The province of B.C. added hunting and angling to its list of essential services today. This is good news for hunting and fishing enthusiasts throughout the Peace Region. The B.C. Wildlife Federation announced the news in a press release today, and said the move comes after three weeks of discussions between the BCWF and different levels of government.
“We are happy hunting and fishing are now listed as essential services. 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 Provincial Health Officer,” said Bill Bosch, President of the BC Wildlife Federation.
The federation is strongly asking everone who engages in hunting or angling to make sure they are familiar with the rules and protocols and follows them. For details on best hunting and fishing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, see the BCWF's website. Guidelines include not fishing or hunting with anyone who doesn't live with you, and maintaining two meters of distance between yourself and others you come across.
In the release, the BCWF said it, "will continue to advocate on behalf of hikers, hunters and anglers with various levels of government. The BCWF believes the provincial government should be finding ways to allow British Columbians to stay local, get outside safely and enjoy our public spaces, especially in provincial parks."
Email sports reporter Dillon Giancola at sports@ahnfsj.ca.
