Canadian Hiker Faces Several Charges After Shooting Black Bear with 20-Gauge Shotgun in Self Defense
BY Herschel Smith
2 years, 4 months ago
F&S.
On Saturday, August 6, two hikers came face to face with a black bear in Jasper National Park, in eastern British Columbia. The bear was only 30 meters away from the hikers when they encountered it on the popular Overlander Trail. One of the hikers fired off their 20-gauge shotgun to try to haze the bear away, but the bruin didn’t retreat. The hiker fired again, this time hitting the bear, which rolled down a creek bank. The hikers immediately left the scene.
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An official told the CBC that a hiker using a loaded firearm in self-defense in the national park was “unprecedented,” adding that the hiker was charged with “several counts” under the Canada National Parks Act. It’s not immediately clear what those charges are and what kind of punishment the hiker may face. Parks Canada typically recommends that people traveling in bear country carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Using a loaded firearm in self-defense in the national park was “unprecedented.”
First, the Canada National Park system has existed since 1885. I don’t believe him. I simply do not believe that self defense with a firearm has never occurred in a national park in Canada.
Second, he needs to do a bit of talking to Dean Weingarten if he thinks bear spray is as effective as a large bore handgun, rifle or a shotgun.
But failing that, or simply not caring because they worship the creation rather than the creator, this is what it looks like for a government to wish humans to perish in lieu of animals.
The men are made in God’s image. The bear is not. Case closed.
On August 14, 2022 at 11:08 pm, Dan said:
To the Canadians running the government there people are expendable.
The people running the US government feel the same way.
On August 15, 2022 at 1:14 am, BRVTVS said:
I found this article with more details. https://jasperlocal.com/local-news/black-bear-shot-by-park-visitor/
“The individual attempted to report the human-wildlife conflict with Jasper National Park authorities, but because cell phone coverage was spotty in the area, he could not get through. Soon after, however, he managed to contact the two members of his party who had continued their hike to the Colin Hut. Those hikers made contact with Parks Canada and filed the incident report, Argument said.”
The hiker should have remembered that loose lips sink ships.
On August 15, 2022 at 6:26 am, Fred said:
It’s all part of the wider plan to gradually constrict human activity to within local areas with most of the world becoming no go zones.
On August 15, 2022 at 9:59 am, Levi Garrett said:
This is just more reinforcement to me that if I ever need to use a firearm to defend myself against any critter (two or four-legged), I’d be better off practicing SSS than involving any governing body in the aftermath.
On August 15, 2022 at 10:55 am, Redman said:
I missed the part whether the bear was charging them, standing still, moseying about or whatever. That could have some bearing on the issue.
On August 15, 2022 at 3:35 pm, Sisu said:
BRVTVS, Thank you for the news link. I will be adding: “human wildlife coexistence staff” to my list of oxymorons.
I agree with Redman the case for pulling the trigger either time was not evident; however, the reporting may be “spun”. … (David Argument, please … )
Adding to the questions: (1) how did a Canadian subject/gun owner not know the illegality of his possession (but by reporting the incident he demonstrates the absence of mens rea); (2) why did he leave the others, e.g., was the “‘hike’ too stressful for him ?”; (3) how does one conceal a shotgun, such that your hiking partners do not know you are “carrying” ? (seems there is more to the “reporters (hiking “friends”) involvement: did the “defender” ask his “friends” to report the shooting or did they do so voluntarily ?.
Canada is and always has been a “mess”. All of the British Empire is a mess.
The USA needs to severe its ties with its Imperial Rulers and the “Five Eyes” …
WAIT ! … Didn’t the USA already reject the British Crown and assert its “independence”. …
POTUS needs to declassify the negotiated peace document with the British Crown at the end of the “War of 1812” (and what about that “secret” monetary payment to the British treasury as part of the then “peace”).