Unlawful migratory bird hunt results in fine and equipment forfeiture for New Brunswick hunter

Caraquet, New Brunswick – July 31, 2018 – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Enforcing Canadian environmental and wildlife laws is one important way that Environment and Climate Change Canada is taking action to protect wildlife and nature.

On July 10, 2018, Steve Gionet pleaded guilty in the Provincial Court of New Brunswick to violating the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Mr. Gionet was fined $6,000, which will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund. Equipment seized during the investigation—including a boat, two shotguns, decoys, ammunition, and other hunting equipment—were ordered forfeited to the Crown.

While they were on patrol in northeastern New Brunswick, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers observed Mr. Gionet hunting sea ducks during closed season, on April 11, 2017. Upon inspection, Mr. Gionet was found with seven sea duck carcasses, and he was subsequently charged with hunting during closed season and hunting with toxic lead shot, both of which are violations under the Act.

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Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to anonymously report on wildlife crimes. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 from Crime Stoppers.

Quick facts

• Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Environment and Climate Change Canada is mandated to protect migratory birds, their nests, and populations, and it regulates potentially harmful human activities that may impact them.
• The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our environment.

Contacts

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Environment and Climate Change Canada
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