Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A woman who has hunted since she was a little girl broke a long-standing aboriginal tradition by wasting meat.
And for that she is very, very sorry.

Bobbi-Jo Halcrow, 31, appeared in High Prairie provincial court July 18 and pleaded guilty to hunting wildlife in closed season, and illegal possession of wildlife.

Court heard Halcrow, a resident of Kapawe’no First Nation, was hunting on Oct 16, 2015 and shot a moose.

“[The farmer] heard nine shots at 11 o’clock [in the evening],” said Crown prosecutor Hadyn Shook.

An investigation ensued and a “large amount of meat was left” from the moose. Fish and Wildlife officers found the rest of the meat in Halcrow’s freezer.

“Ravens were picking at it; it was unfit for human consumption,” said Shook, who reminded court the incident occurred at night and out of season.

Shook asked Judge D.R. Shynkar to consider fines in the range of $3,500 to $4,500.

Halcrow is the mother of four children and lives common-law.

“She shot her first moose when she was 12,” said Native Counselling Services of Alberta court worker Cheryl Kachuk. “She was not aware there was a home in close proximity.”

After Halcrow shot the moose, a farmer appeared from the home and began yelling and screaming at her. She fled the scene. She later returned but the farmer appeared again and she left.

“She was taught to never leave meat,” said Kachuk. “She was very upset about leaving it.
“She’s very, very sorry. She’s taught every part of the moose has a purpose.”

Judge Shynkar opted for a lesser fine than suggested by Shook, taking into account Halcrow’s personal situation and her obvious remorse. He fined Halcrow $650 including victim fine surcharges globally on both charges.

Time to pay was granted to March 31, 2017.

Charges of hunting at night and wasting of edible flesh were withdrawn by the Crown.