Justice and Public Safety
March 30, 2015

Investigation into Illegal Moose Hunt Leads to Conviction

A recent investigation by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers in the Cape Pond area near Tors Cove on the Avalon Peninsula has resulted in convictions against five individuals for illegal hunting.

On January 11, 2015, an officer was patrolling the region when he came upon five men with two moose that had recently been shot. It was determined that the animals had been hunted illegally and a number of charges were laid.

In Provincial Court in St. John’s on March 26, 2015, the five men were convicted of various violations of the Wildlife Regulations after pleading guilty to a number of offences including hunting on a licence not named, illegal possession of big game, and the loaning of a licence to another.

Paul Whitten of Holyrood, Daniel Clancey of Bay Bulls, Anthony Clancey and Derek Ryall both of St. John’s, and James Ryall of Conception Bay South were each fined $1,000 and are prohibited from applying for a big game licence for a period of five years. In addition the judge ordered forfeiture of all exhibits seized which included a rifle, two moose, ammunition, a big game licence and tags, and other items used in the commission of the offences.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province’s resources and to ensuring that they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and game. The public can play a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province’s natural 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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Two moose that were hunted illegally in the Tors Cove area of the Avalon Peninsula on January 11, 2015.

A rifle that were forfeited to the crown as a result of an investigation into illegal hunting in the Tors Cove region of the Avalon Peninsula.

Media contact:

Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 30                                                                       11:05 a.m.