Convictions Result from Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Investigation

Following investigations into separate incidents conducted by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers on the Avalon Peninsula and in the central region of the island, three individuals were recently convicted and fined in relation to illegal hunting activities.

Stemming from an investigation that took place on October 5, 2013, in an area near the Hawke Hills Ecological Reserve, two males were convicted of illegally possessing four quarters of untagged moose. Lawrence Stead of St. John’s and Wayne Bishop of Foxtrap were convicted in Provincial Court in St. John’s on April 8, 2014. Each was fined $1,000 and prohibited from hunting big game for a period of five years. Two all-terrain vehicles, a rifle used in the incident, and the untagged moose were forfeited.

On April 8, 2014, at Provincial Court in Gander, Clifford Freake of Birchy Bay was fined $750 for hunting small game without a licence or an Outdoor Identification Card. Mr. Freake was apprehended on two separate occasions for these offences. In addition to the fine, a .22 calibre rifle was forfeited.

Through the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division, the Department of Justice is intent on identifying individuals who undertake illegal poaching operations in the province and enforcing conservation laws. The Provincial Government is committed to protecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s valuable fish and wildlife resources to be enjoyed by those who use them responsibly and as legislated.

The public plays an important role in catching poachers by anonymously reporting suspected poaching activity 24-hours a day, toll-free, to the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division at 1-877-820-0999. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca .

- 30 -

Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 04 17                                    11:30 a.m.