Outfitters could lose licences over illegal hunting charges
Natural Resources Minister Denis Landry has authority to suspend hunting licences
A New Brunswick outfitting company facing more than 60 charges related to illegal hunting and the possession of animal parts could be suspended from hunting by the Department of Natural Resources.
The owners and operators of Lawrence Dyer and Sons Outfitters, which is located near Plaster Rock, were charged in January 2015 after a raid resulted in the seizure of moose meat, deer carcasses, black bear gallbladders and bear penile bones.
None of the five individuals charged have appeared in court. A pair of delays has pushed the plea hearing back from April 21 to Aug. 25.
The delays have allowed the business to continue hunting and offering their guide services to high-profile customers, such as 1970s-era rocker Ted Nugent.
Shawn Farrell, a conservation enforcer with the Department of Natural Resources, said hunting while charged is not illegal.
Farrell said the decision on whether to suspend the licence of a hunter who is facing charges rests with the minister of natural resources.
"The judge doesn't impose our suspensions," said Farrell.
"The minister does."
Natural Resources Minister Denis Landry was not available for an interview.
Farrell said case delays that allow hunters to stay in the woods is not uncommon.
"I can think of two cases of the top of my head where they're going on four years," said Farrell.
"Four years without being in court and they still hunt."
Several New Brunswick hunters and outfitters have expressed to CBC that they find it unfair that Lawrence Dyer and Sons Outfitter owners Daniel, Kimberly and Christopher Dyer continue to hunt animals after being charged with illegally hunting.
Some worry the Dyer family already will have their licence to guide non-residents on moose hunts next year.
"They only give out 50 licences for the whole province of New Brunswick to the outfitters and guides and they ended up with three tags for one place," said outfitter and hunter Wayne DeLeavey, who owns North View Hunting and Fishing Lodge in Plaster Rock.