A British Columbia hunter has been handed a $2,500 fine and a two-year hunting ban after admitting to altering his species licence to hunt a bull moose out of season, the provincial court in Nanaimo heard.
Illegal moose hunt uncovered
The man, whose name has not been released, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully hunting a bull moose and one count of altering a licence. The incident occurred in the fall of 2024 near Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island.
According to court documents, the hunter originally held a licence for a cow moose only. He manually changed the species designation on his paper licence to read “bull” before heading into the woods. Conservation officers later discovered the alteration during a routine check.
“This was a deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations,” said Chris Doyle, deputy chief of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, in a statement. “Hunters who alter licences undermine the integrity of the licensing system and threaten the sustainability of wildlife populations.”
Penalties and consequences
In addition to the fine, the hunter is prohibited from hunting in B.C. for two years and must forfeit the moose meat and antlers. He was also ordered to pay a $200 victim surcharge.
The maximum penalty for unlawfully hunting a bull moose in B.C. is a $100,000 fine and up to one year in jail. The Crown sought a $3,000 fine and a three-year ban, but the judge imposed a lesser penalty after considering the hunter’s guilty plea and lack of prior record.
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence while acknowledging the offender’s cooperation,” said Judge Sarah Thompson in her ruling.
Conservation impact
B.C.’s moose population has been under pressure in recent years due to habitat loss, climate change, and predation. The province has implemented strict hunting quotas to help maintain healthy numbers.
“Every illegal harvest takes a toll on the population,” Doyle added. “It’s not just about one animal; it’s about the cumulative effect of poaching on the ecosystem.”
Conservation officers remind hunters that licences are issued for specific species and seasons, and any alteration is a serious violation. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line.
