Justice and Public Safety
October 12, 2016

Charges Pending Following Investigations into Big Game Hunting Violations

A number of charges are pending under the Wildlife Act following two recent investigations by fish and wildlife enforcement officers.

Between September 26 and 29, the Corner Brook detachment of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division received several complaints of illegal caribou and black bear poaching in the area of Marble Mountain Ski Resort. The area is home to a small number of caribou known as the Corner Brook Lakes Herd.

Following an investigation, officers detained a male resident of Steady Brook and seized several items from the individuals home including a large set of caribou antlers, caribou meat, a firearm, a quantity of black bear meat, meat processing equipment and a 2013 all-terrain vehicle.

The individual was released and will appear in court on January 17 on charges related to killing big game without a valid licence and illegal possession of a big game animal.

On September 29, officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division, Gander detachment, while conducting a patrol in the area of Moccasin Pond, apprehended four males hunting as a group. Moccasin Pond is approximately 40 kilometres west of Wesleyville.

The individuals were in possession of an untagged bull moose which had been shot and killed by one of the males. Officers seized two all-terrain vehicles, two hunting rifles, ammunition, four quarters of moose, a moose head, a big game licence and tags, and other hunting gear.

Charges pending include transporting big game without the tags attached, illegal possession of big game, and transporting a loaded firearm on a vehicle. Charges are also expected to be laid under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act.

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 10 12            9:45 a.m.