Moose poachers nabbed by Manitoba conservation workers

Conservation officers charged eight hunters with alleged moose poaching, a provincial news release said Thursday.

Fines will be determined when the hunters go to court, but according to new rules, they range between $2,500 to $10,000.

• Manitoba bans moose hunting in 5 areas due to population decline

Sustainable development workers also seized four vehicles, weapons and other hunting equipment.

The hunters were charged with a range of offences during a recent four-day blitz,including: hunting at night, hunting moose in a moose conservation closure area, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and operating a motor vehicle while suspended, said the province.

In addition to moose hunting, the province said one person was charged with possession of more fish than is allowed by the daily quota.

• Manitoba wildlife officers seek leads in illegal moose hunting cases

Due to declines in moose numbersin east-centralManitoba, partial restrictions and bans are in place, said Manitoba Sustainable Development.

The rules affect rights-based and licensed hunters.

The province asks that anyone with information about illegal activitiesto call their local Manitoba Sustainable Development Office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).