We lost another one of the good guys a few weeks ago.

He was one of those people who put ethical hunting and sportsmanlike conduct, true conservation (in the field, not the armchair) and friends and family at the top of his priority list.

Earl Boose was 84, but he was driving up to the far north in B.C. from his home in Peachland to help out his grandson with 'the season' as he did every year.

Somewhere around Muncho Lake a moose charged out of the trees and onto the road, Earl swerved to avoid a collision, lost control in the gravel, and hit the trees.

Darwin Cary and his Scoop Lake Outfitters had to do without a special person this year.

Earl retired to the Okanagan about 16 years ago, after 22 years as a big game outfitter in the area of Watson Lake in the North West Territories.

He'd begun hunting and trapping as a boy on the farm in Saskatchewan and it sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

That translated into service on the executive of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, and for the last 16 years of his life, active involvement as a member of the Peachland Sportsman's Association.

With his friend Dan Jenkins of Peachland, he explored most of the lakes around the Okanagan, and enjoyed bringing in kokanee and rainbows at all times of the year.

The pair also hunted in the hills of the Okanagan every fall, patrolled as part of Wilderness Watch, and participated in a variety of habitat improvement projects.

Earl's honest and straightforward attitude towards people and life was refreshing, and his high ethical standards and warmth with friends and family will be missed.

Dan recalls he had strong views and was very knowledgeable about wildlife and their habitat. He despised poachers.

I have great respect for people who have the courage to take their convictions and put them to work in organizations to improve the lot of wildlife and habitat.

Judie Steeves
Kelowna Capital News