Three Williams Lake men have been fined a combined penalty of $9,000 for illegal night hunting on private property, explained the Conservation Officer Service on social media.
In October 2022, the trio was arrested for trespassing and night hunting after conservation officers found them hunting on private property west of Williams Lake with the use of high-powered lights.
Officers seized a pickup truck, three cellphones, four firearms and five dead mule deer bucks, noted the service. The seized deer were donated to the Yunesitʼin First Nation.
Silas Laceese, Peyal Laceese, and Joseph Toby all pleaded guilty in Williams Lake court in December 2023 to hunting without consideration for the lives, safety or property of others and trespassing.
They each received a $3,000 fine, a $450 mandatory victim surcharge, and a three-year order not to hunt or accompany hunters outside of their traditional territory. The trio also agreed to write letters of apology to the victims of these offences.
To report poaching or other unlawful activities, the public can call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
