Individuals convicted of illegally hunting polar bear

Two men from Hopedale, Labrador, Kevin Flowers, a 26 year old, and Zeke Lucy, a 23 year old, were recently convicted in provincial court for illegally hunting polar bear and using an artificial light in the shooting of the polar bear.

Conservation officers from Hopedale and North West River initiated an investigation after receiving calls from the general public about the incident. As a result of the investigation, two men were charged with hunting big game between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise and for using artificial light to take or kill wildlife.

Mr. Flowers was fined $300 for hunting big game after sunset and a further $250 for using an artificial light in the killing of the bear. Mr. Lucy was fined $250 for his use of an artificial light in the killing of the bear. The polar bear pelt and the high powered rifle were forfeited to the Crown as part of the penalty imposed.

It was pointed out by the Crown during the trial that hunting at night was a very dangerous practice as hunters cannot see beyond the light source which could endanger other people in the area. Another serious concern raised was that the polar bear did not have a chance to evade or escape the hunter as a result of staring into the lights of the snowmobile. The light impaired the vision of the polar bear as the hunters pursued it.

Media contact:

Craig Renouf, Communications, (709) 729-6183

or

Derek J. LeBoubon
Regional Compliance Manager, Labrador
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Tel. (709) 896-2732

2001 02 07                                                           3:20 p.m.