Poaching crackdown sees 4 charged as salmon season ends

Enforcement officers with the Newfoundland and Labrador government seized a boat, an ATV and other gear during a last crackdown on poachers during the end of the salmon fishing season.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division said four people have been charged under various laws, including the Fisheries Act, the Wildlife Act and regulations that involve all-terrain vehicles.

Wildlife officers got a tip that several people were netting salmon on Ragged Harbour River in central Newfoundland earlier this month.

In addition to the boat and ATV, officers seized six salmon, a motor and a .22-calibre rifle.

Between them, the suspects face charges that include illegally netting and possessing salmon, as well as a count of owning a firearm without a valid licence.

The investigation also resulted in an all-terrain vehicle, trailer, boat, motor, six Atlantic salmon, and a .22 calibre rifle being seized.

As the fall hunting seasons open, the government said in a system that the public can help stop poaching by reporting tips anonymously to either to the wildlife tip line at 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.