A Dawson Creek man has been ordered to pay an $8,000 fine and faces a two-year suspension of his angling license following a court case related to a wildlife compliance stop near Chetwynd. The BC Conservation Officer Service announced the outcome this month, marking the conclusion of proceedings stemming from an incident on April 15, 2024.
The incident took place on the Rocky Creek Forest Service Road when officers attempted to conduct a routine hunting and fishing inspection. During the stop, the driver, Travis Ricky Wiebe, failed to provide necessary identification, including a driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and a valid angling license. According to officials, the vehicle then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. While two adults and one child were in the vehicle at the time, no injuries were reported.
Wiebe pleaded guilty to charges of driving without due care and attention and failing to remain stopped for an officer. In addition to the $8,000 fine and the two-year loss of his fishing privileges, he received a five-year probation order. This enforcement action highlights the role of the service, which is responsible for upholding 33 federal and provincial statutes related to natural resource law.
The provincial government has recently taken steps to strengthen penalties for environmental infractions. As of June 18, 2024, fines for various Wildlife Act offences were increased to a range between $345 and $1,495. Authorities remind the public that under the Wildlife Act, failing to pay a court-ordered fine within the required timeframe results in the immediate cancellation of all hunting and angling licenses.
