The B.C. government has announced plans to end the controversial grizzly bear trophy hunt.
The ban will take effect Nov. 30, 2017, throughout the province.
In a news release, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson said the province “will end grizzly bear trophy hunting throughout the province and stop all hunting of grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest.”
There are an estimated 15,000 grizzly bears in British Columbia.
Each year, approximately 250 are taken by hunters. While the trophy hunt will end, hunting for meat will be allowed to continue.
During the fall months, Donaldson said that government will consult with First Nations and stakeholder groups to determine next steps and mechanisms as B.C. moves toward ending the trophy hunt. Additionally,
Additionally, government will be moving forward with a broader consultation process on a renewed wildlife management strategy for the province.
