Justice and Public Safety
September 19, 2016

Fish and Wildlife Investigations Result in Recent Convictions

Investigations conducted by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers have resulted in recent convictions for various offenses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On September 9 at Provincial Court in Gander, Jamie Gibbons of Lumsden was convicted for illegal possession of salmon and illegally netting salmon. He was fined $6000.00 and ordered forfeiture of a 2007 Honda ATV, a net, 37 salmon and 7 rounds of ammunition. Mr. Gibbons is also prohibited from being near inland waters for 3 years. The conviction stems from an investigation on July 7, 2015 whereby Mr. Gibbons was apprehended twice in one day for committing the same offences.

On August 25, also at Provincial Court in Gander, Jeffrey Ackerman of Wareham was convicted of hunting big game at night with the use of an artificial light and fined $1,000.00 and forfeiture of a rifle, ammunition and four quarters of moose. He is also prohibited from applying for a big game license for 5 years. The investigation which led to the conviction took place on September 12, 2015 when officers, while on patrol, encountered two males who had shot and killed an adult bull moose in the dark. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement remind all hunters that such activity at night presents extreme safety risks to themselves and others.

Finally, on August 10, Jason Petten of Coley’s Point was convicted in Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor of possession of an untagged moose. Mr. Petten pled guilty and was fined $1,000.00, a $300.00 victim fine surcharge and forfeiture of a rifle, a moose and a cash bond of $9,700.00 which was posted for a 6-wheel Argo that was seized during the investigation. He is prohibited from hunting big game for 5 years.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province’s resources and to ensuring they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and wildlife. The public can play a significant role in assisting officers by reporting any suspicious activity. This can be done anonymously and toll-free at any time, 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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2016 09 19                              11:55 a.m.