News Release

Hunters Fined $15,000 for Hunting Offences 

Hanna, Alberta - July 3, 2007 - Five American hunters were fined $3000 each in Hanna Provincial Court on Wednesday June 27 for exceeding daily bag limits for White Fronted Geese, in violation of the Migratory Birds Regulations. 

Hunters Todd Aaron Dailey, William McCall, John Geshay, Freniel Castillo, and Jason Rhode are also collectively required to submit an article to a waterfowl publication about the offence and the sentence imposed by the Court. 

In March 2007, the five hunters had pleaded guilty to one count each of exceeding the daily bag limit of White Fronted Geese, contrary to Section 7 of the Migratory Bird Regulations.  A sixth hunter in the party is charged with exceeding the daily and possession limits of White Fronted Geese, and trial is set for December 19, 2007 in Hanna Provincial Court.

Following a joint investigation by Alberta Fish and Wildlife and Environment Canada wildlife officers, the six hunters were found to be in possession of 47 White Fronted Geese, far in excess of the daily limit of three each for non-residents of Canada.  Collectively, they were over the daily bag limit by 24 geese, and in excess of their total possession limit by 11 geese. 

Conservation concerns had prompted Environment Canada to reduce the daily bag limits for White Fronted Geese from five to three this year for non-residents of Canada.

Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the $15,000 fine imposed by the Court will be allocated to the Environmental Damages Fund.  The Fund, administered by Environment Canada, provides courts with a way to ensure that financial penalties are directed to address environmental damages.

The maximum penalty on summary conviction for each offence under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 is a fine of $300,000, or six months imprisonment, or both.

For more information, please contact:

Garry Bogdan
Wildlife Enforcement Division
Environment Canada
(780)  951-8899