Jacks are out in central Alberta

[Thunderhog]

In my area, Region 8, wolves are more of a problem, along with the folks who like to shoot them with heavy centerfire bullets to watch them blow up.

The season is open for Rocky Mountain Snowshoe hares until April 30, but I haven't participated in the early season because of declining populations.

I'm not calling out anyone for participating in the early hunt, but it is counterproductive when you think about it.

Our region has been raped by logging, and it's starting to look apocalyptic in many areas. So much habitat has been destroyed, I'm not sure it will recover.

I know people have to make a living, and they work hard at it. Just don't like to see it.

Habitat destruction has more to do with declining Mule Deer, Rabbits, and upland game birds than any predation.

We've had huge bug kill areas that had to be harvested before the wood burned or rotted. All of this together has dried up huge areas, and nothing lives in them now.

No water, no game animals. That's the main reason they stick to private fields, lots of food, and often the only source of water within kilometers.

Those little mountain streams and ponds dry up when the trees are cut or die from bugs. The animals that can move out, but those that can't die or are easily spotted.

I likely won't live long enough to see it recover, but it is being replanted, which is another issue, as the deciduous vegetation is often eliminated.

We lived in the Okanagan for thirty plus years. I grew up in Osoyoos, so I am well aware of the decline in Mule Deer, WT Deer, California Bighorn Sheep, and other wildlife......

Oddly enough the elk seem to be doing well. I used to be a guide in Christian Valley for five years. Later in life I lived there for six years. In those days, the wildlife was abundant. I used to see 1200-1500 WT Deer in the spring (farmers fields), daily. I have a high school friend who lives there, he doesn't see fifty WT Deer in an entire season, and he hunts every day from September 1st to December 20th....

I used to see plenty of snowshoe hares during spring black bear and fall deer & elk seasons. I was also aware of the hunters who thought it was funny to shoot them with high-powered rifles. Unfortunately this practice is very rude, and not necessary........

My wife and I tried the meat of our hares out here in the East Kootenays, it did not pull our hair back..... Too each their own though.

 

[bearhunter]

I live in the North Okanagon, and it's worse up here.

Soak them overnight in Beer and Baking Soda, then fry them up with butter and garlic. MMMMMMM

 

[riversrest]

^^ Took down some small poplar leaning over the driveway a couple days ago. I leave the tops scattered in small bunches.

The jack rabbits took the opportunity stripping of the bark within 48 hours. Could have shot 1/2 dozen. Had a sausage and watched them feeding with the dog while drinking a beer. No animals hurt, It was formidable.