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Ban highway hunting near Mount Lorne

Open letter to Environment Minister Wade Istchenko: Two recent topics discussed in the Yukon's media have created a problem for us. Discussions about the grizzlies seen along the Carcross Road and appropriate viewing

Open letter to Environment Minister Wade Istchenko:

Two recent topics discussed in the Yukon’s media have created a problem for us. Discussions about the grizzlies seen along the Carcross Road and appropriate viewing and discussions about roadside hunting have combined to create a hazard to our well being.

I am concerned that the perception that hunting is permitted along Yukon highways is causing a public safety issue in the Mount Lorne area. I live on the Cowley Road in the Mount Lorne hamlet.

On Sunday, June 14, my wife came across two men emerging from the bush near Kookatsoon Lake with rifles. When she asked if they were hunting bears, one replied they were allowed to hunt on the west side of the road in that area but not the east.

On Monday, June 15 around 8:30 p.m. and three more times between 9 and 10:30 p.m. I heard shots nearby when I was working outside. I called out, concerned that hunters may be shooting in my direction.

Residences are distributed along the Klondike Highway between the “cutoff” to Bear Creek. There are no two-kilometre spaces between residences along this stretch of highway. Hunters should not be hunting in this area because of the residences, but they may not be aware of these homes.

The solution is quite simple. Prohibit road side hunting along the South Klondike Highway in the Mount Lorne area, as has been the case along the Annie Lake Road. The likelihood of a shooting accident is unacceptably high if hunting is permitted in the area.

It may be a risk you and your party are willing to accept, but it is not an acceptable risk for Mount Lorne residents.

Bob Sharp

Mount Lorne