by PAUL RAYNER

Assisting Manitoba Conservation with cases of poaching has results beyond enforcing the law.

During this fall’s hunting season, the officers at the Boissevain office of Manitoba Conservation seized two moose, two elk and four deer from illegal hunting practices. According to District Supervisor Corey Meadows, there are many different charges that can result in the seizure.

“It is basically poaching,” Meadows explained. “Animals are taken illegally, shot at night, taken on private land.”

The seized meat is taken by the parks staff, cut up and wrapped and put in their freezer. As the cases go through court, meat becomes available. In our area, it has a destination.

“Once it goes through court, then we can donate the items to the Boissevain and Killarney food bank. We take care of everything, and it is kept in the freezer here. We have already made some donations, and we have more that has to go through court before we can see if we can give it away.”

As well as animals, the local officers also seized two trucks and seven firearms. One truck was returned to the owner, as it was no longer needed for investigation, while the other remains in their compound. If the accused is convicted of the charge, which in this case is night lighting, the vehicle will be forfeited to the Crown. With firearms, it depends on the severity of the crime. Sometimes, Meadows explained, they are returned, while others are destroyed.

Meadows said the Conservation office had a little help this year. The RMCP helped them with different calls. As well, they also received assistance from their canine unit. Meadows said there is one unit, made up of Natural Resource Office Tim Cameron and dog Jake, in the province that travels around wherever it is needed. The unit helped in a couple of cases this fall, including finding spent rifle casings.

On top of this, ordinary citizens were very helpful this year. Conservation encourages those who see violations to let them know through their Turn in Poachers line (1-800-782-0076). As the district supervisor explained, the line worked for them this year.

“It really has worked,” he stated. “People are phoning in and we respond as best we can. It is really positive to get that feedback when people see violations. If people can give us a license plate number or anything that can help us out, it’s good. It is really important because it helps us. It might be a small tip but it also might be the last bit of evidence we need.”

Meadows said the office is currently investigating three cases, and is always busy with this type of work. He has been here nearly two years now, and poaching has been a steady occurrence.

Their last trial regarding the seized wildlife should end in June, so they should be finished with this fall’s donations by then. Meadows said Conservation has been donating meat to food banks for several years, although many do not realize it.

“It shows people that nothing gets wasted,” Meadows explained, “that something good does come out of it.”