The East Kootenay Conservation Officer Service (COS) is asking those responsible to come forward after a string of incidents over the past several weeks, including an illegally killed grizzly bear and illegally shot elk.
Patricia Burley, Conservation Officer for Fernie and the Elk Valley, explained that the COS received a report of a shot and left grizzly bear north of Elkford on the morning of September 30, 2021.
B次元官网网址淎 CO attended and found the grizzly bear 70 yards off the Elk River Forest Service Road (FSR) at 137.5 kilometres on the east side of the road in a cut block,B次元官网网址� Burley said in an email to the Townsman. B次元官网网址淭he grizzly bear was a single sow that had a gun shot wound to its head. There is no open hunting season for grizzly bears in B.C.B次元官网网址�
This is a violation of the BC Wildlife Act (WLA) under section 26(1)(c) - B次元官网网址榢ill wildlife not within open seasonB次元官网网址�.
She adds that no one self reported having to kill the bear for protection, which is a requirement under WLA section 75(2) - B次元官网网址榝ail to report killing of game by accident or for protectionB次元官网网址�.
B次元官网网址淭he COS is looking for anyone with information regarding the unlawful killing of this grizzly bear which most likely occurred on September 29, 2021,B次元官网网址� said Burley.
This is one of the worst seasons for five point elk being killed during a six point only season, Burley said.
B次元官网网址淎side from the self reported files the COS receives from the public, there are ones that are left to waste in the bush which are not reported by the hunters,B次元官网网址� Burley explained. B次元官网网址淥n October 13, 2021, two five point bull elk were found and reported to the COS by a concerned hunter. The two bull elk were close to each other, 200 yards off the Round Prairie FSR in a cut block northeast of Elkford at the 129 kilometre mark. No meat was taken from the animals.B次元官网网址�
The COS believes that these two elk were shot and left, unlawfully, on the morning of October 12, 2021. It is a violation under three sections of the WLA.
B次元官网网址淭his is a violation under WLA 26(1)(c) - B次元官网网址榢ill wildlife out of seasonB次元官网网址�, 75(2) - B次元官网网址榝ail to report killing of game by accidentB次元官网网址� and 35(2)(a) - B次元官网网址榝ail to retrieve wildlifeB次元官网网址�,B次元官网网址� Burley adds. B次元官网网址淭he COS is looking to speak with the individuals involved in the killing of these elk. It is recommended that they come forward to the COB次元官网网址檚, as they have received a number of complaints regarding this file.B次元官网网址�
At the end of September, the East Kootenay COS reported seven illegal animals being harvested within the first ten days of the hunting season. These were self-reported.
People are reminded to review the regulations, including online in-season changes or corrections. People must also be familiar with the specific regulations for the region and management unit that they are hunting in. The covers what to do with an illegal harvest, and how to comply with the legal obligations.
Violations can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Hotline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-877-952-7277.
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corey.bullock@cranbrooktownsman.com
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