Public assistance increases anti-poaching tally

The Quebec Ministry of Forests has announced that assistance from the public helped the North-south operation against poaching, particularly in Lake Memphremagog. The operation levied fines of almost $450,000, an increase from previous years.

The ongoing North-south operation was conducted last March in the Estrie region, specifically in Magog, and should conclude soon. The operation targeted the sale and purchase or possession of yellow perch from Lake Memphremagog.

The 16 raids conducted during the investigation led to the seizure of 62 kilos of fish and an additional 189 raids against 68 individuals, considerably more than anticipated. Boats, ATVS and fishing gear were also seized.

On the morning of March 14, some hundred officers, assisted by dogs, took part and several raids carried out in Sherbrooke, Magog, and Stanstead. Several kilograms of yellow perch were seized, as well as a few kilograms of white-tailed deer meat, boats, ATVS and fishing tackle and equipment used in the sale of the fish, such as scales.

Wildlife agents were able to gather enough evidence to intervene with several individuals who engaged in winter fishing and the illegal sale of yellow perch after a lengthy investigation.

Citizens are encouraged to continue to collaborate by reporting any act of poaching or that goes against our wildlife heritage or its habitats by calling 1 800 463-2191, on the web at mffp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/sos-braconnage/, or in person at any wildlife protection offices. These can be found at (mffp.gouv.qc.ca/nousjoindre/nousjoindre-faune.jsp).