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Post by kenpossum on Nov 30, 2011 17:51:38 GMT -8
 These images are disturbing to me and even scary. Why are photographers and hunters sharing the same area? If someone is out there posting signs for photographers - how to behave etc, this must be a public park of some sort. Does one expect to be dodging bullets in such an area? What if some shot landed in a person's eye or the glass of a lens? Unsettling to me. Do bird watchers, dog walkers, equestrians share the same concerns?  |
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Post by Chris on Dec 1, 2011 14:32:43 GMT -8
If hunting is done in a sustainable fashion I have no problem with it. Out of all the wildlife problems we have in Canada in regards to Conservation, hunting is a very miniscule problem. Very few people hunt now, and most of it is done towards species that have large numbers of individuals.
There are much larger concerns such as, climate change, habitat destruction and pollution that has negative consequences on species than hunting. Loss of habitat is the biggest one.
Some areas of Boundary Bay are not protected as far as I know. Because it is an important ecosystem, what should happen, but won't, is for it to be protected and have very limited, if any, human disturbance.
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Post by kenpossum on Dec 1, 2011 18:18:59 GMT -8
I don't have a concern against hunting per say. In fact, hunting is essential in some ecozones to control populations and maintain a balance of species. My concern is the close proximity of hunters to other users of the area. Is there a safety concern - or not?
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Post by Gord on Dec 1, 2011 21:24:32 GMT -8
Hunting that takes place out on Boundary Bay is not with single projectiles but with shot. The range of shot is a great deal shorter; around 50 meters at best. The person with the shotgun is being responsible by using correct carry and an open chamber. Still, it really seems out of place to see an area heavily used for other recreational activities that also has hunting. How hunting continues in the area will obviously be up to the hunters who have to ensure coexistence with other uses and that it is sustainable. Like Chris, I would really like to see places such as Boundary Bay, with such enormous ecological significance, protected better. Areas that allow a closer view and appreciation, which helps foster care and interest, but without impacting really sensitive areas could remain. But a good part of the area should be enjoyed from the dyke, ideally. It's nice we're focusing on the 'problem' and not the individual here. We should ensure that any concerns we see in our birding outings remain as such as to not accidentally put someone in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.  |
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Post by kenpossum on Dec 2, 2011 8:41:10 GMT -8
Thanks Gord. I don't know enough about hunting to know what is safe and what is not. I briefly talked to these fellows and they seemed very nice people. I am sure they would not deliberately put others in harms way, but I don't know if they are representative of the sport. I hope so. I was worried what a tiny shot pellet would do if it fell on a camera lens or even an eye, but your words have cushioned my fears, Thank you! In any case, I always keep the ID of individuals hidden, for as you say, my comments are not about the individuals. Below is a photo of their quarry. I think they may be Mallards but it was taken at some distance, so I am not sure.  |
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