New Grizzly Bear Regulations

Engagement Summary

On August 14, 2017, the B.C. government announced that effective November 30, 2017 it will end trophy hunting of grizzly bears and stop all hunting of grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest. Government also announced it would launch an engagement process on regulations to support a sustenance hunt, while ending the trophy hunt.
 
Until November 2, 2017 the public could provide input into two policy documents outlining the proposed regulation changes required to implement the ban.
 
As part of the consultation, input was sought on:

• Changes to manage the ban in hunting areas that overlap the Great Bear Rainforest;
• Changes that will prohibit the possession of “trophy” grizzly bear parts;
• Changes that will manage prohibited grizzly bear parts;
• Changes to prohibit the trafficking of grizzly bear parts; and,
• New reporting requirements for taxidermists.

Two policy intent papers were developed and posted to the Fish & Wildlife website and sent to First Nations governments throughout the province. Additionally, Government representatives met with First Nations and stakeholder groups. Submissions on the policy intent papers were accepted through email, letter submissions, and during meetings until November 2, 2017.
 

Timeframe: 

October 4 – November 2, 2017
 

Input received:

• 4,200 total responses received

Input leads to action:

The British Columbia government is bringing an end to the hunting of grizzly bears throughout the province. Through the engagement process with First Nations, stakeholder groups and the public, 78% of respondents recommended the hunt be stopped entirely.
 
Provincial government staff will be implementing recommendations from the recent Auditor General report on grizzly bear management. The government will also be moving forward with a broader engagement process on a renewed wildlife management strategy for the province in the new year.