Section 75 of the Wildlife Act states that if a person kills or wounds wildlife, either accidentally or for protection of life or property, that person must promptly report the killing or wounding of the wildlife to an officer.
If a hunter makes a mistake and kills an animal that is not legal and reports himself, he is generally dealt with in a much less severe manner than the person who shoots an illegal animal and does not report it and is subsequently caught. To ensure that legitimate mistakes are treated as such, it is important that if an accident happens a call is made as soon as possible to the Conservation Officer Service (COS) in order to report the accidental killing of wildlife.
The COS wishes to remind the public that if they witness or become aware of an environmental or fish and wildlife related infraction, to please report it by calling 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). Callers may remain anonymous if they wish and they may be eligible for a reward.
Since the rifle season opened on September 10, the COS has investigated ten self-reported hunters who have shot five pt. bull elk. This is an illegal size; they have to be six pt. or greater or within certain regions spike bulls from September 10 to September 19. Although mistakes do happen, it is appreciated when hunters come forward and admit their honest mistake. It is also a reminder to make sure you are 100 per cent sure of the animal’s size and species before pulling the trigger. It is not worth walking away from an animal because of being scared of the consequences. Too many animals are being shot and wasted. We are looking for the public’s assistance to report any further wildlife violations. The Fernie Rod and Fun Club would also like to remind the public that they will be offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to a conviction of any wildlife infraction.
The following information describes illegal activity where the hunters have not come forward.
On September 30 at 6:30 a dark red older model pickup truck was pulled over on Highway 3 east of the Sparwood Transfer Station. The suspect, a male described to be in his mid-twenties to thirties, shot and killed a five pt. bull elk within the No Shooting area of the District of Sparwood. The suspect told people that he would self-report the illegal size elk to the COS. This individual never made the report to officials, meaning that the elk was wasted in the bush. If the suspect had brought the violation forward to the Report All Poachers and Polluters Hotline (RAPP) then the animal would have been used at the Salvation Army. If this individual or the public has further information on this violation would like to come forward, they can by calling the RAPP number (1-877-952-7277).
September 27 – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left off the Bull River Forest Service Road onto the West Sulphur Rd at the three to four km mark.
September 28 – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left off of the Big Sand Creek Rd.
September 28 – The possible shooting and improper disposal of a white tail buck southwest of Grave Lake within Grave Prairie Access Management Area.
Between September 28 and October 2 — An adult sow grizzly bear was shot and killed beside a 7 pt. bull elk off of the Fording Hwy, northeast of Elkford. It is suspected that a hunter came across the grizzly and shot it in self-protection. Please come forward if this was you.
October 2 – A white tail deer doe was shot and left near Beese Road in Hosmer. The deer was located in an area that looked to be hidden intentionally.
October 6 – A mule deer doe was shot and left northeast of Elkford near Round Prairie.
Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left in the Lost Dog area.
Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and left in the Premier Ridge area.
Late September – A five pt. bull elk was shot and illegally taken from the LP Ranch Rd near Kimberley.