Man accused of leaving 65 waterfowl at motel

Associated Press

Jul. 17, 2003

NIPAWIN, Saskatchewan - A Seattle-area man has been fined $4,140 (US $2,980) for leaving 65 ducks and geese in a motel room and has been barred from hunting in Saskatchewan for one year.

Joey Howells was cited on a charge of wastage of game after the motel owners found parts of about 50 waterfowl in the refrigerator and sink last September, conservation officer Doug Lucyshyn said.

Investigators subsequently found another 15 abandoned birds just south of this small town, which is about 135 miles northeast of Saskatoon.

Most hunters abide by the law, but wastage of game occurs much more than most people are aware of and tougher enforcement is needed, said Barry Neufeld, vice president of the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation.

"I cannot for the life of me comprehend the thinking of an individual who would do that," Neufeld said Wednesday.

"If you shoot it, you eat it," he said. "There is no need to waste game."