With hunting season underway the Conservation Officer Service (COS) is reminding hunters of the rules.
“It’s four-point mule deer right now and the Moose LEH opened Sept. 10, so we have a lot of moose hunters out there right now,” said Sgt. Jeff Tyre.
When transporting a kill it is important to make sure all aspects of the species license have been fully cut and removed and to adhere to the transport regulations when it comes to evidence of species and sex remaining intact on the animal.
A common misunderstanding is loaded firearms, he added.
“Some people think a loaded firearm has to be one in the breach, but that’s not true,” Tyre said. “Any ammunition in the firearm at all anywhere in the magazine is considered loaded.”
Rules stipulate hunters cannot have any loaded firearms in trucks, on ATVs or side-by-sides, yet it’s a common infraction the COS runs into.
A loaded firearm is an automatic fine of $235 and possible loss of a rifle.
The transportation contraventions or failed cancelled appropriate species license, results in a fine, and possibility of losing the game.
Hunting complaints have been coming in daily and as the any mule deer season opens there will be another influx of hunters, Tyre anticipates more complaints.
“We have received complaints of hunting on posted private land,” Tyre said. “We recently dealt with a file of First Nations hunting at night, shooting off a road and no Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) so with that one we are preparing a file to go to court.”
The COS appreciates all the calls it receives from the public. he added.
“They are our eyes and ears out there.”