In 17th century Europe, wildlife was closely managed by private land owners and hunting was an activity for the wealthy. For the early settlers, the New World seemed to promise unlimited resources and there were few constraints on the use of wildlife. As a result, by the late 1800s some wildlife populations were noticeably impacted.
Hunters and anglers began to advocate for a new way of looking at the use of natural resources that ensured sustainability for the future and the preservation of tradition. The principles coming out of this movement eventually coalesced into The North American Wildlife Conservation Model. This model has been critical to the success of wildlife management throughout North America.

The Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) is a strong supporter of The North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Guide outfitters have a rich tradition of sustainable hunting practices and are conservative in their use of wildlife. The GOABC believes this model is consistent with the stewardship and good hunting ethics purported by guide outfitters. In British Columbia, successes from this model include whitetail deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk and black bear. All of these populations were nearly extinct in the early 1900s, but are now healthy and growing.

The North American Wildlife Conservation Model

1. Wildlife is a public resource.
In the United States and Canada, wildlife are held in the public trust and managed by government for the benefit of all people.

2. Eliminate the market for wildlife.
Strong laws and enforcement in the United States and Canada make it illegal to sell the meat or parts of any wild animal in North America.

3. Manage wildlife through law.
Hunters are allowed to harvest surplus wildlife. Laws and regulations exist to protect wildlife populations and ensure fair opportunity.

4. Hunting should be democratic.
In North America, every citizen has an opportunity to hunt and fish in compliance with the law. Hunting is not limited by private land owners or special privilege.

5. Wildlife should only be killed only for legitimate reasons.
There must be a balance between opportunity and regulation. Many states and provinces have laws and regulations protecting against the wanton waste of wildlife. In North America, the broad guidelines that restrain use are for food, fur and predator control.

6. Wildlife species are an international resource.
Wildlife management in one country will affect wildlife elsewhere. Working collaboratively, the United States and Canada manage land and wildlife to make sure that no country takes more than its share of the common resource.

7. Use science to guide wildlife management decisions.
Wildlife management based on population estimates and habitat research helps ensure stewardship and prudent decision-making.

Meat Donation Program

Over the last few years, members of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia, through their local associations, have donated thousands of pounds of free-range, organic game meat to the Salvation Army to help feed those in society who need a helping hand.  Please contact Jennifer Johnson at info@goabc.org or 604-541-6332 if you would like to get involved in this program.

Helping Wildlife

Members of the GOABC have a long history of working hard on many different wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement projects all over British Columbia. From funding wildlife research, enhancing salmon streams, improving habitat for various species, to providing dollars for wildlife patrols and highway reflectors, GOABC has always been there and will continue to be there.

Habitat Conservation Trust Fund

Members of GOABC and their clients, along with all other hunters in British Columbia, contribute to this government-managed fund through a license surcharge. Over the past 14 years, the Fund, which was created by an Act of the Legislature, has provided over $23 million for more than 1,500 fish and wildlife enhancement projects in the province.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

GOABC local associations, North Central Guides, and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast have, for several years, given young people a special opportunity to learn more about the outdoors and wildlife. With the helping hand of professional guide outfitters, the boys and girls from Big Brothers/Big Sisters go horseback riding, fishing and camping in some of BC's most spectacular backcountry.