Elk Valley man fined for shooting and killing grizzly bear sow and cub

A southeast Kootenay man has received a $15,150 fine and a 10-year hunting ban for shooting and killing a grizzly bear sow and cub that were killing free-range chickens on his property.

According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, in October 2021 a wildlife scientist discovered a grizzly bear Global Positioning Satellite collar and four tagged grizzly bear ear tips in a remote location near Elkford, B.C.

Using the GPS, officers were able to track down the last known location of the grizzly to Dax McHarg’s property in Elk Valley.

Investigators alleged McHarg had shot the grizzly bear sow and her cub on his property.

“The bears had reportedly been accessing insecure free-range chickens. The head and paws of the bears were removed and kept by the resident, and the carcasses were buried on the property,” the COS said.