Canada is not the stable bulwark of decades past.
Our immigration is out of control. Much of the government appears useless. Children continue to be caught in political and ideological crossfires. B.C. legalized opioids—now the province’s number one cause of deaths among teens—while magic shrooms and raw milk are still banned. Mortgage rates are high, inflation is aggressive, and wages are stagnant.
We could go on, but it’s getting depressing.
Amid such turbulence, it’s no wonder that many Canadians are seeking to regain control over their lives. Given that food is among the most precious of resources for humans, many approaches involve shrinking the food chain. This includes simple agricultural efforts such as growing fruit and vegetable in gardens or raising livestock—as well as an even older method: hunting.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation says that hunting in the province has always been popular, but has seen renewed interest recently. Nearly 8,000 people receive a hunting license from the BCWF each year, the nonprofit informed Kim Kimberlin of the 100 Mile Free Press, a Black Press Media subsidiary.
When asked why, BCWF advocacy coordinator Steve Hamilton said he believes the main factor is an uptick in people seeking food security.
“It’s becoming a lot more commonplace to get out and source their own food,” Hamilton told Kimberlin, adding that there is a powerful connection to nature through hunting that is beneficial to experience.
“A lot of people are realizing the connection to the outdoors that comes with getting out to hunt,” he said.
To obtain a hunting license, British Columbians must study the Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education program, which covers subjects such as Conservation, Law and Regulations, First Aid and Survival, Firearm Safety, Ethics, and Animal Identification. Completion of the Canadian Firearm Safety Course is also a requirement.
“The BCWF offers education programs to teach new hunters how to get started and to give experienced hunters the tips and tricks they need to elevate their skills,” the organization states online.
These programs include a “Learn to Hunt and Fish” series of online episodes in addition to the BCWF Learn To Hunt Academy, which is described as an “immersive hunter education program that will help you gain all the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to be a safe and successful hunter in BC.”
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