MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Jesse Bone

My name is Jesse Bone and I am co-owner and producer at Filter Studios Inc. We produce films that focus on the outdoor space, hunting, fishing, environmental issues, conservation, etc…

I am originally from Northern BC and moved to Vancouver Island in 2005 after my wife and I got married. Being from Northern BC, I had easy access to the outdoors. Fishing in small creeks and ponds for brook trout was my main obsession. As I grew up, my focus turned to post secondary education, which led me to move to Southern BC.

I am brand new to the RMGA membership, jumping onboard this year. I am also a director for the Wild Sheep Society of BC, another rock solid conservation organization. As well, my company Filter Studios is a certified business member of 2% for Conservation.

1. Why did you choose to become a member of RMGA?

I chose to become a member of RMGA because I saw an organization that was making the right decisions and doing things the proper way. I believe that making good decisions in the conservation world can make or break your success. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was that made me decide to become a member, other than just knowing that RMGA is doing it right.

2. What was your first ever experience with mountain goats and what's the story?

My very first experience with mountain goats was when I was filming my friend Tash on his first goat hunt. It was the middle of September and we flew into a beautiful glacial lake. Once landed, we spotted goats on our intended mountain! I was the camera operator on the hunt, so I had to work double time to keep on top of filming. It turned out to be a very hot week while we were hunting. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the temperatures were in the mid 20s (70s if you’re south of the border). Once we got to the tree-line, we made camp and headed to the glacial stream to fill our empty water bottles.

Upon arrival we found the entire herd of goats drinking from the stream and feeding in the grass. We sat quietly, 300 yards away from over 20 goats. It was beautifully amazing. Everyone talks about the intricate family hierarchy with goats, and we got to witness it. I remember a big Nanny bullied the biggest Billy out of the grass patch, essentially kicking him out to make room for the rest of the family. The kids were yelling, frolicking and feeding in the grass. I will never forget that night, those sounds and the interactions we were so lucky to have witnessed.

3. What do you think is the most important wildlife conservation success in modern history?

I am relatively new to the not-for-profits of the conservation world. I can tell that over the past 4-5 years, I have noticed a wave of ‘boots on the ground’ efforts increasing. To be honest, that is probably because people are more visual on social media with their efforts. I know there have been many great boots on the ground before me. That is how we have our wildlife today! Don’t get me wrong, the boardroom conversations, legislation, politics and policy are all part of the game. But, there has been a visual shift from organizations like ours (RMGA), 2% for Conservation, Wild Sheep Foundation and the Wild Sheep Society of BC. They are really doing it: organizing volunteers, funding professionals, and working with governments to actually make a difference in conservation. I believe it is extremely important to not only talk about change, but to actually make it happen.

4. Let's practice your ID skills! Is this a billy or a nanny, and why?