Remove Derenzy Forest Service Road and South Ellis Creek motor vehicle hunting closed area
Last updated on January 12, 2026The public is invited to comment on the proposed motor vehicle restrictions described below.
Status: Proposed
Region: Region 8, Okanagan
Management unit (MU): 8-09
Regulation type: Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Species: Not applicable
Closing date: February 13, 2026 at 4:30 pm PT
Current regulation:
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis (PDF, 13MB) page 67 - Motor Vehicles for Hunting Closed Areas:
- Derenzy FSR (Forest Service Road) and South Ellis Creek area (MU 8-9). See map J10
Proposed regulation:
Remove the Derenzy FSR and South Ellis Creek area (MU 8-09) motor vehicles for hunting closed areas and map J10.
Rationale:
This closure is not effective at protecting habitat and was originally implemented in 1995 to limit hunter access during a bighorn sheep season that is no longer in place. Bighorn sheep harvest is now managed through the Limited Entry Hunting system rather than a General Open Season, as was the case in the 1980s and 1990s. Harvest is now tightly restricted, and there is no longer a need to limit hunter access in these areas.
The Conservation Officer Service has also identified enforcement challenges associated with these closures.