The British Columbia Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BCBHA) was established in February of 2014 to become the first official international chapter of Backcountry Hunters Anglers (BHA). The vision of BHA is to truly be a continental conservation powerhouse.
The initiative to join BHA developed in the East Kootenay region of BC, and has now grown to include representation from around our enormous province We now have established committees and directors in regions throughout the province including Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Central BC, Northwest BC, and the East and West Kootenay. There is no better place in the world to be a hunter or angler than British Columbia.
Although we have abundant opportunity to go afield every day of the year, it is not only this quantity of opportunity we need to maintain. We also need to maintain quality, wild opportunities. Opportunity with challenge, solitude, effort, peace and quiet, and wildness where we can get away from industrial activities and industrial strength recreation of our fast-paced society. Where wilderness is still the pristine legacy of nature. Where we can chase after childhood dreams of wild bulls, bucks and rams in mountains still wild.
We liked the BHA message and BHA's articulate way of expressing concerns for our wild public lands. This is why BC sportsmen and women joined BHA. Hopefully our efforts, combined and coordinated with the established conservation groups already standing up for wildlife and habitat in BC, amplifies this collaborative effort. Our membership has continued to grow, and we are now over 2000 members.
BCBHA looks forward to sharing BHA’s strong conservation message on our public lands to ensure quality habitat, wildlife populations and the subsequent quality outdoor opportunities that result from good decisions for wildlife and habitat management in British Columbia.
Steve Nikirk - Chair
Steve was born and raised on Vancouver Island. The oldest of four boys, very close in age, he often found himself outside with the door locked behind him. This ensured that he and his brothers could enjoy some fresh air while their poor mother could find a moment of respite! Hence, from a very young age, he was always outdoors. There wasn’t a body of water, whether it be a raging river or a meandering creek, that was left unexplored in search of the elusive cutthroat or rainbow trout.
At the age of nine, Steve put on his first uniform as a member of the Navy League Cadet Corps Admiral Yanow. Ten years later, he aged out as the Coxswain of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Esquimalt. He then went on to serve as a Reserve Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. This journey, which would span twenty-one years, included survival training both on and off water, countless leadership opportunities, marksmanship, citizenship, drill, first aid, physical fitness, sailing, seamanship, navigation, summer camps, exchange programs, and naval deployments. Steve’s time with the cadet organization and the Canadian Forces helped to shape an experienced instructor of Canada’s youth, providing him with a skillset that he hopes will help contribute to getting the next generation involved with BHA and wildlife conservation.
Steve is also an experienced carpenter and has been swinging a hammer for the past twenty years. He finds carpentry very rewarding, not only because you have the power to create, but because it also keeps your problem-solving skills sharp each and every day. He currently enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and three young children. Steve spearheaded a very successful effort to create a BHA table within region one to provide a permanent voice for wildlife and wild places. The BC BHA organization has been a perfect fit, and Steve has subsequently found a way to combine his passion for the outdoors with being able to set a positive example for the next generation.
Andrew Van Vliet – Co-Chair
Andrew grew up in British Columbia's Lower Mainland. As a child, he enjoyed the outdoors and family camping and fishing trips that took him into the interior of BC. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Materials Engineering, Andrew looked for a place to escape the city where his career and passion for the outdoors could meet, and moved to Trail, BC in 2008, and has never looked back.
As an avid fly fisherman, Andrew quickly began exploring the trout-laden waterways of the Kootenays and soon developed another passion in hunting. Andrew heard about BHA during Bill Hanlon's 'Ice Man' presentation in Trail. After researching the group's mission and values, Andrew knew he found his tribe.
Andrew looked for opportunities to get involved in the BC Chapter, and after exponential growth of the groups in 2017-2018, found himself as a regional director of the West Kootenay.
"When I read about BHA, I knew I found a group that shared my passion and values. BC is in need of a group like BHA that is taking a fresh approach to conservation and engaging all ages. As a new hunter, I constantly hear about 'the good old days, which motivates me to help protect BC's wild places."
Adam Crompton - Treasurer
Originally from the lower mainland, Adam grew up focused on rugby and soccer until a string of knee surgeries forced him to look for other hobbies. Fly-fishing and backcountry hiking were Adam’s first real outdoor passions, but he often found himself overlapping with members of the hunting community who spoke of their hunting adventures. After a few years of hearing stories, curiosity got the better of Adam, and he jumped in headfirst into backcountry hunting. After getting hooked while exploring BC’s hunting opportunities, he realized that he was participating in a system without working to leave it better than he found it. Cue joining BHA. Adam currently resides in the Okanagan and is excited to put his financial background to good use as the Chapter's treasurer.
Stuart Masterman - Secretary
Stuart has been exploring wild places since childhood, and has called British Columbia home for over 20 years. Growing up in the UK, he often camped, hiked, climbed or biked in National Parks and other areas, but only truly understood the meaning of wilderness when he found himself 5 days deep into the mountains of north-western BC face to face with a group of mountain goats.
Work and play have taken him to the 4 corners of BC and beyond, and these days he lives in Campbell River on Vancouver Island with his family. He hunts, fishes, skis, and hikes throughout the year and lives for the opportunity to venture into remote places in search of adventure. His primary focus is backcountry mountain mule deer hunting, which continues to be a soul-nourishing, humbling endeavor each fall. Cooking, preserving, and sharing wild fish and game with his family and friends is one of his favourite parts of an outdoor lifestyle.
Through BHA, he hopes to contribute to preserving access to wild places, conserving wildlife, and passing on the torch of conservation to future generations.
Nathan England - Region 1 Co-Chair
Born in Abbotsford BC, Nate has grown up in the outdoors and fishing, catching his first fish at 6 months old. He is a relatively new hunter (5 years) and is still working on getting his first big game animal. Having moved over to Vancouver Island with his fiancée in 2020, he quickly teamed up with the awesome Region 1 BHA team. Wanting to step up for conservation and BHA values, Nate joined the table in February 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. Nate works for the School District of Nanaimo as a maintenance helper on both the construction and grounds sides, helping with any projects that are needed. When he’s not out at a BHA event (or planning one), he can be found chasing elusive blacktail deer and any freshwater fish he can entice to bite. Nate can also be found pulling uncle duty with his niece and nephew or doing hobby leatherwork.
Dylan Ewen - Region 1 Co-Chair
Dylan grew up in Northern British Columbia, where he developed a profound love for the outdoors. Inspired by his father's tales of outdoor adventures, Dylan's passion for various outdoor pursuits blossomed. Being raised in the north provided endless opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and riding recreational vehicles.
Later, Dylan relocated to Vancouver Island for school, discovering a new place to call home. This move challenged him to embrace independence and reignited his childhood passion for the outdoors. On the Island, Dylan has immersed himself in fly fishing, foraging, waterfowl hunting, salmon fishing, and pursuing the elusive blacktail deer.
In recent years, Dylan's enthusiasm for conservation has flourished. He is dedicated to preserving public lands for future generations. The BHA community has been a supportive environment where Dylan connects with fellow hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who share his commitment to conservation.
Skye Davidson - Region 2 Chair
Skye Davidson was born and raised in Coquitlam and has lived in Region 2 his whole life. Growing up, he spent a ton of time outdoors with family, both in Cub Scouts and camping. He didn’t grow up in a hunting family, but got to see it and hear about it from his family in Lone Butte. He first got into waterfowl hunting and has a passion for it. That passion moved to big game and archery hunting. As a guy who loves to tinker, Archery has taken hold. Now with a wife and 2 kids of his own, he enjoys heading out to camp, overland, or fish with the kids. Being outdoors and making sure the next generations get to enjoy it is a huge driver.
n/a - Region 3 Chair
This position is open. Are you the next Region 3 chair? Get in touch with us at [email protected]
Bernie Pitura - Region 4 (East) Chair
Bernie’s love for the outdoors started to develop early in life when his Father introduced him to hunting and fishing at the age of six years old. Together, he and his lovely wife raised two beautiful Daughters. His love for water sports, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, and anything to do with the great outdoors was transferred to his daughters. They have now taken firm hold of the torch and are nurturing his three grandchildren in a similar manner.
After graduating from Langley Secondary School, he worked closely with his father in a large drywall construction company. Realizing that he wanted more security and balance in his life, Bernie chose a law enforcement career with the then Canada Customs. He spent the next 30 years rising through the ranks with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), retiring in 2017, working as Chief of Operations in the lower mainland area.
In early 2022, Bernie and his family moved to the Cranbrook area, where he continues to develop relationships and connections with the wonderful people in the east Kootenay. Being an avid outdoorsman and helping introduce family and close friends to hunting and fishing, and the outdoors seemed like the perfect segway to become an active member of the BC BHA community. The Values and Mission of the BHA align with those of he and his family.
His ability to work with and collaborate with government and private sector stakeholders was seen as an asset and valuable competency during his career. With the help of the BHA community, he is hopeful to make a positive impact and lasting impression on the Region 4 (East) Kootenay team and BC Chapter.
Joe Munn - Region 4 (West) Chair
Joe and his family live in Rossland and spends his time fishing, hunting, and hiking with his family and close friends. Joe began hunting as an adult, and through volunteering with BHA, he would like to help young people get outside to enjoy and explore the backcountry. He is passionate about the principles of fair chase and preserving access to public land so that it can be enjoyed for generations.
n/a - Region 5 Chair
This position is open. Are you the next Region 5 chair? Get in touch with us at [email protected]
Tristan McMullan - Region 6 Chair
Tristan grew up in northeastern Ontario and migrated west chasing adventure. Backcountry camping, lake-hopping, and portaging were constant summer adventures, and ice fishing and snowmobiling filled the winter weekends. Growing up in a small town in an agriculturally rich area offered plenty of opportunities on public land and private land. Since moving to British Columbia, the pursuit of game further into public land has brought him his most memorable stories.
These days, he can be found exploring northwestern BC, based in Terrace. Northwestern BC is rich with adventure and also industrial and commercial opportunities. Joining BHA is an opportunity to help spread the message of responsible land use while ensuring we have public places for future generations to hunt, fish, and explore.
Brian Boyes - Region 7A Chair
Bryan grew up in the outdoors of the West Kootenays, hunting, fishin,g and hiking. Early lessons in conservation of species and landscapes took hold and guided him to Prince Geroge for university. Lessons and life experiences further reinforced the importance of science and conservation for the preservation of opportunities on the landscape. Through the application of these lessons and utilizing the use of British Columbia’s vast crown lands, their protection also began to take on important significance.
When not spending time on horseback with his wife and dogs, Bryan can be found enjoying all the outdoor opportunities, hunting, fishing, and exploring mostly in the central BC area, but also throughout the whole province. These travels have highlighted the unique threats to British Columbia’s wildlife and the lands they call home and have brought to the forefront, if not us, who will step forth to conserve what we have.
n/a - Region 7B Chair
This position is open. Are you the next Region 7B chair? Get in touch with us at [email protected]
Justina LeeStolz - Region 8 Co-Chair
Justina is a nature enthusiast who grew up camping, hiking, and foraging as a kid with her dad (albeit she’d “forage” just about anything, including flowers and grass). She ventured into the world of gun ownership in 2017 with her CORE and PAL licenses, but didn’t wholeheartedly step into hunting until 2021, when she dove headfirst into a season of solo hunts. Not coming from a family of hunters presented some steep learning curves, but she loves the challenge of figuring it all out and connecting with others who share her passion for wild things and places.
Jordan Dubyna - Reg 8 Co-Chair
Jordan was born in the Okanagan as the first of 5 children. He was raised on a couple of hundred acres of land, so being outdoors was a given. From as early as he can remember, Jordan spent his time riding horses, hunting, trapping, and fishing with his grandfather, dad, and uncle.
Jordan’s passion for hunting increased when he got married and had two children, as he wanted to make sure his family was raised on wild game.
Jordan’s desire to have a voice in conservation also grew as he wanted to make sure his children and their children could experience the same things he loves. This is what drove him to join BHA: make a difference, be the difference.
Alan Duffy - Conservation Director
Alan lives in the East Kootenay area of the province. He and his wonderful wife raised two daughters and tried to expose them to the many outdoor pursuits available in the area. Alan started hunting a little later in life, but became immersed right away and loves to spend time on mountain hunting adventures. The mountains are a huge draw and Alan is always looking forward to the next adventure, whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, backcountry skiing, or horseback.
Alan became a member of BHA when the BC Chapter was founded and has become more and more involved over the years. He has taken on various roles over that time frame, including serving as the chair of the BC Chapter for the past 6 years. The chapter has grown tremendously in membership and recognition over this timeframe, and has provided opportunities for involvement in many advisory bodies. Alan will continue this involvement as Conservation Director, serving on various committees.
We are very fortunate in our area of the world to still have big wild landscapes that we can adventure in. With this privilege comes the responsibility to protect what is remaining. Alan is happy to be working hard for positive change to wildlife and habitat management in British Columbia and for the protection and sustainability of our backcountry. BHA provides the venue to magnify individual voices and fight for what we believe in.
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