FASKEN r;~ MARTINEAU \.(J

Transcription

1 Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Barnsters and SoliCitors Patent and Trade-mark Agents www. fasken.com FASKEN r;~ MARTINEAU \.(J Peter Feldberg December 13, 2013 File No.: /15300 Site C Clean Energy Project J oint Review Panel Secretariat c/o Courtney Trevis, Panel Co-Manager 160 Elgin Street, 22nd floor Ottawa, ON K 1 A OH3 SiteCReview@ceaa-acee.gc.ca Brian Murphy, Panel Co-Manager 4th floor, 836 Yates St. PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Gov' t Victoria, BC V8W 9V I brian.murphy@gov. bc.ca Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Request for Leave to File Reply Evidence Enclosed please find a report from BC Hydro entitled "Resource Status and Use of Fauna in Peace Region 78" prepared by This report is being provided to respond to the report filed by the North Peace Region Rod & Gun Club authored by John A. Nagy, 1 and is the information obtained by BC Hydro that I referred to in my letter of December 3, and at the December 11, 2013 hearing, which provides estimates of the populations of certain harvested species of the region. BC Hydro's further response on vegetation and wildlife will be provided by December 20, Yours truly, PF/syy I CEAR # CEAR #2006 OM_ V AN/240 ISO

2 Resource Status & Use of Fauna in Peace Region 7B Project CO# Prepared for: BC Hydro Site C Clean Energy Project Vancouver Canada Prepared by: Vancouver Canada In Association with: Ellen F. Battle Consulting Inc. Edna Lam Consulting November 2013

3 Preface This report was prepared by under contract for BC Hydro to assess resource use and stock status for fauna in Peace Region 7B. The focus of the work, by design, was the collection and synthesis of available information rather than a detailed interpretation and analysis of this information. The consultants benefited from discussions with BC Hydro and Government of British Columbia personnel. This assistance notwithstanding, the consultants have final responsibility for the report contents. Page i

4 Acronyms AAH CC CDC CI - Annual Allowable Harvest - Composition Count - Conservation Data Centre (of BC Ministry of Environment) - Compulsory Inspection COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CWS DFO DS EDU FLNRO FSC GBPU GOS LEH MELP MOE MSRM MU SARA SRB - Canadian Wildlife Service - Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Distance Sampling - Ecological Drainage Unit - BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations - Food Social Ceremonial - Grizzly Bear Population Units - General Open Seasons - Limited Entry Hunt(ing) - BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now MOE) - BC Ministry of Environment - BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (now FLNRO) - Fish and Wildlife Management Unit - Species at Risk Act (federal) - Stratified Random Block Page ii

5 Table of Contents Preface... i Acronyms... ii 1.0 Introduction Background Report Objectives Geographic Focus Report Format Resource Management Resource Management Principles & Practice The First Nations Priority Conservation Status Licenced Sport Fishing Activity Licenced Anglers Regulation Licenced Angling Guides Regulation Angling Activity & Harvests Resource Status of Key Species Licenced Big Game Hunting Activity Licenced Big Game Hunters Regulation Licenced Guide Outfitters Regulation Big Game Hunting Activity & Harvests Resource Status of Key Species Licenced Bird Hunting Activity Licenced Bird Hunters Regulation Bird Hunting Activity & Harvests Resource Status of Key Species Licenced Trapping Activity Licenced Trappers Regulation Trapping Activity & Harvests Resource Status of Key Species Conclusions Bibliography Appendices: Appendix A: Background Sport Fishing Data...35 Appendix B: Background Big Game Hunting Data...37 Appendix C: Background Bird Hunting Data...48 Appendix D: Background Trapping Data...56 Appendix E: Profile Angling Guides in Peace Region 7B...66 Table of Contents

6 Appendix F: Profile Guide Outfitters in Peace Region 7B...70 Appendix G: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Moose...73 Appendix H: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Elk...79 Appendix I: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Mule Deer...84 Appendix J: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Grizzly Bear...90 Appendix K: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Beaver...95 Appendix L: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Bull Trout Appendix M: Provincial Policies for Big Game Management Table of Contents

7 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1 The Site C hydroelectric power project is a major undertaking. It is important to understand the present status and use of fauna in the region. This project reports on the stock status and use of four groups of resources fish, big game wildlife, birds and furbearers in the Peace Region 7B Management Area. 1.2 Report Objectives 1.2 The intent is to provide background material to BC Hydro for the broad Peace Region 7B region. The work breaks down into two main components: stock status description and range, population numbers, trends commercial/recreational use management regime, no. of licences/operations, activity, e.g., no. of clients, days hunted or fished, harvests by species 1.3 Commercial/recreational use activities include: 1) angling (guided and unguided), 2) hunting (guided and unguided), and 3) trapping. 1.4 The consultant conducted several face-to-face interviews with BC Government and BC Hydro personnel in Victoria, Vancouver and Fort St. John. The consultant also reviewed over 70 reports (see Bibliography). 1.3 Geographic Focus 1.5 The focus of the analysis is Peace Region 7B. The Region has 27 separate Fish and Wildlife Management Units (MUs) in two watersheds (see Map in Exhibit 1): Peace Watershed MUs 7-19 to 7-22, 7-31 to 7-36, 7-43 to 7-46 and 7-57 to 7-58 Liard Watershed MUs 7-42 and 7-47 to 7-56 The area immediately around the proposed Site C hydroelectric development on the Peace River lies in the Peace Watershed. 1.6 Where possible, we have reported results by individual MUs in the Peace Watershed, but treat the Liard Watershed as one entity. Page 1

8 Exhibit 1: Map of Peace Region 7B Page 2

9 1.4 Report Format 1.7 The next section outlines the general approach to resource management by the Province of British Columbia and is the first of the remaining six (6) sections of the report: Section Topic 2 Resource Management 3 Sport Fishing 4 Big Game Hunting 5 Bird Hunting 6 Trapping 7 Conclusions The text is supported by several Appendices, including those giving profiles of some key species. 1.8 The focus of the report and project was the collection and synthesis of available information at the total Peace 7B level, rather than a detailed interpretation and analysis of this information. Page 3

10 2.0 Resource Management 2.1 The angling for fish, the hunting of big game and upland game birds, and the trapping of furbearers are all regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. Regulation for hunting for waterfowl such as ducks and geese lies with the federal Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) also has a regulatory role under the federal Fisheries Act. 2.2 Details on each fauna grouping follow in subsequent report sections. Below we outline, in general terms, resource management principles and practices. Detail on management of each fauna group is provided in the subject matter sections. 2.1 Resource Management Principles & Practice The Principles 2.3 In general terms, the setting of harvest limits for angling, hunting and trapping opportunities are all similar in practice: Conservation is the highest priority. First Nations Food Social Ceremonial (FSC) use is the second priority. Other non-fsc harvests (by residents and non-residents) is the third priority. 2.4 In some cases, such as moose, incidental mortality from animal interaction with road and rail transport is subtracted before allowing non-fsc harvests. For big game species, there also can be a split or allocation of the non-fsc harvest between residents and non-residents. 2.5 The material in Appendix M provides documentation of provincial policies for big game management in general and moose in particular. 2.6 Exhibit 2 illustrates how the management process works in principle. For example, from a population estimate of 64,000 animals, based on population studies, a sustainable annual harvest of 3,200 animals or 5% is determined, with First Nations having first access to this harvest and the residual harvest going to others. (We emphasize that the illustrative example does not apply to a particular species, particular region, etc.) 2.7 For the non-fsc harvest, the Province can enact a series of regulations, including licencing, bag limits (daily, possession, season), open seasons, open regions, gear/equipment restrictions, etc. Page 4

11 Exhibit 2: Resource Management Principles Illustrative Example Population 64,000 Maximum Allowable Mortality 3,200 Incidental Mortality* 100 First Nations Use 1,100 Annual Allowable Harvest (AAH) by Hunters 2,000 Resident Hunters Harvest 1,600 (80%) Non-Resident Hunters Harvest 400 (20%) * Incidental mortality can be road/rail mortality (only included where a substantial level of mortality is present). Page 5

12 The Practice 2.8 The practice of resource management can differ from the above for several reasons: lack of comprehensive population studies Population studies, including natural mortality, migration and recruitment, for a species in a region are costly and time-consuming. Often such studies are not conducted on an annual basis or are restricted to specific indicator subregions or populations. lack of FSC harvest data First Nations use of resources is poorly documented. Therefore, it is difficult to project anticipated FSC use and calculate a residual harvest opportunity to others. 2.9 The result is that actual regulations reflect: available biological studies, which may be incomplete available recent harvest data and analysis, e.g., licensed hunter surveys anecdotal evidence and expert opinion Moreover, apart from certain big game species (see the definition of big game under Section 4.1), there are no formal overall harvest quotas or targets. For example, there are no fish harvest quotas by waterbody, or for the Peace 7B region as a whole, for each species of fish. Regulations may not change from year to year, unless the available information indicates concrete trends and the need for action. 2.2 The First Nations Priority 2.10 First Nations have the highest priority for harvest of fish, mammals and birds in a region where a harvestable surplus exists. For example, in the illustration in Exhibit 2, if the First Nations harvest increased from 1,100 to say 1,500, then the residual harvest available to non-first-nation hunters would decline from 2,000 to 1, It appears that big game is the most important source of FSC food for First Nations in Peace Region 7B, with moose being the most important species and elk, mule deer and black bear also being important. Other ungulates such as sheep and goats, fish and furbearers also provide a food source. See the discussion in the Site C Clean Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 3, Section 19 (BC Hydro 2013b) As noted earlier, the historical record of actual First Nations harvests is very poor. For this reason, the statistical history of harvests in this report, by necessity, focuses on harvest data by licensed anglers, licensed hunters and licensed trappers Nevertheless, the lack of First Nations FSC harvest statistics does not diminish the importance of the FSC harvesting activity and its priority in resource management. Page 6

13 2.3 Conservation Status 2.14 The conservation status of a particular fish, bird or wildlife species refers to its degree of extinction or extirpation risk. This risk is assessed through the ranking and listing of species (BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management 2002b) In BC, the Ministry of Environment s (MOE s) Conservation Data Centre (CDC) ranks each species on a risk scale. Species are then grouped into three lists of similar conservation risk: Red List extirpated, endangered or threatened Blue List of special concern Yellow List apparently secure 2.16 The listing status of red, blue or yellow applies to the Province as a whole for each species. The actual resource status may vary across provincial regions for a particular species Under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) identifies candidate species that may be at risk of extinction or extirpation and proceeds to assess their status. These assessments and subsequent updates are then used by the government to make a legal SARA listing where appropriate Exhibit 3 shows the species of interest for this study that have been listed red or blue at the provincial level. Page 7

14 Exhibit 3: Red- and Blue-Listed Species of Interest Fish Red or Blue BC Listing Big Game Red or Blue BC Listing Trout - Bull blue Bear - Grizzly blue Trout - Cutthroat blue Bison - Wood red Birds Red or Blue BC Listing Bison - Plains red Goose - Cackling blue Caribou - Woodland red Furbearers Red or Blue BC Listing Sheep - Bighorn blue Fisher blue Wolverine* blue * Luscus subspecies of Gulo gulo only. Source: MOE (2013). Page 8

15 3.0 Licenced Sport Fishing Activity 3.1 The Peace Region 7B has a unique combination of sport fish species and a diversity of angling opportunities for anglers on lakes, rivers and streams. The Region represents the intersection of three broad species groupings: plateau fish species, e.g., walleye, northern pike Arctic species, e.g., Arctic grayling Pacific species, e.g., rainbow trout For certain species, such as walleye and Arctic grayling, the Peace Region 7B represents the fringe or limit of their geographic distribution. 3.2 This section provides an overview of sport fishing activity in Peace Region 7B. 3.1 Licenced Anglers Regulation 3.3 There is overlapping federal and provincial jurisdiction of freshwater fisheries in the Province. The Province through delegated authority under the federal Fisheries Act is responsible for British Columbia s freshwater fisheries. 3.4 All anglers 16 years of age or older must have a fishing licence. There are annual, 8-day or one-day licences with separate fee structures for BC residents, other Canadians and non-canadians. The licencing and regulation of freshwater recreational fishing is enabled under the Province s Wildlife Act. The federal government has lead responsibility for fish habitat protection (GSGislason 2009). There are angling restrictions, including: daily and possession catch limits (typically the possession limit is double the daily limit) gear and fishing techniques, e.g., barbless hooks, no bait, river boat restrictions non-retention of certain species The restrictions can vary by species of fish, waterbody, size of fish, and season. 3.5 There are no overall annual quotas as to the total amount of fish by species that can be taken from particular waterbodies. In addition, the angler regulations are the same for BC residents, other Canadians and non-canadians but non-residents of BC pay higher licence fees. 3.2 Licenced Angling Guides Regulation 3.6 An angling guide instructs or assists a paying client in angling. Angling guides must be licensed by the Province and are subject to provisions of the Wildlife Act. Page 9

16 Angling guides must submit annual operating plans at the beginning of each year. Angling guides must also provide an end-of-year report detailing actual angling activity during the year. 3.7 There are no restrictions on the number of angling guides in a particular region, or on the number of clients or client-days that a guide in Region 7B can serve. Each guide must meet certain criteria (see Appendix E). More than one angling guide can operate on a particular waterbody. 3.3 Angling Activity & Harvests Activity 3.8 Exhibit 4 summarizes angling activity and catch at five-year intervals from 1985 through 2010 in Peace Region 7B. (The detailed mail survey of anglers is only held every 5 years.) 3.9 In 2010 there were an estimated 64,190 angler-days of activity in Peace 7B, a decline of more than half from 25 years ago. This activity flows from approximately 6,000 anglers, indicating an average of about 10 days fished per angler Angler-Days in Peace 7B BC Residents 56,290 angler-days Other Canadians 7,020 Non-Canadians ,190 angler-days There is no information available on the distribution of activity within the Region In recent years, there have been 4 to 8 angling guide operations in Peace 7B, and guided angler days have ranged from 200 to 800, or less than 1% of total angling activity (see Appendix E). Catch 3.11 The major species caught are rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, northern pike and walleye (see Exhibit 4) Total catch of all species was estimated at 161,690 fish in 2010 for Peace 7B, with only 34,700 or 21% of these fish kept and the remaining 79% released. The average catch rate for total fish (kept and released) was 2.5 fish per angler-day in This success rate is comparable to that of 20 to 25 years ago. Page 10

17 Exhibit 4: Angling Activity & Catch Peace Region 7B Total Angler Days Residents 109,780 91, , ,350 57,260 56,290 Non-Residents of BC 17,890 22,660 28,180 23,520 12,090 7,900 Total 127, , , ,870 69,350 64,190 Total Fish Catch* Trout - Rainbow 74,170 71, ,510 60,720 39,870 50,710 - Cutthroat 1,510 7,850 3, Lake 6,910 8,670 6,810 8,050 2,390 7,240 - Brook NA 9,080 15,140 4,130 3, Bull 15,340 29,720 25,080 6,660 2,650 10,450 - Other 2, , Kokanee 5, Walleye (Pickerel) 114,930 39, ,340 47,140 42,690 19,910 Arctic Grayling 24,740 74,890 73,130 21,260 9,290 39,190 Whitefish NA 24,580 36,290 9,940 10,550 6,530 Perch 6,650 13,170 10,520 4,890 13,300 1,290 Northern Pike 24,750 52,520 37,160 33,220 24,640 22,710 Other 25,430 3,370 11,100 6,960 1,750 2,540 Total 302, , , , , ,690 Total Fish Kept Trout - Rainbow 49,300 32,160 32,050 15,070 13,290 16,870 - Cutthroat 360 5, Lake 5,370 3,100 2,580 2, ,160 - Brook NA 4,450 9,960 1,750 1, Bull 10,100 13,050 5, ,220 - Other 2, , Kokanee 4, Walleye (Pickerel) 91,440 27,100 45,490 8,130 8,610 9,220 Arctic Grayling 15,650 22,470 8,320 2, Whitefish NA 7,840 2,140 2, Perch 6,010 7,070 2,460 1,340 2,610 1,070 Northern Pike 12,100 16,360 8,040 3,840 5,240 4,470 Other 16,700 2,540 1, Total 214, , ,950 39,540 33,760 34,700 * Total fish catch includes fish kept plus fish released. Source: DFO (2012), Levey & Williams (2003). Page 11

18 3.4 Resource Status of Key Species 3.13 There are limited fish stock assessment data for Peace Region 7B. A stock assessment database does exist for bull trout, a blue-listed species (Hagen & Decker 2011), and for this reason we profiled the Peace Region 7B resource status and use for bull trout in Appendix L A database giving the presence or absence of fish by species in over 300 waterbodies in Peace Region 7B was compiled for DFO (Stoddard 1996). However, this work does not address stock status Some observations on resource status of various species other than bull trout are: Approximately 40,000 rainbow trout are stocked in Peace Region 7B waterbodies annually and more recently lake trout has been stocked in Moberly Lake (see Exhibit A.1 in Appendix A for stocking history). Rainbow trout, an introduced species, is not a species of concern. Lake trout, a slow growing and late maturing species, is a species of concern and has conservative bag limits (fishing in Moberly Lake has been curtailed). Walleye was introduced to Charlie Lake and apparently is doing well; Maxhamish Lake near the Yukon border also supports a successful walleye fishery (Maxhamish Lake is remote and has limited accessibility by vehicle). Arctic grayling is not a species of concern in the region as a whole but there may be some localized populations of concern, such as those in the Burnt and Tetsa Rivers where access is good and angling activity is significant. Page 12

19 4.0 Licenced Big Game Hunting Activity 4.1 Peace Region 7B has a wide range of big game species that are pursued by BC resident and nonresident hunters. The term big game refers to the species mountain goat, mountain sheep, bison, caribou, elk, moose, deer, grizzly bear, black gear, wolf, cougar, bobcat, lynx and wolverine. (Lynx, wolverine and black bear also are species that are trapped. See Section 6.) 4.2 This section presents an analysis of big game hunting activity in Peace Region 7B. 4.1 Licenced Big Game Hunters Regulation 4.3 The licencing and regulation of big game hunting is enabled under the Province s Wildlife Act. 4.4 All BC residents 14 years of age or older must have a basic hunting licence to hunt big game. Canadians not resident in BC can hunt in the province with a licensed resident hunter who holds a Permit to Accompany. Non-Canadian hunters must use a licensed BC hunting guide. Hunters of big game also must have a species-specific licence. For example, a hunter for black bear must have a black bear licence in addition to a basic hunting licence. Fees for basic licences and species-specific licences are higher for non-residents than for residents. 4.5 Resident hunters for big game are subject to particular harvest strategies or regulations that can vary by subregion within Peace Region 7B and consist of General Open Seasons (GOS), Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) seasons, hunting seasons limited to specific antler architecture or animal sex, or some combination of the above. 4.6 Non-Canadian hunters of big game in the region must use a Peace Region 7B guide outfitter. The guided hunter must honour the same seasons, antler architecture restrictions, etc., as the resident hunter. 4.7 The annual bag limit by subregion or zone for each big game species typically is one animal in Peace Region 7B but 2 deer, black bear or wolf can be taken in each subregion or zone. 4.8 The BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) conducts an annual survey of licensed resident hunters to estimate resident harvests of big game by Region and MU. Compulsory Inspections (CIs) are required for kills of specific big game species, e.g., grizzly bears; sheep, goat and caribou also require inspection. The animal must be submitted to a regional compulsory inspection centre, where measurements or parts of the animal are taken for scientific analysis. 4.2 Licenced Guide Outfitters Regulation 4.9 A hunting guide instructs or assists a paying client in hunting big game. Guide outfitters must be licensed by the Province and are subject to the provisions of the Wildlife Act. Page 13

20 4.10 There are about 30 guide outfitters in Peace Region 7B. Each Peace Region 7B guide outfitter has an exclusive territory, with a specific complement of hunting tags allowing so many animals of various species to be taken. (Typically a guide outfitter will have a complement of tags or quota to be used in aggregate over a period of time, say 5 years.) Each guide outfitter must meet certain criteria (see Appendix F). Guide outfitter territories can be transferred The guide outfitter must provide an end-of-year report detailing client activity in terms of number of clients, days hunted by species, and hunting success. The guide outfitter must also provide each client, at the end of the hunt, with a declaration that accompanies the transport of any kill. 4.3 Big Game Hunting Activity & Harvests Activity 4.12 Exhibit 5 summarizes estimated hunting success or harvests over the past 25 years for all hunters, residents of BC and non-residents, for Peace Region 7B. The 2011 estimates are: Harvests Hunter Days 2011 Kills in 2011 Residents Non-Residents All Residents Non-Residents All Ungulates - Moose 45,950 1,723 47,673 1, ,640 - Elk 50,274 1,180 51,454 1, ,692 - Mule Deer 17, , WT Deer 25, , Caribou 1, , Goat 1, , Sheep 5, , Carnivores - Black Bear 8, , Grizzly Bear 1, , Wolf 8,490 1,468 9, Cougar Total 166,627 8, ,652 5, ,928 Source: FLNRO Hunter Survey and Appendix B. Non-residents of BC comprise about 5% of hunting days and 12% of the harvest. The non-resident harvest share is greater than 12% for caribou, goat, sheep and bear (grizzly and black) and lower than 12% for other species Harvest data by licensed hunters over the past 25 years for a variety of big game ungulates and carnivores are presented in Appendix B. Page 14

21 Exhibit 5: Big Game Harvests in BC Peace Region 7B Total Harvests* Average Year Ungulates - Moose 3,902 2,915 2,176 2,532 2,646 1,474 2,448 2,413 1,385 1,421 1,646 1,740 1,640 - Elk , ,291 1,492 1,354 1,962 1,869 2,050 1,692 - Mule Deer 1,281 1, ,089 1,523 1,657 1, WT Deer , , Caribou Goat Sheep Carnivores - Black Bear Grizzly Bear Wolf Total 7,404 6,957 5,534 5,773 6,066 4,495 6,572 7,037 6,266 6,745 5,846 7,135 5,924 * Estimated harvests for both BC resident & non-resident hunters. Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections for caribou, goat, sheep, and grizzly bear (there also are CI for cougar, for which hunting activity is minimal) Page 15

22 The harvest data suggest that: Moose and elk are the major species of interest comprising about 55% of both hunter days and hunter harvest. Moose harvests or kills today are less than half of those 25 years ago, but have been relatively stable for a decade or more. Elk harvests have increased significantly since the 1980s. Mule deer harvests decreased from the late 1990s through 2005, then increased due to more liberal hunting regulations for a few years, and have since decreased. Sheep and goat harvest levels have remained more or less consistent for a decade or more. Black bear and grizzly bear harvests have remained relatively constant over the past decade. Wolf harvests have increased over the past decade Activity and harvests for different species are concentrated in different parts of Peace Region 7B: About 2/3 to 3/4 of Peace Region 7B harvests of moose, elk and wolves occur in the Peace River Watershed Almost all Peace Region 7B harvests of mule deer and white-tailed deer occur in the Peace River Watershed The vast majority of sheep, goats and caribou harvest occurs in the Liard River Watershed. The Peace Watershed accounts for 80% or more of the region s black bear kills, but less than half of grizzly bear kills. The Peace Region Agricultural Zone is an important hunting area for moose, elk and deer, but much less important for other species. (This zone was established for management purposes, consisting of all of MUs 7-32, 7-33 and 7-34 and portions of 7-20, 7-21, 7-35, 7-45 and 7-46.) 4.4 Resource Status of Key Species 4.15 Wildlife managers utilize both inventory data and harvest estimates in their analysis of the effects of hunting on big game populations. Harvest trends are monitored and hunting regulations are periodically adjusted in order to ensure that populations are not being over-harvested. FLNRO uses hunter sample surveys, guide declaration returns and other means to estimate the number of animals harvested by resident and non-resident hunters each year. For ungulates, the Province uses eight (8) Game Management subzones. Management areas or zones for large carnivores such as grizzly bears are not consistent with those used for ungulates Compared to resource use (i.e., harvest), information on resource status over time is more limited at the regional and subregional levels. This is largely due to the cost of conducting regular inventory work. Some species by their nature are better suited to population assessment, e.g., big game ungulates, which can be counted in aerial and ground surveys. In Peace Region 7B, trends in population status are assessed through a combination of composition counts and stratified random block surveys for ungulates, predictive density modelling for grizzly bears, and expert knowledge. Page 16

23 Ungulates 4.17 Exhibits 6 and 7 give ungulate population counts for Peace Region 7B at intervals from 1987 to 2011, and for all provincial regions in Appendix B provides a 25-year summary of hunting effort and success by year and subregion within Peace Region 7B for a variety of ungulates. Appendices G through I provide Resource Status and Use commentary for moose, elk and mule deer, respectively Brief descriptions of the population status of some ungulate species follow: Moose: Moose populations in the region have remained relatively stable since the mid-1990s, when harvest regulations were changed in response to a population decline. (The SOFT-10 antler restrictions to protect prime breeding bulls remain in effect today.) Recently, some declines in a few MUs have been reported (see Appendix G), but moose densities in these areas are still higher than in most parts of BC (FLNRO 2013a). Elk: The regional elk population has quadrupled since the 1980s. In the past 7 years, harvest regulations have been liberalized in the Agricultural Zone in response to increased elk numbers. Mule Deer: The aggregate mule deer population has declined over the long term because of conflicts with agriculture. Since 1985, harsh winters and relaxed hunting regulations (special open season) in the Agricultural Zone contributed to this trend. However, the outlook for mule deer populations is favourable given the recent retightening of hunting regulations in this zone and expectations of more frequent milder winters over the long term (Baccante & Woods 2008). White-Tailed Deer & Caribou: Since 2003, the regional population estimates indicate increased populations of white-tailed deer and caribou. Large Carnivores 4.19 Exhibit 8 gives available information on large carnivore population counts. Appendix B provides a 25-year summary of hunting effort and success by year and subregion within Peace Region 7B for black bear, grizzly and wolf. Appendix J provides a commentary on resource status and use for grizzly bear Brief descriptions of the population status of some large carnivore species follow: Black Bears: The last estimate of the region s black bear population was 14,400 in 1990 (MELP 1991), compared to a rough provincial estimate of 120, ,000 bears. Provincially, black bears are much less of a conservation concern than grizzly bears, although harvests are extensive and no empirically derived population estimates exist (Mowat et al. 2002). Page 17

24 Exhibit 6: BC Ungulate Species Population Estimates Peace 7B Moose Elk Caribou Population Estimates 1 Thinhorn Sheep 2 Bighorn Sheep 3 Mountain Goat Mule Deer 4 WT Deer 5 Bison ,500 5,900 3,300 6, ,800 12,350 3,150 NA ,500 6,500 4,200 6, ,800 13,850 3,150 NA ,000 17,600 6,150 8, ,900 13,500 6,050 1, ,000 17,600 4,100 6, ,000 13,500 3,000 1, ,000 14,000 3,750 6, ,700 8,750 2,625 1, ,000 15,000 4,500 5, ,000 7,500 2,250 1, ,000 25,000 6,950 6, ,000 9,000 10,000 1, ,500 25,000 6,600 6, ,000 8,500 8,500 1,950 BC Total ,000 37,500 13,500 12,000 5,400 55, ,000 43,000 NA ,000 40,000 14,000 12,000 7,700 56, ,000 48,000 NA ,000 49,000 18,500 14,500 7,900 50, ,000 97,000 1, ,000 43,000 16,500 12,500 7,000 49, ,000 64,000 1, ,000 41,250 18,000 12,500 6,500 49, ,500 68,500 1, ,500 47,750 18,250 10,550 5,100 53, ,500 78,000 1, ,500 62,500 21,750 11,500 5,900 58, , ,250 1, ,500 61,500 21,500 12,450 6,550 53, , ,500 1,950 Note: 1. Estimates for 2000 onwards are the midpoint of a range. 2. Thinhorn sheep includes Stone s sheep and Dall sheep. 3. Bighorn sheep includes California bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. 4. Mule deer includes black-tailed deer. 5. WT deer is white-tailed deer. Source: FLNRO Page 18

25 Exhibit 7: BC Ungulate Species Population Estimates by Region Pre-season 2011 Region Moose Elk Caribou 2011 Population Estimates 1 Thinhorn Sheep 2 Bighorn Sheep 3 1 Vancouver Island ,600-5, ,900-3,100 2 Lower Mainland ,300-1, ,500-2,300 3 Thompson 8,000-12,000 4 Kootenay 7,000-9,000 5 Cariboo 6 Skeena 7A Omineca 7B Peace 20,000-28,000 25,000-45,000 30,000-50,000 52,000-87, ,000-2,500 1,400-2,000 21,000-32, ,300-2,500 9,200-9, ,600-1, ,000-5, ,000 15,000-35,000 6,000-12,000 3,000-4,000 4,600-8,600 4,000-6,500 0 Mountain Goat Mule Deer 4 45,000-65,000 20,000-34,000 36,000-57,000 25,000-51,000 16,000-36,000 18,000-35,000 37,000-58,000 White- Tailed Deer Bison ,000-8, ,000-72, , , ,000-4,000 3,000-6, , ,250-7, ,000-4,000 8 Okanagan 2,000-3,000 1,000-1, ,000-1, PROVINCIAL TOTAL 140, ,000 44,000-79,000 16,000-27,000 9,900-15,000 5,900-7,200 41,000-66,000 6,000-11,000 28,000-42, , ,000 5,000-12,000 31,000-44,000 87, ,000 1,500-2, ,500-2,400 Note: 1. Estimates are for early fall pre-harvest populations and are based on information supplied by Regional Wildlife Biologists. Values include both plausible minimum and maximum estimates of population size. Estimates should be considered general approximations based on limited, but best available information. Totals may not add due to rounding. 2. Includes Stone s Sheep in Regions 6 and 7 and Dall Sheep ( ) in Region Includes California Bighorn Sheep in Regions 3, 5 and 8 (3,100-3,900); and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Regions 3, 4 and 7 (2,750-3,250). 4. Includes Black-tailed deer. 5. Includes both Plains Bison (1,100-1,800) and Woods Bison ( ). Source: FLNRO. Page 19

26 Exhibit 8: BC Large Carnivore Population Estimates Population Estimates* Species Region 7B Province Black Bear 14,400 (1990) 120, ,000 (n.d.)** Grizzly Bear ,800 14, ,615 16, ,150 15,070 Wolf ,000 8, ,400-2,600 6,100-10,800 * Estimates cannot be used to infer trends between years because of changes in methodology. ** No date provided for estimate. Source: Blood (2000a), MELP (1991), FLNRO (2012b), Appendix J. Page 20

27 Grizzly Bears: Trends in the region s grizzly bear populations cannot be inferred from Exhibit 8 because of differences in methodology for the 1990, 2004 and 2012 estimates. However, regional biologists consider that the provincial model used for estimation significantly underestimates grizzly bear numbers in some MUs of Peace Region 7B. A 2011 survey of guide outfitters in Peace Region 7B suggests that grizzly bear numbers have been increasing both recently and historically (Baccante 2013). Wolves. Provincial estimates of grey wolf populations in the region suggest that populations have been relatively stable over the past 30 years (FLNRO 2012b). Local knowledge suggests an increase in the regional population (Baccante 2013). Page 21

28 5.0 Licenced Bird Hunting Activity 5.1 The Peace Region 7B has a wide range of waterfowl and upland game bird species that are pursued by resident and non-resident hunters. 5.2 This section presents an analysis of bird hunting activity in Peace Region 7B. 5.1 Licenced Bird Hunters Regulation 5.3 The licencing and regulation of bird hunting is enabled under the Province s Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. There are separate requirements for: migratory game birds waterfowl (ducks and geese), coots, snipe, pigeons, doves upland game birds grouse, ptarmigan, pheasant, quail, wild turkey 5.4 A hunter for migratory game birds must have both a basic BC hunting licence and a federal Canadian Migratory Game Bird hunting permit. Exceptions to this occur during Waterfowl Heritage days when licences are not required for hunters aged years who are accompanied by a licenced adult hunter. A resident hunter for upland game birds only requires a basic BC hunting licence, whereas non-resident hunters of upland game birds also require an upland game bird licence. 5.5 It is not necessary for a non-resident to be accompanied by a licensed guide when hunting for game birds. 5.6 There are daily and possession limits for both migratory game birds and upland game birds in Peace Region 7B daily limit of 5 to 10 for most migratory birds (possession limit of 3 times daily limit), some duck species have restricted daily bag limits of 2 or 4. The daily limit for upland game limits is 3 to 10 (possession limit of 3 times daily limit). There are also species-specific seasons for hunting game birds. 5.2 Bird Hunting Activity & Harvests Activity 5.7 Exhibit 9 summarizes estimated hunting success or harvests over the past 25 years for resident hunters for Peace Region 7B. The 2011 estimates are: Resident Hunter Days in 2011 Estimated Resident Kills in 2011 Waterfowl - Ducks* 171 2,133 - Geese* 181 1,406 Ptarmigan Grouse - Blue Ruffed 938 3,232 - Spruce 393 1,281 - Sharp-tailed Total 1,979 8,591 * Ducks and geese harvests by individual species are not collected by the Province. Source: FLNRO Resident Hunter Survey and Appendix C. Page 22

29 Exhibit 9: Estimated Bird Harvests by Resident Hunters Peace Region 7B Total Average Year Harvests Waterfowl - Ducks 2,791 1,180 1,564 1, ,817 1, , ,133 - Geese 1, , , ,406 Ptarmigan Grouse - Blue Ruffed 24,273 13,369 14,806 7,732 9,298 5,992 4,181 11,223 11,070 4,259 2,857 14,348 3,232 - Spruce 8,399 4,501 4,957 3,412 3,042 2, ,706 2,539 1,131 1,616 4,694 1,281 - Sharp-tailed 4,717 1,642 1, , , Total 42,359 21,919 24,120 13,442 15,391 10,092 8,559 16,627 15,786 6,626 6,704 21,655 8,591 Source: Estimates tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 23

30 Harvests Much of the upland bird hunting appears to be a complementary activity to big game hunting, i.e., many upland game birds are harvested by hunters whose prime objective is big game hunting. 5.8 Harvest activity by resident hunters over the past 25 years for a variety of game bird species groups are presented in Appendix C. 5.9 The harvest data suggest that: There have been large declines in harvests of all upland game birds in the Peace Region over the past 25 years; waterfowl harvests declined through 2010 but showed a large increase in 2011 These declines largely reflect declines in hunter participation, i.e., number of hunters, but there has also been a decline in hunter success rates for some species Over 95% of bird harvests, all species total, occur in the Peace Watershed with the Liard Watershed comprising less than 5% The Agricultural Zone is a very important hunting area for ducks and geese and an important hunting area for Ruffed grouse and Sharp-tailed grouse 5.3 Resource Status of Key Species 5.10 There are no readily available population estimates for game birds in total Peace Region 7B, but some small area data exist from Christmas Bird Counts and Breeding Bird Surveys. We offer some observations related to Peace Region 7B resource status for waterfowl and upland game birds (based on discussions with the Province). Migratory Birds 5.11 The Province discusses migratory bird regulatory change proposals with the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), the federal agency responsible for the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The CWS has the final decision on bag limits and other regulatory measures Ducks and geese use several flyways on the north-south annual migration to and from Northern Canada and the US and face a gauntlet of hunters; i.e., they are transient residents of the Peace Region. The region is not a prime area for waterfowl nesting or staging on the flyway corridors in terms of the overall migration routes. As a general rule, waterfowl populations in the Peace Region 7B appear to be in good shape. In fact, bag limits for Canada Geese recently have doubled across the Province. Upland Game Birds 5.13 Upland game birds, in contrast to most waterfowl species, are resident year-round and select breeding, foraging and winter habitat in close proximity to each other For example, Ruffed Grouse is a ground nesting bird that prefers lowland mixed-wood riparian forest with coarse woody debris. The spread of urbanization and agricultural fields have reduced their habitat. Page 24

31 The Sharp-tailed Grouse is a lekking species with specific traditional display sites, where males and females congregate during the breeding season. The same locations are used year after year. The populations and associated harvests of grouse tend to be cyclic in nature and thus are highly variable, much more so than for waterfowl (see the harvest data in Exhibit 9). Wet, cold spring weather conditions cause high mortality in young of the year but when the conditions are ideal, roughly every 10 years, large numbers of young survive and population peaks occur. Page 25

32 6.0 Licenced Trapping Activity 6.1 The Peace Region 7B is an important region for trapping furbearers in the province. The term furbearers refers to the species fox, beaver, marten, fisher, Canada lynx, bobcat, mink, muskrat, river otter, raccoon, skunk, squirrel excluding ground squirrels, weasel, wolverine, wolf, coyote and black bear. 6.2 This section provides an overview of trapping activity in Peace Region 7B. 6.1 Licenced Trappers Regulation 6.3 The licencing and regulation of trapping is enabled under the Province s Wildlife Act. 6.4 Each licensed trapper has exclusive rights, or a tenure, to trap in a specific area. Each trapper has tenure to only one trapping area. A new individual who wishes to engage in trapping must negotiate the transfer of a tenure from an existing licensed trapper. 6.5 Trappers are subject to restrictions by species on types of traps used, bait use, areas or MUs of activity, and seasons. (Trapping mostly occurs from late fall through early spring.) However, there are no limits or quotas as to how many animals by species can be harvested by a licensed trapper or trapped in aggregate in a region. 6.6 Licenced trappers pay an annual licence fee and also pay a royalty per pelt or skin sold that varies by species (highest for wolverine and bobcat, lowest for squirrels see BC FLNRO Hunting & Trapping Regulation Synopsis p.93). 6.2 Trapping Activity & Harvests Activity 6.7 There are about 236 licensed traplines in Peace Region 7B. Harvest There is no measure of trapping effort, such as the number of days traps are set, collected by FLNRO. 6.8 Exhibit 10 provides estimates, based on fur royalty records, of the number of animals trapped by species over the past 25 years in Peace Region 7B (see Appendix D for the number of animals trapped by Peace subregion). Royalties are only due on pelts sold and therefore the fur royalty records underestimate total harvest. Page 26

33 Exhibit 10: Harvests by Trappers Peace Region 7B Total Average Year Harvests Black Bear Beaver 2,190 1,642 1, Coyote Fisher Fox Lynx Marten 7,746 2,903 1,974 1,399 1,492 1,953 1,377 2,067 1,836 2,118 1,706 2,298 2,383 Mink Muskrat Otter Squirrel 3,164 1,964 1,763 2,123 1,771 1,076 1, Weasel 1, Wolf Wolverine Total 16,494 8,305 6,042 5,051 5,160 4,505 5,003 4,031 4,067 3,815 3,419 4,430 3,893 Source: Tabulations from Trapper Royalty Reports, FLNRO Victoria. Page 27

34 The 2011 estimates are: Animals Trapped in Peace 7B in 2011 Black Bear 1 Mink 32 Beaver 124 Muskrat 57 Coyote 198 Otter 2 Fisher 37 Squirrel 416 Fox 14 Weasel 300 Lynx 265 Wolf 35 Marten 2,383 Wolverine 29 Source: FLNRO Trapper Royalty Records. The major species of economic interest to trappers is marten. 6.9 There has been a significant decline in numbers of animals trapped in Peace Region 7B over the past 25 years (although the number of registered traplines in the area has remained relatively constant). The major reason for the decline may be reduced trapping effort (i.e., less interest in trapping today than in previous years), but there is no concrete data to support this assertion The vast majority of the furbearer harvest is taken from the Peace Watershed. However, the Liard Watershed has a significant share of the harvests of the large carnivores, black bear, wolverine and wolf. 6.3 Resource Status of Key Species 6.11 It is very difficult to count populations of most furbearers because they are difficult to locate from the air or the road An exception is beaver which are usually censused through counting the number of active lodges and assuming a beaver count per lodge. Appendix K provides a species profile for beaver and population counts for the Halfway-Peace and Prophet River systems. For other species, population research is usually restricted to the presence or absence of a particular species in a territory, rather than a population count. For example, some work of this kind has been done for fishers in Northeastern BC (Weir et. al 2011). Page 28

35 7.0 Conclusions 7.1 In this report we have assembled available information on resource use and status for fish, big game, birds and furbearers in the broad Peace Region 7B. The focus of our work, by design, was the collection and synthesis of information rather than its interpretation. 7.2 The population data at the Peace Region 7B level was limited. The Province analyses and assesses many species at the provincial rather than the regional level. Nevertheless, we have developed some detailed species profiles for individual species, particularly for large ungulates such as moose. Certain large animals are better suited to population counts from the air or from the road. 7.3 We also developed and implemented a subregional reporting template for FLNRO harvest data over the past 25 years that has been applied to harvests by species of fish, big game, birds and furbearers. This enables the regional assessment of these very different fauna groups on a consistent basis. 7.4 The harvest data show that there is significant hunting and angling activity in Peace Region 7B, and that this activity is very diverse in terms of species harvested and the subregions utilized. 7.5 We have purposefully not speculated on the cause of any changes in population counts or harvest success over time. In fact, the government personnel whom we interviewed were reluctant to ascribe trends to any specific cause, as the species dynamics and interplay of factors are complicated. 7.6 This study and its data provide a valuable information base for assessing baseline resource conditions prior to any development of the Peace River basin. The study also demonstrates what is possible in terms of bringing together a diverse body of information, in a systematic manner, for a particular BC management region. Page 29

36 Bibliography Austin, M.N., D.C. Heard, and A.N. Hamilton Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) Harvest Management in British Columbia. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 9 pp. Baccante, N. and R.B. Woods Relationship between weather factors and survival of mule deer fawns in the Peace Region of British Columbia. Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Fish and Wildlife Section. 20 pp. Baccante, N Presentation for the Wildlife Mitigation on Agricultural Lands, Crops and Livestock Workshop. BC Ministry of Environment, Fish and Wildlife Section. Baccante, D. and R. Woods Relationship between winter severity and survival of mule deer fawns in the Peace Region of British Columbia. BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management 10(3): Baccante. N Guide Outfitters in the Northeast Region: Quantifying personal knowledge of wildlife populations in their territories. BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. 27 pp. Backmeyer, R Moose and Boreal Caribou Inventory Management Units 7-55 and Report Prepared by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Environmental Stewardship Division, Peace Region. 8 pp. Bailey, M. and U. R. Sumaila Freshwater Angling and the BC Economy. Prepared for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. 10 pp. Blood, D. 2000a. Black Bears in British Columbia: Ecology, Conservation and Management. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 5 pp. Blood, D. 2000b. Elk in British Columbia: Ecology, Conservation and Management. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 5 pp. Blood, D. 2000c. Grizzly Bears in British Columbia: Ecology, Conservation and Management. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 5 pp. Blood, D. 2000d. Moose in British Columbia: Ecology, Conservation and Management. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 5 pp. Blood, D. 2000e. Mule and Black-tailed Deer in British Columbia: Ecology, Conservation and Management. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 5 pp. British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (BC MELP) British Columbia Big Game Species Regional Populations Estimates August Wildlife Program. 1 p. BC MELP Options for Managing Bull Moose Harvests in the Peace-Liard Sub-region for the Future. Wildlife Program. 8 pp. Page 30

37 BC MELP Wildlife Harvest Strategy: Improving British Columbia s Wildlife Harvest Regulations. Wildlife Program. 79 pp. British Columbia Ministry of Environment (BC MOE) Wildlife Inventory Program: Annual Report for 2005/06. Prepared by the Fish and Wildlife Branch. 34 pp. BC MOE British Columbia Ungulate Species Regional Population Estimates and Status Preseason BC MOE Environmental Reporting BC: Plants and Animals; Grizzly Bear Population Status in BC (2012). 60 pp. BC MOE. Conservation Data Centre (CDC) BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. Available at (accessed Aug 30, 2013). British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). 2012a. British Columbia Grizzly Bear Population Estimates for pp. BC FLNRO. 2012b. Draft Management Plan for the Grey Wolf (Canis Iupus) in British Columbia. 50 pp. BC FLNRO. 2012c. Moose population estimates down in Cariboo, Omineca. Fact Sheet. 4 pp. BC FLNRO. 2013a Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis. 128 pp. BC FLNRO. 2013b Freshwater Fishery Regulations Synopsis. 112 pp. BC FLNRO. 2013c. British Columbia Limited Entry Hunting Regulations Synopsis pp. BC FLNRO. 2013d. Draft Provincial Framework for Moose Management in British Columbia. Report Prepared by the Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Branch. 44 pp. BC FLNRO. 2013e. Provincial overview of moose population estimates for Fact Sheet. 4 pp. BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM). 2002a. Aerial-based Inventory Methods for Selected Ungulates: Bison, Mountain Goat, Mountain Sheep, Moose, Elk, Deer, and Cariboo. Version 2.0. Terrestrial Information Branch. 91 pp. BC MSRM. 2002b. Species Ranking in British Columbia. Conservation Data Centre. 3 pp. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear Ursos arctos in Canada. 84 pp. Davidson, P.W., and R. Rick Dawson Williston Wildlife Compensation Program Management Plan, Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Report No pp. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada pp. Page 31

38 Goddard, A Ungulate Winter Range Species Accounts Specific to the Peace River Region. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Ecosystem Section by Woods Environmental Consulting. 56 pp. Goddard, A., and C. Thiessen Agriculture Zone Winter Replicate Count Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Fish & Wildlife Section. 25 pp. Government of Canada. Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 S.C. 1994, C.22, current to 26 May Freshwater Sport Fishing in British Columbia: Sending Ripples through the Provincial Economy. Prepared for Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. 64 pp. Hagen, J., and S. Decker The Status of Bull Trout in British Columbia: A Synthesis of Available Distribution, Abundance, Trend and Threat Information. BC Ministry of Environment, Fisheries Technical Report No. FTC pp. Hamilton, A.N., and M.N. Austin Estimating Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) Population Size in British Columbia Using an Expert-Based Approach. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 38 pp. Hamilton, A.N., D.C. Heard, and M.N. Austin British Columbia Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) Population Estimate Prepared for the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 7 pp. Harper, F.E Moose Inventory Report for Peace River Area Management Units 7-32 and 7-44, Winter Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment, Fish and Wildlife Branch, Northern Region. 32 pp. Harper, F.E Wildlife Management Plan for the Peace Subregion, Northern Region. Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks, Wildlife Branch. 212 pp. Harrison, B., and L. Wilkinson Census of Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus Elaphus nesoni) in Wildlife Management Unit Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Section. 9 pp. Harrison, B Census of Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus Elaphus nesoni) in Wildlife Management Unit Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Section. 11 pp. Harrison, B., and L. Wilkinson Census of Moose (Alces Alces) in Wildlife Management Unit Report Prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Section. Hatler, D.F., and A.M.M. Beale Furbearer Management Guidelines Beaver Castor Canadensis. Prepared for the Province of British Columbia. 10 pp. Hatter, I.W Moose Conservation and Harvest Management in Central and Northern British Columbia. 47 pp. (unpublished) Page 32

39 Hopcraft, G A Comparative Review of Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) Populations in the Peace Subregion. Fisheries Status Report, BC Environment. 67 pp. Keystone Wildlife Research Ltd Peace River Wildlife Surveys Summary Report: Winter Baseline Inventory Surveys Prepared for BC Hydro. 36 pp. Kline, J., and C. Thiessen Agriculture Zone Winter Replicate Count 2009/10. Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Fish & Wildlife Section. 31 pp. Kline, J Public Wildlife Count Peace Region 2012: A Public Stewardship Project. Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Fish and Wildlife Section. 19 pp. Klinkenberg, B. (ed.) E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia. (Accessed 9/1/2013) Kuzyk, G Challenges to Increasing Mule Deer Populations. Presentation to the BC Wildlife Federation AGM and Convention. Levey, J.J.B., and R. Williams Survey of Freshwater Sport Fishing in British Columbia: with summary information from the 1985, 1990 and 1995 Surveys. 290 pp. Mowat, G., K.G. Poole, D.R. Seip, D.C. Heard, R. Smith, and D.W. Paetkau Grizzly and Black Bear Densities in Interior British Columbia. Prepared for Canadian Forest Products Ltd. and the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 35 pp. Pollard, S (based on E. Miller 2010). Arctic Grayling Provincial Management Plan Draft. Poole, K.G Beaver Lodge Survey of the Klua Lakes and Trutch Creek Areas, Prophet River Territory, September Report Prepared by Timberland Consultants Ltd. for the Prophet River Indian Band, Dene Tsaa First Nation. 7 pp. Ptolemy, J Accounts and Measures for Managing Identified Wildlife Accounts V. 2004: Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus). 16 pp. Province of British Columbia. Wildlife Act, RSBC 1996, C. 488, Current to 2 October 2013, Queen s Printer, Victoria, BC. Rea, R.V., and K.N. Child Featured Species: Moose. Wildlife Afield 4: Rowe, M Pine-Moberly Moose Population Census: Estimation of moose population parameters in British Columbia Wildlife Management Unit Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 16 pp. Rowe, M Population Parameters of Moose in Management Units 7-47, 7-46, and 7-33: An Aerial Inventory of the East Beatton/South Fontas. Report Prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division, 27 pp. Page 33

40 Rowe, M Murray River Moose Population Assessment Management Unit Report Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment, Peace Region. 27 pp. Rowe, M Management Unit 7-45 Moose Inventory: December Moose Inventory Summary Report. Prepared by the BC Ministry of Environment, Peace Region. 16 pp. Rowe, M Moose Management in the Peace Region. Report Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Environment Stewardship Division by Canadensis Wildlife Consulting. 42 pp. Stoddard, E.M Summary Maps of Northeast BC Sportfish, and Rare and Endangered Fish Species Distribution. Prepared by EMS Aquatic Services for Canada Fisheries and Oceans. Thiessen, C Agriculture Zone Winter Replicate Count 2007/08. Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Fish & Wildlife Section. 19 pp. Thiessen, C. 2009a. Agriculture Zone Elk Inventory 2007/08. Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Fish & Wildlife Section. 27 pp. Thiessen, C. 2009b. Agriculture Zone Winter Replicate Count 2008/09. Peace Region Technical Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, Fish & Wildlife Section. 20 pp. Thiessen, C Horn River Basin Moose Inventory January/February Report Prepared by the Ministry of Environment. 44 pp. Thiessen, C., and N. Baccante MU Early winter moose density estimate: November Report Prepared by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. 20 pp. Webster, C Farrell Moose Inventory: Wildlife Resources Technical Data Report Farrell Study Area. Report Prepared for Talisman Energy by Eco-Web Ecological Consulting Ltd. 38 pp. Weir, R.D., E.C. Lofroth and M. Phinney Density of Fishers in Boreal Mixed-Wood Forests of Northeastern British Columbia. Northwestern Naturalist 92: Page 34

41 Appendix A Background Sport Fishing Data Page 35

42 Exhibit A.1: Fish Stocking Report Peace Region 7B Number of Fish Stocked (All Fish Stages) Rainbow Trout Lake Trout Eastern Brook Trout Kokanee Total ,081-11, , ,253-12, , ,270-10,000-53, ,000-12,000-53, ,065-10,300-51, ,363-12,000-52, ,900-12,000-52, ,296-12,000-53, ,079-12,000-49, ,600 14,305 12,000-66,905 Source: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Page 36

43 Appendix B Background Big Game Hunting Data Page 37

44 Exhibit B.1: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B - Moose Activity Total 7B Average Year Moose Hunters* 9,447 8,432 7,057 6,389 6,060 4,068 5,987 5,885 5,770 5,484 5,892 6,294 5,638 Moose Hunter Days* 60,707 54,435 51,408 48,655 43,532 30,117 42,301 40,013 43,142 40,356 50,282 46,666 47,673 Moose Harvests* 3,902 2,915 2,176 2,532 2,646 1,474 2,448 2,413 1,385 1,421 1,646 1,740 1,640 Moose Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal 2,794 1,836 1,462 1,799 1, ,820 1, ,170 1,378 1,161 Liard Watershed** 1,108 1, Total 7B 3,902 2,915 2,176 2,532 2,646 1,474 2,448 2,413 1,385 1,421 1,646 1,740 1,640 * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 38

45 Exhibit B.2: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B - Elk Activity Total 7B Average Year Elk Hunters* 2,061 3,785 4,124 4,112 4,000 3,090 4,359 4,985 5,107 5,959 5,717 6,280 6,066 Elk Hunter Days* 14,342 25,397 30,645 31,881 29,675 21,182 30,801 34,690 36,897 43,387 51,197 49,258 51,454 Elk Harvests* , ,291 1,492 1,354 1,962 1,869 2,050 1,692 Elk Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal ,476 1,417 1,563 1,232 Liard Watershed** Total 7B , ,291 1,492 1,354 1,962 1,869 2,050 1,692 * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 39

46 Exhibit B.3: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Mule Deer Activity Total 7B Average Year Mule Deer Hunters* 3,843 4,208 2,798 2,154 2,162 1,728 2,312 2,725 3,158 3,053 2,445 2,190 1,978 Mule Deer Hunter Days* 19,876 21,405 15,761 10,419 10,398 7,700 11,473 12,096 18,455 20,060 18,791 17,616 17,589 Mule Deer Harvests* 1,281 1, ,089 1,523 1,657 1, Mule Deer Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal 1,255 1, ,084 1,523 1,657 1, Liard Watershed** Total 7B 1,281 1, ,089 1,523 1,657 1, * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 40

47 Exhibit B.4: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B WT Deer Activity Total 7B Average Year WT Deer Hunters* 1,817 2,172 1, , ,149 1,312 1,405 1, ,822 2,914 WT Deer Hunter Days* 11,113 14,332 11,130 9,339 9,816 8,053 11,419 10,322 13,558 19,635 5,859 26,217 25,964 WT Deer Harvests* , , WT Deer Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal , , Liard Watershed** Total 7B , , * Both resident & non-resident hunters (WT Deer are White-Tailed Deer). ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 41

48 Exhibit B.5: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Caribou Activity Total 7B Average Year Caribou Hunters* Caribou Hunter Days* 3,763 4,258 4,465 3,187 3,051 1,705 2,311 2,105 2,138 2,289 2,429 2,324 1,847 Caribou Harvests* Caribou Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections Page 42

49 Exhibit B.6: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Goat Activity Total 7B Average Year Goat Hunters* Goat Hunter Days* 1,735 1,687 1,715 1,077 1,474 1,408 2,566 2,140 1,840 1,677 1,932 2,313 2,204 Goat Harvests* Goat Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections Page 43

50 Exhibit B.7: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Sheep Activity Total 7B Average Year Sheep Hunters* Sheep Hunter Days* 6,024 6,045 6,517 6,044 5,548 3,711 5,234 4,975 5,813 5,586 5,780 5,877 6,305 Sheep Harvests* Sheep Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections Page 44

51 Exhibit B.8: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Black Bear Activity Total 7B Average Year Black Bear Hunters* 1,415 1, ,006 1,278 Black Bear Hunter Days* 10,840 8,466 6,859 6,407 5,627 4,186 7,143 5,887 6,663 6,202 6,567 8,543 9,496 Black Bear Harvests* Black Bear Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 45

52 Exhibit B.9: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Grizzly Bear Activity Total 7B Average Year Grizzly Bear Hunters* Grizzly Bear Hunter Days* 3,932 2,984 1,212 1,696 1,633 1,250 2,253 2,018 2,220 1,774 2,018 1,881 1,963 Grizzly Bear Harvests* Grizzly Bear Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections Page 46

53 Exhibit B.10: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Wolf Activity Total 7B Average Year Wolf Hunters* , , , Wolf Hunter Days* 9,884 8,467 9,504 8,171 5,515 5,304 14,017 9,530 8,213 11,796 10,275 11,571 9,958 Wolf Harvests* Wolf Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 47

54 Appendix C Background Bird Hunting Data Page 48

55 Exhibit C.1: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Ducks Activity Total 7B Average Year Duck Hunters Duck Harvests 2,791 1,180 1,564 1, ,817 1, , ,133 Duck Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed , , , Subtotal 2,768 1,112 1,494 1, ,817 1, , ,133 Liard Watershed** Total 7B 2,791 1,180 1,564 1, ,817 1, , ,133 * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 49

56 Exhibit C.2: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Geese Activity Total 7B Average Year Geese Hunters Geese Harvests 1, , , ,406 Geese Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed , Subtotal 1, , , ,406 Liard Watershed** Total 7B 1, , , ,406 * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 50

57 Exhibit C.3: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Ptarmigan Activity Total 7B Average Year Ptarmigan Hunters Ptarmigan Harvests Ptarmigan Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 51

58 Exhibit C.4: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Blue Grouse Activity Total 7B Average Year Blue Grouse Hunters Blue Grouse Harvests Blue Grouse Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 52

59 Exhibit C.5: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Ruffed Grouse Activity Total 7B Average Year Ruffed Grouse Hunters 2,785 1,971 1,902 1,213 1, ,613 1, , Ruffed Grouse Harvests 24,273 13,369 14,806 7,732 9,298 5,992 4,181 11,223 11,070 4,259 2,857 14,348 3,232 Ruffed Grouse Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed ,612 1,304 1,611 1,147 1,376 1, ,239 2, , ,822 1,464 2,157 1,171 1, , , ,323 2,436 2, , , , ,982 2,076 2, ,016 1,777 1, , , , , , , Subtotal 22,608 11,390 13,024 6,036 8,201 5,295 3,359 9,834 9,374 3,765 2,519 11,954 3,015 Liard Watershed** 1,665 1,979 1,782 1,696 1, ,389 1, , Total 7B 24,273 13,369 14,806 7,732 9,298 5,992 4,181 11,223 11,070 4,259 2,857 14,348 3,232 * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 53

60 Exhibit C.6: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Spruce Grouse Activity Total 7B Average Year Spruce Grouse Hunters 1,569 1,132 1, Spruce Grouse Harvests 8,399 4,501 4,957 3,412 3,042 2, ,706 2,539 1,131 1,616 4,694 1,281 Spruce Grouse Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed , , Subtotal 6,981 3,257 3,874 2,661 2,412 2, ,209 1, ,112 3,908 1,196 Liard Watershed** 1,418 1,244 1, Total 7B 8,399 4,501 4,957 3,412 3,042 2, ,706 2,539 1,131 1,616 4,694 1,281 * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 54

61 Exhibit C.7: Bird Harvest by Resident Hunters in Peace Region 7B Sharp-tailed Grouse Activity Total 7B Average Year Sharp-tailed Grouse Hunters 1, Sharp-tailed Grouse Harvests 4,717 1,642 1, , , Sharp-tailed Grouse Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed , Subtotal 4,528 1,568 1, , , Liard Watershed** Total 7B 4,717 1,642 1, , , * Resident harvests only. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations from Resident Hunter Survey, FLNRO Victoria. Page 55

62 Appendix D Background Trapping Data Page 56

63 Exhibit D.1: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Marten* Marten Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal 3, , ,259 1,357 1,228 1,432 1,472 1,648 1,338 1,742 1,880 Liard Watershed** 4,554 1, Total 7B 7,746 2,903 1,974 1,399 1,492 1,953 1,377 2,067 1,836 2,118 1,706 2,298 2,383 * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 57

64 Exhibit D.2: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Lynx* Lynx Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 58

65 Exhibit D.3: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Beaver* Beaver Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal 1,279 1, Liard Watershed** Total 7B 2,190 1,643 1, * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 59

66 Exhibit D.4: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Coyote* Coyote Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 60

67 Exhibit D.5: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Fisher* Fisher Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 61

68 Exhibit D.6: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Fox* Fox Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 62

69 Exhibit D.7: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Black Bear* Black Bear Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 63

70 Exhibit D.8: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Wolf* Wolf Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 64

71 Exhibit D.9: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Wolverine* Wolverine Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 65

72 Appendix E Profile Angling Guides in Peace Region 7B Page 66

73 Appendix E Profile Angling Guides in Peace Region 7B This appendix profiles angling guides in Peace Region 7B, their regulatory environment and recent activity levels. E.1 Guide Regulations The Government of British Columbia regulates the freshwater angling guide industry. An angling guide instructs or assists a paying client in angling. Angling guides must have a guide licence. An angling guide must: be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada be 19 years of age or over have not less than $2,000,000 in public liability insurance have a working knowledge of the Wildlife Act and applicable regulations and the federal Fisheries Act In addition, guides must submit annual operating plans at the beginning of the year for approval. Angling guides must also provide an end-of-year report detailing actual angling activity during the year. Angling guides may use the services of an assistant guide who must possess an assistant guide licence. Assistant guides must also understand the applicable regulations of the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Fisheries Act. There are also special guide regulations on high quality Classified Waters in the province, but there are no Classified Waters in Peace Region 7B. E.2 Activity In recent years there have been 4 to 8 angling guide operations active in Peace Region 7B. Guided angler days have ranged from approximately 200 to 800 (see Exhibit E.1). Guided angler days are in the order of ½ of 1% of total angling activity in the region (compare Exhibit E.1 on guided activity to Exhibit 4 in Section 3 on total activity). Page 67

74 Exhibit E.1: Guided Angling Activity & Catch Peace Region 7B Total No. Guide Operations Active Guided Angler Days Residents Non-Residents of BC Total Total Guided Fish Catch* Trout - Rainbow 645 1, ,505 1, Cutthroat Lake Brook Bull Other Kokanee Walleye (Pickerel) Arctic Grayling 740 1, Whitefish Perch Northern Pike Other Total 3,550 4,745 3,700 3,675 4,140 2,320 Total Guided Fish Kept Trout - Rainbow Cutthroat Lake Brook Bull Other Kokanee Walleye (Pickerel) Arctic Grayling Whitefish Perch Northern Pike Other Total * Total fish catch includes fish kept plus fish released. Source: BC Angling Guide Reports (for activity in Peace 7B) Page 68

75 Guided angling activity differs from general angling activity in several ways: Guided activity has a much higher catch rate per day. Guided activity has a much higher release rate for fish caught. For many guide clients, fishing is an ancillary activity to a general outdoor recreation experience in a remote wilderness setting. Most of the guided activity occurs in the Liard Watershed area rather than the Peace Watershed area. Species Some Peace 7B Waterbodies with Guided Angling Peace Watershed Liard Watershed rainbow trout Black Sheep L, Trimble L Denetiah L, Rainbow L, Beattie L lake trout Long Mountain L bull trout Williston L Tuchodi L, Dead Dog R walleye Maxhamish L Arctic grayling Major Hart R, Graham R Nelson L, Frog R, Tuchodi L Northern pike Fishing L Some operators guide in both Omineca Region 7A and Peace Region 7B and may concentrate in one area or the other in any particular year. As a result, the activity level for Peace Region 7B can vary significantly from year to year. For the profile analysis of Exhibit E.1, we have not included so-called drop-off clients (e.g., the operator drops off a party at a remote lake with a cabin and picks them up several days later). The reason is that a guide is not actively involved in any fishing that occurs. Moreover, in many cases the annual guide reports do not report catch for drop-off clients as the guide is not there to record the catch. Page 69

76 Appendix F Profile Guide Outfitters in Peace Region 7B Page 70

77 Appendix F Profile Guide Outfitters in Peace Region 7B This appendix profiles guide outfitters in Peace Region 7B, their regulatory environment and activity level. F.1 Guide Outfitter Regulations The Government of British Columbia regulates the guide outfitter industry. A guide outfitter instructs or assists a paying client in hunting for big game species. Guide outfitters must have a guide outfitter licence. A guide outfitter must: be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada be 19 years of age or over have not less than $2,000,000 in public liability insurance have knowledge of the Wildlife Act and applicable regulations A guide outfitter is licenced under a Guiding Territory Certificate to guide hunters in an exclusive guide area with clearly defined and legally described boundaries. All non-canadian hunters are required to have the services of a guide outfitter who is licensed to operate in a specified territory. Guide outfitters may use the services of an assistant guide who must possess an assistant guide licence. Assistant guides must understand the provincial Wildlife Act and applicable regulations. Each Guiding Territory Certificate may specify a quota by big game species, which is the number of animals that the clients of the guide outfitter may kill during a licence year or period of years. (It is common for a guide outfitter to have a five year quota, i.e., a number of allowable kills over a 5-year period.) F.2 Activity In recent years there have been about 30 guide outfitters in Peace Region 7B. Some Peace 7B guide territories overlap with guide territories in other regions such as Omineca. Each guide outfitter employs about 5-6 assistant guides on average. The number of Peace 7B clients has ranged from 650 to 950 (see Exhibit F.1), with the vast majority of clients being non-residents. Moose, elk, sheep, goat and black bear are the main big game species of interest to guide outfitter clients. Page 71

78 Exhibit F.1: Guide Outfitter Activity & Harvests Peace Region 7B Total Average Year Activity Guides Assistant Guides* NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Hunter Clients Harvests Bison** NA NA Caribou Deer*** NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Mule Deer NA NA NA White-Tailed Deer NA NA NA Elk Goat Moose Sheep Black Bear Grizzly Bear Lynx Wolf Upland Game Birds**** Waterfowl**** Other Total 1,157 1,067 1, , ,061 1, * Reliable information on Assistant Guides only available in later years. ** Bison included in other prior to year *** Deer was not identified by species prior to year **** Reporting for Upland Game Birds & Wildfowl not necessarily consistent over the time period. Source: Tabulations from Guide-Outfitter Annual Reports, FLNRO Victoria. Page 72

79 Appendix G Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Moose Page 73

80 Exhibit G.1: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Moose Species Description & Life History: Moose (Alces Alces) are the largest member of the deer family. Moose are larger and longer-legged than other ungulates. They have dark brown or blackish fur, a shoulder hump, a bell of skin and hair under the throat and a large, overhanging lip (Blood 2000d). Yearling bulls grow spike-fork antlers with 2-3 points on each side, while the antlers of mature bulls are split-palm, carrying up to 10 points or more on each antler. Adult bulls stand almost 2 m tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 700 kg. In their prime, bulls can have an antler spread reaching 1.5 m. Moose are basically solitary animals, forming temporary social groups to feed and compete for breeding rights. Within a given season, their home range tends to be limited (typically up to 5-10 km 2 ), but they may migrate longer distances (e.g., up to 60 km) between winter and summer habitat. Moose in the Peace Lowlands do not make seasonal migrations; elsewhere, they may summer at higher elevations and, depending on snow depths, move to lower elevations in the winter. Mating occurs from September to October, with the majority of calves born in late May and June. Most cows produce 1-2 calves annually and then chase away their young after a year. While moose can live more than 20 years, the average life expectancy in hunted populations is 7-8 years. Range & Habitat: Moose are found throughout Region 7B, but are most abundant in the Peace Lowlands and the western portion of the Sikanni-Beatton Plateau. In these subregions, the rolling topography, mixed deciduous-coniferous forests and riparian communities offer high-capability winter habitat (Harper 1988). The general winter habitat of moose is early-stage forest, with abundant browse available, in low to midelevations (Goddard 2003). Favoured foods are willows, poplars, other deciduous trees or shrubs and aquatic plants. Preferred habitats include riparian areas, wetlands, regenerating burns and cutblocks. Moose often winter in areas with >50 cm of snow cover, but cover > cm restricts movement. Population Status: Provincial and regional moose populations are updated every 3-5 years using a combination of survey data, density extrapolations and expert option (FLNRO 2013d). The current (2011) population estimate for Peace Region 7B is 52,000-87,000, representing 37% of the provincial total of 140, ,000 (MOE 2011). The regional population trend is increasing or decreasing (defined as a >20% change) over the period, depending on the management area. Moose are managed at the level of Game Management Zones, which are amalgamations of MUs. A key management objective is to keep the post-hunt bull:cow ratio 30 bulls/100 cows, and 50 bulls/100 cows in low density areas, for breeding purposes (FLNRO 2013d). To assess moose population status, the BC government undertakes stratified random block (SRB) surveys that provide estimates of population size, density (moose per km 2 ) and sex-age composition. Composition counts and distance sampling are also used to determine the demographics and estimate density for moose populations within specific areas (Rowe 2008, Thiessen 2010). Provincial standards for conducting aerial-based surveys of moose and other ungulates are provided in Ministry of Sustainable Page 74

81 Resource Management (2002a). Typically in the region, only a few surveys are conducted each year, so that most MUs do not have updated population information. Moose densities in the region typically range between about 0.1 moose/km 2 in low-density areas and 1.0 moose/km 2 in high-density areas (Hatter 1998). Densities vary from one location to the next with factors such as the availability of winter browse, cover, predator density and snow depth (Rea & Child 2007). SRB survey results have been documented for a selection of MUs in Region 7B. In some cases, data are available for multiple years to help identify trends in population status. Moose Population Surveys in Peace Region 7B Density per Bulls/100 Calves/100 MU Year Survey Type* Population** km 2 Cows Cows 7-20 & CC SRB 1619 (+/-19%) SRB 2044 (+/-19%) SRB 2641 (+/-16%) SRB 2520 (+/-18%) SRB 3431 (+/-22%) SRB 2656 (+/-14%) CC CC CC CC CC SRB 1838 (+/-19%) SRB 1195 (+/-18%) DS SRB 2724 (+/-14%) SRB SRB SRB 2177 (+/-16%) CC 4075 (+/-20%) SRB 329 (+/-28%) SRB 435 (+/-25%) & SRB 2998 (+/-25%) DS * Stratified Random Block (SRB) survey, Composition Count (CC) or Distance Sampling (DS). ** Uncertainty band of estimate in brackets at the 90% confidence interval. Source: Backmeyer (2004), Goddard & Thiessen (2011), Harper (1985, Harrison & Wilkinson (1998), Hatter (1998), Kline & Thiessen (2010), Rowe (2004), Rowe (2005), Rowe (2006), Rowe (2007), Rowe (2008), MELP (1996b), FLNRO (2013d), Thiessen (2008), Thiessen (2009b), Thiessen (2010), Thiessen & Baccante (2012), Webster (2011). Page 75

82 Through the middle of the last decade, the trend for regional moose populations was stable or slightly increasing, allowing for the uncertainty range of population estimates (Rowe 2008). Based on the most recent official population estimates (2011), the government concluded that moose densities in some areas of 7B had fallen slightly since 2004, but that the population trend was still stable over the long term (FLNRO 2012c). In 2007, the government initiated an annual population census of ungulates covering four survey blocks located north and south of the Peace River within MU 7-33 (Thiessen 2008). The census was meant to assess the effects of the severe winter of 2006/07 and the coincidental easing of hunting regulations for mule deer in the Agricultural Zone. Compared to the 2005 base year count, moose numbers were down in 2007 but had more than rebounded by Overall, the moose population appeared stable and not especially sensitive to winter weather conditions. A stable trend for moose populations is also suggested by ongoing public wildlife counts for the Peace Region, which have been conducted annually since 2008 (Kline 2012). Over the period, the number of moose observed by volunteer survey participants ranged between 0.7 and 1.4 animals per hour. During the last few years, the government has signaled a decline in moose populations in various parts of the province, in particular Central BC (FLNRO 2012c, FLNRO 2013e). The exact cause for this decline is unclear, but contributing factors could include unregulated hunting, increased access, predation and mountain pine beetle deforestation. The newly released Draft Provincial Framework for Moose Management in British Columbia (FLNRO 2013d) suggests some longer-term population declines in two surveyed areas of Region 7B, 7-32 and However, moose densities remain above 0.70 in these areas. Since the change to harvesting regulations in 1996, the bull:cow ratio management objective has generally been met. However, the recent survey results for 7-32, 7-33 and 7-44 indicate a ratio below the 30 bulls/100 cows threshold. On the other hand, the calf:cow ratio has remained buoyant in these areas. The next update of provincial and regional moose estimates will be released in 2014, incorporating survey results for the period. This update should provide further clarification on whether moose populations in Region 7B are indeed stable or on a declining trend. Management. Hunting of moose is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. Resident hunters for moose are subject to particular harvest strategies or regulations that vary by region and can consist of GOS, LEH seasons, hunting seasons limited to specific antler architecture, or some combination of the above. In Peace Region 7B, there are no LEH seasons except for a small age restricted hunt for calf moose (for individuals under the age of 18 years). The open season for moose is one half to two months, depending on the MU, in the Aug 15 to Oct 31 period. The bag limit is one bull moose, with some restrictions on antler configurations or points in some MUs. Wildlife managers utilize both inventory data and harvest estimates in their analysis of the effects of hunting on moose populations. Harvest trends are monitored and hunting regulations are periodically adjusted in order to ensure that moose populations are not being over-harvested. FLNRO uses hunter Page 76

83 sample surveys, guide declaration returns, and other means to estimate the number of moose harvested by resident and non-resident hunters each year. Prior to 1996 the Peace Region moose harvest was an any-bull season whose length varied according to hunting pressure (Hatter 1998). Major moose hunting regulation changes were put into effect for the 1996 hunting season in response to a declining moose population. The situation was described as too many hunters and too few vulnerable bulls (MELP 1995). It was clear that additional restrictions would be needed in order to improve bull to cow ratios in many MUs. At that time the number of moose vulnerable to hunting was thought to have declined from around 67,100 in 1990 to 39,250 in This reduction was attributed to overall population declines and access limitations. To improve bull ratios three options were considered: shorten bull season length, move to limited entry hunting of bulls, or protect certain bull classes using antler restrictions (MELP 1995). After discussions with user groups, a regulation scheme sometimes referred to as the SOFT-10 regulation was put into effect. SOFT-10 is acronym for spike or fork, tripalm, 10-point, this being an antler restriction that allows harvest on some yearling (spike-fork) bulls and mature bulls (tripalm or at least 10 points on one antler). By restricting the harvest to younger and older age classes, this regulation is meant to protect a large sector of the medium to prime aged bulls. Not all yearling bulls are vulnerable to harvest under this regulation since about 40% to 50% of yearling bulls are thought to exhibit 3 or more legal points (MELP 1995, Hundertmark et al. 1993). Similar antler restrictions were used in areas of Alaska with some success before being implemented within the Peace Region. The moose hunting regulations have remained relatively unchanged in Region 7B since The second document in Appendix M outlines current provincial moose management procedures. Use: The licenced hunter harvests of moose in Region 7B are displayed below (about 10 to 15% of the total coming from non-resident hunters) see Exhibit G.2 for more detailed data. 5,000 Licenced Moose Kills Peace Region 7B 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, Resident kills Non-Resident kills Page 77

84 Exhibit G.2: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B - Moose Activity Total 7B Average Year Moose Hunters* 9,447 8,432 7,057 6,389 6,060 4,068 5,987 5,885 5,770 5,484 5,892 6,294 5,638 Moose Hunter Days* 60,707 54,435 51,408 48,655 43,532 30,117 42,301 40,013 43,142 40,356 50,282 46,666 47,673 Moose Harvests* 3,902 2,915 2,176 2,532 2,646 1,474 2,448 2,413 1,385 1,421 1,646 1,740 1,640 Moose Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal 2,794 1,836 1,462 1,799 1, ,820 1, ,170 1,378 1,161 Liard Watershed 1,108 1, Total 7B 3,902 2,915 2,176 2,532 2,646 1,474 2,448 2,413 1,385 1,421 1,646 1,740 1,640 * Both resident & non-resident hunters. Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 78

85 Appendix H Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Elk Page 79

86 Exhibit H.1: Wildlife Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Elk Species Description & Life History: Elk (Cervidae elaphus) are the second largest members of the deer family, after moose. They have a large body with long slender legs, a heavy dark mane, distinctive canine teeth (tusks) and a yellowish-white rump patch bordered by a dark stripe. In winter, their head, neck and legs are dark brown and their back and sides a lighter greyish brown. In summer, their coat turns a reddish or tawny colour (Blood 2000b). Adult male elk stand cm tall at the shoulder and weigh 265 to 410 kg. The antlers of mature bulls are long cylindrical beams with five or six tines branching from them. Cows, calves and yearlings live in loose herds of 20 or more that remain separate from the smaller groups of bulls except in the autumn mating season. During the rut, cows and calves form harems with one or two mature bulls. Elk may migrate to higher elevations for summer feeding, but most herds in Peace Region 7B (e.g., in the Peace Lowlands) summer in forested habitats quite close to their winter range (Harper 1988). Elk mate from September through November and calves are born in late May and early June. Most cows begin breeding as two-year-olds and produce a calf annually for the rest of their lives. Elk can live up to 20 years, but the typical lifespan is years. Range & Habitat: Elk are found throughout Region 7B, with a higher proportion of the estimated population occurring in the Liard watershed (around 85% in the year 2000). Critical habitat is found in areas such as the Peace Lowlands, the Kiskatinaw Plateau, the Sikanni-Beatton Plateau and along the eastern edge of the Hart Foothills (Harper 1988). Elk are foragers that favour open, grassy south-facing slopes, However, they may access a variety of wintering habitats, including agricultural areas, prescribed burns, riparian habitats and cut blocks (Goddard 2003). Their diets consist mainly of grasses, shrubs, tree bark, twigs and herbs. Elk are not as well adapted for travel in snow as moose. Their distribution and movement is restricted at snow depths exceeding cm. Population Status: The current (2011) population estimate for elk in Peace Region 7B is 15,000-35,000, representing 34-44% of the provincial total of 44,000-79,000 (MOE 2011). The regional population trend is described as increasing or decreasing (given by a >20% change) over the period, depending on the area. Stratified random surveys of elk populations have been completed for a handful of areas and subregions of 7B. In 2008 population estimates were produced for two sub-zones of the Agricultural Zone. Unfortunately, the difference in study areas for these surveys and the lack of multi-year results mean that trends in elk populations cannot be observed. While a multi-year survey was conducted within MU 7-33, the type of survey method (block count) does not give an accurate sense of elk numbers, since elk groups can move in and out of survey blocks frequently (Goddard & Thiessen 2011). Page 80

87 Elk Population Surveys in Peace Region 7B Density per Bulls/100 Calves/100 MU Year Survey Type* Population** km 2 Cows Cows SRB 452 (+/-23%) SRB 1656 (+/-23%) CC CC CC CC CC 0.23 N/A SRB 350 (+/-2%) Zone A*** 2008 SRB 2480 (+/-27%) Zone B**** 2008 SRB 661 (+/-33%) CC 9415 (+/-20%) * Stratified Random Block (SRB) survey or Composition Count (CC). ** Uncertainty band of estimate in brackets at the 90% confidence interval, except for the MU 7-34 survey (95% confidence level). *** Consists of MU 7-33 north of the Peace River, 7-34, and portions of 7-45 and **** MU 7-33 south of the Peace River. Source: Goddard & Thiessen (2011), Harrison & Wilkinson (1997), Harrison (1998), Kline & Thiessen (2010), Thiessen (2008), Thiessen (2009a), Thiessen (2009b), Thiessen & Baccante (2012). Total elk numbers have quadrupled in the region since the 1980s. The regional population estimate has remained steady since 2008 and a recent survey of guide outfitters supports this overall stable trend (Baccante 2013). In the Agricultural Zone, however, elk numbers have continued to rise, prompting a liberalization of harvest regulations. Management: Hunting of elk is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. Resident hunters for elk are subject to particular harvest strategies or regulations that vary by region and can consist of GOS, LEH seasons, hunting seasons limited to specific antler architecture, or some combination of the above. In Peace Region 7B there are both GOS and LEH seasons. The open season for elk is two to three months, depending on the MU (the GOS season is in the fall whereas the LEH season is in the winter). The bag limit is one elk, with some restrictions on antler configurations or points in some MUs. Wildlife managers utilize both inventory data and harvest estimates in their analysis of the effects of hunting on elk populations. Harvest trends are monitored and hunting regulations are periodically adjusted in order to ensure that elk populations are not being over-harvested. FLNRO uses hunter sample surveys, guide declaration returns, and other means to estimate the number of elk harvested by resident and non-resident hunters each year. Page 81

88 In the past 5 years, harvesting regulations have been relaxed in the Agricultural Zone to deal with increasing elk numbers (Baccante 2009). These changes have added new areas to the zone seasons and increased hunting opportunity. Use: The licenced hunter harvests of elk in Area 7B are displayed below. About 5% of the total kills in recent years come from non-resident hunters, a decline from the 15-25% non-resident hunter share in the 1990s. See Exhibit H.2 for more detailed data. 2,400 Licenced Elk Kills Peace Region 7B 2,000 1,600 1, Resident kills Non-Resident kills Page 82

89 Exhibit H.2: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B - Elk Activity Total 7B Average Year Elk Hunters* 2,061 3,785 4,124 4,112 4,000 3,090 4,359 4,985 5,107 5,959 5,717 6,280 6,066 Elk Hunter Days* 14,342 25,397 30,645 31,881 29,675 21,182 30,801 34,690 36,897 43,387 51,197 49,258 51,454 Elk Harvests* , ,291 1,492 1,354 1,962 1,869 2,050 1,692 Elk Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal ,476 1,417 1,563 1,232 Liard Watershed Total 7B , ,291 1,492 1,354 1,962 1,869 2,050 1,692 * Both resident & non-resident hunters. Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 83

90 Appendix I Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Mule Deer Page 84

91 Exhibit I.1: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Mule Deer Species Description & Life History: Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionuss) are medium-sized members of the deer family. They are characterized by a stocky body, slender legs and very large black-rimmed ears with white fur inside, from which their name derives. Their coat changes from reddish to greyish brown between summer and winter and they have a dark brown forehead, a light face with dark muzzle, a white throat patch, and a large white rump patch with a narrow black-tipped tail (Blood 2000e). Adult male mule deer stand cm tall at the shoulder and may weigh up to 180 kg in peak condition. Their antlers are bifurcated above a small brow tine, with two pairs of forking beams and 4 or more points on each side. Antlers are grown and shed annually. For much of the year, male and female mule deer live apart, either alone or in small groups (Klinkenberg 2012). At times, they form into larger clusters of 60 or more, consisting of related does or unrelated young males that engage in friendly sparring matches. Most mule deer make seasonal migrations, moving to higher elevations in summer where they feed on nutritious new growth, and then returning to lower valleys in fall and early winter when snow accumulates. These migrations can exceed 60 km. Mule deer mate in late autumn and fawns are born in late May through June. Twin fawns are the norm, but young does typically have only one fawn on their second birthday. Mature does tend to give birth every year, drive away their previous year s offspring, and leave their newborn fawns camouflaged while they forage for food. Most mule deer live 4-5 years and no longer than 10 years. Range & Habitat: Although mule deer occur throughout Region 7B, their concentrations are highest in the Peace Lowlands, with the region s mildest winter temperatures and lowest snow depths (Harper 1988). Other areas of moderate mule deer density are the northern portion of the Kiskatinaw Plateau and the western Sikanni-Beatton Plateau. Mule deer are found in a variety of habits, including grassy slopes, open coniferous forests and nearby agricultural areas. They favour south-facing slopes like those of the Peace River and its major tributaries, which create low snow conditions and easy access to forage (Goddard 2003.). Winter foods include saskatoon, rose and other shrubs, while summer foods are predominantly grasses and herbs like clover and balsamroot. Compared to moose, deer are much more affected by snow depths, and depths >30-45 cm can restrict movement and access to forage. Population Status: The current (2011) population estimate for mule deer in Peace Region 7B is 6,000-11,000, representing 5% of the provincial total of 115, ,000 (MOE 2011). The regional population trend is indicated as stable or decreasing (<20% change or >20% decline) over the period, depending on the management area. There is not an extensive amount of published survey data on the population size and demographics of mule deer in the region. What data are available pertain to areas in the Peace Lowlands, where sizeable deer populations come into conflict with agriculture. Page 85

92 The results of annual spring counts of mule deer within the zone are shown below (Baccante and Woods 2010). These counts were made by vehicle along a series of transects north and south of the Peace River, totalling up to 205 km, in MUs 7-33 to (Note that the counts are number of deer per km surveyed and so are not directly comparable to density estimates per km 2.) Mule Deer Counts per km - Peace River Valley * No survey done for Source: Baccante and Woods (2008). The count exhibits a declining trend in mule deer numbers, especially since the middle of the last decade. Two factors, in particular, are believed to have contributed to the decline in local mule deer populations: the severe winter of 2006/07 and the liberalization of hunting regulations across the Agricultural Zone. In 2006, harvest limits were relaxed after a succession of mild winters had caused deer numbers to increase (see under Management & Regulation). The fawn:doe ratio underwent considerable fluctuations over the period. Further analysis revealed that changes in the ratio were quite strongly correlated with winter severity, such that ratios 30 fawns/100 does were indicative of milder winters (Baccante & Woods 2008). It appears that the harsher and more variable winter conditions in the Peace Region have a larger impact on fawn survival, and hence on mule deer populations, relative to other parts of BC (Baccante & Woods 2010). % Fawns to Does for Mule Deer - Peace River Valley * No survey done for Source: Baccante and Woods (2008). Page 86

93 Additional surveys conducted for MU 7-33 support a declining population trend. A study of four survey blocks in the area found a 65% decline in mule deer numbers from 2005 to 2009 (Kline & Thiessen 2010). While the count had begun to rebound by 2010, it remained below the 2005 level (Goddard & Thiessen 2011). Mule Deer Population Surveys in Peace Region 7B MU Year Survey Type* Population** Density per km 2 Bucks/100 Does SRB 1084 (+/-23%) 0.29 Fawns/100 Does SRB 8691 (+/-38%) CC CC CC CC CC * Stratified Random Block (SRB) survey or Composition Count (CC). ** Uncertainty band of estimate in brackets at the 90% confidence interval. Source: Goddard & Thiessen (2011), Kline & Thiessen (2010), MOE (2006), Thiessen (2008), Thiessen (2009), Thiessen & Baccante (2011). Whether mule deer populations are continuing to fall is not clear. Annual public wildlife counts in Region 7B suggest that the number of mule deer has been relatively stable since 1999 (Kline 2012). In March 2013, the government moved to tighten hunting regulations for mule deer (see below). Over the long term, it is expected that mule deer should be able to recover from these infrequent weatherinduced declines in population (Baccante & Woods 2010). Management. Hunting of mule deer is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. Resident hunters for mule deer are subject to particular harvest strategies or regulations that vary by region and can consist of GOS, LEH seasons, hunting seasons limited to specific antler architecture, or some combination of the above. In Peace Region 7B there are no LEH seasons for mule deer. The open season for mule deer is one half to one month, depending on the MU, in the Aug 15 to Oct 31 period. The bag limit is one mule deer with some restrictions on antler configurations or points in some MUs. In winter 2007, a special open season on antlers mule deer was authorized to help address the issue of wildlife/agriculture conflicts. However, the regulations were retightened recently. Wildlife managers utilize both inventory data and harvest estimates in their analysis of the effects of hunting on mule deer populations. Harvest trends are monitored and hunting regulations are periodically adjusted in order to ensure that mule deer populations are not being over-harvested. FLNRO uses hunter sample surveys, guide declaration returns, and other means to estimate the number of mule deer harvested by resident and non-resident hunters each year. Page 87

94 Use: The licenced hunter harvests of mule deer in Peace Region 7B are displayed below (with very little harvest coming from non-resident hunters) see Exhibit I.2 for more detailed data. 3,000 Licenced Mule Deer Kills Peace Region 7B 2,000 1, Resident & Non-Resident kills Page 88

95 Exhibit I.2: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Mule Deer Activity Total 7B Average Year Mule Deer Hunters* 3,843 4,208 2,798 2,154 2,162 1,728 2,312 2,725 3,158 3,053 2,445 2,190 1,978 Mule Deer Hunter Days* 19,876 21,405 15,761 10,419 10,398 7,700 11,473 12,096 18,455 20,060 18,791 17,616 17,589 Mule Deer Harvests* 1,281 1, ,089 1,523 1,657 1, Mule Deer Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal 1,255 1, ,084 1,523 1,657 1, Liard Watershed Total 7B 1,281 1, ,089 1,523 1,657 1, * Both resident & non-resident hunters. Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations Page 89

96 Appendix J Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Grizzly Bear Page 90

97 Exhibit J.1: Wildlife Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Grizzly Bear Species Description & Life History: Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are a North American subspecies of the Brown Bear. They have a distinctive silver-tipped brown coat, a prominent hump and a broad head with small, rounded ears and a dish-shaped face. Their claws are long and slender (Blood 2000c). Grizzlies can weigh up to 500 kg, but their weight varies significantly by season and gender. Adult bears average 220 kg for males and 130 kg for females. In the Interior, grizzly bears are solitary except during mating and cub-rearing. They are polygamous and may mate with more than one partner in a given season. Cubs stay with their mothers for 2-4 years. Grizzlies migrate long distances, up to 700 km 2 or more, in search of food, mates and denning sites. Mating takes place from late May to early July and cubs are born in January or February while sows are hibernating in their dens. Sows do not reproduce until they are at least 5 years old, with litter sizes of 1-4 cubs. Grizzlies are relatively long-lived, reaching ages of 30 years or more in the wild. Range & Habitat: Grizzly bears occur throughout Peace Region 7B, except in the Peace Lowlands (Management Units 7-32, 7-33 and 7-34) where they have been extirpated due to agricultural development. The highest bear densities currently occur in the Muskwa sub-region of the Liard watershed (see under Population Status). Preferred habitats are typically forested areas, open slopes, mountains and sub-alpine tundra. In the spring, bears may move to river valleys and wetlands to find lush vegetation. Berries are a key food source in summer and autumn, particularly in subalpine burn areas. As carnivores, grizzlies also rely on protein from ungulates, fish, rodents, insects and even black bears. Population Status: The most recent (2012) population estimate for grizzly bears in Peace Region 7B is 2,150, representing 14% of the estimated provincial total of 15,070 grizzly bears (FLNRO 2012a). Conservation and management are conducted at the level of Grizzly Bear Population Units (GBPUs), which are amalgamations of MUs. There are 7 GBPUs within Region 7B (the GBPUs are not necessarily consistent with the Game Management Zones used for ungulates). Population estimates for the region s GBPUs have been produced using a combination of modelling and expert opinion. The regression model predicts grizzly bear densities based on factors such as precipitation, vegetation type, and human and livestock densities (FLNRO 2012a). Estimates of total population and bear density per km 2 by GBPU are shown below for the years 2004 and (The region s estimates for 2008 were unchanged from 2004 and so are not repeated here, although the provincial population total was revised to 16,014). Page 91

98 GBPU* Component MUs Estimated Population Density per 1,000 km 2 ** Estimated Population Density per 1,000 km 2 ** Hart 7-19, 7-20, 7-21, Moberly Rocky 7-35, 7-36, 7-42, 7-43, 7-44, 7-49, 7-50, 7-57, Alta 7-45, Taiga 7-46, 7-47, 7-55, Muskwa 7-51, Hyland 7-53, Total Region 7B 2, , Total BC 16,887 2 to 47 15,070 <1 to 53 * Grizzly Bear Population Unit. Excludes the area containing MUs 7-32 to 7-34, where the population is extirpated. ** Estimated population divided by area of useable habitat. Source: FLNRO (2012), Hamilton & Austin (2004), Hamilton et al. (2004), MOE (2012). While the population estimates suggest that grizzly bear numbers have declined, strictly speaking a trend cannot be inferred from the 2004 and 2012 estimates (FLNRO 2012a). The reason is that the regression model has been improved over time and applied at the MU level, so that the data quality is not consistent. In fact, regional biologists believe that the provincial estimation model significantly underestimates the number of grizzly bears in some MUs of Region 7B. As well, a 2011 survey of guide outfitters in the Northeast reported strong agreement that grizzly bear populations had actually been increasing both recently and historically (Baccante 2013). Management: Hunting of grizzly bear is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. All grizzly bear hunts for residents are LEH. Individuals submit an application by area and season, and a draw is made. There are two seasons, a fall season from September 1 to November 15 and a spring season from April 15 to June 15 (an individual cannot be drawn for both seasons). The bag limit is one. The hunter is not allowed to shoot a grizzly bear when observed in a family unit. In addition, hunters are requested to select a male grizzly bear. Guide outfitters have a limited number of grizzly bear tags authorizing a kill. All grizzly bear kills are subject to compulsory inspection, where the animal must be presented to a Conservation Officer. The CI information is used to determine the number of grizzly bear kills. Page 92

99 Use: The licensed hunter harvests of grizzly bear in Peace Region 7B are displayed below see Exhibit J.2 for more detailed data. Licenced Grizzly Bear Kills Peace Region 7B Resident kills Non-Resident kills Page 93

100 Exhibit J.2: Licenced Hunting Activity & Harvests in Peace Region 7B Grizzly Bear Activity Total 7B Average Year Grizzly Bear Hunters* Grizzly Bear Hunter Days* 3,932 2,984 1,212 1,696 1,633 1,250 2,253 2,018 2,220 1,774 2,018 1,881 1,963 Grizzly Bear Harvests* Grizzly Bear Harvests by MU* Peace Watershed Subtotal Liard Watershed** Total 7B * Both resident & non-resident hunters. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations by FLNRO Victoria based on: - Resident Hunter Survey - Guide Outfitter Reports/Declarations - Compulsory Inspections Page 94

101 Appendix K Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Beaver Page 95

102 Exhibit K.1: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Beaver Species Description & Life History: Beavers (Castor canadensis) are North America s largest rodent. They are very agile in water but clumsy on land (Hatler and Beale 2003). The colour of beaver fur can be light brown to heavily black. Beavers have thick muscled bodies and adults may weigh from 16 to 39 kg. The characteristic flat tail is used for propulsion and steering in water, balance on land, and fat storage. Breeding is thought to occur in February or March, with the young born in late April to early June. Range & Habitat. Beavers occur in all regions of the province. The preferred habitat is along slowmoving sections of rivers and streams and on ponds and lakeshores without heavy wave action that can provide an accessible supply of woody vegetation for food. Beaver live in colonies of family groups and construct one or more lodges, several dams, and a cache of winter food. The preferred or mainstay food is miniature stands of poplar and willow, especially in winter. Beavers can also eat grasses, shrubs and aquatic plants in summer. Population Status. There are no current estimates of beaver population numbers either at the provincial or Peace Region 7B level. In 1979, the provincial population was estimated at 400,000 to 600,000, with a sustainable harvest level comprising 25% of that total, or 100,000 animals. However, in recent memory total provincial harvest has never exceeded 40,000 animals. Exhibit K.2 summarizes available information on beaver counts on the Peace River in the Peace Watershed and on the Prophet River in the Liard Watershed. The Peace River data suggest no significant change in beaver populations from 1990 to Beaver populations are estimated by counting the number of active lodges and estimating a beaver count per lodge of 5-6 animals. Management. Trapping of beaver is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. No overall quota per region or per trapper is set. Rather, trappers are subject to seasons, closed areas, trap restrictions etc. No beaver colony can be permanent; eventually, the family simply exhausts the nearby food supply. Therefore, FLNRO has identified two objectives: substitute human harvest for natural mortality where possible i.e., target colonies with poor chance of surviving winter and/or poor food supply control animal numbers to prevent habitat degradation The recommendation for trappers is to trap sites in rotations of 3-5 years. Page 96

103 Use. The harvests, from royalty records, of beaver trapped in Peace Region 7B are displayed below. A major reason for the decline in pelts appears to be a decline in fur prices. See Exhibit K.3 for more detailed data. 4,000 Beavers Trapped Peace Region 7B 3,000 2,000 1, Page 97

104 Exhibit K.2: Beaver Population Counts along Peace Region 7B Rivers A) Peace River Year Stretch of River Beaver Lodge Count - Active Beaver Count Estimate 1976 Moberly River to Hudson Hope Moberly River to Hudson Hope Moberly River to Hudson Hope * Based on estimated 5 beavers per colony. Source: Keystone Wildlife Research Ltd. (2009). B) Prophet River Year Stretch of River Beaver Active Lodge Count Beaver Count Estimate No. Density per km Klua Block Trutch Block * Based on 5-6 beavers per colony. Source: Poole (1998). Page 98

105 Exhibit K.3: Harvests by Trappers in Peace Region 7B Beaver* Beaver Harvests by MU Average Year Peace Watershed Subtotal 1,279 1, Liard Watershed** Total 7B 2,190 1,643 1, * The number of traplines in Region 7B has remained more or less constant at 236 over the 1987 to 2011 period. ** Liard Watershed is MU 7-42 plus MUs 7-47 to Source: Tabulations of Trapper Royalty Reports by FLNRO Victoria. Page 99

106 Appendix L Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Bull Trout Page 100

107 Exhibit L.1: Resource Status & Use in Peace Region 7B Bull Trout Species Description & Life History: Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are a large member of the char family. Bull trout have a large head and jaws and a long slender body. The fish have a range of colourization from green to grey-blue (Ptolemy 2004). Bull trout spawn between 3 and 8 years of age. Spawning occurs from mid-august to late October, with females constructing redd sites. Fish can exceed 10 kg in weight. Range & Habitat. Bull trout are native only to western North America and are widespread throughout British Columbia. However, they are not present on Vancouver Island or Haida Gwaii. Bull trout are cold water species concentrated in rivers, lakes and streams with water temperatures typically under 15ºC. Adequate instream cover is important for juvenile habitat. Juveniles eat aquatic insects and later in life switch to eating other fish. Population Status. A recent technical report collates and analyzes available abundance data for bull trout in the province (Hagen & Decker 2011). Three of BC s 31 Ecological Drainage Units (EDUs) are found in Peace Region 7B (see Exhibit L.1): Lower Peace EDU Population data are only available for the Halfway-Peace area (as fish utilizing the mainstem Peace River are primarily from natal streams in the Halfway River system), Moberly River area, Upper Sukunka and Lower Murray River. Upper Liard EDU Bull trout are widely distributed in the Upper Liard EDU, a remote and pristine area, but abundance monitoring has not occurred. Lower Liard EDU Bull trout abundance and distribution is unknown. In the technical report, a scoring system was developed to use expert judgement as to the degree of threat to bull trout populations (see the last column of Exhibit L.1). The assessment of population numbers and status for bull trout, like most fish species in Peace Region 7B, is inhibited by lack of data. Management. Angling is regulated under the provincial Wildlife Act. No overall quota per waterbody or per total Peace Region 7B exists for bull trout or in fact for any fish species. Typically management regulations on angling include restrictions on gear and transportation, seasons, areas fished, and bag limits (daily and possession). Bull trout angling regulations in Peace 7B have special provisions: 1 bull trout per day Bull trout may only be retained from October 16 to August 14. Retained bull trout may only be from the Liard River Watershed (or other specified waters) and be only cm in length. Page 101

108 Use or Catch. The estimated catch for Peace Region 7B anglers at 5-year intervals from 1985 are displayed below. Bull Trout Catch/Release Peace Region 7B 32,000 24,000 16,000 8, Kept Released Source: Exhibit 4 in Section 3 of the main text. Page 102

109 Exhibit L.1: Bull Trout Population Data in Peace Region 7B Drainage Unit/Area Population Overall Threat Value A. Lower Peace Adults Trend 1. Halfway Peace 250-1,000? increasing moderate to severe imminent threat to >60% 2. Moberly ? low severity threat for significant proportion 3. Pine/Sukunka moderate to severe imminent threat to 20-60% 4. Upper Sukunka 250-1,000? low severity threat for small proportion 5. Lower Murray 250-1,000 moderate to imminent threat to 20-60% 6. Upper Murray low severity threat for small proportion 7. West Kiskatinaw low severity threat for significant proportion 8. Upper Wapiti low severity threat for small proportion 9. Upper Nanaway low severity threat for small proportion B. Upper Liard 10. Lower Dease 11. Upper Dease 12. Rancheria 13. Upper Liard 14. Upper Kechika unthreatened 15. Turnagain unthreatened 16. Ketchika/Liard unthreatened C. Lower Liard 17. Lower Liard unthreatened 18. Upper Toad unthreatened Note: Blanks indicate unknown or unranked. Source: Hagen & Decker (2011). Page 103

110 Appendix M Provincial Policies for Big Game Management Backgrounder Harvest Allocation Framework Provincial Moose Harvest Management Procedure Page 104

111 December 10, 2012 BACKGROUNDER Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Harvest allocation Wildlife management priorities: Wildlife harvest opportunities in British Columbia are managed according to four preestablished priorities. Conservation is the highest priority. If there are concerns for the viability of a wildlife population or for its ability to sustain harvests, then harvest opportunities will be reduced or even suspended. If a harvestable surplus exists, the first priority for harvest goes to First Nations exercising their aboriginal rights entitling them to hunt for food, social or ceremonial purposes. If the needs of First Nations have been met then harvest opportunities for non First Nations individuals can be provided. Non First Nations resident hunters (hereafter referred to a residents ) are the third order of priority. Non residents (people who reside outside B.C.) are the fourth order of priority. While resident hunters are a higher priority than non residents, this does not imply that resident demand must be fully satisfied before non residents can be granted harvest opportunities. Instead, it means that the share that goes to residents is considerably greater than the share that goes to non residents. Harvest Allocation Policy overview: The Harvest Allocation Policy is a suite of policies and procedures that guide provincial decision makers in determining the split between the final two priorities noted above: residents and non residents. Non residents are required to hire the services of a guide outfitter who is licensed to operate in a specified territory. The policy is intended to address those species (by region) where resident and non resident hunting pressure exceeds the number of animals that are available. This might be as a result of low productivity (mountain goats, grizzly bears), high demand (moose) or for a class of animal critical to the productivity of a herd (female elk). For relevant species, wildlife professionals calculate an annual allowable harvest (AAH) for populations throughout the province. The AAH is the number of animals (or type of animals) that can be harvested each year by resident and non resident hunters combined. An established procedure is used to calculate the splits of the AAH that are allocated to the resident hunters and to the guided non resident hunters; it is known as the allocation calculator. The resultant proportions are referred to as the allocation, and those splits generally apply for five year periods called allocation periods. Resident hunters usually get 60% or more of the allocation.

112 The total number of animals (or type of animals) of a species that can be harvested through a guide in a license year is known as the quota. While guidelines do allow annual quotas to exceed an individual guide s share for a given year, they are managed so that over a five year allocation period the cumulative harvest does not exceed the five year harvest share for the territory. The policy is designed to be transparent, objective, and consistently applied, and provides resident opportunity and guide outfitter viability. Currently there are 36 hunts in the province that are managed under the policy. In many regions highly productive species such as white tailed deer, mule deer, rocky mountain elk, black bear and wolf are not allocated or on quota and are managed under General Open Seasons for both resident and non resident hunters. As such they fall outside of the policy.

113 DRAFT Provincial Framework for Moose Management in B.C. August 2013 Appendix 1. Provincial moose harvest management procedure 13 P a g e F i s h, W i l d l i f e a n d H a b i t a t M a n a g e m e n t B r a n c h

114 DRAFT Provincial Framework for Moose Management in B.C. August P a g e F i s h, W i l d l i f e a n d H a b i t a t M a n a g e m e n t B r a n c h

115 DRAFT Provincial Framework for Moose Management in B.C. August P a g e F i s h, W i l d l i f e a n d H a b i t a t M a n a g e m e n t B r a n c h