Following lobbying efforts by the BC Wildlife Federation and others, hunting and fishing have recently been deemed essential services in British Columbia.
Over the past three weeks, the organization has lobbied all levels of government, advocating for the benefits of getting outside, while maintaining physical distancing from others.
"We are happy hunting and fishing are now listed as essential services,” said Bill Bosch, President of the BC Wildlife Federation.
“With this listing comes great responsibility and a degree of scrutiny; as responsible citizens and conservationists, we need to ensure these activities are conducted within the guidelines set out by the PHO.”
As a result of the change, the province is asking hunters and anglers to only go out with those they live with, and to only fish and hunt locally. All provincial parks, conservancies, recreation areas, ecological reserves and many recreation sites remain closed.
Every year, 110,000 hunting licences are purchased in B.C., along with 280,000 freshwater fishing licences and 260,000 saltwater licences.
A list of best practices for those heading outside can be found here.
