Yukoner Clayton Thomas convicted for killing 2 wolves

A Whitehorseman has been found guilty ofviolating the Yukon Wildlife Act forkillingtwo wolves near his home, in 2013.

Clayton Thomas was convicted of three charges illegally hunting wolves, dangerous use of afirearm,and illegal trafficking (Thomas had planned to sell the pelts). Several other charges were stayed.

Thomas shot the wolves a few days apartin April 2013, near his property in the MountSimasubdivision. He said the animals had been lurking around his neighbourhoodand he was worried for the safety of his family, and others.

At his trial,Thomas also arguedthat as a member of theTahltanFirst Nation in Northern B.C.,it was his right as an aboriginal Canadian to kill the wolves.

But judge Donald Lutherruled Thursday that Thomas was never in danger, and his hunting rights in B.C. are not transferable to Yukon.

After the ruling,Thomas admitted his case was a tough one to argue. He said heappreciatedthe judge's "respectful decision," butalso said has no regrets aboutkilling the wolves.

"I would do it again," he said. "Anybody from the Yukon understands that what I did was correct."

A sentencing date for Thomas is scheduled in March.