In a case that sets a precedent for wildlife conservation and the enforcement of hunting regulations, a Tofino man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for killing a bear and its cub.
Ryan Millar was sentenced in Tofino Provincial Court on Monday to a 30-day jail term, received a $11,000 fine and a 20-year hunting and weapons ban.
This judgment comes as a result of Millar’s unlawful killing of a bear and its cub, a case described as “precedent-setting” by the Conservation Officer Service (COS).
The incident occurred in October 2021 when Millar encountered a black bear sow and her cub in a tree outside his Tofino property.
Instead of following proper protocols and contacting authorities, Millar took matters into his own hands. He retrieved his Recurve Bow, shot the bears out of the tree, and subsequently used a Crossbow to execute them on the ground.
In an attempt to conceal his actions, he tried to hide the carcasses.
Witnesses to the incident reported the unlawful killing to the COS, which initiated a comprehensive investigation. Conservation Officers collaborated with the Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian and gathered substantial evidence from the deceased animals and the crime scene to present in court.
The verdict highlighted the severity of Millar’s actions, as there is no open hunting season within 100 meters of a dwelling or occupied outbuilding, and it is strictly prohibited to hunt black bears less than two years of age or bears in the company of cubs.
“No one should take it upon themselves to needlessly destroy wildlife. We ask people to call us if they have a concern. It’s not lawful to take matters into your own hands,” said COS Sgt. Dan Eichstadter. “We’d also like to thank the witnesses who immediately reported their concerns to authorities and initiated this investigation.”
The COS hopes that the substantial penalties imposed on Millar will serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar illegal activities.
In addition to the financial penalties and legal restrictions, Millar had his bow and crossbow seized as part of the punishment.
The majority of the financial penalty will be allocated to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and their habitats.
