A bull elk was illegally shot with a crossbow last month, and Parks Canada wardens are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the shooter.
The elk’s body was found Sept. 5 just off of Highway 16, approximately 10 kilometres east of the townsite, in the area of the Palisades. Because its rack and body were still intact, it is considered an illegal hunting incident, rather than one of poaching.
Hunting is strictly prohibited in the park and carries with it hefty fines, as well as jail time. The maximum penalty for killing an elk is $750,000 and five years in prison.
In hopes of apprehending the shooter, wardens are looking for anyone who might have information about the incident.
If you were in the area of the Palisades picnic site or Snaring Road between Wednesday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 5, and noticed suspicious vehicles or people in the area, Parks Canada is encouraging you to contact the warden service: 1-877-852-3100. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Park wardens are also interested in seeing any photographs taken of a large bull elk in the Palisades area during that time.
Hunting and poaching aren’t common events in the park, but both crimes have taken place in the past—whether it’s outright poaching, hunting for sport or the collection of antlers, claws or bones.
In 2011, a person was charged with the collection of elk antlers that had been shed by a bull. The fine was $1,000.
Shed animal parts, as well as bones, are protected under the Canadian National Parks Act, as they provide an important source of minerals for small animals and are a natural part of the environment.
In 2009, a bull elk was spotted with arrows protruding from its back. The injuries were not life threatening and, by the time Parks officials caught up to it, the arrows were gone and the wounds were healing. The shooter was not found.
In October 2006, a mature bull elk was shot near Talbot Lake. Its antlers were removed and most of the carcass was taken, as well. No charges were laid in association with the incident.
In 2004, the RCMP caught a poacher red-handed loading a dead animal into the back of a truck. The fine was $15,000, and the person also lost their rifle and received a three-year hunting ban.
In 1999, Parks found a headless elk by Jasper Lake. The poacher was not found and no charges were laid in association with that incident.
In 1998, two people were charged with poaching two big horn sheep inside the east park boundary.
In 1997, a hunter was caught and charged with illegal hunting on the south boundary.
In 1995, an elk was struck by a car and was found missing its hinder quarter. The poacher was caught and charged.
In 1994, a person was convicted for removing the head of a dead big horn sheep that he found on the highway. The fine was $3,000 and 100 hours of community service.
Fines for poaching an elk within a national park increased in 2010, as part of an amendment to the Canadian National Parks Act.
In the case of a first offence, the minimum fine for poaching an elk is $4,500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. For a second or subsequent offence, the minimum fine is $9,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six month.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
