News Release

Illegal Baiting for Migratory Birds Nets Large Fines for Hunters in Newfoundland  

St. John's, NL, October 26, 2007 -An in-depth investigation by Environment Canada's Wildlife Enforcement Division into the illegal baiting of migratory birds and the use of electronic calls for the purpose of hunting migratory birds has resulted in convictions and fines for four New Wes Valley hunters. 

On October 15, 2007, Mr. Glenn Mouland, 37; Mr. Carl Hillier, 43; Mr. Lawrence Winter, 53; and Mr. Michael Boland, 35, appeared in Gander provincial court, to face charges laid by Wildlife Enforcement Officers under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.  They were convicted for contravening subsection 14(1) of the Migratory Birds Regulations by hunting migratory game birds within 400 meters of a place where bait was deposited, and paragraph 15(1)(c) of the Migratory Bird Regulations by hunting migratory game birds by the use or aid of a recorded bird call.

Each hunter received a $1,000 fine for violating subsection 14(1) and a $500 fine for violating paragraph 15(1)(c).  All four have also been prohibited from hunting or being in the company of anyone hunting migratory birds for one year.  In addition, four shotguns, two electronic bird callers, a large quantity of shot shells and duck and goose decoys were ordered forfeited to the Crown.  Two all-terrain vehicles that were seized will be returned after the fines have been paid in full.

Conservation Officers from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided assistance in this investigation, which took place in the area of Ragged Harbour River. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted an analysis of the corn bait for court purposes.