Our History

Then, Now & Always

Discover our origins

Working together for conservation

Our origins date back to the 1890s, when volunteer conservationists established fish and game protective associations that formed the basis of some of our current member clubs.

In those days, British Columbia’s fish and wildlife management fell under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government’s Chief Game Warden, but conservation was very much a cooperative affair with the clubs. This tradition of collaboration continued throughout the decades, with Provincial agencies and volunteer conservationists working together for the benefit of the greater community. The BC Wildlife Federation incorporated under the BC Societies act in 1951, and became a registered charity in 1969. Today, the Federation is British Columbia’s leading conservation organization.

A short history

For nearly 130 years, volunteers and Provincial agencies have worked together to conserve and protect British Columbia’s wildlife and wild spaces. From our origins to today, discover our most important historic moments.

1/11

1890s

The first Fish and Game Clubs and Protective Associations originate and work cooperatively with the Provincial Chief Game Warden.
2/11

1930s

The Province establishes the BC Game Commission to manage fish and wildlife resources in consultation with volunteer clubs, according to territorial zones.
3/11

1947

The BC Game Commission brings all fish and game clubs in BC to come together under one body, bearing the costs of collaboration for ten years.
4/11

1951

The first collaboration of clubs incorporates under the BC Societies Act as the Sportsmen’s Council to help the BC Game Commission manage fish and wildlife for all British Columbians.
5/11

1966

BC Federation of Fish and Game Clubs changed its constitution and applied for charity status to create the new BC Wildlife Federation. This new organization established that the Federation was involved in all ways of conservation for the benefit of everyone. The Federation had over 150 clubs and over 17,000 members.
6/11

1975

After a long public information campaign BCWF convinced cabinet to instruct the Water Resource Branch through the Environment Land Use Committee Secretariat to look at alternatives to building the Chemainus dam. This was the first-time cabinet ever reversed a decision.
7/11

1986

Membership reached a high of 37,000 direct members and a board position was created to represent direct members.
8/11

1990

The BCWF Fishing Forever program was established in 1989 by Walt Liimatainen but really got up and going during the early 1990’s.
Photo: Jessica VanIerland
9/11

2007

BCWF spent a lot of time and energy to address the lack of the provision to retain a wild steelhead in the new Provincial Steelhead policy. There was indication by the Ministry of Environment that if a biological surplus can be proven, then the opportunity for the retention of wild steelhead will be provided.
10/11

2008

The BCWF played a lead role in establishing the BC Wildlife Coalition (BCWC) in 2008. BCWC is a coalition of the BCWF, Guide Outfitters Association of BC, Trappers Association and Ducks Unlimited as an associate member. The Coalition had a united voice focused on the motto “Land use issues are Wildlife Issues”.
Photo Credit: Jessica Rodriguez
11/11

2018

A major focus of the Federation was to protect two islands in the Heart of the Fraser, that provide crucial habitat for salmon species and white sturgeon. The Federation formed a coalition with other environmental and steward organizations to raise awareness about the importance of these islands and to fight to protect them.

FAQ

Who are the BC Wildlife Federation’s members?

The BCWF membership is made up of 43,000 outdoor enthusiasts from ten regions of the province, who hunt, fish, camp, hike and spend time outside with their families. There are one hundred BCWF-affiliated fish and game protective associations and rod and gun clubs, making up about 80 percent of the total membership.

What does the BC Wildlife Federation do?

The BC Wildlife Federation mission is to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for present and future generations.
The BCWF has a mandate to:

  • Consult with all levels of government
  • Provide outdoor education and conservation expertise
  • Lead outreach activities promoting British Columbia’s outdoor heritage
  • Advocate for science-based fish and wildlife conservation and management
  • Defend access to public resources
What percentage of charitable donations goes directly to conservation projects?

Charitable donations go directly to the BCWF conservation and education programs. Thirteen percent of the BCWF revenue from member fees, sponsorship and donations go to the costs to administer the business of the organization. Member fees make up 37 percent of Federation revenue. BCWF Service Expenses:

  • 51% Conservation and Education Programs
  • 26% Membership Services, Meetings and Convention
  • 13% Administration and General
  • 10% Political Advocacy
What is the governance structure of the BC Wildlife Federation?

The BCWF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership, made up of:

  • Eight Directors
  • Five Executive Committee; President, Two Vice-Presidents, Treasurer and Past President
  • Ten Regional Presidents

The BCWF Board of Directors meets in person four times a year. The daily business of the organization is overseen by the Executive Committee, which includes staff and contract Directors of Corporate Operations, Strategic Initiatives and Fish and Wildlife Restoration.

Club and Region delegates to the BCWF AGM and Convention help to direct the work of the Board and Committees through the submission of resolutions, which are debated and voted upon democratically. Board members Chair the various BCWF Committees, whose work is supported by the staff, Board of Directors and members.

What are the BC Wildlife Federation’s current priorities?

The BCWF 2017-2022 Strategic Plan outlines its business priorities:

  • Sustainability of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats
  • Ensure public access to recreational and outdoor activities, fish and wildlife resources and crown land
  • Provide science/fact-based solutions for its members and other stakeholders in B.C
  • Sustainability of firearms and recreational sport shooting pursuits
  • A financially sustainable organization that serves its members
Do I need to complete the CORE Program if I completed a hunter education program outside of BC?

No. Individuals who have completed a hunter education program from another province or territory of Canada, or a state of the United States of America, are exempt from the requirement to complete the CORE Program. Contact a Service BC Centre for more details on program exemption.