Modify Mountain Goat LEH zones to exclude Gimli Peak & Mulvey Lakes

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

Status: Proposed

Region: 4

Management unit (MU): 4-16

Regulation type: Limited Entry Hunting

Species: Mountain Goat

Closing date: 16:30, March 22, 2024

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation

Hunting mountain goats is currently permitted, with a LEH authorization only, in the vicinity of Gimli Peak and Mulvey Lakes, within mountain goat LEH zones A and B of 4-16

Proposed regulation

Close areas around Gimli Peak, within Valhalla Provincial Park, (portions of LEH Zones A and B of 4-16) to mountain goat hunting.

Rationale

Mountain goats have become extremely habituated hikers and climbers in the Gimli/Mulvey area. The tolerance has built over 10–15 years of exposure.  Efforts have been made by BC Parks to manage human attractants, deter mountain goats from camping areas and educate park users on minimizing contact with mountain goats.

Hunter harvest of habituated mountain goats near high use recreational areas in Valhalla Provincial Park has been occurring sporadically over the past 15 years. Harvest of habituated mountain goats is considered unethical and may negatively impact the image of hunters if unmanaged.

Since 2010 hunters who draw a goat LEH authorization for Zone B of 4-16 have been issued a letter discouraging hunting mountain goats near Gimli/Mulvey camping and climbing areas, however some LEH holders continued to hunt, and harvest goats, in the areas where goats have become habituated.  The proposed exclusion would remove 19km2 or 2% of huntable area from 4-16 Zone A & B.

Additional information

Zones A and B of 4-16 and Proposed Closure