A Surrey man has been ordered to pay a $10,000 fine after illegally shooting a bull moose.
The fine and conviction was handed down in provincial court in Kelowna earlier this week.
According to the court ruling, the incident happened Nov. 3, 2017 in the Beaverdell area, just east of the Okanagan. The man, who was not named, shot the male bull moose when it was not in season. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the moose was still alive after being shot but was left partially paralyzed until it died from its injuries.
While the man reported the shooting roughly 27 hours later, he did not report that the moose was left alive.
A provincial wildlife veterinarian found evidence that showed a degree of unnecessary pain and suffering for the moose before its death.
A judge ruled that $8,500 of the $10,000 fine will be directed to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. The man is also subject to a three year hunting prohibition, and forfeiture of firearms.
The public is encouraged to report poaching and other environmental violations to the designated 24-7 report line at 1-877-952-7277.
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