Kootenay BC Elk

[davidb]

Did anyone hunt the Kootenay for elk in 2019 that can provide feedback? I would like to plan a rut hunt with my two nephews during 2020, however during my research I read that the southern Kootenay elk population has taken a huge hit over the last ten years and been reduced by almost 50%. All hunter and outfitter feedback appreciated.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The research is ongoing.
https://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/news/new-data-on-elk-to-help-species-numerous-organizations/

There have been changes in hunting opportunities for residents. The biggest was the reduced tags for Cows.
Why they are shocked that recruitment is down after targeting cow populations for years.

 

[davidb]

Yeah I saw that article and couple other similar ones and that is what raised my concern. I was hoping to see some reports from hunters who had actually been there recently or outfitters who guide the area.

 

[BRICKBURN]

There is another report on what they changed last year.
I hope someone can give you the information you are looking for.
Family members have been using those Cow tags for a few years reducing the herd.

 

[MarkB]

Never hunted Kootenays, did harvest up 7B, recently received the proposed reg changes for 2020-2022 and looks like elk all over the province are up for some proposed changes, based on latest "research". Worth looking at, logging in and voting your thoughts/concerns. There are lots of proposed regs that are not elk related but are concerning.

 

[Rick Cox]

Never hunted Kootenays, did harvest up 7B, recently received the proposed reg changes for 2020-2022 and looks like elk all over the province are up for some proposed changes, based on latest "research". Worth looking at, logging in and voting your thoughts/concerns. There are lots of proposed regs that are not elk related but are concerning.

I wish the research in this province had more weight than public sentiment. I hear that now the grizzly hunt is canned, cougars and cats are next, then stop the wolf cull and go back to restrictions on those.

 

[MarkB]

I wish the research in this province had more weight than public sentiment. I hear that now the grizzly hunt is canned, cougars and cats are next, then stop the wolf cull and go back to restrictions on those.

I hear you, science should dictate seasons, limits and management, but with current buffoons that is not the case. Greenies are running BC.

MB

 

[Rick Cox]

I hunted elk in the Kootenays in 2017 and 2018. No luck. But if you go, go early before opening day and scout the areas you want to hunt. Be set up for opening morning. Practise your call and go high. And for heavens sake watch out for grizzlies. They will come at the sound of a shot, and they also respond to elk calls. Hunt with a buddy/spotter if possible. If you leave meat in the bush overnight, expect trouble the next day. These comments come from experiences around Elkford and Elk valley.

 

[jduckhunter]

I hunted up that way a few times about 30 years ago and there sure wasn't any shortage of grizzlies back then either. We definitely didn't go back and visit any kill sites once we left them, no tempting fate.