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Report of boater shooting at birds off Saanich Peninsula triggers investigation

B.C. Conservation Officer Service asking for public to come forward with information
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A video posted on social media claims to show a boat in Saanich Inlet being used by someone hunting birds with a firearm. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is investigating the incident. (Black Press Media file photo)

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) has opened an investigation after receiving a report Saturday of shots being fired at birds from a boat off the Saanich Peninsula.

COS said in a statement to Black Press Media that the office is investigating this incident. Despite online claims that eagles were the target in the Saanich Inlet, COS said in the statement it was unable to determine which species of bird was shot or shot at. Equally unclear is the question of who shot at the birds from the boat and its exact location.

According to the statement, the people involved could face up to four provincial charges under the Wildlife Act, namely retrieving dead or injured wildlife with a powerboat with a loaded firearm ($115 fine), discharge of a firearm from a vehicle ($575 fine), hunting migratory birds with a powerboat ($230 fine) and unlawful possession of dead wildlife parts ($230 fine).

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A video posted on the social media platform Reddit claiming to show the incident shows a small, white motorboat with what appears to be a single individual on board. Sounds similar to gunshots can be heard in the video, which also appears to show a large bird flapping its wings in the water near the boat.

COS is asking anyone with information to contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.


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wolfgang.depner@peninsulanewsreview.com



Wolf Depner

About the Author: Wolf Depner

I joined the national team with Black Press Media in 2023 from the Peninsula News Review, where I had reported on Vancouver Island's Saanich Peninsula since 2019.
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