Man Receives Jail Sentence and Hefty Fine for Illegal Killing of Bears in Tofino
A Tofino man has been handed a 30-day jail sentence and fined $11,000 for the unlawful killing of two black bears. This decision, deemed precedent-setting by the BC Conservation Officer Service, serves as an important reminder of the consequences individuals face when they take wildlife matters into their own hands.
Ryan Millar was found guilty of illegally killing a black bear cub and sow on October 14, 2021, as determined by provincial court judge Alexander Wolf in a ruling issued on June 6, 2023. Millar’s actions were met with strong repercussions when he appeared in Tofino Provincial Court on November 6. In addition to the jail sentence and fine, he has been banned from hunting and possessing weapons for the next 20 years, and his bow and crossbow were seized. The majority of the fine will be allocated to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
COS Sgt. Dan Eichstadter emphasized that nobody should take it upon themselves to unnecessarily destroy wildlife. Instead, he urged concerned individuals to contact the authorities. Engaging in vigilante actions is against the law, stated the Conservation Officer Service.
The incident unfolded when Millar spotted the bear cub and sow in a tree near his Tofino property. He proceeded to shoot them using a recurve bow and crossbow, later attempting to hide the carcasses. However, his actions did not go unnoticed. Two witnesses happened to witness Millar’s act of killing the bear cub and captured the entire incident on video, which was presented as evidence during the trial.
In his defense, Millar claimed that the killing was an act of self-defense. Nevertheless, Judge Wolf dismissed this argument. The Conservation Officer Service undertook a thorough investigation of the incident, presenting evidence in collaboration with a Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian and the two witnesses.
The Conservation Officer Service highlighted that it is illegal to hunt wildlife within 100 meters of a dwelling or occupied outbuilding. Additionally, there is no open season for black bears under two years of age or for bears accompanied by cubs. Consequently, the BC Conservation Officer Service hopes that the severe penalty imposed on Millar will effectively discourage others from engaging in similar activities.
Those who come across poaching or other unlawful activities are encouraged to report them by dialing 1-877-952-7277. By taking a united stance against such offenses and working together with conservation authorities, we can help protect our wildlife and preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings.
