BARRHEAD - Two hunters from outside the area received substantial fines after they pleaded guilty to multiple charges under Alberta's Wildlife Act after illegally killing a male cougar out of season.
Justice Thomas Achtymichuk gave Trevor Raymond Watt a combined $5,000 fine for hunting wildlife during a closed season, possessing wildlife or an exotic animal, and providing false or misleading information during a May 13 Barrhead Court of Justice session accepting a joint Crown-defence submission.
Craig Ian Pickard also received a $6,000 fine for hunting wildlife during a closed season from Justice Achtymichuk as part of the agreement.
In addition to their fines, Watt and Pickard received one-year hunting license suspensions.
As part of the joint submission agreement, Pickard had his second charge of possession of wildlife or an exotic animal withdrawn, and a third individual, Amanda Danielle Watt, had her charges of hunting wildlife during a closed season and possession of wildlife or an exotic animal dismissed.
Watt and Pickard have until Dec. 23, 2025, to pay their fines or risk 40 and 50 days in jail, respectively.
Crown prosecutor Sheila Reis said the charges stem from an incident that took place between Jan. 24 and Jan. 31, 2024, when the parties all participated in the unlawful hunting of a male cougar in a cougar management area that was closed to the hunting of male cougars, knowing it was illegal to do so.
"The parties also conspired on how to hide the illegal kill by coaching Mr. Watt to falsely document the date and location of when the male cougar was killed when he registered it with [Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers]."
The Crown added that in the last year, Pickard was also charged in another incident related to the illegal hunting of a cougar.
"In that investigation, Mr. Pickard confirmed he was an experienced cougar houndsman of about 20 years," she said.
Defence lawyer Dean Zuk, appearing via Webex from Calgary on behalf of his clients, admitted to the facts.
Justice Achtymichuk also granted the Crown's request for a forfeiture order for an illegal ammunition magazine seized during the investigation and the cougar itself.
The other items wildlife officers confiscated during their investigation, namely, two dog collars, will be returned within 60 days to their rightful owners. If not claimed by the owners, they will be forfeited to the Crown.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
