Two Glendon teenagers have pleaded guilty to charges around the unlawful shooting and wastage of a moose.
Colton Kenneth Zentner, 19, received a fine of $6,081 with a 48-month recreational hunting license suspension. Zentner, the shooter, pleaded guilty to five offences under Alberta's Wildlife Act, including hunting without a license and allow flesh of big game to become unfit for human consumption.
The 17-year-old youth received a fine of $1,062 with a 24-month recreational hunting license suspension as party to the offence. He pleaded guilty to three offences under Alberta's Wildlife Act.
“We do believe that fines like this should be a significant deterrent to any potential poachers,” said Brendan Cox, public affairs officer with Alberta's Justice and Solicitor General. “This case does demonstrate that our officers are dedicated to conserve and protect this province's wildlife.”
On Oct. 3, 2014, Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers received a Report a Poacher call of a shot-and-left moose northwest of Glendon, Alta. The investigation revealed that an antlerless (cow) moose was shot using a .17 calibre rifle. The moose was not salvaged and the meat had wasted.
Interviews revealed that the offence occurred on Oct. 2, 2014. The moose was shot on occupied land where the two accused had not obtained permission to hunt. The teenagers made no attempt to salvage any of the meat. Also, the shooter did not possess the proper hunting license.
“We do appreciate the fact that people were willing to provide information to officers that that certainly went a long way in helping bring poachers to justice,” said Cox.
There are dozens of cases ever year of shot and left wildlife.
“Our officers are making a dent in the fight against this kind of illegal activity,” said Cox. “Hopefully with younger poachers like this we can encourage them to not engage in this type of activity again.”
Any suspicious hunting or fishing activity can be called in to the 24 hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
