Planned area to hunt is road blocked, now what?

[Livinlarge]

So we are scheduled to leave to hunt the klappan on Wednesday. Looks like that's not gonna happen now. I'm looking at my alternatives now. Any info about good alternatives in around dease is going will be much appreciated.

I'm looking at the jade boulder road right now. I've been told that the road can be very rough and beat up trucks. Anyone know of the latest road condition there?

I've got two days to decide on a new spot, this should be fun.

[Buck]

Have the RCMP escort you through.They are probably there aren't they?Might work

[kilometers]

What you goin for? Moose caribou. ?
havent been two the jade for a couple years. It is usually rough. We always quad in. I have seen lotsa stock vehicles way back their in previous years.

[shotgunner]

If you are after Moose you might try the lake just north of town and to the east of Hwy. Locals always get their moose there. Quad trail in but it is a walkable hunt if you don,t mind packing.

[Darksith]

I would have a backup plan, but attempt to get through first. Even if you did it at night...its almost too late in the game to try and change now

[TexasWalker]

I'd try and roll through around 3am.
They should all be passed out by then.

[Avalanche123]

With so much rain in the forecast next several days, I'd avoid the Jade-Boulder road unless you have a light truck (think toyota), big tires, and a winch.

If you have a quad, your options increase.

[Cordillera]

I think the road is still washed out just at the klappan itself anyway but a quad may be able to get through. Alternatives exist up around cassiar, as well as across the dease river at the lake outlet if you can get across the river. The jade road can be really hard for vehicles to get through the first pass but this is a dry year.

[Livinlarge]

So after many hours of going through maps, chatting with people in the know and discussion with the group we have decided to go ahead as planned. We will head up to dease lake with options in hand and see where it takes us. Should be an adventure in the very least. Planning to stop by the roadblock and grab one of those very informative notices they are handing out.

[adriaticum]

I would set up a blockade right next to their blockade and prevent them from going back.

[burger]

So after many hours of going through maps, chatting with people in the know and discussion with the group we have decided to go ahead as planned. We will head up to dease lake with options in hand and see where it takes us. Should be an adventure in the very least. Planning to stop by the roadblock and grab one of those very informative notices they are handing out.


Video Video Video. Record your encounter.

You have the right attitude though. Go there talk to them see what's up and if they turn you back document the whole interaction and then go on an adventure to somewhere new. Hey you might find your next honey hole just around the corner.

A few years ago my hunting partners just opened a map a chose a lake to go to. It is now our go to place for moose.

[striperjack]

Heard they arent letting people into Jade mine either, Not 100% sure but what I heard

[junkyard_g]

look into if there are any resource workers in the area, wear a hard hat hi-vis and saftey goggles and say you're going to work.

[striperjack]

problem is they are not letting ANYONE thru

[Trapper]

So do you mean they are not letting anyone into dease lake itself or there not letting anyone into the Kapplan area

[Avalanche123]

hwy 37N is open. Never was closed.

[Trapper]

hwy 37N is open. Never was closed.

Thanks.... just had to make sure before I leave.

[Mountain Hunter]

Big province, look at a map.....might give you some ideas?

[Mountain Hunter]

Big province, look at a map.....might give you some ideas?
I meant that in a good way....there has to be more than one way to get in there and enjoy the hunt??

[Bigbruin]

Who said the road was blocked. We were just up there. No blockade.

[reach]

Who said the road was blocked. We were just up there. No blockade.
Good news. Which road?

[striperjack]

Ealue lake road is blocked. They just blocked it starting Sunday. No hunter or miner access


Eviction notice being served to hunters on Ealue lake Road;

Klabona Keeper Wildlife Management Notice

Attention: Resident Hunter

RE:

This week, armed RCMP surrounded a group of unarmed, peaceful members of Klabona Keepers. The group was occupying a drill site on the mountain behind thi...s blockade, because they were drilling without consultation or consent. All that was requested was a meeting between the company and the elders before releasing the drill. The company and government disrespected that request and flew in on helicopters to remove the drill. They came unannounced and heavily armed. Thereafter, the RCMP informed the group that if they communicated with anyone on their radio, which had been used to assure elders and family in Iskut of their safety throughout the week, they would be arrested.

This last minute resident hunter blockade was erected in response to this incident and the continued mismanagement of wildlife in the Klappan Area. For thousands of years Klabona Keeper Elders have protected their homelands and way of life in the Klappan area, and in particular over the last decade, from gas fracking, coal mining development, and wildlife mismanagement issues. Government and companies have failed time and time again to properly consult the Klabona Keepers and respect a long-term responsibility to these lands.

The Tahltan have never relinquished or signed treaties to the title and rights to the lands and resources within this territory. Therefore the Klabona Keepers have an inherent right to govern themselves and their territory according to their laws, customs, and traditions yet the government continues to dishonour this sovereignty and impose their illegitimate authority upon us.

On behalf of the Klabona Keepers we are putting you on notice of Klappan road and adjacent area closure. This is to ensure wildlife populations are sustained for the subsistence and cultural needs of the Tahltan people. Non-native resident hunters will benefit from this localized management of the area.

Since 2008, the Klabona Keepers have witnessed declines in moose and caribou populations; their concerns have gone unheard by provincial regulators. With Todagin Mountain now at lost because of Red Chris mining activities and the intense exploration and drill activity throughout the territory, Klabona Keepers feel that management actions need to be taken.
Particular issues that need to be resolved;
• RCMP intimidation tactics threatening Klabona Keepers
• Unsustainable amount of LEH tags compared to wildlife numbers
• Lack of management on Todagin Mountain – More bow hunters than legal rams
• LEH moose & Caribou should be no longer than two week season with limited entry.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration regarding our concerns and actions See More (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/#)

[boxhitch]

Somebody woke up the Keepers again ? They have been silent for 6 or 7 years.
Wildlife numbers are good in the area , they just want less hunter pressure on the easy ones close to the roads

[striperjack]

typical, our governement needs to stop folding for these guys,

contribute to society and society will help you

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Somebody woke up the Keepers again ? They have been silent for 6 or 7 years.
Wildlife numbers are good in the area , they just want less hunter pressure on the easy ones close to the roads


That's right. Didn't they just inventory the area surrounding the Klappan after the last (recent) blockade and found healthy moose numbers including bull to cow ratios??

[olympia]

Who said the road was blocked. We were just up there. No blockade.probably a rumour another caucasian hunter started to keep the rest of y'all whities out lol, just blame it on the injuns, it may increase his chances if he keeps all of you out.

[reach]

probably a rumour another caucasian hunter started to keep the rest of y'all whities out lol, just blame it on the injuns, it may increase his chances if he keeps all of you out.
The Ministry just posted about it too, so if it is a rumour, they've done a very good job of spreading it. From http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/news/

September 18, 2014


UPDATE: Notice to hunters: First Nations blockade at Ealue Lake Road


Members of local First Nations have established a blockade at the Ealue Lake Access Road near Iskut and government has been advised that resident hunters may be stopped at the blockade. Hunters planning to use the Ealue Lake Access Road are advised as follows:


We ask everyone to remain respectful of one another on the ground while we seek a resolution to the situation.
The Province considers the licences of guides, resident hunters and non-resident hunters to be valid. There is the possibility that resident hunters in the area may encounter protests.
All British Columbians have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and to express their point of view in a safe and legal way.
Hunters seeking direction on what to do if they encounter a protest, or who wish to report any confrontation should contact the local RCMP detachment.
The blockade of resident hunters at Highway 51 between Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek has been lifted following a dialogue between ministry staff and First Nations community members and leaders.

[striperjack]

look up klabona keeper they have all the info on FACEBOOK, pictures and all

[Peter Pepper]

I'd change the name of my truck to 'blockade runner'

[bandit]

look up klabona keeper they have all the info on FACEBOOK, pictures and all

Some of those Facebook post are hilarious! One guy said "we are a sovereign nation and are entitled to call in the Canadian Army to protect us from the RCMP"!!!

[Rob]

could fly in. Bet Kreyke is able to take people in. He told me on the phone it was his country in there.

[40incher]

Much of the comment by the Keepers sounds much like guide-outfitter rhetoric we have head in the past from the guides in the area, many of whom are Tahltan. Guess Reg wants them to do the dirty work while he carries on.

The truth hurts but it shows who is really killing the sheep, caribou and moose in Spatsizi, the Stikine and Edziza.

[striperjack]

Some of those Facebook post are hilarious! One guy said "we are a sovereign nation and are entitled to call in the Canadian Army to protect us from the RCMP"!!!


You can feel the lack of intelligence and inbreeding

[44inchStone]

I think the roadblock is a bunch of crap anyways. I too just came from there. The Jade road is POUNDED with quads, trucks and trailers from guys that were turned around on a Provincial Highway in which WE taxpayers pay money to maintain. What gives them ANY right to put ANY roadblock up ANYWHERE.
We have a WEAK government who only is in a world of hurt. SHAT is rolling down hill and we sportsman and woman are the ones sufforing.
They say we are doing all the moose killing. Maybe they should look in the mirror and have someone keep track of the many animals in which they kill out of season. Just because they are FN does not entitle them to a lifetime of free killing of any species and no rules.
SAD!

[Livinlarge]

Got back a couple days ago with nothing for the freezer. The freezer may be on the empty side but the memories and life experiences are a little fuller. It's an understatement to say the trip left us wanting more. One moose sighting in six days can be attributed to horrible weather and lack of knowledge of the new area. Can't help but feel a lot of resentment towards the roadblockers. Months of scouting, phone calls and research of a certain area went down the tubes. We showed up to an unknown area with no prior preparation.

Its clear that rcmp, conservation and the provincial government have no desire to protect our rights in allowing this roadblock to remain. How do we make our voices heard? I know our group was not the only one affected by this.

On a side note I talked to another hunter who was also impacted by the roadblock. He changed his hunt but said that there was a crazy group coming up from kitimat who would just drive right through the roadblock. Says they did this years ago when jade Boulder road was blocked. Anyone hear of anyone forcing there way through?

[Looking_4_Jerky]

On a side note I talked to another hunter who was also impacted by the roadblock. He changed his hunt but said that there was a crazy group coming up from kitimat who would just drive right through the roadblock. Says they did this years ago when jade Boulder road was blocked. Anyone hear of anyone forcing there way through?

You could certainly do this, but do you just think the party that pushed their way through the roadblock would just be left alone after that? The locals have the advantage of having reinforcements nearby if needed. What's the point of pushing your way through only to have to leave guys at camp every day to guard the stuff while the rest of the gang goes out? Look at the range of possibilities: From not guarding camp and having it ransacked, to getting into a fist fight you won't win, to feeling forced to shoot at someone, to getting shot at yourself, or some mix of those. I don't know about you, but that hardly makes for a fun hunting holiday in my books.

The government has "critical incident negotiators" on staff to deal with those sorts of situations. As these types of actions are costly to government, it is in govs best interests to get them resolved, but resolution takes time, and quite frankly, the last thing almost anyone is concerned about when dealing with these types of negotiations is that resident hunters cant go get their moose.

Good for you for just picking another area and going with it. Unfortunate that the new area didn't pay dividends, but most new areas require some time before success becomes becomes a reasonable expectation. Hopefully you guys will be rewarded some day for the work you've put in on the back-up area.

[Wentrot]

Why is everyone turning around? Is this actually being enforced by law? I think the worst thing people can do is bend over for things like this-its a damn highway ffs.

[Wentrot]

Oh yes-thats not a jab to anyone, just kinda thinking out loud...sorry lol

[Good2bCanadian]

I think even if you where to force your way through. Your camp and vehicle will be susceptible to vandalism or they could show up and do harm in the middle of the night.

It sucks. No matter how you play it.

[curt]

the problem is if you sneak through you risk having a camp trashed and that would suck

[Singleshotneeded]

get a big bush bumper!