Frank O'Grady, P.Eng.

587 Wallinger Ave

Kimberley, BC V1A 1Z8

Canada

Premier John Horgan

PO Box 9041 Stn. Prov. Govt.

Victoria B.C. V8W 9E1

Dear Premier Horgan:

The Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resources is asking for feed back concerning the proposed changes in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations in BC. One proposal for the Kootenay Region I am adamantly opposed to reads: No Intentional Feeding or Baiting ungulates in the Kootenay Region”;

In my opinion and that of scores of my fellow hunters this is not an intelligent decision for the following reasons:

During very severe Winters the ungulates need supplemental feeding. This practice has been utilized in several of the American states with outstanding success. Additionally, it has been done in the Kootenays since the early 50’s with good results. Simply put, if the snow is too deep for the ungulates to paw through to vegetation the ungulates starve to death. As well as starvation, when the ungulates are in a weakened condition, they are easy prey for wolves, coyotes and cougars.
I (we) also feel this proposed change in the regulations is aimed squarely at Carmen Purdy, a tireless volunteer, who has instigated and managed the winter-feeding program in the East Kootenay for decades. Mr. Purdy raises the funds and organizes the volunteers to place the hay in strategic locations for the ungulates.
We strongly disagree with the scientific reasoning behind not feeding ungulates in Winter. That is, the biologists feel that feeding hay will introduce Chronic Wasting Disease. The ungulates, particularly elk, often break into hay stored on ranches in the area and they graze on agricultural hayfields as well. We are always hearing about ‘crop predation” when private hunting is authorized on private land. We feel that the decision by the biologists to stop Winter feeding is a desk top exercise at best.
Yes, Chronic Wasting Disease is in Alberta, to the east of the East Kootenay and in Montana south of the East Kootenay. There is a real danger of the disease being transferred to the East Kootenay by intermingling of the ungulates, it will have to be dealt with if it gets to the East Kootenay area. Starving the ungulates during a severe Winter does not seem a practical solution to the problem.

Mr. Horgan, I realize we have the constant conflict between the interests of residents of Vancouver Island/Lower Mainland and rural residents. And, you have your hands full with problems to solve in the non-rural areas of the province. However, I respectfully suggest that perhaps you could make time to visit the East Kootenay to talk and listen to us local hunters. Perhaps you would benefit from a tour around some of the wintering grounds of the ungulates so you can get a first hand understanding of the ungulate problem.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely, Frank O’Grady

Premier’s Response (Note, Premier Horgan did not respond personally

Dear Frank O’Grady:

Thank you for your letter of January 16, 2020, to Premier Horgan, regarding winter feeding of wildlife. As this issue falls under the purview of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, I have been asked to respond. The ministry is aware that severe winter conditions can lead to high mortality of wild ungulates (e.g. elk, moose, deer and sheep), particularly when sufficient forage or habitat (including cover) is not readily available. Many people believe that winter feeding programs with supplemental feed (e.g. livestock hay, pellets or grain) will provide the required nutrition to increase ungulate survival during harsh winters. However, decades of scientific research has shown that winter feeding programs can have serious negative consequences for ungulates. As a result, most jurisdictions within North America only support supplemental feeding of wildlife in very specific circumstances where risks and benefits are carefully assessed. There is a considerable body of research on this complex topic which you may find insightful. I have attached two links for your interest: • http://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Baiting06-1.pdf • http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/docs/technical_reports/wildlife_baiting.pdf In addition, the ministry prepared a Fact Sheet on this issue which can be accessed at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/management-issues/docs/2017_Ungulate_ Winter_Feeding_Fact_Sheet.pdf. We appreciate the interest that local groups take in resident wildlife and take an active role in soliciting opinions and ideas of local stakeholders. There is never an intention to alienate any particular group or individual. Each year, the ministry considers information it receives from local hunters to make population management decisions. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Kootenay-Boundary Natural Resource Region Mailing Address: 1902 Theatre Road Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G1 Tel: 250 426-1766 Fax: 250 426-1767 Website: www.gov.bc.ca/for Frank O’Grady Page 2 of 2 The ministry bases its wildlife management decisions on the best available science. On issues related to wildlife health, the province takes risks seriously and has established a robust program for monitoring disease to protect the public and local wildlife. One of the most significant risk factors is the transmission of disease resulting from the gathering of ungulates at common feeding sites. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is of special concern due to its easy transmission through urine and saliva. With recent CWD detections in Libby, Montana, just a few kilometres from the Kootenay-Boundary region, extra caution is warranted to maintain the health of our wildlife. The only effective action currently available in the management of CWD is active prevention of its introduction into populations. I trust this response will help to address some of your concerns. Again, thank you for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Garth Wiggill Regional Executive Director pc: Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia Honourable Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.