Moose poachers fined a total of $17,750

 Seven men from the Cochrane area were convicted of 18 offences and fined a total of $17,750 for an incident of moose poaching which took place more than two years ago, a Ministry of Natural Resources release stated.

The seven men pleaded guilty to numerous offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act related to poaching moose off the Abitibi River in Glackmeyer Township, on the outskirts of the Town of Cochrane.

All of the men also had their hunting rights suspended for four years.

The court heard that on Oct. 11, 2007, some of the charged shot and killed a cow and bull moose without the proper licences, the MNR stated.

The men then made efforts to conceal the illegal killing of the moose and hinder and obstruct the investigation by the conservation officers, the release stated.

These included making false statements, affixing copies of First Nation status cards to the moose and tampering with a gun.

The bull moose meat was spoiled, save for one hind quarter.

More than 14 officers from six different MNR districts were involved in the investigation.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free, any time, or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).