Investigations by officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Resource Enforcement Division have resulted in charges pending against several individuals for violations of the Off-Road Vehicle Act and the Wild Life Act.
On September 17, 2022, Resource Enforcement Officers from the Clarenville and St. John’s detachments conducted air and land patrols in response to reports of illegal activity in and around the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve. As a result of the investigation, an individual was detained for operating an off-road vehicle in the reserve and operating of an off-road vehicle out of an approved area. The vehicle was seized and charges are pending.
Other patrols near the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve resulted in identifying a number of licence and firearm violations under the Wild Life Act, along with several infractions of the Off-Road Vehicle Act. Charges are pending. Infractions included transporting a loaded firearm on a vehicle, not having a licence or Outdoor Identification Card on their person, operating an off-road vehicle out of an approved area, no entry permit for a Wilderness Reserve and operation of an off-road vehicle within a reserve. A firearm and an off-road vehicle were seized.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to operate an off-road vehicle outside of an approved area or be in possession of an off-road vehicle within a reserve. In addition, a person or group may not enter a reserve without a permit.
The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal hunting activity or off-road vehicle use, as information provided by the public can play an important role in assisting investigations being carried out by Resource Enforcement Officers.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.
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Media contact
Erin Shea
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture
709-729-3733
erinshea@gov.nl.ca