Being member of B.C. first nation did not give Thomas right to kill the animals, judge rules
CBC News
A Whitehorse man has been found guilty of violating the Yukon Wildlife Act for killing two wolves near his home, in 2013.
Clayton Thomas was convicted of three charges — illegally hunting wolves, dangerous use of a firearm, and illegal trafficking (Thomas had planned to sell the pelts). Several other charges were stayed.
Thomas shot the wolves a few days apart in April 2013, near his property in the Mount Sima subdivision. He said the animals had been lurking around his neighbourhood and he was worried for the safety of his family, and others.
At his trial, Thomas also argued that as a member of the Tahltan First Nation in Northern B.C., it was his right as an aboriginal Canadian to kill the wolves.
But judge Donald Luther ruled Thursday that Thomas was never in danger, and his hunting rights in B.C. are not transferable to Yukon.
‘Anybody from the Yukon understands that what I did was correct,’ Thomas said after being convicted Thursday. (CBC)
After the ruling, Thomas admitted his case was a tough one to argue. He said he appreciated the judge’s “respectful decision,” but also said has no regrets about killing the wolves.
“I would do it again,” he said. “Anybody from the Yukon understands that what I did was correct.”
A sentencing date for Thomas is scheduled in March.