DEASE LAKE, B.C. - Annual hunting compliance patrols around Dease Lake and Atlin ended with 23 violation tickets and 20 warnings, although police say most hunters checked were following the regulations.
The joint operation brought together the Dease Lake RCMP, Atlin RCMP and B.C. Conservation Officers. Known locally as Operation Swamp Donkey, the annual patrol is led by Conservation Officers and uses an RCMP Air Services float plane to reach isolated lakes across the region.
Officers checked hunting regulations and, when necessary, conducted Criminal Code, firearms and environmental checks. RCMP members supported the Conservation Officers during the patrols.
The patrols ran from September 26 to October 1, 2026. Officers visited approximately 40 lakes and spoke with 31 hunters.
RCMP Constables Darren Maizis and Cara Volz and Reserve Constable Claudia Wytrwal joined Conservation Officers from the Skeena region for this year’s checks.
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, an RCMP spokesperson for Northern B.C., reminded hunters to carry photo identification, make sure every person aboard a water vessel has a life jacket, and keep firearms unloaded while a watercraft is under power.
The B.C. Conservation Service and North District RCMP thanked the hunters who engaged respectfully with officers and said the patrols will return next year.
Advertisements
