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Thursd a y , J a n u a r y 1 6 , 2 014
ELK VALLEY
Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
FREE
Riders send Grizzlies into hibernation
Hwy maintenance concerns - Page 5 ELKFORD
Deer cull suspended - Page 4 SPARWOOD
Fundraising begins at Lilac Terrace - Page 4
ARTS
Ghostrider Austin Wells blocked all 17 of the Revelstoke Grizzlies’ shots on goal when the two teams battled it out at Fernie Memorial Arena on Friday, January 10. For the full story and more photos turn to page 19. Photo by S. Moulton
Deer cull in Elkford suspended for one week Jazz group in town Page 17
SPORT
Skaters capture gold Page 20
By Tamara Hynd Free Press Staff
E
lkford’s deer cull has been suspended for one week after the contractor was caught trapping during daylight hours, in violation of permit specifications. The permit specifies trapping is to take place in pre-dawn hours. “We take permit violations very seriously,” said John Krebs, Regional Manager Recreational Fisheries and Wildlife Programs Kootenay Boundary Region of
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. “We suspended the permit yesterday afternoon (January 7) for a period of one week over concerns with the timing of cull operations.” “The Conservation Officer Service will complete an investigation to gather information and determine if enforcement action is appropriate. We will review the suspension in one week to assess next steps.” The District reported that ten deer were harvested on January 6 and 7. All were mule deer in
apparently good condition. Two were males and the rest female, with an approximately 50/50 mix of adults and juveniles. The meat will be processed into ground meat and provided to local food banks. Some Elkford residents do not agree with the District's choice to execute a deer cull to lower the approximate 78-148 mule deer that are inhabiting the town limits. Environmental groups are also voicing their concerns. “The contract violator had killed 10 deer and should not be permitted to
continue to get permits. The permit should be revoked permanently!” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Foundation, founding director. B.C. Deer Protection Coalition are holding a spotlight on the Elkford deer cull, making statements that the cull contractor Carmen Purdy of CP Trapping was killing deer in daylight. However the District of Elkford feels “the urban deer harvest is proceeding well minus the unfortunate issue with the contractor trapping in the day light.”
Continued on page 4