Welcome to the Wild Sheep Society of BC (WSSBC)
We are a non-profit registered Society dedicated to the protection and enhancement of wild sheep and wild sheep habitat throughout “Beautiful British Columbia”.
BC is very fortunate to be home to the largest and most diverse populations of wild sheep of any other province, state or territory in North America. From the dry desert-like climate of the southern interior to the glacial northern most corner along the Yukon border, you can find 4 sub-species of sheep spread across this province. They have adapted to and thrive in some of the harshest environments and they continue to be an iconic symbol of our BC wilderness.
First Nations peoples have long had a deep relationship with wild sheep and an understanding of their importance in the ecosystem. Sheep have also historically had many uses for First Nations including providing for sustenance, societal and ceremonial needs. More recently, they have become highly valued by wildlife enthusiasts for wildlife viewing, as a sign of wilderness and a healthy environment, and as one of the most challenging big game species a hunter can pursue.
The WSSBC was formed in 1998 by a group of dedicated sportsmen and women that recognized the challenges wild sheep face, and decided to take action. They believed it was their responsibility to protect the species they had come to admire. Since then, the Society has grown to hundreds of members provincially and internationally whose crucial funds and volunteer time are funneled into projects around BC with the goal of “Putting More Sheep On The Mountains”. Through our collective efforts, the WSSBC funds wild sheep science and research projects, habitat enhancement and protection projects, and transplants of sheep into unoccupied or historically occupied areas. During our annual Fundraiser and Convention, we engage our membership and the public with updates on the status of our wild sheep populations throughout the province, the latest on our projects and research, awareness of wild sheep health and disease issues, and other educational events related to wild sheep and sheep hunting.
We invite you to tour through our website and learn more about our wild sheep in BC, and we encourage you to become part of our efforts to sustain “Wild Sheep Forever”!
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IMPORTANT MEETING.
BULL RIVER BIGHORN SHEEP UPDATE
The trajectory for the Bull River Bighorn Sheep population over the last 8 years is rapidly declining to zero.
2010: 160
2014: 120
2017: 74
2018: 48
The lowest this herd has been since 1986 is 80 sheep. Currently, there is no formal recovery plan for the Bull River herd. Their winter range is severely degraded by weeds and the native grasses that are left are subject to livestock grazing all summer/fall. Two highways run through their winter range, there is a mine planning to re-open and an industrial power generation station in the middle of their habitat. Their winter range is covered by an AMA but the area is popular all winter long with recreational hikers and their pets. There are 3 domestic sheep producers within walking distance of the herd. One ewe died of pneumonia this past winter.
The provincial Bighorn Harvest Policy (3.2.1) states. "Bighorn Sheep populations with less than 75 observed sheep should be not be hunted, unless required to meet management objectives".
At 48 remaining animals the Bull River Sheep herd won't be closed to hunting but instead it will be on LEH starting this fall.
But what are the management objectives?
Come out to this event and ask some hard questions about what the real plan is to prevent this herd from going to zero.
EKWA has requested to government several times that a formal recovery plan be developed for the Bull River herd and for all other sheep herds in Region 4 that are in decline. There has been no commitment from government to invest big $ for Bighorn Sheep recovery in Region 4.
70% of the sheep herds in Region 4 have less than 75 animals left in them. 85% of the herds are within 20% of the 75 animal threshold. Some herds have not been counted for 10 years and a few herds are now functionally extinct and hunting has been closed for those herds.
If you are in Fort Saint John at the 46th annual FSJ Trade Show stop by and see the WSSBC Crew. Directors Josh Hamilton, Korey Green, Robbie Englot, and Robin Rutledge will be around throughout the weekend.
For those of you that have never seen a bighorn before, come by our booth and check them out. We will be doing some cool giveaways throughout the weekend too.
Come BUY a MEMBERSHIP and help us to protect and enhance wild sheep and their habitat in BC.
We are also selling tickets on the beautiful Fierce 270 wsm with a Swarovski Z5 Scope. Get them before they are gone.
Do you have a passion for wildlife and are interested in conservation work?
The Wild Sheep Society of BC is recruiting an Executive Assistant to help in the day to day operations of our Society. We are looking for an individual that is highly motivated to help our organization further its wild sheep conservation efforts.
If you think you might be a good fit check out the job description below. If you are still interested forward your credentials to kstelter@wildsheepsociety.com.
www.wildsheepsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WSSBC-Executive-Assistant-Position.pdf
wildsheepsociety.com
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