Saturday 26 May 2018

BCWF: CONSERVATION COLLABORATORS LAUNCH THE SOUTHERN INTERIOR MULE DEER PROJECT

http://bcwf.net/index.php/southern-bc-mule-deer-project

http://bcwf.net/index.php/new-items-sp-25573/news-updates#

A new, large-scale research project, involving multiple agencies and universities, has started to tackle one of the most pressing needs in wildlife management in British Columbia – how to understand and reverse declines of mule deer in the Southern Interior. With contributions from Indigenous people, the public, stakeholders, and industry, this project brings together cutting-edge research on deer ecology with multiple partnerships to advance both evidence and cooperative-based approaches to wildlife conservation.

“Mule deer declines have been a concern in portions of the southern interior since the 1960s, and decades of hunting regulation change have not reversed the declines," said Jesse Zeman, Director of Fish and Wildlife Restoration, BC Wildlife Federation.


A combination of fire suppression, timber extraction, highways, urban sprawl and other factors affect the movement and size of mule deer populations in the Southern Interior of B.C. Sophie Gilbert, an Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho and co-investigator on the project, said, "in addition to landscape change, things like increases in competitor or predator species may also be affecting mule deer, as we've seen in other parts of western North America, and we want to identify which drivers are most important in the Southern Interior.

"Mule deer are essential for food security, Syilx (Okanagan) cultural practice and knowledge transfer, hunter opportunity, and are a ‘canary in the coal mine' for B.C.'s ecosystems.
“What we have heard from Indigenous communities, ecologists, and resident hunters is that the decline of mule deer matters to them and the status quo is no longer sufficient," said Dr. Adam T. Ford, Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Wildlife Restoration Ecology at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus and co-investigator on the project. "It is time we bring more science to bear on issues affecting wildlife in B.C."

The B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, in collaboration with the BC Wildlife Federation, Okanagan Nation Alliance, volunteers and researchers at the University of British Columbia, and the University of Idaho, placed GPS tracking collars on 64 adult female mule deer (does) in the following areas: Kettle-Granby, Peachland/Garnet Valley, and Cache Creek/Elephant Hill fire.

There are an additional 33 adult female mule deer collared in the Kootenay study area.
Of the 64 deer captured in 2018, ultrasounds were used to assess pregnancy rates and general health on 56 does greater than one year of age. The project team found a 98 percent pregnancy rate, at least 80 percent of those does were carrying twins. Does and their offspring (fawns) are what drive deer population change, which is why the project is focusing on them.

The GPS collars in the Kettle-Granby, Peachland/Garnet Valley, and Cache Creek study areas track the deer movements every 4.25 hours and provide information on the deers’ habitat use, how they move across the landscape, which areas they avoid, when and how they die. When a collar is no longer moving, a message gets sent to the project team which allows them to investigate factors contributing to the animal’s death.

In addition to the collars, at least 200 remote cameras will be deployed in the project areas to provide an understanding of how other animals (predators, prey, and people) interact with mule deer. The cameras will also provide recruitment data (fawn survival) and sex ratios (buck: doe), and potentially help count mule deer and other large mammals.

This fall the group expects to place GPS collars on a minimum of 60 mule deer fawns and will also incorporate vegetation monitoring (food availability).


To date, nearly $300,000 in direct funding has been contributed to the project through multiple sources including, BC Wildlife Federation Clubs and partners, corporate donors, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Transportation, and B.C. Timber Sales. The project has also confirmed over $500,000 of in-kind support from collaborators, particularly project volunteers and the University of B.C. Okanagan and University of Idaho.

"While there has been tremendous community support, the project still requires additional financial and in-kind support to fund the remaining four years of the project," said Jesse Zeman. “Please go to the BC Wildlife Federation website [bcwf.bc.ca] to make a donation and receive a tax credit receipt, get updates, or learn about volunteer opportunities for the project.” People can also donate directly to the Okanagan Nation Alliance [www.syilx.org].

First Day of Scouting 2018

As a new hunter, finding new areas to hunt can be a real challenge.  I usually start with google earth and the BC Backroad Mapbooks.  Once I have a plan about where to go, I tell someone where I am headed and then set out as early as I can bring myself to get up and stay out until dark, driving the back roads and looking for mountains to hike.  I record whenever I see animal sign.  Overall, I saw 2 black bears, 14 deer, 1 ruffed grouse, and 1 marmot on my first day out this year.

Last Monday (Victoria Day) was the first day that I managed to get out for some scouting.


 I always bring a heap of gear in case I get stuck of have to spend the night.  I have a few days of food and all my minimum gear for safety in the back country, even when I am sticking to the logging roads mostly.  I have a great device called a Delorme inReach, which is a satellite text message device which also connects via Bluetooth to your phone to let you text via satellite. 



 Everything gets piled into the Truck and off I go.  I managed to hit the road by 6:30 AM.


 I always fuel up in Hope and bring a few extra Jerry cans. 



 Moose sign.

Whenever I find sign I record it on my GPS or on the Hunt Buddy BC app on my phone. It is available for Android and iPhone


Hunt Buddy icon

I use hunt buddy mostly to record sign so I can later transfer the info to Google Maps.



A window mount is a great way to glass as you explore.




 More moose sign.



Black bear sign.

 


 Moose sign.


 I followed the moose sign for a while.









 


 This is the first of two black bear that I saw.  The second was larger.  I have a black bear tag and had my rifle with me, but I decided not to take my first bear even though it was legal.  I very much want to try bear meat.  I have heard a lot of mixed reviews, but from all of my trusted sources, they all say it is quite good, especially in sausage and smoked hams.  Also, when I do take my first bear, I want to ensure I use the fat for baking lard and the hide for a rug.  I had a business trip planned this week and that meant that I would be out of town for 3 weeks.  It was hard enough for me to managed to find time get a day out to go scouting.  With trip prep and and other generally being busy with life, I decided that I wouldn't have had the time I wanted to process the meat, prepare and bring the hide to the taxidermist, and generally deal with my first bear the way I want to.  Therefore, I decided it was not time to take the shot.





BC Government News: Have your say on wildlife management, habitat conservation

 https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018FLNR0128-000969

The Government of British Columbia is starting a discussion on improving wildlife management and habitat conservation, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has announced.

“The diversity of wildlife in British Columbia is one of our province’s greatest treasures,” said Donaldson. “Working with Indigenous peoples, wildlife stakeholders and the public, we want to build a strategy that more effectively manages our wildlife for future generations. We’ve dedicated $14 million over three years to do so.”

The province's unique landscapes and climate is home to one of the richest wildlife resources in North America. Three-quarters of Canada's mammal species are found in B.C., with 24 of those species exclusive to B.C. In recent decades, alteration of habitat due to expanded human populations, expanded natural resource development and impacts from climate change have placed increasing pressure on certain wildlife populations, some of which are now in decline.

As part of the government’s commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, collaboration with Indigenous peoples is an integral part of developing a new provincial wildlife strategy.

The discussion paper, Improving Wildlife Management and Habitat Conservation in British Columbia, poses eight questions for discussion. Engagement is the first step in a four-step process to develop the strategy:
  1. Hold online engagement and face-to-face sessions with Indigenous communities and key stakeholders.
  2. Develop policy options to address priority concerns emerging from the engagement.
  3. Release a policy intentions paper for public engagement.
  4. Implement a new wildlife management and conservation strategy in 2020.
The comment period will end on July 31, 2018. The public is invited to provide input by visiting: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/wildlifeandhabitat

Wednesday 23 May 2018

BC Habitat and Wildlife Reports



I just found this useful link where many of the reports which have been prepared for the government over the last number of years can be found.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/management-issues/index.html#wildlife-allocations

Sunday 20 May 2018

Spicy Breaded Rainbow Trout


I caught this rainbow trout near Vanderhoof BC.  This is one of my favourite ways to make trout.

Ingredients
-1 Rainbow Trout
-1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
-1/3 Cup of Grainy Mustard
-1/2 Cup of Seasoned Breadcrumbs
-1 Tbsp. Red Pepper Flakes
-Salt
-Olive  Oil

Steps


1) Filet and debone. Use cooking tweezers or clean needle nose pliers to remove the pin bones.

2) Remove skin.
3) Portion into 6 equal weight pieces. 

3) Combine mustard and lemon juice in a bowl.  Mix together.
4) Combine seasoned bread crumbs and red pepper flakes on a plate and season to taste with salt.  Mix together.
5) Put the trout into the lemon and mustard mixture. 
6) Heat olive oil in a pan on medium high heat.
7) When olive oil just begins to slightly smoke, bread the trout evenly and place in the pan.  Do not overcrowd the pan.  
8) Adjust heat to ensure the trout does not burn.  If the pan is smoking after trout is added, reduce heat slightly. It only takes a few minutes per side.  Check regularly. Cook until golden brown on the under side and then flip.

9) Cook until the second side is golden brown and then serve.

 10) Enjoy!

Wednesday 16 May 2018

Kickass Burgers


This is my favourite way to make burgers.  It works well with venison and moose.  I would love to try it with other game one day.

Ingredients:
-2 lbs venison or moose
-2 eggs
-1 onion (If you don't like onion, you may want to use less, but the onion gives it a lot of the moisture)
-2 tablespoons of minced garlic
-2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning:
-salt
-pepper
-herb de provence
-seasoned breadcrumbs


I like to use a burger press and parchment paper to so that it doesn't stick


Add all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Season as you would a steak with salt, pepper, herb de provence.
Mix by hand and thoroughly combine ingredients.
If the mixture seems wet, add small amounts of breadcrumbs to absorb moisture until the mixture is dry enough to press into patties.


Using a burger press or by hand form patties.
The nice thing about using parchment paper is that it helps reduce mess and also allows for the patties to be frozen in stacks and easily separated even while frozen. 


This time, I decided to cook half the batch and freeze the other half.  It's great for when friends drop by unexpectedly or you need to toss something together for a quick meal.  These patties cook well even from frozen.


 Cook and serve with your favourite burger toppings. Enjoy!


Sunday 13 May 2018

EatWild


I've met Dylan, a few times at some conservation events and have really grown to appreciate his take on hunting and conservation.  He is someone who truly upholds the ideals of the hunter conservationist for the 21st century.

If you are thinking about getting your firearms license, hunting license, or learning to hunt, butcher, or make sausages then your should go right now to http://www.eatwild.ca/

There are lots of great How-To videos and posts on his website covering everything from how to choose a firearm for hunting in BC, shot placement, and field dressing.  I've learned a lot from watching them and they really give you a good resource to keep your skills sharp.  There is also the EatWild podcast with interesting content to listen to (But only so-so audio LOL!!!).

EatWild is also another very "Vancouver" take on hunting, which is great to see. There is a strong effort to widen the appeal of hunting to help make it equally accessible to women and a broader ethnic landscape.  If wildlife and habitat are going to get the attention they deserve from the provincial and federal governments then we need more people like Dylan and organizations like EatWild making hunting appealing to the young, urban, foodie, craft beer demographic to help diminish the incorrect perception that there is a rural/urban divide on issues related to conservation, hunting, wildlife and habitat.  

I wish I had known about EatWild when I first got into hunting.  Dylan has built a very inclusive and supportive community of new and experienced hunters at EatWild.  He hosts dinner parties for first time successes for new hunters and has field skills courses for people who want to learn or brush up on the skills to safely explore the bush.  Overall, I think anyone considering getting into hunting would be well served by checking out EatWild.