7 busted for night hunting

Conservation officers from several detachments in southwestern Manitoba took part in a ground patrol on Friday Dec 9, 2016 after officers saw a series of social media posts about big game killed in the region.

Three men were arrested after their vehicle was seen on a dead end road shining a spotlight out of the vehicle which is consistent for night lighting for big game.

When officers stopped the vehicle they found three rifles, a spotlight and other hunting gear. The investigation continues and according to  Manitoba Sustainable Development charges are expected to be laid.

 A second incident occurred in the early morning hours of Monday Dec 12, 2016.

Officers were patrolling using an aircraft when they located a vehicle northwest of Glenboro using a spotlight. The plane directed ground units to the area and as officers attempted a traffic stop using their emergency lights the driver of the suspect vehicle drove around them and fled.

The spotters in the aircraft kept the vehicle under surveillance while seven ground units repositioned.  While trying to escape, the suspect vehicle lost control around a curve in the road and went into the snow-packed ditch.

Four male suspects were arrested on the scene without incident.  A 1995 GMC truck, two rifles, a spotlight, one freshly killed deer, other hunting gear and a set of illegal brass knuckles were seized.

The investigation continues and charges are expected to be laid at a later date.

-News4 Staff-