By Andrea Arnold
Hunting in the Robson Valley is a common thing, but recently, some remains were disposed of near the Belle Mountain multi use trails.
“Hunters have to remove all edible portions to their current place of residence, or their guide’s headquarters,” said McBride RCMP Corporal Colin Bissel. “Once they have done that, they are able to discard the rest where they want.”
Remains of an animal or fish is considered an attractant. The remains can draw predators into the area and an encounter with a person is possible if the hunter has not disposed of the carcass properly.
According to the British Columbia Wildlife Act, all hunters must abide by the rules of carcass disposal as laid out by this Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development synopsis:
“Other than for the purpose of hunting in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Act and regulations, it is prohibited to provide, leave, or place an attractant in, on or about any land or premises where there are or where there are likely to be people in a manner in which the attractant could attract dangerous wildlife to the land or premises and be accessible to dangerous wildlife. A person that commits an offense under this provision is liable, on a first conviction, to a fine up to $50,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.”
Another option that hunters in the Robson Valley have for disposal is to contact local trappers. They are able to use discarded remains as trap bait.
Corporal Bissel cautions hunters to consider the use of the land where they are dumping.
“Don’t dump in multi-use trails and high traffic areas,” he said. “Dispose properly, so as not to encourage predator/human interaction. Consider the possibility of land usage, and what the remains might attract.”
Although this is an issue that falls under the jurisdiction of Conservation Officers, RCMP officers as Federal agents can act in their place if needed. If a CO can not respond to a concern, they will request an RCMP member to step in.
If you have found a disposal site of concern, you can either contact the local RCMP or to report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety call 1-877-952-7277.
