Two American hunters were apprehended on October 27 while hunting along the Canadian-American border in Hinchinbrooke by wildlife protection officers from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
A press release published on Wednesday by the ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs states that, for several years, citizens have been informing wildlife officers about individuals hunting on Quebec territory from the State of New York.
The arrest was carried out with the collaboration of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canada Border Agents. « Following intense surveillance, agents surprised two American hunters who had illegally harvested a white tailed deer on Quebec soil, » it indicated.
The offenders will be liable for fines that could amount to more than $7000. They could also receive a criminal fine of $1000 for having crossed the border illegally.
The Ministry took the opportunity to remind Canadian hunters who are hunting along the border that they should report to an American Border crossing to request permission to recuperate a killed animal that has fallen on American territory. They could thereby avoid finding themselves in an unpleasant predicament.
Furthermore, transporting deer meat across the border is also regulated in order to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). It is against the law to import or possess whole deer carcases (except caribou) that have been slaughtered outside of Québec. It is, however, possible to bring deboned meat, defatted or tanned skin and hide, antlers without velvet, disinfected skulls or any part mounted by a taxidermist into Quebec.
As in Hinchinbrooke, citizens are encouraged to report any poaching or act that affects wildlife heritage or its habitats by contacting SOS Poaching at 1-800-463-2191.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
