'A very high obligation': BC hunting guide handed $10K fine for illegal ram harvest

A BC hunting guide assistant has been handed a hefty fan and one-year hunting ban for illegally killing a mountain sheep.

The fine and hunting ban stem from an October 2022 hunt west of Fort Nelson.

According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BC COS), a client paid $61,347 USD for the hunt, which was led by Tuchodi River Outfitters.

During a compulsory inspection of the ram, it was determined that it was only seven years old and had not reached the full curl on its horn, which does not meet the legal requirements to be harvested.

Nile Sinnes, the assistant guide and one responsible for determining if the animal was legal to be harvested, pleaded guilty to killing wildlife not within an open season, which is a violation under the Wildlife Act.

The fine he received totaled $10,000.

"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,” said Judge Leven during the court sentencing.

“Hunters pay for guided hunts and should expect to have a positive experience in what is often the hunt of a lifetime."

A majority of the penalty will go to BC’s Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

Sinnes will be banned from hunting or accompanying hunters anywhere in BC until May 1, 2026.

In addition to the fine and hunting ban, all part of the animal, including the headset seized during the investigation, were 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.”