A man in Okanagan is facing fines of almost $5,000 and loss of his hunting licence after he pleaded guilty to poaching charges.
Richard Fischer was caught red-handed by conservation officer’s on 2019’s Remembrance Day.
Conservation Officer Ed Seitz told Castanet that Fischer was stopped in his pick-up while coming down West Kelowna ‘s Glenrosa Road.
When the officers carried out a search on Fischer’s vehicle, they discovered he possessed an illegal bull moose, which he had shot that morning.
Seitz said “He had taken steps to cover up the fact that it was illegal.”
The illegal moose was hidden under an ATV and ramp in the truck box’s back. Officers later back-tracked to the kill site and detected the head and antlers, that had been removed with an axe.
The antlers that were detected proved that the animal was immature and the moose and the firearm of Fischer were seized.
Fischer was found guilty on two counts under the BC Wildlife Act, slammed with $4,900.00 fine, and had his hunting licence suspended for a year. Also, the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education program will be retaken by Fischer before being permitted to hunt again.
Anyone with information on violations can report them toll-free to Report All Poachers and Polluters line or 1-877-952-7277.
