The Manitoba Wildlife Federation staff and board of directors have once again been receiving numerous complaints and pictures from members about night lighting. Night lighting has severe safety implications, as poachers cannot properly identify their target at night, which causes an inherent risk to livestock, pets, and landowners. We need to protect our big game species, so they will be around for future generations to enjoy. As pictures indicate, big game animals are often left for waste as these individuals flee the scene. The MWF has been made aware that Conservation Officers are no longer executing nighttime enforcement flights and they have been given direction from management not to pursue, or attempt to pursue, individuals who are fleeing the scene of the crime. The MWF is advocating that the Provincial Government enact the following actions to curtail these illegal activities.
- Immediately reinstate night flight enforcement efforts.
- Allow our well-trained officers to pursue and apprehend these criminals and allow the officers to use all the tools necessary to uphold the law including: the use of check stops and spike belts.
- Create a task force to come up with a strategic plan for enforcement priorities.
- Increase the criminal penalties.
The Federation also requests that MWF members contact the TIPS line @ 1-800-782-0076 if they see or suspect any illegal activity. We need to remember that our officers are spread thin and members could assist with being the eyes and ears on the ground.
In the News:
Local Night-Lighting is Illegal and on the Rise Again – Discover Westman
https://discoverwestman.com/local/night-hunting-is-illegal-on-the-rise-again
