A BC man has been handed a $3,000 penalty and nine-month probation order for hunting at night.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BC COS), a complaint about hunting happening at night was filed in September 2021.
The complaint said the hunting was happening along Necoslie Forest Service Road near Fort St. James.
Conservation and RCMP officers responded and found a suspect and their vehicle.
An investigation determined a moose had been shot from the road with the vehicle headlights used to illuminate the animal because it was so dark outside.
A statement from the BC COS said Francois Prince pleaded guilty this week to hunting with an illumination device, which is a violation under the Wildlife Act.
Most of Prince’s fine will go to the Habitat Conservation and Trust Foundation.
Additionally, his probation order includes a school presentation on safe hunting practices, including concerns about hunting at night.
Sgt. Stuart Bates said the BC COS hopes the fine and probation order will deter others from doing illegal activities
“We’d like to thank the public for their prompt report to the RAPP line, which allowed officers to respond immediately,” said Sgt. Stuart Bates.
Violations can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
The meat from the moose was seized and distributed Nak’azdli First Nation members.
