Report A Poacher

In 2022, Fish and wildlife officers were able to solve several cases with help from the public.

Here is one of those cases.

SOLVED CASE:
MEDICINE HAT

An investigation led by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services has concluded resulting in $27,500 in fines against an Alberta outfitter, a guide, and two non-residents.

In September 2019, Medicine Hat’s fish and wildlife received a public complaint regarding non-resident hunters who killed an antlered mule deer on land without obtaining permission from the landowner and trespassed onto other land without permission during an outfitted hunt.

After the investigation conducted by fish and wildlife officers and supported by Québec Protection de la Faune and Environment and Climate Change Canada, the following occurred on November 25, 2022, in Medicine Hat Provincial Court:

• The non-resident client pled guilty to one count of unlawful possession of wildlife and one count of entering onto land without making the required contact with the landowner and was issued a fine of $6000.

• The guide pled guilty to one count of unlawful possession of wildlife and was issued a fine of $5000.

• The non-resident hosted hunter pled guilty to one count of unlawful possession of wildlife and one count of entering onto land without making the required contact with the landowner and was issued a fine of $8000.

• The outfitter pled guilty to providing false information and failing to submit record(s) as required and was issued a fine of $8500.

This is a reminder that it is an offence to access property without the landowner’s or leaseholder’s permission. All non-resident hunters wishing to hunt big game, wolf, or coyote in Alberta also require a guide or a hunter host. Hunters contracting hunts through a commercial outfitter must obtain special licences by using an allocation, available through their outfitter. All outfitters and guides hold a heightened responsibility as professionals to ensure the hunts they conduct are lawful.

Anyone with information of suspected poaching is encouraged to contact Report A Poacher by phone at 1-800-642-3800 or online at www.alberta.ca/report-poacher.aspx. All reporters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.

REPORT A POACHER NOW. CALL TOLL-FREE OR REPORT ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. 

All calls are kept strictly confidential, and the information you provide can lead to an arrest, fines, and jail time. The Report A Poacher program is delivered in joint partnership between Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and Alberta Conservation Association.