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.