Residents living next to the former Royal Oak golf course in Saanich fear that illegal hunting has caused a “significant drop" in the local population of California quail.
“Since early July, several people have witnessed and reported frequent trapping of quail to the Capital Regional District (CRD) and other authorities,” said a resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We believe the trappers have almost decimated the quail population on and around the property.”
“Where we used to see quail several times a week, just basically in our backyards, people are just not seeing quail anymore,” they added.
B.C. regulations only allow for California quail to be hunted during October and November, by someone with a hunting license. However, as the 10.94 hectare piece of land, adjacent to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, is owned and managed by the CRD, any hunting of wildlife, including quail, is a violation of a CRD parks bylaw.
One witness told the CRD in July they saw one adult female and two children with a large trap containing up to 10 live quail. The witness said the woman told them they were “harvesting an invasive species.”
Whilst California Quail are an introduced species, the CRD has confirmed that the bird is still considered wildlife under the parks bylaw.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS), who work to protect the environment, fish and wildlife in B.C., also confirmed to Black Press Media they have received two complaints of unlawful trapping this year.
As the investigation is ongoing, the COS has said they are unable to provide further details.
“They have to stop," added the concerned resident. "Aside from the fact that it's illegal, quail is a very important part of the biodiversity in the area, and they’re just ripping it off."
The COS and the CRD have asked that anyone with information should contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
