Changes to moose hunting regulations in Tahltan traditional territory

DEASE LAKE, BC, Aug. 16 /CNW/ - Today the Tahltan Wildlife Committee and the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment announced a number of wildlife regulation changes to address concerns about moose hunting in Tahltan traditional Territory. The Agreement develops a collaborative moose management program, including a moose inventory within the territory, a shortened hunting season and game checks at the Ealue Lake Road and the Stikine Boat launch.

Effective immediately the following new moose hunting regulations will be in effect within Tahltan traditional territory:

    

    1.  The moose hunting season for moose will be 30-days shorter and is
        from September 1 to October 31 (90 days to 60 days)

    2.  All moose harvested in the northern portion of the Skeena Region are
        under Compulsory Inspection

    3.  Game Checks will occur on the Ealue Lake Road and Stilkine boat
        launch manned by the Tahltan and Ministry of Environment to collect
        information on the moose harvest.

    4.  The Klappan Special Management Area (as defined by Highway 37 to the
        west, Stikine River to the north, the railway grade to the east, and
        the height of land to the south - including Big Klappan) will have a
        30-day hunting season, from September 15 to October 15, 2010.

    5.  A rut closure that only applied to a portion of Hwy 37 has been
        extended to Meziadin Lake and along Hwy 51 to Telegraph Creek.
        Existing rut closures on trails in the Tahltan Territory will be
        removed as they are not doing what was intended and are in fact
        creating more ATV trails.
    

"Sustainable wildlife management and the protection of our most precious food source are paramount. Ensuring the Tahltan Nation's management of their Land and the protection of these precious sources is our first and most important priority, and the changes to moose hunting regulations are a positive step towards creating a government to government agreement that respects Tahltan title and rights when it comes to wildlife," says Annita McPhee, Chair of the Tahltan Central Council.

"We are pleased with the progress made on a comprehensive moose management program in Tahltan traditional territory," says Chief Rick Mclean, Chair of the Tahltan Wildlife Committee. "Having a better understanding of the annual harvest by resident and non-residents, and a shorter hunting season is a valuable step in sustainable wildlife management."

An agreement is being developed to establish a Tahltan Nation Government to Government process with the Ministry of Environment to address wildlife management issues.

For further information: Ms. Annita McPhee, Chair, Tahltan Central Council, Cell: [phone], Office: [phone]