Dead deer, loaded guns, booze: Warrant for 4th man in B.C. poaching case
An advocacy group for hunters is calling for increased funding to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, as authorities pledge to find a fourth man wanted in connection with a “disgusting” poaching case.
Officials say four men were found with dead deer and marmots in violation of B.C.’s Wildlife Act in 2020, with three of them sentenced by a Kamloops judge this week as the fourth remains wanted on an outstanding warrant.
“Some day they’re going to have to own up because they’re going to either be stopped by a police officer or conservation officer,” said Sgt. Jesse Jones of the BCCOS, who did not name the outstanding suspect.
He confirmed the 10-year ban each of the other three men were handed is unprecedented, and revealed further details of the case: a conservation officer who questioned the group in May of 2020 found not only dead deer shot out of season and small game like marmots that are never in season, but also loaded guns in their vehicle, alcohol, and garbage left behind.
The BC Wildlife Federation is applauding the BCCOS for the crackdown, and urging the province to provide more funding to the service.
“Lawful hunters are against poaching and this is absolutely disgusting,” said Steve Hamilton, coordinator of conservation, firearms and policy for the BCWF. “Wildlife (services) have been underfunded in British Columbia for almost 50 years and as a part of that, enforcement suffers.”
The province has a publicly-available database of fines and enforcement measures for various ministries, and a CTV News analysis of Wildlife Act violations found at least $3 million in fines levelled in the past decade. The analysis also found hunting bans have increased in the last several years, and that community service and jail time were paired with fines in the thousands of dollars for the worst infractions.
The Wildlife Federation is ramping up free public eduation videos and urging those interested in hunting to do their research and consider signing up for their “hunt academy” to learn how to be safe and responsible hunters – particularly now that interest is growing.
“It’s skyrocketing, ever since COVID,” said Hamilton. “People have been really concerned about not only the price of groceries, but knowing where their food comes from.”
Jones is encouraging hunters, hikers and anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it to the provincial RAPP line at 1-800-952-RAPP (7277) to help them further clamp down on rule-breakers.
“We have a group hard-working, determined officers that are out there,” he said. “Just because you’re remote or not on the pavement, doesn’t mean you’re not going to run into us.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.