, injure and terrorize wildlife, all in the name of having fun. I would argue that it is absolutely not.

The idea that stalking animals and killing wildlife is an enjoyable pursuit is mind boggling to me and to refer to it as a sport is even more baffling. A sport is supposed to be a recreational activity where there is no advantage to either side and all participants do so voluntarily fully understanding that they are competing in the sport. Wild animals have never been afforded any of those considerations. Instead, they become unwilling and unknowing participants in a “sport” that frequently ends in their deaths which can be a long, painful and drawn-out process.

Having spent countless hours observing numerous wildlife species, I have come to understand that they all share one thing in common; they all want to live. And yet all animals, even among their own species, differ greatly from one individual to the next. Hunters tend to look at their prey in terms of numbers rather than as individuals with their own unique personalities and characteristics. It always comes down to how many animals can be harvested to ensure that enough remain for subsequent hunting seasons so that they can also be killed. I often wonder if recreational hunters took the time to really observe their various prey, would they finally see that they are living beings, each with a soul. Knowing this, would they be so quick to squeeze the trigger? Would they still enjoy taking its life knowing that this living being experiences joy, pain and sadness just like we do? It is my belief that recreational hunters must block out this notion completely, because having to acknowledge it would mean recognizing the pain and suffering they are inflicting. And knowing that would take all of the enjoyment out of hunting.

I will never come to terms with the fact that as a society, we still subscribe to the idea that killing animals for fun is a worthwhile and acceptable practice. At least with angling, catch and release has gained momentum over the past decade or two. If only there was a way to apply that same idea to hunting land animals. Hmmm, I wonder what other recreational activity there is that involves pursuing wildlife up close but with the end result causing no harm to the animals? I’ll let you as the reader, mull that one over but I think you might find the answer on my Portfolio page.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I know not all of you will agree with me and that is fine. It is my hope that this will stimulate further discussion and I just ask that the dialogue remain respectful.

Jeremy Leete