UWR Project

The GDRGC is committed to improving and maintaining Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) for deer, elk and sheep in the Golden area.

We manage forest operations in two woodlot parcels that overlap high-quality UWR. Our management focus is primarily on improving and maintaining habitat quality for mule and white-tailed deer.

The GDRGC is currently conducting enhancement work on the Vacation Creek Elk Winter Range project. This multi-year project aims to open forests to allow for forage growth and predator detection in critical winter habitats. This project has been funded by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Columbia Basin Trust, the Habitat Conservation Trust and the Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia.

The club is also in the process of developing a bighorn sheep winter range enhancement project with the aim to restore habitats and keep sheep off the TransCanada where they are hit by passing vehicles. This project has been funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, the East Kootenay Wildlife Association and the GDRGC.

Ungulate Winter Range Habitat

Ungulate winter range (UWR) is a critical element of survival for elk, deer, moose, sheep and goats. In general, UWR habitats are low-elevation south-facing areas where little snow accumulates and snow melts first in the spring. Around Golden, these habitats are quite close to town - valley bottom and the east side of the valley.

Dogs can chase deer or simply cause them to flee, expending energy at a time when energy/fat storage is critical for survival. Being continually disturbed or chased results in a depletion of fat stores and can contribute to miscarriages, predation, and starvation.

While a dog chasing a deer may not result in the direct killing of a deer, over time, indirect loss and in extreme cases, abandonment of critical habitat can occur. Uncontrolled dogs and excessive activity in UWR can have major impacts on ungulate populations. The availability of UWR is directly related to the number of animals that can survive in an area.

Moral of this story:
- Please control dogs in UWR and do not allow them to chase animals
- Avoid UWR for dog-friendly, off-leash recreation activities
- Use the west side of the valley to XC ski, fat bike and run with your dog

Time to renew for 2024!

Renewals for our 2024 club memberships are now available!

This includes access to our range as well as a BCWF membership, which features tons of perks! Your membership also helps with conservation projects the club is working on.

Win Early Registration Draw

All 2024 memberships purchased before January 1st will be entered into the draw. The winner of the draw will be announced at the antler scoring event on Saturday, January 27th.

Visit our membership page to renew your membership for 2024.

East Kootenay Wildlife & Habitat Advisory Committee Membership Application

Join the East Kootenay Wildlife & Habitat Advisory Committee. Join others in the region who share your commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation. Work to implement the Provincial Together for Wildlife Strategy in the East Kootenay.

Interested candidates should email fishandwildlife@gov.bc.ca with the subject line “East Kootenay Wildlife & Habitat Advisory Committee membership” to learn more about the committee and receive a link to an online member application form.

The deadline to apply is Monday, December 4th.