Justice and Public Safety
March 24, 2016
Recent Convictions for Illegal Hunting Stem from Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Investigations
Following investigations conducted by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers, there have been a number of convictions in recent months related to illegal hunting activities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Incidents related to improper firearm use and storage are particularly concerning due to the significant risk to public safety.
On January 19, 2016, at Provincial Court in St. John�s, Steven Linthorne of Marysvale pled guilty to hunting big game without a licence, was fined $1,000 and given a five-year hunting prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.
On February 2, 2016, at Provincial Court in St. John�s, Alan Lee of St. Mary�s pled guilty to hunting big game with a licence on which he was not named and possessing a firearm without a licence. Mr. Lee was fined $1,250 and given a five-year hunting prohibition on holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.
On February 4, 2016, at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Perry Simmonds of Lethbridge was convicted for discharging a firearm from or across a public road. He received a $1,000 fine along and a five-year hunting prohibition on holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence. One moose, a rifle and a 2015-16 moose licence were forfeited. Also on February 4, 2016, at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Bernard Maidment of Clarenville was convicted for hunting big game without a valid licence. He received a $1,000 fine along with a five-year hunting prohibition on holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.
On February 9, 2016, at Provincial Court in Port Hope Simpson, Bradley Hancock was fined $1,000 and received a five-year prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence for the selling of big game on the menu of a restaurant which he owned.
On March 10, 2016 at Provincial Court in St. John�s, Walter Reddick of Tors Cove pled guilty to hunting big game without a licence and possessing a firearm without a licence. Mr. Reddick was fined $1,150 and given a five-year prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence.
On March 16, 2016 at Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor, Frederick Harris of Goulds was convicted of illegal possession of big game stemming from an investigation that took place in Gaultois on September 12, 2015. Mr. Harris was given a $1,150 fine along with a five-year prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence. All items used in the offence were forfeited to the Crown including a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado truck.
On March 17, 2016, at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Bruce Thorne of Norman�s Cove was convicted for discharging a firearm from or across a highway. He received a $2,000 fine along with 15 per cent victim surcharge and a five-year prohibition from holding or applying for a moose or caribou licence. A quantity of moose, a 2015-16 moose licence, a bolt action rifle and scope, and other hunting equipment were seized and forfeited to the Crown. Mr. Thorne was originally apprehended in October 2015 on the Trans-Canada Highway near Arnold�s Cove after officers received tips from the public.
The public plays a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province's wildlife and fish resources by reporting any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time of the day, by calling 1-877-820-0999, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca or www.nlcrimestoppers.com .
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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
2016 03 24 4:00 p.m.