Apply 6 pt antler restriction to west Kootenay bow only elk season

The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.

Status: Proposed

Region: 4

Management unit (MU): 4-8, 4-9, 4-14 to 4-19, 4-27 to 4-33,4-37 to 4-38

Regulation type: General Open Season

Species: Elk

Closing date: 16:30, March 22, 2024

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation

4-8, 4-9, 4-14 to 4-19, 4-27 to 4-33,4-37 to 4-38          6 point bulls          Sept 10 to Oct 5

Bow only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-38, 4-40                        Bulls                     Sept 1 to Sept 9

Proposed regulation

4-8, 4-9, 4-14 to 4-19, 4-27 to 4-33,4-37 to 4-38                        6 point bulls     Sept 10 to Sept 30

Bow Only 4-8, 4-9, 4-14 to 4-19, 4-27 to 4-33,4-37 to 4-38      6 point bulls      Sept 1 to Sept 9

Bow Only 4-1 to 4-7, 4-20 to 4-26, 4-34 to 4-36, 4-40               Bulls                 Sept 1 to Sept 9

Rationale

Elk composition surveys have shown a steady decline in bull:cow ratios in the West Kootenay (2022/23 survey indicated 13:100 bull to cow ratio), despite shortening the season by 10 days in 2020. Harvest modelling suggests that more bulls are being harvested than recruited so a further reduction in harvest rate is needed. A substantial proportion of harvest (30%) is coming from the archery season, when hunters are able to harvest any bull elk. The proposed season changes are expected to reduce bull harvest by approximately 35%, while maintaining GOS opportunity for 6-point bulls. Harvest rates and composition will be closely monitored to evaluate change in harvest rates and bull:cow ratios.

Restricting the bow season to 6 point or better, and shortening the general open season should reduce harvest enough to provide some opportunity for bull escapement through the hunting season. Providing this escapement will 1) help meet ministry bull:cow ratio objectives, 2) continue to provide hunting opportunity, and 3) increase representation of mature bull elk.

Additional information