Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers on the province’s west coast have laid a number of charges under the Wildlife Act following three recent investigations.

On September 14, 2018, officers from the Corner Brook detachment responded to a complaint that a non-resident had allegedly killed a moose using a resident big game licence. Officers located the individual named in the complaint and seized a large quantity of moose meat. The individual, a resident of Ontario, was released and faces charges relating to applying for a big game licence while not being a resident, and killing a big game animal on an invalid licence.

Also on September 14, 2018, officers from the Stephenville and Corner Brook detachments responded to a complaint of a rifle being discharged within close proximity of a dwelling. Two individuals were located and detained, and a moose and rifle were seized. Charges include discharging a firearm within 300 metres of a dwelling, killing a big game animal other than the sex named on the licence, not making reasonable efforts to retrieve an animal, and intentionally allowing the animal to become spoiled.

On September 19, 2018, Corner Brook detachment officers on patrol encountered an individual illegally hunting for moose in a management area not named on their big game licence. One firearm was seized. The individual was later released and has been charged with hunting in a management area not named on their big game licence.

The public can play a significant role in assisting officers in protecting the province’s natural resources and in ensuring the safety of everyone enjoying outdoor activities 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
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca