A Fort St. John man was sentenced earlier this month in provincial court after pleading guilty to discharging a firearm in a no-shooting area within the road allowance of a highway, contrary to Section 32 of the Wildlife Act.
On March 2, the court imposed a $5,000 fine, with the majority directed to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. He is also prohibited from hunting anywhere in British Columbia for one year and must retake the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s C.O.R.E. course before he can hunt or accompany another hunter.
Wildlife seized in the case was forfeited to the province.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) launched its investigation Sept. 29, 2024, after receiving a report through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line that a cow elk had been killed along Upper Cache Road near Fort St. John.
Officers seized the animal, and perishable portions were donated to local First Nations.
The COS reminded hunters that highways and publicly maintained roads are designated no-shooting areas under the Wildlife Act. Hunters are encouraged to review the B.C. Hunting and Trapping Synopsis before heading out. The synopsis is available online: https://tinyurl.com/mu9hrmw9
