West Kootenay Hunting & Fishing 2019

HUNTING

&

FISHING

In the West Kootenay our hunters and fishermen and the businesses that support backcountry adventurers are very proud and protective of our great outdoor heritage. If you are new to the area and looking for advice, any one of these merchants would help you find what you need to be prepared. Be sure to check for any backcountry closures before heading out. The BC Government website www2.gov.bc.ca is an excellent resource.

All in one place

Woodbury Resort is Kootenay Lake’s only Full Service Marina • • • • • • •

Fully stocked boat house Fuel dock Boat rentals Boat launch and moorage Parking for the biggest of rigs Chalets and suites, RV camping Country store, tackle, cold beer & wine

4 kms north of Ainsworth Hot Springs

JB’s Pub &

250-353-7717 Toll Free 1-877-353-7717 Restaurant

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Decisions, Decisions...

Organic, non-GMO local meat, a privilege given to all Canadians who choose to experience it.

You have taken the training and passed the test, now what do you buy to do the job? First, do you want to hunt with a gun or a bow?

Hunting with a rifle is the easiest way to harvest wild game, but you will need a licence. To own a gun you need to take a course, pass a test, apply for and successfully pass a criminal records check. Sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t too bad.

Once you have your gun licence you’ll need to decide on a gun. The calibre of the rifle you choose will depend on what you are hunting for and what your budget is. Many of us started out with an old army surplus rifle that we bought for cheap or a gun that was handed down from our parents from a war. We harvested game with it, but were limited on the range of shots we could take.

I would suggest a bolt action rifle with a scope in a 270 Winchester or 30 06 Springfield. These calibre are perfect for any big game in Canada and the ammo is cheap and readily available at most stores. There is also small game hunting for grouse, turkey and rabbit. For that a 22 rim fire or a shotgun is what you want.

If you hunt with a bow no test or course is required. As for the type of bow, a crossbow is the easiest, but you would need at least a 150lb draw at no farther than 50 yards for your shot. Bows are for closer range, but do extend your hunting season as the BC regulations let bow hunters go out before and after the gun season.

Whether you decide on a gun or a bow, you will need to practice until you have the perfect shot.

You don’t want to injure the animal or damage too much of the meat. With some practice at the range with either your rifle or bow you are ready to go out and harvest you supper!

There are many products on the market for the hunter, from long range rifles and scopes to infra-red cameras and scents. The choices are endless.

I can tell you that universally you will need a good knife with a sharpener, and depending on what you are hunting, a good game call. The rest is up to you and what you can afford.

If you’re lucky, you know an experienced hunter who is willing to mentor you, but there is also a lot of information to be found on YouTube about hunting practices and tips. In the end, nothing can beat time spent in the outdoors as you experience the tradition of harvesting you own food.

Centrepoint Sniper Crossbow

Ruger American Rifle

LOCKED AND LOADED ROB HARVEY, BIG GAME HUNTER

Karissa Stroshein, Barren’s Sport Shop

When it comes to big game, bagging a trophy is long, hard work. So we designed a Defender to be as doggedly persistent as hunters like Rob Harvey in pursuit of their prize.

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©2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Read the BRP side-by-side Operator’s Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. Side-by-Side vehicles (SxS) are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety reason, the operator and passenger must wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely.

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KOOTENAY GENERAL OPEN SEASONS Species

Class

Season

4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Youth Only* 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 * Restricted to hunters under the age of 18

Mgmt Unit

4 Point Bucks Bucks Bucks

Sept 10 - Nov 10 Sept 1 - 9 Sept 1 - 9

1 1 1

White-Tailed Deer 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40

Bucks

Sept 10 - Nov 30

1

Mule Deer

Limit ( ) possession

4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Antlerless Oct 10 - 31 1 Youth Only* 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Either Sex Nov 1 - 30 2** Youth Only* 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Bucks Sept 1 - 9 1 Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Bucks Sept 1 - 9 1 Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Either Sex Dec 1 - 20 2** * Restricted to hunters under age 18 **Bag limit for white-tail deer is 2; 1 may be antlerless & 1 a buck

Elk

4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 6 Point Bulls Sept Bow Only *(4-6, 4-7, 4-23) Antlerless Sept Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9; 4-14 to 4-38, 4-40 Bulls Sept * Restricted to only portions of these MUs SPIKE BULL ELK SEASON IS CLOSED

Moose

10 - Oct 20 1- 9 1-9

1 1 1

Spike-fork Bulls Sept 20 - Oct 31 Spike-Fork Bulls Oct 15 - 31 Bow Only Spike-Fork Bulls Sept 1 - 19 Bow Only Spike-Fork Bulls Sept 1 - Oct 14 Bighorn Sheep 4-1, 4-2, 4-21, 4-23to 4 -25, 4-35 Full Curl Bighorn RamsSept 10 - Oct 25

1 1 1 1 1 1

4-7 to 4-9; 4-14 to 4-18; 4-27 to 4-33, 4-36 to 4-40 4-1 to 4-6; 4-19 to 4-26, 4-34, 4-35 4-7 to 4-9; 4-14 to 4-18; 4-27 to 4-33, 4-36 to 4-40 4-1 to 4-6; 4-19 to 4-26, 4-34, 4-35

Mountan Goat 4-28 to *4-30, 4-36, 4-37, 4-39, 4-40 * Portion of MU 4-30 only (Map D27). Compulsory Inspection required.

Sept 10 - Nov 30

BLACK BEAR

4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Sept 10 - Nov 30 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Apr 1 - June 30 ▲4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Aug 1 - 31 Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Sept 1- 9 ▲ Restricted to private land only, hunter must obtain permission from land owners prior to access.

2 2 2 2

WOLF

▲4-5 to 4-8, 4-17, 4-18, 4-20, 4-27 to 4-31, 4-33, 4-37 to 4-40 Sept 1- June 15 NBL ▲ 4-1 to 4-4, 4-9, 4-14 to 4-16, 4-19, 4-21 to 4-26, 4-32, 4-34 to 4-36 Sept 10 - June 15 3 ▲ In those portions of 4-4 to 4-7, below 1100 m in elevation, there is no closed season. Compulsory Inspection required.

COYOTE LYNX

Sept 10 - Mar 31 Nov 15 - Dec 31 Dec 1 - Dec 31 ◆ Sept 10 - Feb 28 Sept 10 - Mar 31 Sept 10 - Mar 31 Nov 15 - Feb 28

4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40

NBL e 1 1 2 1 0

4-1, 4-2, 4-6 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-19, 4-21 - 4-40 4-3 to 4-5, 4-20 COUGAR 4-1 to 4-5, 4-20 to 4-26, 4-34 to 4-36 4-6 to 4-8, 4-28 to 4-31, 4-38, 4-39 4-9 to 4-19, 4-27,4-32, 4-33,4-37, 4-40 Pursuit* 4-1 to 4-4, 4-21 to 4-26, 4-34 to 4-36 Hunters may not hunt a cougar kitten or any cougar in its company. See Definitions section: cougar kitten. ◆ Excessive female harvest may result in season closures. * Persons participating in the cougar pursuit season must have a hunting licence, may not carry a firearm, may not be accompanied by a person carrying a firearm, and the cougar must not be injured or killed in the course of the pursuit.

COLUMBIAN GROUND SQUIRREL 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-20 No Closed Season

NBL

Restricted to private land only. Hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private land.

SNOWSHOE HARE 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Aug 1 - Apr 30 RACCOON 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 SKUNK 4 -1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 GROUSE: DUSKY (Blue), RUFFED & SPRUCE 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40

10 daily Sept 10 - Mar 31 Aug 1 - Apr 30 Sept 1 - Nov 30

NBL NBL 5 (15)

For Dusky, Spruce and Ruffed grouse, the daily aggregate bag limit is 5; the aggregate possession limit is 15.

PHEASANT

4-6, 4-7 Possession Limit: 6; Season Limit: 12

Cocks

PTARMIGAN 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 RAVEN TURKEY 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40

Oct 15 - Nov 30

3 Daily

Sept 10 - Nov 30 No Closed Season Apr 15 - May 15 Sept 1 - Sept 30 *1

10 5 1 *1

Bearded Bow Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Bearded Bow or Shot Only 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Any turkey Oct 1 - Oct 15 * The aggregate bag limit for turkey is 2, only one may be taken in the spring and one in the fall.

DOVE: MOURNING, EURASIAN COLLARED 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Sept 1 - Sept 30 COOTS, COMMON SNIPE 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Sept 10 - Dec 23 Sept 10 - Dec 23 DUCKS 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 Restricted daily bag limits of 4 Pintails, 4 Canvasbacks, 2 Goldeneye and 2 Harlequins are in effect.

GEESE: SNOW and ROSS’S 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 GEESE: WHITE-FRONTED 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 GEESE: CANADA and CACKLING 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40*

Sept 10 - Dec 23 Sept 10 - Dec 23 Sept 10 - Dec 23

(30)

West Kootenay Hunting Zones 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-14, 4-15, 4-17, 4-18, 4-19, 4-27, 4-28, 4-29, 4-30, 4-31, 4-32, 4-33 For specific clarification and to view maps visit the Government of BC’s website and search Hunting and Fishing.

Compulsory Inspection Centres Qualified Compulsory Inspectors will provide this service at the locations listed below. Please see the Ministry website at www.gov.bc.ca/hunting or contact the regional office for more information.

CI Locations: Creston, Revelstoke, Radium Hot Springs, Sparwood, Cranbrook, Fruitvale, Nakusp Ministry Regional Office, Cranbrook: ....250-489-8540 Nelson ................................................250-354-6333 CONSERVATION OFFICER SERVICE DISTRICT OFFICES Please call 1-877-952-7277 for recorded information or to make an appointment at any of the following Field Offices: Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Nelson, and Golden

5 (15) 10 ea (30) ea The information on this page was found on the 8 (24) BC Gov’t website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/ sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/ 5 (15) fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2018-2020/ 5 (15) hunting-trapping-synopsis-2018-2020-region4.pdf 10 (30)

* Kootenay River Canada Goose closed area in portions of MUs 4-3, 4-20, 4-21 and 4-22 (Map D3 online).

Hunters please note that Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area opens to hunting for coots, snipe, ducks and geese on October 1.

Access permit is required for hunting activities in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for more information, phone 250-402-6900 or www.crestonwildlife.ca

WATERFOWLER HERITAGE DAYS: (Waterfowler Heritage Days are restricted to hunters under the age of 18. See Waterfowler Heritage Days section of the 2018 - 2020 Hunting Synopsis.)

DUCKS and GEESE 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40

Sept 7&8, 2019 ★

★ Daily bag and possession limits are same as general open seasons described above.

FOR CORRECTIONS AND UPDATES TO THIS GUIDE GO TO: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishinghunting/hunting/regulations-synopsis/2018-2020-corrections-updates

Major Regulation Changes for 2018-2020 at a glance 1. Replaced general open season for mountain sheep in MU 4-22 with LEH 2. Lengthened cougar hunting season in portions of the East Kootenay 3. Shortened lynx hunting season 4. Motor Vehicle Prohibitions on Channel Road, in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area 5. Closure of the spike-bull elk and Sept 1-19 antlerless elk bow-only seasons 6. Island Pond, Lamb Creek, Linklater Creek, Soowa Mtn, and White/Bull River motor vehicle prohibitions (enacted in the fall of 2017 in response to wildfires).

PLEASE NOTE: You can produce your own maps through iMap BC available at www.data.gov.bc.ca/dbc/geographic/.

Hunters are reminded that restrictions apply to Recreation Sites (i.e.: Cranbrook Community Forest). See Recreation Sites and Trails on page 11 of the 2018-2020 Hunting Synopsis.

Region 4 Motor Vehicle Prohibition Maps are no longer published in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, they will be available online at www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/eco/access.htm OR by contacting the regional office at 250-489-8540.

Check website www.gov.bc.ca/hunting for in-season changes prior to your hunt.

It’s in Our Nature to Work Together

1470 Hwy 3B, Fruitvale 250-367-6216 TF: 1-888-989-1615 DL#5996 www.barretthondayamaha.com barrett.motorsports@shaw.ca

Where ARE you?

To be a survivor and not a statistic, (you can’t depend on luck) you will need a survival kit. A kit should not be too heavy and bulky. Limit it to the essentials. Develop a habit of taking it with you every time you head out into the field. Knowing how to use the equipment is as important as having it.

Survival kits should be based on personal needs, terrain and climate. Some contents are universal. Here are our recommendations based on many years of experience as a hunters and outdoor recreationalists.

MATCHES, LIGHTER & FIRE STARTER We suggest both a lighter and matches coupled with solid fire starer. Being able to start a fire can be the difference between life or death.

HEADLAMP with extra batteries & bulb. Good headlamps free hands and light the path. Check the batteries before each outing.

MULTI TOOL Buy a quality 4-5 inch with a nylon case. Poor quality multi tools are not worth their weight and many times can promote injury. Nylon sheaths are preferred to leather – they have proven to be lighter and durable.

MAPS – waterproof or a GPS (learn to use the GPS!)

SPACE BLANKET is essential. Both water proof and wind proof, a space blanket is lightweight and does not take up much room. They serve many purposes: shelter, ground cloth, heat reflector and signaling. They can also work as a rain poncho.

FIRST AID KIT It’s important to get a good quality first aid kit. Add your medications and keep it updated. If you use up something, replace it.

LARGE HEAVY DUTY GARBAGE BAGS Carry 3-4 heavy 3 mil thickness lawn or leaf bags. There are many uses: rain poncho, wind blocks, ground cloths and more.

SUN GLASSES Snow or sun blindness can add grief to a survival situation.

STAINLESS STEEL CUP 12 oz plus- essential for drinking and it enables you to heat water and cook food in a pinch.

WATER PURIFICATION FILTER straw or tablets. Clean water is essential. Carry 1 or 2 water bottles.

WIRE SAW - compact, lightweight and inexpensive. The saw will make quick work of building shelter or cutting firewood. Many can cut wood, metal, plastic and bone.

PARACHUTE CORD - used to build shelter, tying splints and hundreds of other uses. 50 ft should be lots. (learn to tie several strong knots.)

FOOD Energy bars, freeze dried meals, trail mix, instant soup, hard candy.

WHISTLE & MIRROR Whistles can attract help, frighten animals. Mirrors can be used to signal for help, help to access facial cuts or eye injuries.

TOILET PAPER has many uses besides the obvious. Tinder, equipment cleaning or a quick wound dressing.

CELL PHONE/ SPOT DEVICE Cell phones can be very useful if you’re lost in an area of reception. The Spot device works in all areas.

LIGHTWEIGHT SOLAR CHARGER for batteries, cell phone or spot device.

ALUMINUM FOIL, Heavy duty great for cooking, or as a heat reflector. It can be used to drink with or eat from. In a pinch it will work as a signaling device.

MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE Use it as thread to repair shelter or clothing, make a snare or as a drying rack.

PAPER COFFEE FILTERS can filter drinking water, used as a fire starter, even a wound dressing.

The kit will probably weigh about 3 pounds. There are many great options to add or substitute to this list. This is meant to be a guide. The important thing is to have the kit with you while you enjoy our fantastic Kootenay playground. Have fun, play hard and be safe. Always remember to tell someone when and where you’re going!

Jim Philipzyk, Obsessed Optics

Personalize your survival kit.

Don’t forget your medications!

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Gas up the car and boat, pick up your snacks, licence, bait and the latest fishing info at the

Best little fishing store in the Kootenays Excellent selection of lures, hand tied flies, bucktails, Kokanee gear, downrigger accessories, rods, reels and more. Scotty, Shimano, Amundsen, Tomic, Best Lures, Rapala, Ugly Stick, etc.

Good warranties on rods & reels and great advice too.

We know our lake!

At the Balfour Ferry Landing

250-229-2113 gillandgift.com

Adventure awaits.

Rely on your experience, trust your instincts, and the dependability of Honda.

Pioneer 1000

TRX520 Rubicon

EU2200i

WB20XT

BF 9.9

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www.mainjet.ca DL 30577

honda.ca

Always wear protective clothing when operating your Honda product. Please respect the environment. Obey the law and read your owner’s manual thoroughly before operating your Honda Product.

Model images and specifications subject to change without notice. Visit honda.ca for additional safety information.

Good luck this season! from the staff at OBSESSED YOUR ARCHERY HEADQUARTERS HUGE H UGE S SELECTION E LEC IO O N OF PRIM P PRIME R IME IM ME M E BO BOWS OWS AND ALL YOUR ARCHERY PRODUCTS!

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Bust to Boom Fall 2019 Kootenay Lake Fishing Report The collapse of the Gerard rainbow in 2012 started with an over-population of predators (large rainbow and bull trout.) Kootenay Lake’s large kokanee population was virtually wiped out. Bull trout survived the ‘Holocaust’ because they eat species other than kokanee.

Another problematic feature of the last few years was a change in the lake fertilizing program. For years nutrients were dispensed from tanks on a barge and pumped directly into a tug prop wash. This process mixed the fertilizer into lake water for dispersal, increasing nutrients to feed all zoo plankton and mysis shrimp, the main food supply for kokanee.

In 2012 the Ministry of Environment awarded the fertilizing contract to an operator dispersed the fertilizer directly from barge tanker

Tug prop for dispersing fertilizer.

trucks into the lake, and it simply never mixed.

The result was that the lake began to ‘die’ again because of the very low level of available nutrients.

Now for the good news!

This year, the Ministry of Environment has changed contractors and is going back to a barge/tank system. Once again the fertilizer will be pumped into a tug mixing prop.

We expect immediate improvement of the nutrient value in the lake water.

In addition, the lake has been stocked with five million kokanee fry and now schools of kokanee can be seen around the lake.

Fishermen are claiming “Best fishing ever for rainbows in the 50 cm range.” I predict we will see 10 pound rainbows within the next year!

And while we are talking about Kootenay Lake fishing, here’s a reminder to not miss the Thanksgiving Rainbow Derby at Woodbury Resort this fall, October 11 – 13!

– Terry Jones, Woodbury Resort

Instructions: Mix the sugar & salt in a bowl. Rub the dry brine all over the fish. Place the fish in a container making sure the fish is totally surrounded and covered in the dry brine. Place in the fridge overnight (8-12 hours).

Rinse the fish thoroughly and place

in a cool dry place for 2 hours to allow a pellicle to form on the outside of the fish. A fan can be used to speed up the process.

Generously sprinkle fillets with seasonings before placing in the smoker.

Smoke for 5 hours at gradually increasing temperature, starting at 120˚F and increasing it by 20˚F every hour. Leave it at 180˚F for the final 2 hours of smoking. The fish needs to have a minimum internal temperature of 140˚F. I prefer only adding the smoke for the first 3 hours so the smoke taste doesn’t overwhelm the fish, but this is up to your personal preference!

During the last hour of smoking; brush each fillet with maple syrup.

(You can also use honey, sweet Thai chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc) .

Enjoy!

- Danny Coyne, BCFishn.com

Trout & Kokanee Smoking Recipe There is nothing better than smoking your fresh caught lake trout or kokanee to enjoy later.

Here’s an easy recipe for smoked kokanee & trout. This recipe can be used in any smoker.

This dry brine recipe is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients: Kokanee or trout fillets Dry brine mixture ratio: 6 cups brown sugar, 3/4 cup kosher salt.

Seasonings: Harrod’s Cookhouse Lemon Dill Fish Seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes for some heat (optional) 1/2 cup maple syrup Wood: alder wood