Report A Poacher program aids Fish and Wildlife officers

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

The local Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officer has a lot of ground to cover; so when the public supports the service, it is greatly appreciated.
“We just can’t do this job without the public’s help,” said Kyle Lester, district fish and wildlife officer.
After provincial cutbacks, the Strathmore Fish and Wildlife office was closed until the government did some reorganization of departments. The office has opened again and is currently staffed by one officer and one office staff member. The office is open Monday to Friday during regular office hours.
Lester is the only officer covering the Strathmore/Wheatland County area, which stretches almost to Brooks, Cochrane and Airdrie. Lester said his office had about 199 calls from September to November of this year, and last year Alberta Fish and Wildlife had 2,034 calls provincially, specifically involving illegal activity.
Readers may have seen the current media campaign that asks Albertans to call the Report A Poacher line – 1-800-642-3800 – to report any suspected hunting or fishing infractions. The line is answered 24/7; an operator will take the details, then the call is forwarded to the appropriate Fish and Wildlife Officer. The caller’s name is kept confidential and people can report anonymously.
When the officer receives the call, they may not respond immediately as cutbacks have forced them to prioritize calls. However, Lester reassured that all calls will be followed up.
If someone is illegally on the landowner’s property, the landowner can ask them to leave. If there is resistance from the hunter, the landowner should not escalate the discussion, but take down details and phone the Report A Poacher line for follow up. Lester said when landowners are approached by hunters to cross or hunt on their land, they should ask to see the hunter’s license, get their contact information and the vehicle license number. They should also ask where the hunters would park and hunt.
“I think every landowner has their own horror stories and a lot of them have reasons,” said Lester.
The amount of information a person supplies to the operator when there is an infraction can increase the chance of catching someone.
Detailed information should include the date, time and location of the event, details about the violation, description of people, the licence plate number of the vehicle, and distinguishing details about the vehicle such as make, model, colour, dents or stickers. Taking pictures or videos also helps. There are also cash awards, if the infraction leads to a conviction.
Lester said the Report A Poacher service is basically to report anyone not following hunting, fishing and trespassing rules. Some things not allowed include vehicles following shorelines and not using natural fords or bridges, vehicles creating tire ruts or new trails, vehicles crossing into environmentally sensitive areas, illegal clearing of camp spots, building structures on public lands, littering, entering closed areas or leaving an abandoned vehicle, and hunting and/or fishing without permission or licenses.
Lester said everyone loses when hunters are not respectful, because then landowners shut down the opportunity to hunt on their land.
Some hunters think they can go anywhere to hunt if they have a license. Not so; if an area is fenced, shows indications it is in active use or it is signed, it is considered private property, and hunting without permission could cost the hunter a trespassing fine.
“Depending what they are doing on the land, it can lead to more serious charges,” said Lester.
Hunters can find out who owns the land by consulting the county land description map. He said some hunters are getting written permission from the landowners and carrying it with them along with their license. He said there are a lot of respectful hunters out there, and not everyone is a criminal; hunters are just out recreating, or providing food for their families.
Permission applies only to each individual for the current hunting season and is not valid for a group of hunters. Aboriginal hunters also need to have permission and a license to hunt on non-reserve lands. Non-natives must obtain additional permission, fees and licensing from aboriginal band administrations before entering aboriginal reserve land. All Alberta Environment and Parks fish and wildlife rules apply when hunting on reserve land.
Lester encourages hunters to consult the Alberta Environment and Parks website, aep.alberta.ca./fish-wildlife, and their current fish and wildlife manuals. Regulations and hunting areas change from year to year and anyone can call the office 403-934-3422, ext. 3800, or 403-901-4730, for more information or clarification. Lester’s office e-mail is kyle.lester@gov.ab.ca
“There is more and more onus on the hunter to understand the regulations; it is not on the person who sells you the license,” said Lester.
To get a hunting license, everyone needs to complete the hunters’ training program. Hunters should expect to be stopped if they are scouting roadways and are expected to carry their license and permission verification with them at all times. Loaded guns are not allowed in the vehicle.
For more information on areas and draws, Lester said it is best to confirm with the office.