Conservation Officers (CO) in Burns Lake have been busy this fall.
Jeff Palm, Conservation Officer said several moose have been seized this past fall in the region, and charges under the Wildlife Act have been issued.
“When retrieving a harvested moose, a hunter must remove all edible portions.”
It includes the four quarters, the back straps, the loins, the ribs, and the neck. The entrails and the hide of a moose can be left behind to return to nature.
He been run off his feet checking hunters and ensuring compliance with the Wildlife Act and other Provincial and Federal pieces of legislation. “We conduct patrols and check hunters to ensure they’re licensed for firearms and operating safely or shooting off a highway.”
“We become involved in numerous investigations into unlawful harvest of moose. Unfortunately, I can’t speak to these now as they are before the courts. In some instances, a basic violation ticket is issued, and in other larger cases, a lengthy court case will ensue,” Palm said.
A recent Facebook post about a moose harvest found in the bush that showed parts of a it left behind.
Palm added that numerous cases also involve social media, where a violator will post a photo online, contributing to a conviction. “As I said, I can’t speak to any current cases involving Facebook now.”
Palm said the penalties range anywhere from a few hundred dollars on a violation ticket to $100,000 or, potentially, jail time.
If an individual believes an offense has been committed, they can report any illegal activity to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.