Game Animals

GAME ANIMALS IN EAST KOOTENAY FARING WELL. – Elk Particularly Plentiful In The Rocky Mountain Section.

A. Bryan Williams, game commissioner for the province, in his latest annual report gives the inference that the game animals of East Kootenay are holding their own and in many cases showing appreciable increases.   East and West Kootenay and the Boundary are under the supervision of C.F. Kearns, officer commanding.

Wapiti (elk) are particularly plentiful in the Rocky Mountain section of the

East Kootenay and continue to increase and extend their range.

            Mountain sheep are well established in the Rocky Mountains and are particularly plentiful in that area adjacent  to the Elk River game reserve.  Mountain goat are also well established in the district.

            There are a few flocks of prairie chicken in the East Kootenay valley, but are not numerous, although they appear to be increasing.

            Of the migratory game birds some of their favorite nesting places include the head waters of Kootenay Lake and the Kootenay River to the International boundary and the Columbia River from its source in Columbia Lake to a short distance below Golden, and also in many of the small lakes and sloughs.  Very good sport was obtained particularly in the Creston area and in the East Kootenay north of Canal Flat.  A few cranes have been noted in migration.

            As to vermin, 94 hawks, 745 crows, 832 magpies, 18 eagles, 64 cats, 20 dogs, 54 coyotes and 3 cougars have been destroyed by game wardens on patrol during the year.  Coyotes taken by trappers also amounted to 286.

Game Reserves

            The Elk River Game Reserve has been patrolled constantly both summer and winter by the game wardens stationed at Fernie and Canal Flat.  This area is a magnificent stretch of well-watered mountainous country with abundant pasturage.  Not only is it an ideal propagation area for elk, moose, sheep, goat and deer, but it offers a sanctuary for fur-bearing animals.  Its value is amply proven by the abundance and variety of game both within and without its borders.  The big-game hunting in the White River area and the Palliser Valley adjacent to the game reserve cannot be surpassed for sheep, goat, elk, moose, and both white tail and mule deer.

            Patrolling the game reserve during the winter-time is an arduous and difficult matter on account of the numerous streams, rough going, and, in places, heavy snowfall.  In this connection, Sinclair, of Canal Flat, is to be commended for the capable manner in which he has continually made extensive and arduous patrols during severe winter weather.  These patrols are necessary to ensure that the stock of fur-bearing animals, particularly beaver in the Middle and North Forks of the White River, are not molested by poachers.

            The deer sanctuary along the Wigwam River, near Elko, is and has been a great benefit as a winter yarding-ground for deer, particularly during the later part  of the open season.  There is a strong feeling among the sportsmen that this sanctuary should be converted into a game reserve, which would simplify the task of protective measures thereon, as at the present time hunters are not debarred from taking firearms across the sanctuary or closed area.