Grizzly offer could entice B.C. hunters to try photo shoots, not lethal shoots

VANCOUVER – B.C.’s Coastal First Nations hope a luxurious offer will encourage grizzly hunters to exchange gunsights for sightseeing.

Spirit Bear Lodge, a First Nations-owned and operated facility near Klemtu, on the central coast, is offering an all-expenses-paid, five-night, guided bear-viewing experience to two hunters.

In exchange for the trip, the selected hunters must agree to hand over their valid licence allowing them to bag a grizzly bear this year within Coastal First Nations territories.

First Nations point to research showing bears in the region are worth more alive than they are dead.

Heiltsuk Coastwatch Director William Housty hunts to feed his family, but says it is against anyone’s common values to kill for fun and he urges hunters to leave their guns behind and see grizzlies from a First Nations perspective.

This year’s deadline for limited entry hunt licences expires later this month and eligible hunters interested in trading their licence for the bear viewing trip must contact Spirit Bear Lodge to be included in the random draw.