Sentencing was handed down on Friday, March 11 in the case of two men accused of hunting a bull elk without a license in 2020.
Counsel Ken Nowicki appeared on behalf of accused local man Derek Young and U.S. citizen Scott Paradis who are jointly accused of hunting without a license and possession of wildlife and controlled animals; Mr. Young was further charged with the use of and carrying another’s license.
The court heard how on September 23, 2020, Fish and Wildlife Officer Neufeld was reviewing receipts at a taxidermy shop and discovered a receipt noting the delivery of a bull elk to the taxidermy shop on September 8, 2019. A hunting license for the elk was purchased on the same date just after midnight.
However, upon reviewing Mr. Young’s social media account, Officer Neufeld discovered a photo dated September 7, 2019, in which Mr. Paradis was tagged posing with a bull elk.
Young was hosting Paradis, who is a United States citizen; the Crown noted, as the host, by virtue Young is also party to the offence of hunting without a license.
Counsel entered guilty pleas in the charges of hunting without a license and the Crown agreed to withdraw the remaining charges and seek fines of $500 for Paradis and $1,500 for Young who, as the host, was viewed as more blameworthy due to his awareness of Canadian laws.
