Manitoba Sustainable Development advises that after an extensive investigation, numerous interviews and animal DNA testing, a Manitoba man has been convicted of multiple hunting offences, suspended from holding a big game hunting licence, and forfeited his vehicle and hunting gear.
The investigation began in December 2017 when conservation officers received a video that showed a group of people in a truck chasing elk through a field at night near Carberry. The vehicle was seen following a herd of elk through a field, trying to get close enough to shoot one. Using a spotlight and shooting from the vehicle, the individuals killed two elk. Tracks were discovered, showing the vehicle had chased about 40 elk for nearly two and a half kilometres. The field is in a populated area with several homes nearby and, at times, the vehicle was within 400 metres of Highway 351 and about a kilometre from the Trans-Canada Highway.
On Feb. 25, 2019, Keifer Joseph Spence was convicted of hunting at night with lights, chasing big game from a vehicle and hunting on private land without permission. Spence was fined $3,000 and a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and hunting equipment used that evening were forfeited. Spence has been suspended from holding a big game hunting license for one year, and given a wildlife restitution fine of $5,000 that will go into the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement fund for illegally taking two bull elk. Charges against a second individual were stayed.
Anyone with information about illegal activities is asked to call a local Manitoba Sustainable Development office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076.
