The Environmental Appeal Board confirmed 14 as the annual moose-hunting quota for a guide outfitter licenced in the Cariboo and Quesnel Highlands.
In an Aug. 12 decision, panel chair Diana Valiela upheld the June 2023 decision by Fish and Wildlife director Logan Wenham in the Ministry of Forests.
Bowden appealed in July 2023, asking for his five-year allocation to be increased to 56 and annual quota be increased to 17, which he stated were his historical levels.
The ministry, however, said the decision was fair and based on information before Wenham. “Taking into account the most current moose population estimates and current ministry policy, including current management objectives for moose, First Nations considerations, and fair and consistent allocation of hunting opportunities between resident and non-resident (guided) hunters,” said the ruling.
Bowden did not demonstrate the increase in First Nations needs had any effect on his allocation and quota numbers. Nor did he show that the partial lack of disclosure regarding results of confidential First Nations consultations affected his challenge of the quota decision.
Bowden conceded he knew about his most likely quota as early as Jan. 6, 2023, but that communication could not be appealed because it was not a final decision.
The June 2023 decision was too late to appeal and Valiela said she did not receive evidence that the late decision affected Bowden’s business.
“In conclusion, while it would have been preferable for the notification of the quota decision to have been made earlier than June 29, 2023, I find that the appellant had advance, though not final, notice that would allow him to plan his business prior to the 2023/24 season,” Valiela ruled.
