Predators rely on UWR

Predators of all sizes rely on Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) as much as their prey. The concentration of prey in limited quality habitat through the winter makes survival through the winter a little easier on the predators. Grooming trails and building roads generally make it easier for predators to move through UWR to hunt and tips the scales on the already vulnerable ungulates.

These photos show the variety of animals that use high quality UWR, including free ranging domestic dogs. UWR is not only important for ungulates, predators of all sizes rely on it for survival as well.

Recreation in UWR not only creates human disturbance, it supports and elevates the level of predation.

The coles notes:
- Human and domestic dog disturbance in winter range causes ungulates to flee leading to the expenditure of valuable and limited fat stores
- Human recreation infrastructure promotes predation
- Increased activity + increased predation = declining wildlife populations

Land use decisions are an important part of managing for all parts of nature. All of our actions have an impact.

Logging Starting - Winter 2023

We will be logging in our Upper Donald Woodlot this winter to manage this past year's fir beetle starting this week. Please be cautious and adhere to signage if accessing this area during active harvest.

The GDRGC manages Woodlot 452 with goals of enhancing and maintaining ungulate winter range habitats and funding our conservation work. Regionally we are experiencing Douglas fir beetle infestation that are attacking and killing mature trees.

We are managing these infestations through selective logging that removes the impacted trees and other unhealthy trees along the way. The aim of this type of harvesting is to retain habitat quality and mitigate the spread of fir beetles while meeting our obligations to harvest trees.

This portion of the woodlot is important ungulate winter range habitat. If you are accessing this area in the winter and care to limit your impact in this critical time of the year, please either leave your dog at home or ensure that it is well under control and not chasing deer.

Making our Voice Heard

On December 9th, delegates from the GDRGC attended a meeting of the Member clubs of the East Kootenay Wildlife Association which included a discussion with the President and Executive Director of the BC Wildlife Federation.

The EKWA and the BCWF take our voice to regional and provincial tables to advocate for wildlife, habitats and hunters.

Being a member of the Golden District Rod and Gun Club means that you are also a member of the EKWA and the BCWF.

Bighorn Sheep Feeding Program - Looking for Volunteers!

The Kicking Horse Canyon bighorn sheep have been getting hit by vehicles on the TransCanada highway for many years. In an attempt to mitigate these losses and maintain this herd, we have reluctantly implemented a diversionary feeding program that has been successful in reducing traffic-caused mortalities.

This feeding program is planned to continue until fencing along the highway is effective in keeping sheep off the highway. This activity has been permitted under the Provincial Wildlife Act.

We are currently looking for volunteers to participate in the feeding program. This involves transporting and spreading hay at the designated feeding station once a day for a week. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Brian@goldenrodandgun.com

Interested in the sheep? Follow them on Instagram at @kickinghorsebighorns