Comment: ‘Pack it out’ plan for grizzly hunts doesn’t work

CHRIS DARIMONT , KYLE ARTELLE AND PAUL PAQUET / TIMES COLONIST

OCTOBER 31, 2015

Trophy hunting of grizzly bears is opposed by 90 per cent of British Columbians, including scientists, environmentalists, First Nations and most hunters. Although the provincial government has steadfastly defended the hunt, a new policy is being proposed as a potential solution, one that has the backing of trophy hunters.

It smells fishier than a grizzly’s breath in the fall.

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver’s private member’s bill would require hunters to “pack out” the meat of killed grizzlies. Grizzly bears are one of the few so-called big-game animals in B.C. for which no such requirements exist.

Depending on which argument is tabled, this new policy could somehow eliminate the “trophy” element from the hunt or reduce grizzly hunting. We disagree with both of these claims.

“This bill would eliminate the trophy hunt,” its proponent and sponsor has publicly and repeatedly asserted.

No matter how forcefully stated, however, the logic remains incoherent. The hope is that the policy change could — poof! — turn the achievement-focused slaughter of a grizzly into a socially palatable “food hunt.” Most people support hunting for food. But most will not believe this far-fetched argument…

To read the full article please visit the Victoria Times Colonist website.

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