Porcupine illegally killed in Northern B.C.
Posted October 6, 2021 1:26 pm.
Last Updated October 7, 2021 5:30 am.
MACKENZIE (NEWS 1130) — A hunter in Northern B.C. has been fined for illegally killing a porcupine. The BC Conservation Officer Service discovered the dead animal during a recent patrol near MacKenzie.
Anthony Eagles with the BCCOS says during a four-day patrol north of the community of Fort St. James and west of the community of MacKenzie, dozens of hunters were checked and the person who illegally possessed a porcupine was issued a fine.
During a four-day patrol near Fort St. James, Anthony Eagles is with the BCCOS explains that west of the community of MacKenzie numerous hunters were checked and subsequent action was taken against a person who illegally possessed a porcupine.
In B.C., hunting porcupine is not allowed but there are exemptions under the Wildlife Act.
“If an animal is causing damage … on private property, there are tools under the Wildlife Act that a landowner or a property owner can use either trap or remove that wildlife,” Eagles explained. “But the act of actually hunting porcupines is not permitted.”
#OnPatrol #Omineca Recently Vanderhoof & MacKenzie CO’s completed a 4 day patrol of some very remote country.75+ hunters and anglers inspected. Compliance was generally good however 2 firearms seized due to no licence and 1 porcupine was also seized. Several tickets were issued. pic.twitter.com/J7TXnxnXKr
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) October 6, 2021
While hunters might misidentify a species before killing it, Eagles says it’s their responsibility to know the legislation, learn to identify animals, and understand the seasonal dates for hunting certain species.
In some cases, breaking the rules could land hunters in court.
