Indian plead not guilty to elk killing charges

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Two Treaty Indians pleaded not guilty Jan. 27 to charges laid after the shooting of three elk in Kananaskis Country in early January.

Beverley Anne Dekock of High Prairie and Clarence McRee of Slave Lake were not present during the provincial court hearing but their lawyer Ken Staroszik entered their pleas.

Dekock has been charged with five counts under the Wildlife Act, while McRee faces seven charges.

The pair return to court Feb. 3 to set a trial date. If found guilty they could be fined up to $2,500 or a month in jail on each charge.

Dekock and McRee are both Treaty Indians and may be exempt from prosecution. They are not registered band members.