THREE FINED $2,300 FOR RUNNING DOWN COYOTE WITH SNOWMOBILES

Released on February 24, 1997

Two Unity area residents and one Albertan involved in running down a
coyote with snowmobiles were recently convicted of four Wildlife Act
infractions and one Criminal Code offence at provincial court in Unity
and fined a total of $2,300. A .22 calibre handgun was forfeited to
the Crown and all three received one-year suspensions of hunting and
trapping privileges.

The three violators were convicted of unlawfully using vehicles to
chase wildlife and fined $600 each. The offender from Alberta received
an additional $500 in fines for careless handling of a firearm and
unlawfully hunting a fur bearer.

Responding to a call from a concerned citizen, North Battleford
conservation officers located the three poachers refuelling their
snowmobiles at a farm in the Salvador area. Because blood was visible
on all three snowmobiles, the violators were questioned and a detailed
inspection of the offenders' equipment was initiated.

One dead coyote was found in the back of a half-ton truck. Further
inspection revealed blood, hair and bits of coyote flesh imbedded in
the tracks of the snowmobiles, indicating the three had been using
their machines to drive over the coyote. A .22 calibre handgun used to
destroy the animal was also found nearby and charges were laid against
all three violators.

"Most people feel that using vehicles to chase and kill coyotes or
other animals is extremely objectionable," said North Battleford
Conservation Officer Jim Oliver. "Not only is using vehicles
unsportsmanlike, but it is cruel."

Oliver encourages anyone who is aware of or suspects fisheries,
wildlife or environment abuses to make use of the province's toll-free
Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or contact their local
conservation officer.

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For more information, contact:

Dave Coombes
SERM
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 933-7949