Guide charged for illegal sheep

[high horse Hal]

taking serious the responsibilities of the assistant guide
Now will BC residents be held to the same high standard

from the CO Service

An assistant guide received a $10,000 penalty and 1- year hunting ban for the unlawful harvest of a thinhorn sheep in northern BC.

In October 2022, a thinhorn sheep was killed near Horseshoe Mountain, west of Fort Nelson, by a client of guide service Tuchodi River Outfitters, who paid $61, 347 USD for the hunt.
Upon compulsory inspection of the ram, it was determined to be seven years of age and not full curl, which does not meet the legal requirements to be harvested.

Assistant Guide Nile Sinnes pleaded guilty to killing wildlife not within an open season, a violation under the Wildlife Act.
Sinnes was responsible for determining if the animal was legal to harvest and authorized the shot to be taken.

During the recent court sentencing in Fort Nelson, Honorable Judge Leven stated "In my view, an assistant guide has a very high obligation to ensure that the animal that is being shot by a hunter, is completely legal. Hunters pay for guided hunts and should expect to have a positive experience in what is often the hunt of a lifetime."

The majority of the penalty will go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Sinnes is also prohibited from hunting, or accompanying hunters, anywhere in BC until May 1, 2026. All wildlife parts, including the headset seized during the investigation, were ordered to be forfeited to the Crown.

"Hunters flock to Northern BC from all over the world for the unique opportunity and experience of harvesting a Stone or Dall Sheep,” said COS Sgt. Anthony Eagles, North Peace Zone.
“It remains imperative that all hunters, including guided hunters and their guides, are diligent to ensure a ram is full curl or at least eight years old, per the hunting regulations in BC.”

[358mag]

How many undersized - underaged Thinhorn rams have been shot by Resident hunters every year and what type of fine - suspension did they get ?

Guides and Resident hunter should all fall into the same blanket .

[Muledeercrazy2]

That’s ridiculous. Obviously resident hunters should be held to account for harvesting illegal animals. There should be a significantly higher expectation for professional hunters (guides) who are making money selling hunting opportunities. Apples to oranges

[MOOSE MILK]

$61,000 - $10,000 = $51,000.. What is the deterrent? They still made a shitload of $$$$$.
MM

[high horse Hal]

it used to be the non-res ident hunter could be charged as ultimately they are the one pulling the trigger, the assistant guide just gets them into the right situation
This case is a new turn

[high horse Hal]

$61,000 - $10,000 = $51,000.. What is the deterrent? They still made a shitload of $$$$$.
MM

The guide/outfitter gets the big bucks, the assistant is just cheap labour, often a tfw these days
The AG only has to pass a rudimentary exam from the GOABC, not the Gub't, to get a license to guide

[Muledeercrazy2]

$61,000 - $10,000 = $51,000.. What is the deterrent? They still made a shitload of $$$$$.
MM

60,000 usd - 10,000 cad… it is a good point, the fine should go to the outfitter. Or part of it. They are responsible for sending out clients with an inexperienced guide.

[elker]

60,000 usd - 10,000 cad… it is a good point, the fine should go to the outfitter. Or part of it. They are responsible for sending out clients with an inexperienced guide.

There is no doubt in my mind that the guide will bring the receipt to the outfitter. It is a jobsite accident. the employer will pay.

[srupp]

hmmmm not so sure...the assistant guide was in the field guiding and it was he who gave directions to harvest the sheep to the hunter..the assist guide screwed up both the outfitter and client were relying on the AG..if in doubt..dont shoot or tell your client to shoot...

Steven

[Brew]

I’m not exactly sure as to what happened but I do know this guide personally through work. I do know from the five years I have worked with him that he is an honest hard working guy that probably
just made a bad call somehow. I know he has guided sheep for a number of years and is quite the accomplished hunter. I’m betting he’s paying the fine personally