Submitted by Sergeant Greg Kruger
Local couple convicted of moose poaching
On Jan. 28, a couple formally of Radium Hot Springs, pled guilty in Provincial Court, to charges related to the illegal killing of a bull moose in the fall of 2018. Eugene Gillich and Leann Laisnez admitted to the facts that they were out hunting in a remote area west of Canal Flats, when they came upon a spike-fork bull moose. This moose was shot and killed using a rifle, when the only open season at the time for this moose was a bow only season. This pair of poachers went to great lengths to cover this animal up as a lawful bow harvest. With the assistance of other hunters in the area at the time, the Invermere Conservation Officer Service was able to put the evidence together to prove this moose was indeed illegally killed. Both individuals received fines totally of $6,000, as well as a 2-year hunting prohibition. The judge ordered $5,800 of the $6,000 in fines to be paid into the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, where the money will be directed back into projects for the enhancement and protection of fish, wildlife and their habitat in the Columbia Valley.
Windermere Lake seeing a dramatic increase in winter use
With Windermere Lake finally frozen over with enough ice thickness for it to be safe for people to be on, there has been a drastic increase in those venturing onto the lake to recreate. Conservation Officers have been conducting patrols to ensure people are safe and are following the rules. When operating an off-highway vehicle, such as a snowmobile or quad, it is imperative that they are driven at a safe speed and away from where others are skating, skiing or walking. All off-road vehicles must be registered with the licence plate attached to it, and all passengers must wear an approved safety helmet. Those who are ice fishing for fun or to catch their supper must have a valid fishing licence if over the age of 15, and abide by the Provincial Fishing Regulations, which are available online. Common infractions encountered include using more than one fishing line, unattended lines in ice shacks, using fish or pieces of fish for bait, and no fishing licence or failing to produce the licence with photo ID. Those with a second home in B.C. are encouraged to review the definition of “resident” before purchasing an angling licence. Have fun out there, as it is an unbelievable asset we have right here in our backyard. But please, do so safely and respect the Whiteway tracks as a lot of time and effort goes into this for everyone’s benefit.
For reporting wildlife safety concerns or environmental violations, call the BC Conservation Officer Service at: 1-877-952-7277.
