2007 - I Reslove That ......

[BEA]

Whereas hunting for black bear is becoming a more popular pastime each fall.

Whereas a large percentage of hunters are using archery equipment.

Whereas many hunters are new to bear hunting, meaning, that unlike many who were lucky enough to have grown-up in households where other big game was hunted, thereby picking up bits of knowledge from a young age, the same is not true of black bear.

Whereas many experienced hunters of other big game - are just getting into hunting black bear, so it’s new to even seasoned hunters.

Whereas, the current wound/loss rate in black bears is, and should be unacceptable, to organizations such as BANS and other concerned groups…

Be it resolved that all first time bear hunters , or those that have never turned in a black bear tooth to DNR in the last 5 years, be required to pass an Introduction To Bear Hunting course.

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*Just such a course has been implemented in Ontario for the hunting of Turkey, because, as like bears here…many hunters had never hunted them. It has met with only limited resistance. It is mostly accepted and appreciated as just another means to show that hunters are genuine in their respect for the game they hunt.

*I know this will be a highly contested resolution….but I ask hunter’s to answer one question truthfully…how many bears have you heard of being wounded and not recovered?

* Those who fear we are only feeding the anti’s with ammunition, I say they can already get that but checking out various hunting forums and chat forums. Some time’s, in order to do the right thing, we have to put our pride, and the politics of it all behind us……and do exactly what we say we are all about…wisely using a great resource. I think , just such a plan, coming from hunters, will, in the end……show us as ethical hunters….and not just “blood thirsty” killers as many are quick to label us.
* I think the test could/should be a simple one….just make the pertinent info available online on the DNR website…..and those needing the tests could simply view it online ( ensuring that some hard copies would be available for mail out on request for those not on-line) and have it ( the tests) available at all DNR offices.

* When a person was ready to take the tests…all they would have to do is drop in to any dnr office and write it then and there.

[biggame]

Sounds simple enough BEA but then what, a course on every animal we hunt? A test for deer....a test for moose...a test for small game...?

I agree something has to be done about the number of wounded bear being shot each fall and I say kudos to you for at least sharing an idea to help fix the problem, but I am just not sure this would be agreed upon by a majority. Just my opinion, but I am very excited to see some progress started on this issue.

[BEA]

not sure BG...that could be a problem....but what the heck...we're tested to death now...what's a few more.....

I agree....I doubt this will get passed...but a guys gotta speak what's on his mind.....

I know the main reason it'll get shot down is cuz folks feel we are regulated to death now..and I agree...to a point.....but I'll take them bears well being over that argument any day...maybe just me tho...we'll see.

Some will say "sshhh....don't be letting that cat out of the bag... If the anti's get wind of it....they'll use it against us"

Perhaps that is true for sure....but what a field day they would have if they knew that we knew ..... and chose to ignore it.

just a thought.....

[POINTY STICKS]

I'm going to print this off and take it to the AGM this Sunday........

[litekpr]

You can add my 110% support behind it also PS.
I don't care if I gotta pass a test for shootin Grouse/rabbits/rats even.... anything.
Anyone taking the test that says "headshot" .....bar them from hunting!!!!
WE OWE IT TO THE CRITTERS WE HUNT!!!

I know of four bears lost,not all archery.
I know of one that was killed because it was into deer apples, had no-one else wanted it it would have rotted not far from where it was killed.
I know of two killed on purpose and dumped well before the season also....

I dunno how to word it or if it belongs lumped with this but, the disregard for bears pisses me off.
Just because it comes into someones yard doesn't mean shoot it on sight.
Deer are in and out of yards all the time...they don't get shot on sight....
If someone is having "repeated" bear problems they are not doing their part.

There needs to be more recognition for the bears and bear hunting.
The bears and bear hunting have taken a back seat for far too long IMO.

[biggame]

I know of two from my hunting budy the last two years. I think a little education on his part certainly wouldn't have hurt him, and I know I could use more information too, but I just think testing for each specific animal wouldn't fly.

Definatly more education towards bears would be a major step in improving the respect towards bears, but how to do it with support from hunting org. rather than objection for more testing is the $1,000,000 question.

I agree somthing should be done. I am really glad this topic was brought up. I like Kpr and BEA have real concerns about the number of bear wounded and not recovered each year.

[POINTY STICKS]

Here I just did this one up, and sent a PM tp you KPR but I'll post it here as well. Seeing how the bears are still being seen as a problem and each year there seem to be more stories of wasted animals it's time to protect the bears.


I'm going to add an extra where as here ...........


BEAR RESOLUTION

Where as bears hunting is getting to be more popular

And where as, bears are recognized as a large mammal resource where a separate license is necessary.

And where as, its an offence to shoot, hunt or kill other large game mammals out of season in Nova Scotia.

And where as, bears are still being shot as nuisance animals out of season and with out proper permits or licenses.


Wherefore be it resolved the “Wildlife Act” be amended to protect the unnecessary waste of these animals and making it an offence to shoot or kill even nuisance bears out of season without proper permits.

[ARROW SLINGER]

Testing wont prove anything, ei: Go and get the book from Dept. of Highways for air brakes manual ! read it over lunch and go back in the afternoon without ever seeing or touching an air brake system you can score 100%, ten multiple choice questions. Only know this because I took the week long course and shook my head in disbelief when I went in to do exam.

The whole - WHY do you want to bowhunt issue should be the big question, I would hazard a guess that 95% take a bowhunting course for the wrong reason( 5 extra weeks of hunting) some have never shot a bow, owned a bow or know anything about them, some even show up for the course with no bow or only 1 arrow (seen it) recently.
EDUCATE! EDUCATE! EDUCATE!EDUCATE! EDUCATE! EDUCATE!
AND MANADTORY ASSOCIATION WITH AN ARCHERY CLUB OR ORGANIZATION THAT PROMOTES RESPONCIBLE HUNTING.

You have to belong to a gun club to own hand guns now, unless you want to register as a collector and never use them!!!

So why not propose that mandatory membership in a recognized Archery organization be put to resolution. This way we know that everyone carrying a stick has been practising and is compitant in the use of archery tackle and up to date on regulations and equipment!

This should be an easy one to push through the federation and DNR

Whats one more card to carry

[ARROW SLINGER]

By the way that young Sow tastes some GOOOOOOD
wife and kids like it and the SELECTIVE Vegitarian Hunter is even eating it!!!
had steaks and stew so far

[alpo]

I do understand the concern you guys have for the bears, but find myself thinking it would only serve to drive more people away from hunting. We are over regulated, and as has been said several times in several places, that does discourage new hunters.
I see it as a question of whether we want more hunters, or fewer, but better hunters.

I do agree that Bears need to be held in higher regard by everyone. I know of a few bears in the past few years that were shot to protect an apple pile.
I also know of one that was lost because the shooter did not have the nerve to track his bear into the thick stuff, where he could hear it moaning. Would another piece of paper in his wallet have calmed his nerves ? should he now be banned from hunting bears ? should all his hunting privileges be revoked ?

[litekpr]

Ya know...
Atop all this...
a Spring Hunt would allieviate SOME of the nuisance bears, plus with baitsites may just keep a few further in the woods and occupied during trying times between wake up and bloom of berries/grass whatever they need to keep them satisfied.

I've also seen and heard of people using Greenbins at baitsites.
This practice should be made ILLEGAL immediately.
I don't think I need to explain any reasoning behind that idea here given the discussion and implications of a hungry bear spotting a Greenbin after feastin on prime goodies from one in the woods

[litekpr]

Alpo,
I don't think it would drive more away from hunting...just ones from hunting bears that aren't quite serious about it or hold enough respect for the bears.

It would be impossible to enforce proper ethics however RE-enforcing them is very important IMO.

Did he not look for it in the morning or later?
Not going into the thickets while he could hear the bear moaning was a smart idea.

[alpo]

He / they did go back the following afternoon, but said there was no blood trail & no obvious sign for them to follow, and given the temps, there would be nothing of value to recover.
I'll admit I was & am less than impressed with the effort they claim to have put into it, and will add that both he & his hunting partner were completely put off hunting bears by that experience, despite his partner successfully tagging one just the night prior. Somehow they found the meat to be inedible, which continues to baffle me.

[litekpr]

alpo said:

He / they did go back the following afternoon

Now IMO any detterant to this person going again I would welcome.
I know others would also but I'd be chompin at the bit to get in there FIRST LIGHT!!!
Work or not I'd be off that day.

BEA and Slinger are right there needs to be EDUCATION about bears.
Shot placement most importantly.
Proper preparation once taken and proper cooking not just for taste but safety also.

It's a big thing but something has to be done, theres alot to it.
I'm willing to help in any way I can.

[huntwisely]

An ammendment to Pointy's resolution and a new one - both for discussion

BEAR RESOLUTION

Where as bear hunting is getting to be more popular

And whereas bears are now recognized as a Big Game resource where a separate license is necessary.

And whereas it’s an offence to shoot, hunt or kill other Big Game animals out of season in Nova Scotia,


Therefore be it resolved that the “Wildlife Act” be amended to protect the unnecessary waste of these animals and making it an offence to shoot or kill even nuisance bears out of season without due cause and the necessary Nuisance Permit.



Where as bears now recognized as a Big Game resource

And whereas it is now illegal to not exert as much effort as possible to recover wounded animals and it is illegal to allow the waste of game fish and other game animals

Therefore be it resolved that the “Wildlife Act” be amended so that it becomes an offense to allow the consumable meat of a bear go to waste by hunters and to ensure that trappers make use the carcass for baiting other animals or as a food source.