A Tumbler Ridge man pled guilty to two counts of trafficking wildlife meat earlier this month, receiving a $2,400 fine and an 18-month ban on holding a hunting or fishing license.
David Sanders was selling elk meat in 2015, when a complaint was filed with the Conservation Officer Service (COS). COS officers met with Sanders before presenting their evidence to the Crown prosecutor who recommended charges.
The sale of meat from wildlife is prohibited in B.C.
“In Northeast B.C., trafficking of wildlife is not common, but it is something we take seriously,” COS Sgt. Shawn Brinsky said. “With all the other challenges facing wildlife and their habitat, the added pressure of commercial harvesting would be too much. Any time you put a price on an animal, it doesn’t take long for the population to be adversely affected.”
“I know times are tight and people have to get by, but hopefully getting by doesn’t need to include the trafficking of wildlife.”
Conservation violations can be reported to COS anonymously at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). In some cases, a cash reward of up to $2,000 can be given.
Originally published July 25, 2016 by the Dawson Creek Mirror