Man fined $4,500 for killing pregnant moose near Kelowna

A man from Cherryville, about 100 kilometres northeast of Kelowna, pleaded guilty in Vernon provincial court for illegally poaching a pregnant cow moose.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) reported on social media that the man was fined $4,500 and was issued a two-year hunting ban.

The incident happened in March 2023 when the COS received calls about a moose potentially killed in the area outside the open season, a violation under the Wildlife Act.

The COS said they located a gut pile and the fetal calf of a moose. They also found snowmobile tracks leading to a nearby residence.

The officers obtained and carried out a search warrant, leading to the seizure of the moose carcass, the rifle used, and ammunition.

In addition to the fine and hunting ban, the man is prohibited from being with hunters anywhere in British Columbia and he is required to retake the Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE). His firearm and the moose carcass have also been forfeited.

“We’d like to thank the public for reporting this incident to the RAPP line,” said Conservation Officer Ken Owens.