AN ACT TO AMEND THE WILD LIFE ACT

Summary#

This bill updates Newfoundland and Labrador’s Wild Life Act. It aims to modernize the rules, strengthen penalties for poaching and waste, and clarify what wild life officers can do during checks and investigations.

• Adds coyote to the list of fur-bearing animals and updates “trafficking” to include illegal bartering or trading of wild life.
• Raises fines and jail times for many offences, with tougher penalties for moose and caribou violations.
• Requires a 5-year loss of hunting licences after a moose or caribou conviction; a second offence within 2 years brings a permanent ban.
• Clarifies search rules: officers can stop vehicles and enter non-residential places to check licences, but need consent or a warrant to enter a home; allows warrants by phone (telewarrants).
• Updates seizure and forfeiture rules, including a 3‑month deadline to lay charges after a seizure or return the property.
• Removes provincial power to regulate ammunition sales (this is handled by federal law), defines “vehicle” broadly, and makes housekeeping text changes.

What it means for you#

• Hunters and trappers

  • You may be stopped and asked to show your licence. Officers can check vehicles, cabins not used as homes, and other places at reasonable times. They cannot enter your home without consent or a warrant.
  • Penalties for breaking moose or caribou rules are higher. A first conviction can mean a large fine and possible jail. A second within 5 years brings a larger fine and mandatory jail. Your hunting licences will be cancelled and you will be banned for 5 years after any conviction. A second offence within 2 years brings a permanent ban.
  • It is illegal to waste edible meat or, for fur-bearers, to waste pelts. Fines for waste start at $500 and can be much higher.
  • Coyote is now a regulated fur-bearer. Trapping, possession, and sale follow the same rules as for other fur-bearers.
  • “Trafficking” now clearly covers illegal bartering or trading. Informal swaps of wild life or parts without proper authority can lead to charges.
  • Officers can seize guns, traps, vehicles (including ATVs and snowmachines), coolers, and electronic devices linked to an alleged offence. If no charges are laid within about 3 months, seized items should be returned.
  • You can still face charges up to 3 years after an offence is discovered. Keep good records.

• Outfitters, guides, and paid helpers

  • Your licensing and conduct remain regulated. Obstructing an officer or enabling unlawful hunts carries higher penalties.
  • Impersonating an officer, or using uniforms or badges to make people think you are one, carries stiffer fines and possible jail.

• Landowners and the public

  • Officers may enter non-residential places and stop vehicles to check compliance. Entry into a home still requires your consent or a warrant.
  • The definition of “vehicle” includes ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, aircraft, and hovercraft, which can be stopped for checks.
  • Stronger enforcement aims to protect moose and caribou populations and reduce waste.

• Ammunition buyers and sellers

  • No new provincial licensing under this Act. Ammunition remains regulated under the federal Firearms Act, as before.

• Timing

  • Changes take effect on a date (or dates) set by the provincial government, not immediately.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Stronger fines, licence bans, and jail terms will deter poaching and waste, helping protect moose and caribou.
• Telewarrants let officers act quickly in remote areas while still requiring a judge’s approval, and home entry still needs consent or a warrant.
• Clear search and seizure rules protect both enforcement and public rights; seized items must be returned if no charges are laid within 3 months.
• Aligning with federal ammunition rules removes duplication and confusion for businesses and hunters.
• Modern definitions (like “vehicle”) and updated court names make the law easier to apply.

Opponents' View#

• Penalties may be too harsh, especially the 5-year licence loss for a first moose/caribou conviction and a lifetime ban for a second within 2 years.
• Broad power to stop vehicles (including ATVs, boats, and aircraft) and check non-residential places may feel intrusive to lawful hunters and rural residents.
• Telewarrants, if overused, could weaken in-person judicial oversight and raise privacy concerns.
• Adding coyote as a fur-bearer and broadening “trafficking” may burden small-scale or traditional trading of wildlife products.
• Removing provincial authority over ammunition sales reduces local control, even if federal rules still apply.