When out upland hunting earlier this week I was surprised by the number of signs for this program. I was especially surprised to see my land was so posted.The land is rented but I believe it was someone other than the renter who put up the signs. I was also stopped by one land owner who came over to check that we were not Americans.
Some of the reasoning behind the program is that many of the hunters are influencial professionals and businessmen. The border closing has drastically hurt the income of farmers and ranchers and will lead to several business failures. Farmers are very tired of American trade disputes over virtually all our products, wheat, beef, pork have all been the subject of such diputes which have virtually all been found to be groundless but once an WTO ruling comes down it is followed by another bogus claim.
It will hurt outfitters and hotel operators but many see this program as necessary at this time. Rather than dump on the farmers perhaps a letter to your MP urging support for the farm sector is more in line. Also try a letter to American officials.
When older cows are being sold for 2 cents a lb. as has been happening or a bull wieghing 1950 lbs. returns less than 2 dollars after auction fees, etc. something must be done. Unfortunately the farmers have few other options. If a few American hunters have there hunt plans ruined it hardly compares to a cattleman losing his livlihood.

I thought it was an interesting method for the farmers to voice thier displeasure with a US government policy.

I don't know if it is a good or bad idea

Is it actually affecting outfitters? I though it was mostly private waterfowl hunters that are being affected?

Wow guys. I had no idea Canada was another place where Americans aren't welcome. Guess I will give up on the Canadian hunting dreams, as I doubt the USDA will listen to some hunter from Oregon.
Just keep in mind you are welcome here. I met some Canadian guys at a primitive arts (e.g., making bows, arrows, arrowheads out of obsidian) gathering and they were a really fine bunch.

You are correct. Bear and, I am almost positive, not private (British Columbia)......still I find it a shame that two peoples with so much in common are not getting along better.

Kind of like our Republicans and Democrats.

I agree Oscar, smart like hammmers, these guys. - Dan

.44, I'm not sure if I caught the meaning of your post, 'cause I'm not very bright. Are you opposed to coming to B.C.? The Queen Charlotte Islands have some real good black bears. You might bag an old hippie, too! Check out Prophet Muskwa Outfitters on the web.

What are the ranchers supposed to do? The outfitters are mainly but not all on crown land. Are they reimbursing the ranchers to hunt on their land? If they are that would be illegal. And it would be a dangerous precident to start paid hunting up here. It dosn't really matter what we say or do sombody is allways going to get the short end of the stick. I hope that everone one up here is buying AB beef. I heard but do not no if it is true" if it dosn't say AB beef on the package it's not".Also if we are like hammers. Where are your great ideas to help. I have not seen any of yours Dan.

Fred, I understand that the farmers and ranchers are getting hooped by BSE (I come from a farming family, on both sides). However, I fail to see where annoying US hunters will do anything to advance our Alberta beef product (and yes, when I buy beef, I get it personally from a couple of ranchers I know). I also undertsnad that our Federal government will do NOTHING to alleviate this scenario so long as the Liberals remain in power. Beef rendering plants are being built in each western province as we write these words, cheaper and faster tests are available for BSE (the Italian test comes to mind) so that we could indeed test every cow, and market the meat as such. You don't think that a premium tested "safe" beef wouldn't find a hungry world market, willing to pay for that premium? I think they would. So where is the assistance, investors, and support for doing something about the problem rather then just pissing in someone else' s cornflakes (the hunters and guiding industry)? I don't know, perhaps we should ask King Ralph, if he's done dissing the handicapped and wants to play at being a provincial leader again. Of course, farmers and ranchers aren't usually rich oil companies, so I don't think Ralph will listen much, but what the hell, there is an election happening. Maybe if every provincial rep got badgered on this subject at every political meeting they might get it through thier thick skulls that we do indeed want something worthwhile done about the problem (instead of giving money away to US owned meat plants). Have you phoned/written/emailed your MLA about the problem? I have, if you haven't, get on it. Making someone else's situation worse does not make yours better; misery may love company but it's a damn poor way to run your life. - Dan

I agree with you dan,

I have wrtten to my MLA. I also agree that misery loves company and thats shitty. But on the flip side of the coin even though I dont think that hunting caused by both residents and non residents could have much of an impact. But Here goes. Right now the ranchers are affected, they allow no hunting to Americans so the outfitting industries take a hit, So now local restraunts,hotels and gas stations also start taking hits,etc,etc... Now there are more lobby groups from different industries voicing their concerns. One day someone hopefully has to listen. Also you will have American hunters bitching saying that we are having trouble hunting in Canada because our border is closed. I think it is really crappy playing tit for tat. Unless we really start looking after our own first there arn't really much options.