Manitoba Sustainable Development advises of a recent four-day enforcement blitz by conservation officers targeting the illegal hunting of moose in eastern Manitoba. The operation resulted in charges being laid against eight hunters and the seizure of four vehicles, multiple weapons and hunting equipment.
The moose population in Manitoba’s east-central area, encompassing all portions of Game Hunting Area (GHA) 26 and portions of GHA 17, has been in decline for a number of years. Aimed at increasing the population, several remedial restoration projects are currently in place and include full and partial closures to moose hunting in GHA 26 affecting both licensed and rights-based hunters.
With the assistance of tips from the public and the work of conservation officers, eight individuals have been charged with a variety of offences including hunting at night, hunting moose in a Moose Conservation Closure area, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and operating a motor vehicle while suspended. In addition, one person was charged with possession of more fish than is allowed by daily quota.
The Manitoba Government commends the work of the conservation officers involved in this operation. Hunting at night and other unsafe and unsustainable hunting practices are an enforcement priority of Manitoba Sustainable Development.
Anyone with information about illegal activities is asked to call their local Manitoba Sustainable Development Office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).
