Anyone convicted of illegally killing a wild animal or fish will now face stiffer penalties as the Fisheries and Wildlife Amendment Act is now in effect. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff.
“We need to recognize there is a significant cost when an animal is taken illegally and it’s important the person responsible pays the price,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “This new law will not bring back wildlife harvested illegally but restitution will support programs that work to ensure sustainable wildlife populations remain in our province for generations to come.”
The new act sets out a series of penalties or restitution amounts for anyone convicted of taking wildlife illegally. Those penalties are in addition to the current fines imposed through the court process and include:
- $1,500 to $3,000 for white-tailed deer;
- $2,500 to $10,000 for elk and moose;
- $2,000 to $4,000 for black bear;
- $42 to $126 for fish such as walleye, northern pike, goldeye and channel catfish (high values for master angler size); and
- $252 for a lake sturgeon (protected species).
Restitution amounts for big game killed in a conservation closure area double, which can lead to a penalty of $10,000. Penalties also escalate in the case of master angler fish; for example, it would be $1,008 for a master angler Lake Sturgeon. Penalties do not apply to anyone legally exercising their treaty or Aboriginal right to hunt or fish. Restitution does not apply to commercial fishers where the current administration system allows for quota deductions and other penalties such as licence suspensions.
Restitution fees will be directed toward wildlife management and conservation through the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, the minister said. He noted these changes have been developed in consultation with the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association, Manitoba Wildlife Federation and other organizations.
“The MLOA does not support the illegal taking of fish or wildlife, and it’s important that anyone who breaks the law is held accountable,” said Paul Turenne, executive director, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. “We are encouraged by any positive changes that recognize the importance of wildlife to our provincial economy and we support increased penalties for those who hunt or fish illegally.”
“We are pleased to see these additional penalties and support the responsible management of these important natural resources,” said Brian Strauman, president, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “Our members support responsible hunting and we support the idea that wildlife has such value.”
This announcement builds on initiatives to protect at-risk species including polar bears, Minister Nevakshonoff noted, adding there are further initiatives in the works.
A full list of the restitution values for specific animals is available at www.manitoba.ca/conservation/wildlife.
These changes support TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an eight-year plan that supports environmental protection while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy.
