Spring Carry Over Counts
From March to early May of each year, members of the TBBC conduct "Carry Over Counts" in the Bull River area of the East Kootenays. Members visually identify numbers of adult and juvenile Elk, Mule Deer, White-tail Deer, Sheep and Moose inhabiting specific transect locations. The data collected is used by WLAP for the purpose of monitoring population trends associated with winter survival on traditional wintering ranges of the Rocky Mountain Trench. The TBBC has been involved with the "Carry Over Count" program since 1984.Bummers Flats Thinning Project
In the fall of 2002, the TBBC began a 100 hectare habitat restoration project near Ft. Steele in the East Kootenays. TBBC volunteers will be thinning conifers which are encroaching on traditional grassland ecosystems. After a period of drying, the area will be burnt in order to stimulate natural grass and shrub growth. Grassland ecosystems are critical for sustaining healthy populations of elk, white-tail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep and many smaller animal and plant species. The "Bummers Flats Thinning Project" is one of the many TBBC conservation initiatives designed to "Give Back" to mother nature.Chronic Wasting Disease
The TBBC commits to Chronic Wasting Disease Study
The Traditional Bowhunters of British Columbia (TBBC) have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Water, Land, and Air protection (WLAP) to enter into a cooperative study to survey for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and elk populations resident to the East Kootenay area. The survey requires the collection of brain tissue of adequate numbers of animals. Intrusive animal sampling will not be required if sufficient samples can be collected from animals killed accidentally in motor vehicle accidents.The TBBC agrees to provide WLAP with services entailing the collection of heads in appropriate condition from elk and deer killed by motor vehicle accidents on highways or other public roadways in the Cranbrook, Invermere and Fernie, B.C. areas from November through April. Specimens collected during the program will be kept frozen and deposited with the Wildlife Section, WLAP, Cranbrook, B.C. Some 300 specimens will be required. For information on how you can help contact Monty Evin - TBBC Wildlife Advisor 250.426.8565
For more information on CWD click here
Sheep Mountain Burn
Today's hunter has come to realize that the game they pursue is a fragile resource. The wildlife resource could be a depleting resource if steps are not taken to ensure it's continuation. As we look around our communities, hunting organizations are stepping in to defend wildlife in the land use debate. The joint initiative with BC Hydro, the Ministry of Environment and the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program are changing how non profit, volunteer organizations such as the Traditional Bowhunters of BC can have a greater impact on the resource we hold so dear.The Sheep Mtn Burn project, conceived in the fall of 1997 recognized an increasing difficulty with the Ministry of Environment. Simply put, the site was a priority for the Ministry but not a high enough profile to receive the necessary funding. The TBBC made the application to the CBF&WCP and effectively allowed the MOE to remove the site from their list and move on to other priorities. The burn met with the 20 year MOE plan for the area and the TBBC were able to support government in realizing its objectives.
The burn itself was a 156.8 hectare burn. The burn site was the location of a previous wildfire of 1982. The prescription was designed to simulate the natural burning that maintained open habitat areas. The burn will stimulate an increase in forage production that will help benefit the numerous elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, abundant bluebirds and birds of prey.
The TBBC provided the majority of the volunteer effort, providing over 30 man days of volunteer effort, a significant contribution to the project. Other groups represented in a volunteer capacity were the RMEF and the Fernie Rod & Gun Club.
Aberfeldie Project
Involvement in undertakings which create a sense of accomplishment while serving a purpose in showing the non-hunting community that we care deeply about wildlife and the environment are key to the continuation of bowhunting and the TBBC. With this in mind, the TBBC embarked on an initiative which may set a precedent in public involvement in wildlife management.In early April of 1997, contracts were made with BC Hydro regarding the possibility of creating enhanced ungulate habitat on a parcel of property adjacent to the Bull River in the East Kootenays. The discussion was favourable and a parcel of land approximately 600 hectares (1,500 acres) in size was allocated to the Traditional Bowhunters of British Columbia for wildlife habitat enhancement. Discussions with officials from the Ministry of Environment showed positive response to the undertaking and, as a result, technical support from the Ministry was offered. Initial enhancement will focus on erosion control and bank stabilization in conjuction with BC Hydro specialists. Browse species planting will take place on specific micro sites once appropriate species are identified and acquired. Involvement by our youth is an important part of the project and family participation will be emphasized. This is a very exciting project for the TBBC and will benefit everyone involved.
In March 1998, Region 4 members set aside the weekend of March 21-22 for a work weekend at the Aberfeldie property. The improvement activities for that weekend were: -Analysis of a knapweed control program, -Planting of saskatoon and ceonothus plants, -Placement of protective mesh over new plants, -Grass seeding in critical areas, -Boundary demarcation, and -Pruning of decadent saskatoon.
Habitat Enhancement
Bull Mountain Burn
The TBBC played a key role in the burning of 128 hectares in what is to be the first in a series of wildlife enhancement projects. Through the cooperation of the volunteer members of the TBBC and the consultant, Kimmur Forest Consultants of Cranbrook, the Bull Mountain Burn occurred over a three day period from May 8th to 10th, 1997. This area is used as winter and spring range by some 200 whitetail deer, 150 mule deer, 200 elk and many bighorn sheep. The objective of the burn was to rejuvenate old and less palatable shrub and herb species by stimulating vegetative regrowth. In addition, the burn will maintain the site in a shrub/grassland seral stage by retarding the natural ecological succession into the coniferous forest.Mt. Estella Burn
Continuing with the TBBC objective of wildlife enhancement, the organization was once again instrumental in assisting the Columbia Basin Trust, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forests in the successful completion of a 50 hectare wildlife habitat burn on Estella Mountain. Expected benefits include improved long term winter range capability for resident mule deer, big horn sheep and elk. The Estella burn represented the third in a series of burn enhancement initiatives and the TBBC have clearly established themselves as the organizational force for volunteer involvement.TBBC Teams Up with RMEF
The TBBC has made a $1,000.00 donation to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) towards the purchase of 218 acres of prime winter range in the Elk Valley of south-eastern British Columbia. The 218 acre parcel borders the north boundary of the "Big Ranch", a 900 acre parcel already managed for ungulate habitat. The 218 acre expansion to the Big Ranch is presently utilized by some 50 elk as a bedding and transition area.Bear Facts Update
The Ministry of Environment has conducted a study of the bear pupulation in BC by collecting samples of hair at selected sites throughout the province . The samples are then sent to laboratories for DNA testing. This will accurately show the numbers (and types) of bears in our area.
In 1996 extremist animal rights organizations such as "Bear Watch" have recognized that Western Canada Wilderness Committee's anti-bear hunting initiative fits in with their agenda. These groups are now actively supporting and promoting the banning of all bear hunting in British Columbia. The TBBC initiated Bear Facts as a means to educate the public and support the Government Ministries in Wildlife Management. If you would like a copy of the Bear Facts pamphlet or would like more information on this subject, please contact the TBBC.
Stone Sheep Habitat Loss
At the request of the BC Government's Ministry of Environment, the TBBC were consulted on the habitat of a stone sheep population near a proposed mine site in Northern British Columbia. The focus of the TBBC response was on the impact to the localized stone sheep herd if the mine proposal was given approval and to address any mitigating factors which the mine site might employ to reduce the effect on the herd.Donations
If you would like to make a donation to any of the above wildlife management projects or to the Traditional Bowhunters of British Columbia in general, please send cheque or money order to:Traditional Bowhunters of British Columbia
4331 Brookdale Cres
Courtenay, BC
V9N-9R7