In September 2016, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) received information that a Sayward resident was offering hunting guide outfitter services from his business.
The man involved was not licensed as a hunting guide in the province of B.C. and the BCCOS investigation into the allegation resulted in Wildlife Act charges, the Conservation Officer Service says on its Facebook page.
Professional guide outfitters in British Columbia must obtain expensive, exclusive rights to provide guided hunts within a restrictive territory, the BCCOS says.
They are required to be licensed, have insurance, demonstrate their experience by acting as an assistant guide and write an exam before they are permitted to guide in B.C. This ensures a quality experience for the hunter, a higher safety standard to protect the client and the public and strict adherence to the legislation which regulates this activity. Unlawful guiding compromises safety and cheats the community of important revenue.
On Oct. 1, James Norman Cuthbert of Sayward entered a guilty plea for one count of guiding for game without a licence, contrary to Section 48(1) of the BC Wildlife Act.
The male received a $100 fine and was also ordered to pay $10,000 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF).