The first Canadian chapter of the North American-based Back Country Hunters and Anglers was recently formed in British Columbia, with strong representation from the East Kootenay.

The mandate of the B.C. Chapter is to utilize the moral structure and strong conservation message of the parent organization in the United States to represent conservation and wild land issues. Members are looking forward to working with the 14 existing chapters in the U.S.A. to continue to speak for mutual interests in natural fish and wildlife habitat.

It is hoped that the new partnership will also strengthen the backcountry and wild land recreational experience shared by hunters, anglers, and all backcountry users.

Organizers have also stated that, the B.C. Chapter was formed in response to the extensive pressure placed on our fish and wildlife resource as a result of natural resource development.

However, the B.C. Chapter will focus on priority issues facing British Columbians, including responsible development, and many other issues affecting the backcountry experience.

The B.C. Chapter is 100% self funding and will be directly responsible to it’s B.C. membership. The website is www.backcountryhunters.org.

The British Columbia Chapter is comprised of a volunteer seven member board of directors. All members of the board and executive are B.C. residents including four from the Kootenays.

Chair – Bill Hanlon, Sparwood; Secretary – Aden Stewart, Cranbrook; Treasurer – Sam Medcalf, Sparwood; Director Corey Phelps, Creston. Other directors are from Pemberton, Quesnel, and Vernon.

Chair of the group Bill Hanlon said. “We for the most part are boots on the ground hunters and fishermen, who stand for quiet experiences in wild habitats, entirely removed from the disturbances of crowds and machines. We enjoy the wonder and adventure of the great outdoors with our friends and families and work to defend and expand quality opportunities for hunting and fishing. We will stand up to off-road vehicle abuse of public land and wildlife, as well as those who would abuse our habitat and water for commercial gain. Our networks of on-the-ground volunteers will help report abuse and comment on issues impacting our public lands here in B.C. The bottom line is that we speak for traditional hunting and angling interests as the voice of sportsmen and women who truly love wild places and certainly we will strive to achieve a fair and equitable balance for all user groups.”

To celebrate the creation of the B.C. Chapter, organizers will be hosting an open house at the Days Inn in Cranbrook on Saturday, March 8 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

There will be refreshments served and free door prizes. Anyone who wants more information on the Back Country Hunters and Anglers organization is urged to attend.

Special guest speaker will be Land Tawney, Executive Director of BHA from Missoula, Montana.

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