Quebecers hit with hefty fines for illegal hunts near Moose Jaw

Five men from Quebec were fined a total of nearly $50,000 after pleading guilty to illegally hunting near Moose Jaw.

An investigation began in 2016 and included a two-week surveillance operation in October 2017 involving two separate group of hunters, the province said Friday in a news release.

Officers collected evidence showing parties were wasting migratory birds. Investigators also searched a vehicle and trailer belonging to one of the Quebec residents and discovered the men “were also illegally hunting big game animals and shooting protected species,” the province said.

A total of 65 federal and provincial charges were laid against the five men.

In Moose Jaw provincial court on Thursday, a 41-year-old man from Beauharnois pleaded guilty to six charges and was fined $18,310; a 39-year-old man from Beauharnois pleaded guilty to six counts and was fined $11,770; a 55-year-old man from Beauharnois pleaded guilty to four counts and was fined $6,790, a 43-year-old man from Chateauguay pleaded guilty to three counts and was fined $5,400; and a 32-year-old man from Salaberry-de-valleyfield pleaded guilty to three counts and was fined $5,400.

In addition to the $47,670 in total fines, all five men were issued five-year provincial hunting suspensions and one-year federal hunting suspensions. Firearms and hunting equipment seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown.