Blunt Special Archery Area Billy Only Harvest

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

Status: Proposed

Region: 6

Management unit (MU): 6-8

Regulation type: General Open Season

Species: Mountain Goat

Closing date: 16:30, March 22, 2024

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation

Mountain Goat	▲ 6-7, 6-17 to 6-30	Aug 1 - Oct 15
	▲ 6-3, 6-11, 6-14 to ★6-16 ★★6-9	Aug 1 - Nov 15
	*6-14	Aug 1 - Feb 28

Aug 15 - Oct 19 Bow Only Season in part of MU 6-8 - see Map F4. * Part of MU 6-14 only see Map F22.

▲ Parts of several MUs have special regulations or are open by LEH authorization only. See Maps F13, F22, F24, F28, F30, F31, F32, F34, F39 and F40.

★ Portion of MU 6-16 closed. See Map F24.

★★ Part of MU 6-9 only, see Map F2. Compulsory Inspection required

Proposed regulation

Add: Aug 15 - Oct 19 Billy Only Bow Only Season in part of MU 6-8 - see Map F4.  

Rationale

Mountain goat population management in British Columbia prioritizes monitoring the proportion of licenced nanny harvest. Regulations implemented in 2010 were put in place to protect nannies and kids. This regulation states, “It is illegal to harvest a nanny with a kid, or a nanny in group with kids.” Licensed harvest of mountain goats in the Province are limited to those with horns > 10 cm, and while it is lawful to harvest a nanny that is not with a kid, or not in a group with kids, hunters are still encouraged not to harvest a nanny at any time.

The Blunt Mountain 6-8 General Open Season (GOS) archery area was opened in 1984 following an aerial survey and a population estimate of 94 mountain goats. In the mid 1990's the population was estimated at 162. In 2017 an inventory estimated the population at 109, and further collaring and genetic research suggests this is an isolated population. There are some concerns for this population given the increasing number of bow-hunters in the province, advancements in equipment (e.g., crossbows), and increased access.

An analysis of mountain goat harvest data, demographics, and the sustainability of the Blunt Mountain 6-8 GOS archery season was conducted using compulsory inspection (CI) data from 1996-2022. The review revealed higher than desirable nanny harvest by resident hunters in the Blunt Mountain 6-8 GOS Archery Area. Harvest rates, and female proportion of the harvest, are within allowable limits, however the relatively small population, lack of up-to-date inventory data, increased access, GOS opportunity, and advancements in archery technology may all contribute to unsustainable hunting in the near future.  To address these issues and attempt to maintain the GOS hunting opportunity (instead of replacing with Limited Entry Hunting or closure), it is recommended to create a regulation making it illegal to harvest a nanny goat in the archery-only area of Blunt Mountain.

Additional information