This release was issued under a previous government.

In Hinton Provincial Court, 52-year-old Frank Kucher was convicted of five counts under the Wildlife Act, including two counts of hunting wildlife out of season, two counts of abandoning the carcasses, and one count of unlawful possession of wildlife. He is prohibited from hunting for nine years.

In Alberta, it is against the law to hunt grizzly bears as they are considered a threatened species.

“Alberta Justice and Solicitor General takes poaching seriously. This case highlights how Albertans can help protect our fish and wildlife resources by reporting suspicious hunting or fishing activity.”

- Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

On October 8, 2010, the Edmonton District Fish and Wildlife Office received an anonymous tip from a person claiming to have seen the head of a grizzly bear in Kucher’s garage. Officers went to Kucher’s home and seized the head and claws of a sow grizzly after getting consent to search. The next day, Fish and Wildlife Officers located the carcasses of the sow and her cub along the Pembina River south of Robb and charged Kucher accordingly.

Anyone with information that would help solve any fish or wildlife crime in Alberta is asked to contact a local Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement office or call the 24-hour, toll-free Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. Anyone who provides information can remain anonymous and could qualify for a reward.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Related information

Report a Poacher

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Photo taken during investigation (please attribute to Government of Alberta)