Fort St. John resident receives fine, probation after violating Wildlife Act

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John resident has been convicted of one count of violating the Wildlife Act (WLA), according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).

Timber Cobbett of Fort St. John has been fined $4,000, along with 18 months of probation, the BC Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post.  

On November 30th, 2023, BCCOS said it received a report to its Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline. The call alleged someone had shot a mule deer on private land north of Fort St. John without permission from the owner. 

BCCOS said the land had an active oil and gas worksite on it, and workers were present at the time of the incident. An investigation was immediately initiated, resulting in the deer being seized later that day. 

According to the BBCOS, on March 24th, 2026, Cobbett pleaded guilty to hunting cultivated land without the consent of the owner, lessee or occupier of land, a violation under section 39.(1)(a) of the WLA in Fort St. John Provincial Court. 

Of the $4,000 fine, $3,999 is ordered to be paid to the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, according to the BCCOS. 

The BCCOS warns hunters to be mindful of their actions while hunting.

“The BCCOS would like to remind hunters to always be aware of where you are hunting and to respect private property,” the post read. ”Ensuring permission is obtained is imperative. While not just required by law, it ensures landowners are aware of what activities are occurring on their land.” 

The BCCOS also urges hunters to review the BC Hunting and Trapping Synopsis before heading out to hunt, to ensure they are familiar with the regulations. 

Anyone who would like to report instances of illegal or suspicious activity can call the RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-7277.