Meat confiscated by Wildlife officers

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Metis hunter will fight for his rights

A Metis hunter is determined to appear in court next month to demand the rest of his moose after being charged by Fish and Wildlife officers for an untagged animal.

Edward Cardinal from Calling Lake says he was issued a ticket for the alleged offence and three-quarters of the moose was confiscated by the officers, leaving him with the last quarter. This hind-quarter still resides in his deep freeze.

Cardinal and son say they were approaching the highway at Rock Island Lake (about 20 miles north of Calling Lake) with a bagged moose Sept. 27, when they were met by Fish and Wildlife officers from Athabasca.

Cardinal, who claims to be illiterate, was able to produce a hunting licence when requested by officer David Hillary. The officer then confiscated the carcass, saying the meat would be given to needy families.

Cardinal, 54, claims he lost the moose tag while on the hunting trip. "But, I couldn't throw the meat away," he says bitterly (in Cree), adding that he has five children to feed.

Cardinal who is charged for failing to immediately tag a moose under Section 39 of the Wildlife Act had an option to appear in court Nov. 9 in Athabasca or pay a specified penalty of $150. He has chosen to appear in court.

According to Cardinal, he has contacted Zone 1 vice-president Gerald Thom in Lac La Biche for advice. "He will appear in court to translate for me," Cardinal says.

In a telephone interview, Thom indicated the "harrassment" Native people are receiving from Fish and Wildlife officers "has got to stop." He also indicated he's received more complaints of harassment since the Cardinal incident. "I feel totally upset about it," he says with bitterness, adding that the Metis people get to hunt only once a year. "If this is the way we're going to be handled by Fish and Wildlife, I think we're going to lose it (hunting)," he stated.

Thom added he will be consulting a lawyer who has expertise on Fish and Wildlife incidents.

Meanwhile, Cardinal says he has not gone out hunting since the incident. "I'm going to get that meat back if I can," he says with confidence. "I killed the moose for my family ? no one else."

NO official at the Athabasca Fish and Wildlife office was available for comment, however, regional superintendent, Dennis Gigges said neither he or his department has received a formal complaint.

"Until I get feedback I cannot step in," he said.

Gigges also pointed out that none of his officers can speak Cree but added that a translator could be obtained if requested.

Calling Lake is about 40 km north of Athabasca.