Submitted by the Conservation Officer Service--With hunting season in full swing, the Queen Charlotte Conservation Officers would like to remind hunters of some of the more common hunting regulations we enforce. Firearm safety is our primary concern. Hunters are reminded it's illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Firearms with live ammunition in the chamber, or firearms with magazines containing live ammunition are considered loaded if the magazine is attached to the gun.
Legal shooting hours for game is one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The sunrise and sunset times are available on-line at: www.hia-iha.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/sunrise_e.html (Legal shooting hours for waterfowl hunting is _ hour before sunrise to _ hour after sunset.)
It's illegal to hunt after dark, and it's illegal to hunt with the aid of a light at any time. This is a safety regulation and applies to everyone.
Deer, elk and bear hunters - don't forget to buy your tags, and when you are successful, cancel your tag immediately after harvesting your animal. Also, it's mandatory to leave attached evidence of sex and species on your big game animal until it is transported to your residence or a professional meat cutter. A testicle or the penis or head bearing antlers for bucks - the udder or teats or head bearing no antlers for does. For species, leave attached the tail or an identifiable piece of hide.
Coho fishermen remember, the non-tidal portion of all streams on QCI closes to Coho fishing November 1 to allow the fish to spawn unmolested.
There are many more regulations you need to know, too many to print here. It's your responsibility to pick up a copy of the hunting regulation synopsis, read it and understand what the rules are. You can get a copy at the Service BC office in Queen Charlotte, or the Conservation Officer Service office above City Center next door to Parks Canada.
If you have questions regarding the regulations, phone us at 559-8431 and we would be happy to help you. Hunting is a rewarding activity on the Islands, and we're fortunate to have good deer numbers and liberal seasons and bag limits. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure they abide by the regulations, and report those who do not. If you observe a violation of hunting or fishing regulations, please phone the Conservation Officer Service, 24hrs a day at 1 877 952-7277. Our call center has our schedules, our truck phone numbers, our home phone numbers and will contact us immediately with your information. You can remain anonymous if you wish - your information is still valuable and is critical in assisting us in the apprehension of violators.
Thanks, and have a safe and successful hunting season. We'll see you out there.