B.C. Conservation officers, RCMP check over 400 hunters and anglers north of Hope, seize firearms

BOSTON BAR — Personnel from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service joined B.C. RCMP officers, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada for a multi-agency road check in Boston Bar during the last weekend in October.

More than 400 hunters and anglers were checked and over 400 fish and game animals were inspected, including 104 mule deer, 287 grouse and 10 moose, B.C. COS said. Wildlife biologists with the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources also took more than 25 samples as part of the provincial Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring program.

Conservation officers issued 15 violation tickets for infractions and offences under the Wildlife Act, ranging from failing to comply with conditions of a species licence to unlawful possession of dead wildlife or parts. The biggest issue of non-compliance was possessing a carcass without parts attached. Three violation tickets were also issued for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Two firearms were also seized.

“The COS appreciates that the majority of hunters and anglers were following regulations that protect our fish and wildlife for future generations,” COS wrote on social media on Thursday, Nov. 2. “The COS would like to thank all hunters, anglers and motorists for their co-operation and patience during the inspections.”