Three found guilty of Wildlife Act offences

Separate investigations by Fish and Wildlife officers in Fort Macleod and High Prairie have resulted in the convictions of three people under the Wildlife Act.

On June 6, 2012, Nathan Benjamin Tschetter and William James Tschetter from the Fort Macleod area pled guilty in Fort Macleod Provincial Court to 10 counts under the Wildlife Act. Michel Blanchett, a guide/outfitter from Cold Lake pled guilty in High Prairie Provincial Court on March 20, 2012, to two counts under the Wildlife Act and one count under the Wildlife Regulation.

“Alberta’s fish and wildlife officers are dedicated to protecting our province’s wildlife resources,” said Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis. “Convictions like these are a result of their hard work and commitment to ensuring Albertans can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our province.”

Fish and Wildlife Officer Paul Prefontaine with
evidence of Wildlife Act infractions

The charges in the Fort Macleod area resulted from a six-month undercover investigation into the trafficking of eagle parts and big game antlers. Nathan Tschetter received fines totaling $12,405 and a nine-year recreational hunting license suspension, while William Tschetter received fines totaling $27,220 and a 21-year recreational hunting license suspension. In addition, the individuals are prohibited from possessing birds of prey or parts of these birds: William for life, and Nathan for 10 years.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch’s investigation of Cold Lake guide/outfitter Michel Blanchett included assistance from the California Department of Fish and Game - Law Enforcement Division and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - Enforcement Program. Blanchett was charged with hunting wildlife without a license, hunting wildlife using bait, and failing to submit guide/outfitter reports. The conviction resulted in fines totaling $16,500 and for the next five years he must report to the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch before and after hunting.

Anyone with information that would help solve any fish or wildlife crime in Alberta is asked to contact a local Alberta government Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch office or call the toll-free 24-hour Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Anyone who provides information can remain anonymous and could qualify for a reward.