Outfitters could lose licences over illegal hunting charges

A New Brunswick outfitting companyfacingmore than 60 charges related to illegal hunting and the possession of animal parts could be suspendedfrom hunting by the Department of Natural Resources.

The owners and operators ofLawrenceDyer andSons Outfitters, which is located near Plaster Rock, were charged in January 2015 after a raid resulted in the seizure ofmoose meat, deer carcasses,black bear gallbladdersand bear penile bones.

None of the five individuals chargedhave appeared in court. A pair of delays has pushed the plea hearing back fromApril 21to Aug.25.

The delays have allowed the business to continue huntingand 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 judgedoesn't impose our suspensions," said Farrell.

"The minister does."

Natural Resources Minister DenisLandry 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 unfairthatLawrenceDyer andSons Outfitterowners Daniel, Kimberlyand 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," saidoutfitter and hunterWayneDeLeavey, who ownsNorth View Hunting and Fishing Lodgein Plaster Rock.