Elkford deer kill permit revoked

The company hired by the tiny BC community of Elkford to conduct a deer cull has had its contract revoked after violating terms of the permit.

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - File Photo

According to Lifeforce, an organization leading the charge to boycott BC deer culls, the licence was revoked Friday.

The company hired by the municipality was contracted to cull up to 50 deer, however, the cull was to have been performed after dark.

The cull began Jan. 6 and, allegedly, the contractor culled 10 deer in broad daylight. One of those was witnessed by an eight year old boy.

The company's permit was suspended the following day by the province pending an investigation.

On Jan. 10 Fernie Conservation Officer, Frank DeBoon, told Lifeforce that the permit was revoked due to noncompliance and it will be determined by the Wildlife Branch if they will go ahead with reissuing the permit over the next few days.

“The Conservation Officer Services should be commended for acting swiftly and responsibly. The BC Wildlife regulations are there to make sure that all government requirements are adhered to. Those who wantonly violate their permit conditions should be fined and disallowed any future permits,” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder and Director.

“Lifeforce will continue to urge the BC Minister Steve Thomson to permanently cancel the permit, to not issue any further permits to this contractor, and to fine those responsible for violations under the BC Wildlife Act.

Lifeforce will also continue to discuss humane, nonlethal methods to government officials and politicians.