B.C.Man Receives $50K Fine and 10-Year Hunting Ban

Daniel Gazzola of Maple Ridge, B.C., has been fined $50,000 and banned from hunting for 10 years after pleading guilty to five Wildlife Act offences, including killing wildlife out of season and discharging firearms near residences. ⚖️ Court Case and Guilty Plea In Kamloops provincial court, Daniel Gazzola from Maple Ridge pleaded guilty to five counts under the Wildlife Act. The charges stemmed from multiple illegal hunting incidents across British Columbia. His offences included: Killing wildlife outside open season, including a female mountain goat accompanied by a kid. Discharging a firearm within 100 metres of multiple residences. Knowingly making false statements in records filed at a cold storage or butcher shop. Exceeding mule deer hunting limits beyond his allotted quota. 💰 Penalties and Consequences The court imposed a $10,000 fine for each of the five offences, totaling $50,000. Most of the penalty funds will go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, supporting wildlife protection efforts. In addition, Gazzola: Received a 10-year ban from hunting, buying a licence, or accompanying other hunters in B.C. Was required to submit a formal apology letter to the Conservation Officer Service. 👥 Other Individuals Charged Gazzola was one of four people charged in connection with the investigation. Another individual was fined $7,000 and banned from hunting for three years after allowing her licence to be used by someone else. 🌲 Conservation Impact The B.C. Conservation Officer Service emphasized that illegal hunting undermines conservation efforts and threatens wildlife populations. Strict enforcement of the Wildlife Act is intended to protect species such as mountain goats, mule deer, and grizzly bears, which are vulnerable to overhunting. 📞 Public Reporting Authorities encourage residents to report illegal hunting activities to the Conservation Officer Service or through Crime Stoppers. Public vigilance is seen as critical to protecting B.C.’s wildlife and ensuring sustainable hunting practices.