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Leef targets hunting

Leef targets hunting Yukon MP Ryan Leef is setting his sights on hunting and fishing. Leef is part of a newly-formed Conservative hunting and angling caucus that will advocate for Canada's hunters and fishers.

Yukon MP Ryan Leef is setting his sights on hunting and fishing.

Leef is part of a newly-formed Conservative hunting and angling caucus that will advocate for Canada’s hunters and fishers.

“It’s a group of us that have decided to get together to further that cause, and the unique history and culture of hunting and angling that Canada has. Most are sports men and women, hunters and anglers from across Canada who recognize the value of that in their ridings,” said Leef.

The caucus is made up of 30 Conservative MPs and senators.

Leef said the new caucus will be especially relevant to Yukoners, and provide a way for them to raise their concerns and ideas about hunting, fishing and trapping.

“Obviously, in the Yukon, we’re pretty unique in our traditions and values of hunting and angling, the way it was formed through a trapping culture and fur trading. Hunting and angling was a standard day-to-day way of life. It still is for many of the First Nation communities,” said Leef.

Leef has worked as an outfitter himself in the Yukon. In 2009 he got into hot water over a hunting report that he incorrectly filled out. He was cleared of any wrongdoing, and the error was written off as an honest mistake.

Leef will be in Whitehorse this weekend for a number of events, including the Yukon Outfitters Association’s annual Big Game Round Up, Dec. 1 at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre.

“It’s really neat for us to be able to get together and talk about how (hunting and fishing) has shaped and changed over the years. I think it’s something that a lot of other nations fade away from, as we become a more developed and industrious society. Hanging onto those roots is something we shouldn’t let go of,” said Leef.