Teslin Tlingit Council

Transcription

1 Contact Information Teslin Tlingit Council Department of Lands and Resources Renewable Resources Division Look for our Game Guardians and Fish and Wildlife Officer out on the land and the water. If you re in town, stop by the office! Phone (867) (867) Fax (867) Mail Box 133 Teslin YT Y0A 1B0 Direct Lines Renewable Resources Manager ext 428 Fish and Wildlife Officer ext 429 Teslin Tlingit Council Lands and Resources Other Useful Contacts YTG Conservation Officer Services (Teslin) (867) Turn In Poachers & Polluters (Yukon) BC Conservation Officer Services (Atlin) (250) Fish and Wildlife Rights and Responsibilities of Teslin Tlingit Council Citizens and Beneficiaries Remember to report your harvest to the Department of Lands and Resources by March 31!

2 Table of Contents Map of Traditional Territory... 3 Subsistence Harvest... 4 Final Agreement... 4 Department of Lands and Resources... 5 Your Rights... 6 Your Responsibilities... 7 Wildlife Harvest Permits... 8 Harvest Reporting... 9 Laws of General Application Frequently Asked Questions (YTG Licenses and Permits) Conservation Moose in the Nisutlin Area Southern Lakes Caribou Research Cow Harvest British Columbia Contact Information Application of this publication The information contained within this document is applicable to all Teslin Tlingit Council beneficiaries. Excepting the section entitled British Columbia, it is relevant to the Yukon portion of the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory. BC Regulations These are some examples of regulations that are slightly different in BC. For more information, see the BC Hunting and Trapping Synopsis. Firearms The same rules for loaded weapons apply in BC as in the Yukon. For example, no loaded weapon may be transported in a vehicle. However, the definition of loaded includes any ammunition in a magazine attached to a firearm. In addition, it is unlawful for anyone to discharge a firearm across or from the Alaska Highway in BC (15 metres on either side of the center line). Grizzly Bears Grizzly bears are on a Limited Entry Hunt system in BC due to conservation concerns. Citizens must apply for a permit from BC s Ministry of Environment significantly in advance of the season in order to harvest a Grizzly in BC for personal use. For more information, contact the Department of Lands and Resources. Remember, all bear harvests should be reported, and those killed in defense of life or property may be confiscated. Outside the Traditional Territory If you choose to hunt in BC outside of the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory, you are bound by the seasons and limits in the general BC Hunting Regulations. Other publications available: Hunting outside of the Traditional Territory For Teslin Tlingit Council Citizens Hunting in the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory For members of other Yukon First Nations Photos courtesy of A. Baer, K. Blattmann, R. Dewhurst, K. Melton and G. Morberg Highway Buffer Zone During the rut (September 25 to October 10), licensed BC hunters are not allowed to hunt moose within 400m of the Alaska Highway, Logjam Creek Road, and Smart River Road in BC. This helps disperse hunting pressure, and supports the spirit of fair chase. TTC Citizens are encouraged to respect this regulation. Version August 2011 Teslin Tlingit Council Department of Lands and Resources 2 19

3 British Columbia Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory Hunting in the BC portion of the Traditional Territory has different rules than the Yukon portion because Land Claims are not yet settled. BC recognizes the aboriginal right to harvest, but there are some important differences to hunting in the Yukon. You do not need a BC hunting license or tags to hunt in BC, but you must carry your status card. As long as you are within your Traditional Territory, the only limitations on your harvesting activities are species listed as a conservation concern. YT BC Teslin Teslin Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory in BC Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory (TTTT) and Settlement Lands For the purposes of the BC Wildlife Act, Teslin Tlingit Citizens are treated as First Nation BC residents because the Traditional Territory extends into BC. TTC Citizens do not need any license to hunt or fish, but they are required to apply for Limited Entry Hunts (permit hunts). (see British Columbia Wildlife Act, Section 11) Text in grey boxes is directly quoted from legislation. Legislation Title Text in blue boxes is paraphrased from the above by this Department, intended for clarification purposes only. This does not replace a legal interpretation. 18 3

4 Subsistence Harvest Final Agreement Yukon Indian people shall have the right to harvest for Subsistence within their Traditional territory, and with the consent of another Yukon First nation in that Yukon First Nation s Traditional Territory, all species of Fish and Wildlife...subject only to limitations prescribed pursuant to Settlement Agreements.. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section The TTC Final Agreement grants beneficiaries the right to harvest for subsistence within their Traditional Territory, and within the Traditional Territories of other First Nations with their permission. Each Yukon First Nation may manage, administer or otherwise regulate the exercise of the rights of Yukon Indian People under within...that Yukon First Nation s Traditional Territory by...yukon Indian People enrolled pursuant to that Yukon First Nation Final Agreement. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section The TTC Final Agreement allows the TTC government to manage harvest activity by TTC Citizens within the Traditional Territory, in order to meet the objectives of Chapter 16 of the TTC Final Agreement. The TTC government has created legislation in the form of the TTC Fish and Wildlife Act and Regulations to accomplish this. Cow Harvest Where do bulls come from? Current population numbers tell us that there are enough bulls to breed the number of cows. Shooting one cow is roughly equivalent to shooting three bulls. Remember, a dry cow this year may have many more calves in the future! The first objective of Chapter 16 is: To ensure Conservation in the management of all Fish and Wildlife resources and their habitats. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section

5 Conservation Southern Lakes Caribou Teslin Tlingit Council asks that Citizens continue to honour the voluntary no-hunting ban on Southern Lakes Caribou. This applies to any caribou west of the South Canol Highway. Department of Lands and Resources The TTC government has a responsibility to its Citizens to participate in the management of resources, including wildlife, within the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory. This falls under the mandate of the Department of Lands and Resources. A major part of wildlife management is harvest management. We aim to manage harvest to ensure that our wildlife populations are healthy for future generations, at the same time making sure that the needs of Citizens are met today. Some activities related to harvest management are: Issuing Access Permits Collecting harvest data from hunters Raising awareness about wildlife populations, such as which ones are stressed and which are healthy Citizen Education Research Teslin Tlingit Council partners with other governments, universities, and other organizations to carry out research on fish and wildlife within the Traditional Territory. This research includes gathering Traditional Knowledge, collecting scientific data, and exploring approaches taken in other jurisdiction. This research helps us make informed management decisions. If you would like more information on any projects currently underway, don t hesitate to ask. Also, feel free to come and see us if you have an interest in being a part of future work. The main staff involved with harvest management are the Renewable Resource Manager, Fish and Wildlife Officer, and Game Guardians. We rely heavily on Citizen input to tell us what s going on out on the land. We encourage all Citizens to actively participate by reporting your harvest, telling us about anything unusual you see, and letting us know your concerns. Together we can work for healthy wildlife populations for future generations! If you have any interest in a career with the Department of Lands and Resources, please come and see us. 16 5

6 Subsistence Harvest Your Rights Moose in the Nisutlin Area The TTC Final Agreement grants Citizens the right to harvest for subsistence, and gives the TTC government the responsibility to manage wildlife. The TTC government has developed a Fish and Wildlife Act that outlines the legal responsibilities of its Citizens with respect to Fish and Wildlife. As a First Nations Citizen, you can choose to exercise your right to harvest for subsistence and follow the TTC Fish and Wildlife Act, OR to hunt by Laws of General Application with a YTG license. Each choice gives you different rights and responsibilities, so it is important to be clear about which set of rules you are choosing to follow. Teslin Harvesting means gathering, hunting, trapping or fishing in accordance with a Settlement Agreement. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section (Definitions) Harvesting for subsistence means for personal traditional use. The right to harvest for subsistence includes edible and non-edible products for personal traditional use. This means: Eating the meat Using the fur or hide for traditional crafts, clothing etc Using parts for ceremonial items The following are not personal traditional use: Selling any non-edible parts, or products made from non-edible parts (eg: hide, fur) Defending life or property (these animals may be confiscated) Killing an animal for the purpose of bait Concern over unsustainably high harvest of moose in Game Sub-zones 10-21, 22 & 23 has prompted a series of management actions over the last few years on the part of YTG and TTC. TTC has restricted access to licensed hunters to Settlement Lands within the area. For First Nation hunters from outside the Traditional Territory TTC has prohibited moose harvest for subsistence within the entire three subzones. TTC Citizens can help by relieving their own pressure on the Nisutlin moose population. The Department of Lands and Resources asks TTC Citizens to consider the following: Consider other areas of the Traditional Territory for your moose Avoid harvesting cows, even in the winter. Remember, a dry cow this year may have many more calves in the future! If you still need more meat, consider a bison, elk, or deer (see FAQ section, p. 15) Together we can manage the harvest to ensure that the Nisutlin moose population remains healthy and viable for generations to come. 6 15

7 Conservation The responsibilities of the Renewable Resources Division of the Department of Lands and Resources come mostly from Chapter 16 of the TTC Final Agreement. The first objective of that chapter is: To ensure Conservation in the management of all Fish and Wildlife resources and their habitats. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section Our mission is to maximize Tlingit control and jurisdiction over the lands and resources within the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory for future generations. By monitoring use of these lands and the natural resources entrusted to us, we can assist users of the land and resources to minimize their impacts, so that we can meet the objectives of Chapter 16. Wildlife Management is a term that in reality describes how we can manage ourselves and other people in order to minimize negative effects to wildlife. When traditional, local and scientific knowledge show us that a population is in trouble, we need all Citizens to use their judgment and consider future generations when making decisions on what, when and where to hunt. Your Responsibilities As a Teslin Tlingit Citizen exercising your subsistence right within the Yukon portion of the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory, you are required by the TTC Fish and Wildlife Act to: Get an Access Permit from TTC Lands and Resources Carry your Access Permit with you when you hunt Report your harvest to TTC Lands and Resources each year You do not need: A YTG hunting license To cancel seals for any harvest Permission from another FN to hunt in Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory overlap High hunting pressure added to impacts of development and climate change make it hard for populations to remain stable. We can help by learning about the changes and using the knowledge from our Elders to make good decisions. Fishing is for the birds... Gulls and ravens will make short work of fish guts if you leave them on the shore! 14 7

8 Subsistence Harvest Wildlife Harvest Permits Teslin Tlingit Citizens born after 1940 are required to carry Proof of Enrollment with them when hunting (Section 7.1, TTC Fish & Wildlife Act). To meet this requirement, carry your Wildlife Harvest Permit and some form of picture ID that includes your name as written on the Wildlife Harvest Permit. Your Wildlife Harvest Permit should include your TTC enrollment number if you have one. A TTC or YTG Officer may ask to see this. To get your Wildlife Harvest Permit, visit the Department of Lands and Resources or see the Fish & Wildlife Officer or one of our Game Why get an Wildlife Harvest Permit? Be identified as a TTC member by any agent of any government Ensure that your rights are being respected Required by the TTC Fish and Wildlife Act Help TTC monitor activity on the land...a YTG Grizzly tag? YTG keeps records on harvested grizzlies to help keep them informed on the population. If you shoot a bear for subsistence (ie: you eat the meat), you do not need a tag or a YTG license. YTG appreciates information on all bears harvested, and we encourage reporting to either YTG or TTC; be clear that this was a subsistence harvest. If you shoot a bear for the hide, this is not a subsistence harvest. You need a license and tag before your hunt, and to report to YTG as per the YTG Hunting Regulations....a YTG permit for bison, deer or elk? Bison: Yes. Bison hunts require a free permit from Environment Yukon. The season depends on the area; for example the Alaska Highway Corridor from Whitehorse to the Slims River Bridge in Kluane is open from Sept 1 to March 31. See pages 47 to 49 of the Yukon Hunting Synopsis or the Environment Yukon website for details. Deer: No, you do not need a permit. You may harvest deer in the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory as part of your subsistence right. Make sure you have your TTC Access Permit, and report your harvest to TTC. If you wish to harvest a deer outside of the Traditional Territory, you need a YTG license or written permission from the local First Nation. Elk: Yes, you need a permit. Visit the Environment Yukon office or website for details, as there are many areas zoned for different seasons and requirements. 8 13

9 Frequently Asked Questions YTG Licenses and Permits: Do I need Harvest Reporting...a YTG hunting license? YTG licenses and game seals are free of charge to Yukon First Nations. Many First Nation hunters get their YTG license just in case. If you are hunting with a YTG license, remember to follow the Yukon Hunting Regulations, including seasons, ages and sex restrictions, reporting requirements and area closures. You are required to obtain a free Yukon Hunting License and tags if you are hunting: For a purpose other than subsistence Outside the TTC Traditional Territory without permission from the local FN In areas where conservation measures are in place that restrict all hunting, eg: permit hunts...a YTG permit for roadkill? No. Found wildlife falls within your subsistence right to harvest; as such a permit is not legally required. Salvaging found wildlife for edible portions, hides and fur, and bait, are all valuable ways Citizens can help reduce the need for harvest within the Traditional Territory. But...Citizens are asked to report any found wildlife to the TTC Fish and Wildlife Officer or the YTG Conservation Officer. If you can t salvage it, we can make sure it doesn t go to waste. We are trying hard to reduce roadkill occurrences, and knowing how many animals are hit each year is important feedback. Knowing details such as age and sex helps us assess the impact of roadkill mortality on the population. All Citizens are required by the TTC Fish and Wildlife Act to report the previous year s harvest before a current Wildlife Harvest Permit will be issued. Wildlife Harvest Permits are valid for one year, from April 1 to March 31. The Department of Lands and Resources has a responsibility to future generations to ensure healthy wildlife populations. We need to know what Citizens are harvesting in order to make good management decisions. You may report your harvest as soon as you have a successful hunt, or at the end of the season. You may report more than once in a given year. How do I report my harvest? Mail, phone, fax, or in person Return your Wildlife Harvest Permit or respond to a mailed hunter report Fill out a Harvest Report form, available from the Department of Lands and Resources or field staff Request a Hunter Interview (especially useful if you have concerns to communicate) Why report my harvest? In the future, we may see a need to limit the harvest by all hunters on a certain population. In order to make sure TTC Citizens can meet their needs, we need to know how many animals we take. This will allow us to work with other governments so that they can let other hunters (eg: non-native hunters) know how many animals, if any, are available to them. When you report to YTG Environment, you will receive a free permit that is necessary if you wish to export the animal or parts from the territory. 12 9

10 Laws of General Application All hunters, native and non-native, licensed and subsistence, are required to follow laws created for public safety and conservation purposes. These include laws relating to the safe use of firearms, and restrictions on hunting for Species at Risk. Hunter Education is for Everyone! Contact the Department of Lands and Resources for information on hunter education and firearms safety courses. The exercise of rights under this chapter is subject to limitations provided for elsewhere in Settlement Agreements and to limitations provided in legislation enacted for purposes of conservation, public health or public safety. Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, Section Your subsistence rights may be limited when conservation, public health or public safety become an issue. Firearms Please practice safe firearm handling and storage to minimize risks to yourself and others. Following some simple guidelines can prevent accidents and incidents: Always unload firearms when they are not in immediate use Do not leave firearms accessible when alcohol or other drugs are being used Keep in mind that laws created for public safety apply to all hunters. These include: Do not carry loaded weapons in vehicles Do not discharge a firearm within 1 km of a residence without permission Do not fire from or across the travelled portion of a road Problem Wildlife Problem animals learn to associate humans with an easy meal, usually when garbage or food is left accessible. Keeping a clean camp is an excellent way to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. Please follow notrace practices when camping, keep food and garbage out of reach of bears, and pack out what you pack in. Bears will not be destroyed unless there is a clear and imminent threat to safety