Thom seeks legal advice for hunters

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The Metis Association Zone 1 vice-president, Gerald Thom is upset over Metis hunters he claims were unjustly charged for alleged hunting violations.

Metis hunter William Boucher was charged with illegal possession of wildlife (failing to tag a moose) under Section 39 of the Wildlife Act and paid a $300 fine on Nov. 9.

And hunter Edward Cardinal of Calling Lake, pleaded not guilty on the same chares when he appeared in court on Nov. 9.

Thom says many Metis hunters are reluctant to go through court proceedings because they don't fully understand hunting laws and cannot afford expensive legal fee.

"Most of them plead guilty because they don't want to go through the court system," he says, adding the Boucher case is typical.

Thom explains that Boucher became so worried before his trial date that he "couldn't sleep at night."

Thom presented the hunters in negotiations with Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials recently. But, he says "nothing is being done" and adds that he is now seeking legal council.

Fish and Wildlife official Ron Hanson says he recalls meeting with Thom but adds that they could not discuss any of the alleged hunting violations before court proceedings were completed.

However, Hanson states that all of the Fish and Wildlife district offices in the province have an open-door policy, to discuss hunting issues with Metis and Native communities.

"We are prepared to meet with them at any time in our offices or in their communities," he says, adding official swill also explain any hunting regulation that is in question.

Hanson also notes that interpreters are available to officials if communicating with concerned hunters requires one.

Hanson concludes that his department investigates all the cases of alleged unfair treatment or harassment that comes to their attention and makes amends if necessary.

Metis hunter Edward Cardinal will appear in court Feb. 8, to fight the alleged hunting violation.