First Nations on BC’s North and Central Coast have declared a ban...

First Nations on BC’s North and Central Coast have declared a ban on the trophy bear hunt in their traditional territories. The trophy bear hunt is an issue that has been brewing in First Nations communities for several years, said Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation Chief Doug Neasloss. “Despite years of effort by the Coastal First Nations to find a resolution to this issue with the province this senseless and brutal trophy hunt continues.” Neasloss said “We will protect bears from cruel and unsustainable trophy hunts by any and all means.” Jessie Housty, a councillor with the Heiltsuk Nation, said bears are often gunned down by trophy hunters near shorelines as they forage for food. “It’s not a part of our culture to kill an animal for sport and hang them on a wall. When we go hunting it’s for sustenance purposes not trophy hunting. ” Only a total ban on trophy hunting will ensure that bear populations can support the tourism opportunities that add valuable income to our communities, said Housty. “Trophy hunting is a threat to the lucrative ecotourism industry that we are creating. Tourists often come back year after year to watch the same bears and their young grow.”