$5K fine for elk kill in Suffield restricted area

A northern Alberta man was fined $5,000 June 14 for hunting within CFB Suffield’s restricted national wildlife area. The man was charged after participating in the Department of National Defence’s elk herd reduction program, where 100 people were given permits to hunt in designated areas on the base in 2016 over a three-day period.

In the agreed statement of facts, the Federal Crown said participants were required to attend a 45-minute safety briefing, which included identifying areas off-limits to the public, and being provided colour-coded maps of the area.

Participants were also required to have a hand-held GPS and compass with them at all times, while notices are posted along the edge of the National Wildlife Area. When leaving the base, hunters were required to provide the location of their kill and two teeth from each kill so the health of the elk herd could be monitored.

On Nov. 14, 2016 the accused, Jeremy Fedun, entered the protected segment by five kilometres and killed an elk with two shots.

He and the person accompanying him drove off the road into the protected area to load up the elk.

Two pieces of hide were left behind. Upon leaving the base, they provided two elk incisors to officials.

The kill area was initially reported in the restricted area, but then a different area was given.

Two wildlife officers later attended the man’s home and seized the meat and the elk head. DNA samples of this elk matched the two pieces of hide found at the kill site in the restricted area.

A $5,000 fine is the minimum amount under current law.