Hunter fined nearly $5,000 for poaching bull moose in Okanagan

A hunter has been fined $4,900 after he was caught in West Kelowna with the carcass of a bull moose he shot out of season.

A conservation officer caught the man trying to bring the moose, which he had shot that morning, back to town on Glenrosa Road in 2019, Kelowna conservation officer Ed Seitz said today, Jan. 15.

Richard Fischer pleaded guilty Dec. 21, 2020 to hunting without limited entry authorization and killing wildlife out of season, according to court documents. The incident took place on Nov. 11, 2019.

“During the hunting season we get the odd shot and left animal out there, or some to try and sneak them home illegally, and we just want this case to act as a deterrent for those who are in that situation who might get away with it. If they get caught, there are consequences,” Seitz said.

In addition to paying the fine, Fischer is banned for the next year from hunting wildlife, accompanying a person hunting wildlife, being present when wildlife is being transported or possessing wildlife. He is also banned from obtaining any form of hunting or species license.

Fischer must also complete the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Outdoor Recreation Education program and re-obtain a graduation certificate before he can apply for a B.C. Fish and Wildlife Identification Number.

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