Wolf Control: A Caribou Population Recovery?
The forty-five year old argument over the demise of Woodland Caribou populations continues: Predation or habitat (area and food supply)? Habitat in National Parks has not been impacted significantly, but is deemed to be impacted on public, Crown Lands in British Columbia and western Alberta that has resulted in major timber harvesting and sub surface resource exploration and development reductions across large areas in both provinces. These constraints proved to be ineffective so governments have opted to use an old Game Management Strategy to reduce caribou mortalities: controlling predators; particularly wolf populations. Hunters in both provinces also anticipate positive survival results for moose, elk and deer populations.
Government predator controls in the East Kootenay have not been done as they were in years past. However, the practice is being revived by local resident hunters and trappers, including Tobacco Plains and St. Eugene band members, at no cost to government except for livestock depredations. Cougars are hunted using hounds; wolves are trapped or shot, and bears except for grizzlies are harvested during regular hunting seasons. The purpose of trapping and hunting these predators is to increase moose, elk and deer populations, a source of meat that has been a staple or a food supplement for generations, and the enjoyable experiences of hunting for the animals that provide it. Hunters and trappers are locavores whose efforts at care, feeding and protection of local game herds does not require post secondary academic education and credentialization. Essential requirements need only include: certification; a hunting or trapper’s licence; good hounds and stamina as the activities demand it. Knowledge of the animals being hunted and trapped is equally important, and learned by hunting and trapping that is passed down from generation to generation. This is Traditional Knowledge that is inherent to the hunting and trapping culture.
Restoring regional moose, elk, deer and bighorn sheep populations to their previous abundance will require a much greater commitment in time, effort and money than is presently being expended. It will also require more work from hunters and trappers who should rightfully be compensated, for it is a legitimate Game Management practice that must be done, and best done without having to depend on publically funded government employees.